Competition Handbook East Midlands Regional Multi-Discipline Competition Sunday 5th February 2012 New College Gymnastics Facility, Leicester, LE3 6DN Handbook Contents . East Midlands Development Team Contact Details Page 2 . Introduction to East Midlands Multi-Discipline Competition Page 3 . Overview of the Competition Format Page 3 . General Gymnastics Rules Page 6 . Men’s Artistic Rules Page 8 . GMPD Rules Page 11 . Rhythmic Rules Page 13 . Sports Acrobatics Rules Page 14 . Trampoline Rules Page 19 . Tumbling Rules Page 20 . Women’s Artistic Rules Page 21 . County Festival Display Rules Page 22 . Multi-Discipline Competition Entry Form Page 23 1 East Midlands Development Team Contact Details Samantha Harding – Regional Development Manager (Northamptonshire & Lincolnshire) Tel: 07739 990210 Email: samantha.harding@gymnasticsengland.org Emma Law – County Development Coordinator Derbyshire Tel: 07824 547193 Email: emma.law@gymnasticsengland.org Hazel Colton – County Development Coordinator Leicestershire & Rutland Tel: 07827 303967 Email: hazel.colton@gymnasticsengland.org Rachel Clerck – Sports Development Officer (Gymnastics & Athletics) Tel: 07739 512207 Email: rachel.clerck@nottscc.gov.uk 2 Introduction to East Midlands Regional Multi-Discipline Competition The East Midlands Gymnastics Association in partnership with British Gymnastics are looking forward to the 2nd Regional Multi-Discipline Competition. The first Multi-Discipline Competition took place in October 2010 and was thoroughly enjoyed by the participants and the coaches. This Competition is designed to support and celebrate the great work that takes place through the County Association’s and to encourage non-elite gymnasts across all disciplines to work together towards a shared goal. Overall the aim of the Multi-Discipline Competition is to offer an enjoyable competitive opportunity for all recreational/advanced recreational gymnasts as well as the coaches and audience. ******** Overview of the Competition Format Competition Date, Venue and Times Competition Date: Sunday 5th February 2012 Competition Venue: New College Gymnastics Facility, Leicester, LE3 6DN Competition Times: Doors Open: 9.00am General & Apparatus Warm Up: 9.15am Gymnasts March On: 9.50am Competition Starts: 10.00am Competition Close: 12.00pm Practice For County Festival Display: 12.15pm – 1.15pm County Displays: 1.25pm – 2.15pm Presentations: 2.15pm – 2.30pm Close of Competition: 2.30pm approx. Composition of County Teams Each County to put a Team together of the following: . 1 x Team Manager – this individual will be the main point of contact for the County Team on the day of competition, this individual does not need to be a Coach but they may be. . 1 or 2 Coaches per discipline in each team. . 8 x General Gymnastics Gymnasts (4 x Boys and 4 x Girls) . 4 x Men’s Artistic Gymnasts . 4 x GMPD Gymnasts 3 . 4 x Rhythmic Gymnasts (Rhythmic only – A Team may be 2 to 4 gymnasts) . 4 x Sports Acrobatic Gymnasts . 4 x Trampoline Gymnasts . 4 x Tumbling Gymnasts . 4 x Women’s Artistic Gymnasts A County Team will therefore be made up of a maximum of 36 gymnasts, if each County sends a full team a total of 180 gymnasts will be competing. The County Display will again feature at the end of the competition section of the day. The County Display will be scored to help establish the winning County of the Multi-Discipline Competition. The County Display Rules can be found on page 22. The Multi-Discipline Competition Entry Form can be found on page 23. Please note that Entry Forms are to be returned to Alan Price, Workforce Development Co-Ordinator by Friday 16th December 2012. Multi-Discipline Competition and County Display Scoring System The Gymnasts will compete on the following pieces of equipment: . General Gymnastics Gymnasts: Floor and Vault -Performance Centre . Men’s Artistic Gymnasts: Parallel Bars and High Bar – Performance Centre . GMPD Gymnasts: Floor Area and Vault – Performance Centre . Rhythmic Gymnasts: Hoop and Free Routine – Performance Centre . Sports Acrobatics Gymnasts: Floor Area -Performance Centre . Trampoline Gymnastics: Trampoline – Performance Centre . Tumbling Gymnasts: Floor Area – Performance Centre . Women’s Artistic Gymnasts: Bars and Beam – Performance Centre All discipline specific competition rules can be found on page 6 onwards. Each gymnast will be marked on his or her owns discipline scoring system. The scores will then be converted as follows, the County with the highest score in each discipline will receive 5 points, the next highest 4 points and so on until the lowest scoring county receives 1 point. The County Display’s will be marked out of a total of 10 points; please see the rules on page 22. The winning County will be the County with the highest combined competition and County display score. A trophy will be presented to the winning team, along with medals for the top 3 teams. All gymnasts will receive a participation certificate. 4 Competition Entry Fee. To ensure that all costs are covered on the day, an entry fee of £50.00 per County Team will be applied. Please make cheques payable to ‘EMGA’. Spectator Tickets Spectator tickets will be available to purchase on the door. Please note that these tickets are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Adult: £4.00 each Child Under 16 (Under 5’s Free) £2.00 each (If an Under 5 wishes to sit on a seat this will be charged at £2.00) Senior Citizen: £2.00 each Judges Each County is asked to nominated judges for each discipline of the competition. Please nominate judges on the Entry Form when submitting your County’s entry. A judge from each discipline will be asked during the competition to judge the County Displays; therefore the judging panel for the Displays will be made up of a judge from each discipline of the competition. Please let your judges know that a judge from each discipline will be asked to stay for the competition. All judges are very welcome to watch the displays. A judges meeting will take place around 9.30am before the start of the competition. Another judges meeting will also take place before the displays to ensure the judges are aware of the criteria for the displays. Please note that for this competition the judges are to be self-financing. Any questions regarding judges then please contact Samantha Harding, contact details can be found on page 2. 5 General Gymnastics Rules Entry Criteria The gymnast must not have competed in either Women’s Artistic or General competitions at Advanced or Advanced Plus. The Girls and Boys routines are Primary Level 1. Girls Floor (to be performed in a straight line) – Start Value 10.00. . Walk 4 steps stretched . Stop, Lunge to handstand hold for 3 sec back to stand . Jump turn to stand . Squat down tuck backward roll to straddle . Jump feet together to stand . Spin . Chasse step Cat Leap turn (this has changed the direction) . Arabesque hold for 3 secs . When lowering the leg turn . 2 Cartwheels with a turn after the first cartwheel to perform the second Cartwheel on the other arm (still travelling in the same direction) . turn in (this has now changed the direction) . Straddle up to headstand, bring legs together at the top of balance, 3 sec hold. . Pike down to squat, roll back to lie flat . Push to bridge with straight legs and arms, hold for 3 secs . Lie flat, tuck legs in to check and rock to stand. . Skip step into round off jump, turn to forward roll . Immediate stretch jump to finish. Boys Floor (to be performed in a straight line) – Start Value 10.00 . Walk 2 steps backwards, turn. . 2 side steps, turn to face direction of travel . Stop side lift 90 degrees, hold for 3 secs and return to stand. . turn 2 Cartwheels with a turn after the first cartwheel to perform the second Cartwheel on the other arm . turn in half spin (Still facing the same direction) . Step into Handstand Forward Roll to Straddle stand . Jump feet together to stand . Immediate turn jump to stand (this has changed the direction) . Perform a Swedish fall with leg raised. . Lower to floor, 2 Press Ups. . Squat feet to chest, stretch jump to stand. . Skip step into Round Off, Rebound jump . Squat down tucked backward roll . Immediate stretch jump turn to finish. 6 Deductions . All set moves are valued at 0.5 . Missing elements will incur a whole mark deduction plus the value . All falls – 1.0 . General deductions for bent arms, legs etc applicable to all routines . Coach assistance – 0.5 . 0.1 deduction for each missing second on a hold . Cartwheels not performed on both sides – 0.5 Vault (height 115cms) . Layout squat through (widthways) Tariff – 10.00 . Layout straddle over (widthways) Tariff – 10.00 Gymnasts will perform 2 vaults (1 of each or 2 attempts at same one) and the best score will count Deductions . Layout onto vault – 0.1 up to 1.0 . Insufficient height – 0.1 to 0.8 . Insufficient length – 0.5 . Landing – 0.1 per step . Dynamics – up to 0.5 . No stretch off vault to landing – 0.1 to 0.3 7 Men’s Artistic Rules The Boys are to perform on both Parallel Bars and High Bar. Voluntary exercises should contain a minimum of 5 elements. 1. Start value is evaluated by adding the values of the dismount plus the 4 other highest counting elements (5 elements for strap bar). This value is then doubled and added to the element group score. 2. Two element groups + dismount (except strap bar where only 3 element groups are available) give element group score. 3. 1.0 is deducted from score for missing elements (4+ dismount except strap bar which is 5 elements) 4. Execution is marked out of 10.00. This score is added to the start value. Elements are rated in accordance with the FIG 2009 code, with additional elements (J moves) as listed under the relevant apparatus. Exercise Presentation This section embraces deductions for technical execution and is evaluated as in the FIG code of points: Small error = 0.1; Medium error = 0.3; Large error = 0.5; Fall = 1.0 JUNIOR CODE REQUIREMENTS AND STRUCTURE i) Difficulty -Four elements + dismount (strap bar is five elements) (J = 0.05, A = 0.1, B = 0.2, C-0.3 etc) X 2 i.e. 1B, 3A, 1J = 0.55 x 2 =1.1 If a move is performed more than once, it will be ignored for difficulty. ii) Element Groups 3 per exercise – if fulfilled with A move = 0.5; if fulfilled with J move = 0.3 i.e. 3 element groups A value = 1.5 (nb no extra marks given if gymnast fulfils more than 3 element groups Start Value = (i) + (ii) Exercise Presentation – marked out of 10.0 sm = 0.1; md = 0.3; lg = 0.5; fall = 1.0 – gives Execution Score Score = Start Value + Execution score 8 Parallel Bars Parallel Bars (two free swings are allowed) Group 1 Swing in Suppor Group 2 Swing 0n upper arms Group 3 Swing through l hang Group 4 Under swings Group 5 Dismounts All relevant FIG Group 1 swinging elements in support All relevant FIG Group 2 swinging elements on upper arms All relevant FIG Group 3 swinging elements through long hang All relevant FIG Group 4 under swing elements All relevant FIG Group 5 swinging elements in support J Moves Straddle lever Swings x2 (below bar height 0.2 deduction) Forward roll to straddle sit Dip Jump to upper arms Upper arm swings Front uprise to straddle sit Upstart to straddle sit Flank Vault Front Vault Suggested routine: Upstart to straddle sit (3 J), Dip (1 J), lever (1 A), swing x2 (1 J), front vault (5 J). 4J+1Ax2= 0.6 3 element groups (2 J+1 A) 1.1 Start value = 11.7 Strapped High Bar Apparatus Element Groups Element Groups Strap Bar: 1. Backwards swinging skill 2. Forwards swinging skill 3. Close bar element NB Two free swings are allowed Group 1 Backwards Swings Group 2 Forwards Swings Group 3 Close bar elements All relevant FIG Group 1 backward swinging elements All relevant FIG Group 1 forward swinging elements All relevant FIG Group 3 elements J moves baby giant J moves Back uprise to support J moves Circle up to support Back hip circle Cast to horizontal or above 9 Can only have one free swing into a move – more than that gets 0.6 deduction for each additional swing Suggested Routine: Circle up (III J), cast to horizontal or above (III J) into swing, back uprise (II J), back hip circle (III J), undershoot, swing back, forward into baby giant (I J) 5J 0.5 3 element groups (Js) 0.9 Start value = 11.4 10 GMPD Rules A Team can consist of both Male and Female gymnasts Set Floor Routine From standing position . Take 3 -4 running steps to an assemble hurdle (one foot take off, two foot landing), stretch . Perform a forward tuck roll finishing in a stretched position on feet. . Male gymnasts -Lower arms side outward, abduct one leg 30 -45 degrees and perform a modified side scale (hold for two seconds). Return to stretched stand. . Female gymnasts -Arms out to side at shoulder height, raise one leg to arabesque. Bring feet together . Squat down with hands in backward roll position, roll backwards to momentary candle position then roll forward and . Assume a "V" Sit position with support of hands. Hold 2 seconds . Lower body to lie flat and perform 1and 1/2 stretched sideways roll (log roll) to stomach . Push up through a knee stand to standing stretched position . Perform tuck jump . Perform straddle jump . Take two forward chasse steps, landing the second chasse on two feet . Raising both arms step forward, teeter-totter, back to stand to finish. N.B. Floor Position 11 10 1 2 3 -9 Set Vaults 2 vaults are required to be performed in the following order A) Straight Jump from Board Run forward down the runway. Hurdle from the runway to the board, landing with feet together and knees slightly bent Rebound off the board straightening the body reaching in the air with the arms Land on the mat without taking steps, by bending the knees slightly. Finish by standing to attention 11 B) Tucked jump from Board Run forward down the runway. Hurdle from runway to board landing feet together and knees slightly bent. Rebound off board straightening body, reaching in the air with arms, show tuck shape with legs, (knees to chest), arms remain in air, regain straight shape Land on the mat, without taking steps, by bending the knees slightly. Finish by standing to attention. 12 Rhythmic Rules This competition is an Open Age competition but the gymnast must not have competed at British level. Each Team will consist of a minimum of two gymnasts and a maximum of four. 4 routines per team (i.e. two gymnasts per team will compete 2 routines each 1 Free and 1 Hoop. 4 gymnasts per team will compete 1 routine each – 2 gymnasts perform a Free routine and 2 gymnasts perform a Hoop routine). Please note the competition will be held on a Sprung Floor. Music to be on CD Apparatus . Hoop and Free Routine Difficulty . Even balance, max 10, A-G . Risk (Hoop) max 2. 13 Sports Acrobatic Rules A team of 4 to be entered consisting of; . 1 pair at Prep A (women’s, men’s or mixed) . 1 pair at Prep B (women’s, men’s or mixed) All NDP competition rules and regulations are to be followed. Tariff sheets and music are to be submitted to the judge’s table at registration. Judging will follow FIG regulations and the panel will consist of; . 2 Technical Judges . 2 Artistry Judges . 1 CJP Technical and artistry scores will be averaged and added to difficulty value. Any CJP deductions will then be subtracted. Height deductions will be implemented. Qualified club level or above judges will be used. 14 17 Trampolining Rules Competition Routine Regional Grade H set routine Scoring system to be based on a team event scoring. Gymnasts cannot have competed at Grade G or above during or before the 2011 season. Set Routine – Regional Grade H 1. Twist Jump 2. Front Drop 3. To Feet 4. Pike Jump 5. Twist 6. Straddle Jump 7. Back Drop 8. To Feet 9. Tuck Jump 10. Full Twist Jump Voluntary Routine The voluntary routine may include a maximum of two body landings and a maximum of one somersault. Tariff will be awarded 19 Tumbling Rules A team of 4 to be entered consisting of 2 women and 2 men. Team members will complete run 2 and run 3, from Regional Grade C (NDP 7, 2009-2012). Competitors must not have competed national level or above grades in either County or Regional events. All NDP competition rules and regulations are to be followed. Qualified club level or above judges will be used. Regional Grade C Run 2 . Side Cartwheel . turn . Side Cartwheel (alternate leg to 1st cartwheel) . turn . Cartwheel . Round Off Run 3 . Round Off . jump to 1 leg . Cartwheel . Cartwheel . Round Off . turn jump 20 Women’s Artistic Rules Gymnasts will compete on both Bars and Beam lowest mark to be dropped on each piece A team of 4 gymnasts all of whom must not have entered a In Age or Open Age Level 4 or above competition at East Midlands level prior to this event. Age Requirement: 8 years or over. BG membership Level: Minimum Bronze, East Midlands WTC Registration: Not required All gymnasts must be in matching leotards. Short exercise of less than 5 elements on Bars and 7 elements on Beam will have a 1.00 mark deduction for each missing element Difficulty Value Stated uncoded elements and A elements from code of points Accepted uncoded = 0.10 Other moves as per FIG code Composition Requirements Barred Elements BARS Assymetric Bars Uncoded Elements Circle up mount, Cast above 90 Clear hip circle Squat onto LB, Tuck sole circle forward & back giant LB to HB Dismounts: Straddle or stoop on undershoot Pike on sole circle Max 6 ‘A’ or uncoded elements to count 0.10 ea ‘A’ or uncoded mount 0.50 Long upstart or giant from LB to HB 0.50 Cast to 90 deg 0.50 ‘A’ or U Dismount 0.50 2 Upstarts in routine 0.50 Bonus Routine with no stops or extra swings 0.50 Elements higher than A value. If competed no value will be given and will not count towards required number of elements BEAM Height 1.25 Minimum time 30 secs Maximum 1.30 secs Uncoded Elements Jump to clear straddle support mount (side or end) Squat on mount Japana Mount Forward roll Cat Leap Tuck Jump Arabesque or Y balance (2 secs) Dismounts: Round off Max 8 A or uncoded elements to count 0.10ea Any A or Uncoded mount 0.50 Dance series 2 leaps jumps or hops 1 with 145 deg split 0.50 Full spin 0.50 A or U acro elements fwd/side & backwards 0.50 A’ or U dismount 0.50 Bonus Routine with no falls and all above requirements completed 0.50 Elements higher than A value. If competed no value will be given and will not count towards required number of elements 21 County Display Rules A County Display will follow the Multi-Discipline Competition. The County Display score will count towards the overall winning score of the Competition. Please see ‘Multi-Discipline Competition and County Scoring System’ section on page 4. Each County must include the following within their County Display: . Display to take place on 12x12 Sprung Floor . Display to be no longer than 5 minutes. 10 minutes will be available to ensure all props and equipment can be carried on to and off the floor. . A minimum of 20 gymnasts to take part in the display from your County Team (If you display does not contain a minimum of 20 gymnasts a 2.00 mark deduction will be incurred). . To include as many disciplines as possible. . Props and Costumes may be used. . Counties may bring equipment with them to use during their display. If you wish to bring equipment, please contact Samantha Harding, Regional Development Manager. County Display Scoring System Each Counties Display will be marked on the following: . 1 -5 Points available for Imaginative Use of Props and Costumes . 1 -5 Points available for Interpretation of Music . 1 -5 Points available for The Number of Disciplines incorporated in to the Display . 1 -5 Points available for Audience Appreciation . 1 -5 Points available for Overall Performance of the Display Each display can receive a maximum of 25 points. The 25 points for the display will then be converted as follows; 1st place receives 10 points, 2nd Place 8 points, 3rd place 6 points, 4thplace 4 points and 5th place 2 points. Therefore the maximum score that is available to each County for their Display is 10 points; this score will be added to the County’s Multi-Discipline Competition score to achieve the overall winning County. 22 East Midlands Regional Multi-Discipline Competition Sunday 5th February 2012, New College Gymnastics Facility, Leicester ENTRY FORM County: County Contact Name: Tel: Email: Gymnast Details Name DOB BG Membership Number General Gymnastics Gymnast 1 Girl Gymnast 2 Girl Gymnast 3 Girl Gymnast 4 Girl Gymnast 1 Boy Gymnast 2 Boy Gymnast 3 Boy Gymnast 4 Boy Coach 1 Girl Coach 2 Girl Coach 1 Boy Coach 2 Boy GMPD Gymnastics Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 Coach 1 Coach 2 Men’s Artistic Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 Coach 1 Coach 2 Rhythmic Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 23 Coach 1 Coach 2 Sports Acrobatics Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 Coach 1 Coach 2 Trampoline Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 Coach 1 Coach 2 Tumbling Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 Coach 1 Coach 2 Women’s Artistic Gymnast 1 Gymnast 2 Gymnast 3 Gymnast 4 Coach 1 Coach 2 Team Manager: Nominated Judges Name Level Contact Email or Phone No General Gymnastics Judge 1 GMPD Gymnastics Judge 1 Men’s Artistic Judge 1 Rhythmic Judge 1 Judge 2 24 Name Level Contact Email or Phone No Sports Acrobatics Judge 1 Trampoline Judge 1 Judge 2 Tumbling Judge 1 Women’s Artistic Judge 1 Multi-Discipline Entry Fee: Cheque for £50.00 made payable to ‘EMGA’ to be included with the Entry Form: Please send payments and Entry Form to; Alan Price at EM Coach Education, PO Box 9963, Nottingham. NG2 7LF, by Friday 16th December 2011. 25

CONSTITUTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE 1.INTRODUCTION In the following document, unless the context otherwise requires, the singular shall include the plural, and the masculine, the feminine and bodies corporate; and references to gymnastics shall be considered as applicable to the sports and practice of Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Sports Acrobatics, Cheerleading, General Gymnastics, Sports Aerobics, Trampoline, Team Gym and any other discipline accepted by the English Gymnastics Association and the British Gymnastics Association. 2.TITLE The name of the Association shall be the ‘Nottinghamshire Gymnastics Association’ (referred to as ‘NGA’). The NGA is affiliated to the English Gymnastics Association and to British Gymnastics. 3.JURISDICTION The area of administration shall be the current geographical boundaries of the County of Nottinghamshire. 4.AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The Aims and Objectives of the NGA shall be – To encourage, promote and control the sport and practice of Gymnastics for everyone irrespective of ethnicity, geographical location, age or ability. To promote and increase opportunities to volunteer, coach officiates, participate, perform and excel in gymnastics. To maintain strong and sustainable links between the National Governing Bodies and all Clubs and individual members affiliated to British Gymnastics and the Nottinghamshire Gymnastics Association. To adhere to all British Gymnastics and Regional Policies to ensure the safety of all participants including competitors, officials and coaches at all times. To encourage all Clubs to work towards Gym Mark. To arrange all such matters to achieve these aims and objectives. 5.REPRESENTATION Membership of the Nottinghamshire Gymnastics Association shall be open to any Club in the Region that applies for Affiliation, which has all of its members registered with the British Gymnastics Association (BGA), and which has, as a minimum requirement, a currently qualified Level 2 Coach in charge. It is expected that Clubs will also affiliate to and support the work of the County Gymnastics Federation and local Gymnastics Partnership (where this is in existence). Affiliation will be managed through the NGA. Membership includes the provision for entry into competitions, support for judging and coach education, provision of child protection, first aid and other club support courses and workshops, an invitation to county meetings (through the individual nominated club representative or official substitutions), voting rights at the AGM or an SGM, the opportunity to make nominations for NGA Awards, regular communications, access to the web site and support and advice. Affiliation will be managed through the NGA. Associate Membership shall be open to any organisation that offers classes of any of the disciplines laid out in the introduction. 6.MANAGEMENT The Nottinghamshire Gymnastics Association should be managed by an Executive Committee of elected officials who have an alliance with gymnastics within the county of Nottinghamshire. The Chair is elected at the AGM. Once elected, the role of Chair may be held, without election, for one year. The Chair shall be a full member of the Executive Committee and have the same voting rights as all elected officials. All such appointments shall be announced at the AGM. All members of the Executive Committee, including the Chair shall have full voting rights. The Executive Committee comprises the officers: Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer Competition Secretary These roles are all voted for at the AGM and are elected for a period of one year. Any other official roles that are deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee. This is referred to as a Co-opted member. The Regional/County Gymnastics Development Officer and other employees of British Gymnastics or English Gymnastics or any members of the regional governing body of Clubs from Nottinghamshire can be invited to attend Executive Meetings in an advisory capacity. The voting members of the Executive Committee may appoint such co-opted members as they consider appropriate. The Executive Committee may also establish such sub-committees and working parties as may be deemed necessary from time to time. Any recommendations or decisions from any such group must be approved by the Executive Committee before they are put into effect. The Executive Committee shall meet at least four times a year. In order to affiliate to the NGA clubs must commit to attend at least two meetings per year. 7.GENERAL MEETINGS General Meetings will be called between Executive Meetings as required and will be open to all Executive Committee members and all clubs that are affiliated to the NGA. At least 4 weeks notice will be given to all members of the NGA of the date of a General Meeting. Voting rights at General Meetings are given to all Executive Committee members and the nominated representatives of all affiliated clubs (also known as ordinary members). 8.QUORUM The quorum for all meetings is three, which must include two Officers. 9.ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The AGM shall be held within three months of the end of the Association’s financial year. The notice convening the AGM shall be circulated at least four weeks before the meeting. Copies of the Annual Report and the audited Accounts shall be made available at the meeting and copies will be circulated to other members as appropriate The Secretary must receive nominations for office, two weeks before the date of the AGM. Details of nominations will be circulated and no further nominations will be accepted at the AGM. In the event of no nominations being received for a position, then nominations may be taken at the AGM. All nominations shall be decided by a vote of those present. Voting shall be by a show of hands, or by ballot, if requested by a majority of those present. Proxy votes shall not be used in these elections. Voting at the AGM shall be restricted to those present who have been nominated by their registered Club as the ‘voting member’. Each affiliated Club shall be entitled to nominate one voting member. The Chair of the NGA or in their absence another Executive Committee member shall preside at the AGM. The business of the AGM shall be as follows:- Apologies for absence Minutes of the Previous AGM and Matters Arising To receive the Annual Report To receive the Audited Accounts Election of Officers 10.SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS A Special General Meeting (SGM) may be summoned at any time, by any Member of the Executive Committee, or on a request signed by not less than three member clubs. The reasons for calling such a meeting shall be given in writing, to the Secretary, who will give at least 14 days notice of the SGM. Those entitled to attend shall be the same as those entitled to attend the AGM. No business shall be discussed other than that set out in the calling notice. If the business at the SGM proceeds to a vote, voting shall be by a ballot of those members present, and decisions shall be by a simple majority. Voting at the SGM shall be restricted to the Executive Committee and those present who have been nominated by their registered Club as the ‘voting member’. Each registered Club shall be entitled to nominate one voting member. The Chair of the NGA or in their absence a member of the Executive Committee should preside at the SGM. 11.UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES If the elected Chair or vice-Chair is not present to chair any meeting, a chair for the meeting shall be elected from amongst those present by the majority vote on a show of hands. At all meetings, the person presiding shall have a casting vote. 12.AFFILIATION FEE Each member organisation shall pay an affiliation fee to NGA annually. The fee will be reviewed and determined at the AGM. The affiliation fee shall be due on the1st of December each year, and failure to pay the fee by 31st December will involve the loss of voting rights at General Meetings, the AGM or SGM and being unable to participate at County and regional competitions. 13.FINANCES The income and property of the NGA, from whatever origin, shall be applied solely to the promotion of the objectives of NGA as set out in Section 4 of this Constitution. All funds received by the Association shall be held in the Nottinghamshire Gymnastic Association Bank Account. Two signatures shall be required on all cheques. The following shall be authorised to sign; Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. The Treasurer shall report on financial matters at every Executive Meeting. A copy of the accounts shall be available at each AGM. In the case of the Association being dissolved, all debts and liabilities of the group shall be discharged. The remaining assets shall be transferred to other such groups with similar objectives. 14.ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION No alteration of the Constitution shall be made except at an AGM or SGM called for that purpose, and which is quorate under Section 8 of this Constitution. Alterations must be supported by at least two thirds of those present and voting and this number must include at least two thirds of the members of the Executive Committee in office at the time. Notice of an alteration to the Constitution, must be sent to the Secretary, at least two weeks prior to the general meeting called to discuss the proposal, and the proposal shall be set out in the notice convening the meeting. 15.REPORTING PROCEDURE The Nottinghamshire Gymnastics Association will report regularly to all affiliated Clubs with details of all gymnastic activity undertaken or planned.