Articles of Association

Articles of Association – Click Here
  1. Name

    The club shall be known as the “Mid Northants Trout Fishers’ Association” (MNTFA), and this name must be used in all official communications.

  2. Objectives

    1. To promote, develop, and encourage the sport of fly fishing for trout among anglers of all skill levels.
    2. To facilitate social gatherings, competitions, and events for members throughout the year
    3. To provide organised instructional sessions on fly fishing techniques, safety, and basic entomology for both members and the general public.
    4. To foster an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment where members can enjoy their fishing experience.
    5. To support ethical and sustainable fishing practices, including conservation and environmental awareness initiatives.

  3. Membership

    1. Membership is open to anyone over the age of 7. Junior members (under 18) must always be accompanied by a responsible adult member.
    2. The club welcomes anglers with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodations where possible. However, accessibility provisions such as wheelchair-accessible boats remain the responsibility of fisheries.
    3. All members must abide by club rules and local fishing regulations. Any member found violating these rules may be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Article 6.
    4. Members are expected to:
    + Respect other members and the wider fishing community
    + Avoid any form of discrimination, harassment, or unsafe behaviour.
    + Take responsibility for their own safety and belongings.
    + Maintain a valid email address and WhatsApp account where applicable.
    5. Membership fees shall be proposed annually by the Committee and approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
    6. Fully paid members are invited to participate in club events and benefits.
    7. Membership may be suspended or revoked by the Committee for breaches of club rules, subject to a fair review process.

  4. Governance & Committee

    1. The club shall be managed by a Committee consisting of:
    + Chairperson
    + Treasurer
    + Secretary
    + Five additional members, including at least one from the coaching team.
    2. Each key position will have an elected Vice role to support and act as a substitute when necessary.
    3. The Chairperson or Vice Chairperson must be an active club member and show a willing participation in club events and/or activities, and approved by the membership in attendance the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).
    4. The Committee shall be responsible for
    + Organising and communicating club events, competitions, and meetings.
    + Managing finances and liaising with external organisations such as Anglian Water
    + Fisheries and the Angling Trust.
    + Maintaining a set of competition rules for club events.
    + Ensuring that all activities comply with safeguarding and legal requirements.
    5. Committee shall meet at least four times a year, with a quorum of five members, including at least one officer (Chairperson, Treasurer, or Secretary). Minutes shall be recorded and made available to members upon request.  The AGM shall be held on the second Thursday of February each year. The committee will attend as required.
    6. Committee members shall have their membership fees waived in recognition of their service.

  5. Financial Management & Auditing

    1. The Treasurer shall maintain accurate financial records and provide an annual financial report to members at the AGM.
    2. The club’s accounts shall be subject to an annual audit by two volunteer members who are not committee members. If no volunteers come forward, an external auditor may be appointed at the Committee’s discretion.
    3. Any significant financial transactions over £200 must be approved by the Committee.

  6. Disciplinary & Dispute Resolution Procedures

    1. Any complaints or allegations of misconduct must be submitted in writing to the Committee.
    2. The Committee shall review complaints fairly and impartially, offering the member in question an opportunity to respond.
    3. If necessary, the Committee may issue a warning, suspend membership, or, in serious cases, expel a member from the club.
    4. Members have the right to appeal any disciplinary action, which will be reviewed by a separate panel of non-Committee members.

  7. Associates & External Affiliations

    1. An Associate Member is an individual or organisation affiliated with the club but without full membership rights. Associates must be proposed by a member and approved by the Committee.
    2. The club is a member of the Angling Trust, which provides insurance, safeguarding advice, and assistance in securing grants to support club activities.

  8. Dissolution of the Club
    1. If the club is dissolved for any reason, all outstanding debts and obligations must be settled before distributing any remaining funds.
    2. Any remaining funds shall be donated to an appropriate angling-related or environmental charity, as agreed upon by a vote at an EGM of the members.

  9. Amendments to the Articles
    1. These Articles of Association may only be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at an AGM or EGM.
    2. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Committee at least 7 days before the meeting.
    3. Club announcements and important updates will be communicated to members via email, WhatsApp and Facebook.

  10. Final Provisions

    These Articles of Association shall take effect immediately upon approval by the members and shall be binding on all members of the Mid Northants Trout Fishers’ Association (MNTFA).