Constitution
The Association of Play Industries is a group within The Federation of Sports & Play Association (by guarantee), and as such is bound by the Federation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Office
The office of the Association of Play Industries shall be that of The Federation of Sports & Play Association Ltd.
Purposes
- To improve the quality of play, play areas and play equipment.
- To promote playground safety.
- To assist with the development of standards and ensure that member companies comply with all appropriate standards.
- To afford manufacturers, distributors and installers of play equipment and impact absorbing surfaces an opportunity for the interchange of views on any matters generally affecting the industry.
- To represent manufacturers, distributors and installers of play equipment and impact absorbing surfaces whenever the occasion may arise.
- To promote, develop and protect the interests of the play industry; to promote and originate improvements in the law in any way affecting the play industry; and to support or oppose alterations therein; to effect improvements in administration; and, for purposes aforesaid to support or oppose any proceedings in Parliament or elsewhere and to take such steps (if any) as may be deemed necessary or expedient.
- To take, defend, contribute to, or assist in any proceedings by or against any Members of the Association or the Association itself in which the general rights or interests of manufacturers, distributors or installers of play equipment and impact absorbing surfaces may be involved or affected.
- To co-operate with Local Authorities, kindred public bodies and institutions, trade associations, firms or persons for any of the purposes or objects aforesaid.
- To promote, or support, any paper, journal, magazine or other publication dealing with the play industry and to undertake by any means as members may from time to time determine, measures to promote and develop the play industry and to undertake by means of exhibitions, fairs and other publicity methods.
Eligibility for Membership
A requirement of membership of the Association of Play Industries is that the firm must be eligible for and enter into membership of The Federation of Sports & Play Associations (FSPA). A single subscription covers membership of FSPA and of the Association of Play Industries. In order to be eligible for membership of the Association the applicant must be engaged in the manufacture, distribution, installation or construction of play equipment and/or impact absorbing surfaces for a minimum period of two years.
Associates
Associates will be drawn from those businesses who are involved with the play industry providing services to our full members and/or their clients, user groups of play equipment together with safety and advisory organisations which have a play focus.
Admission of Members
Applications for membership of FSPA and the Association shall be submitted on a form as prescribed by FSPA and the Association of Play Industries. All applications will be considered by the Board of FSPA and the relevant section of the Association of Play Industries.
The Federation and the Association reserve the right to reject any application without giving a reason.
Duration of Membership
Membership of FSPA and the Association may be terminated by voluntary withdrawal or by a member no longer fulfilling conditions of membership. The member will, however, be liable for membership subscriptions and other dues for the year concerned.
Subscription
The annual subscription for members shall be determined by FSPA. Members may also be required to contribute to other costs incurred in the specific work of the Association.
Voting
Each full Member shall appoint a representative who may act for the full Member in the affairs of the Association. Such person may vote on any questions which may come before a meeting.
A weighted voting system will apply on the following scale.
| Subscription Band |
No of Votes |
Subscription Band |
No of Votes |
| A |
1 |
E |
5 |
| B |
2 |
F |
6 |
| C |
3 |
G |
7 |
| D |
4 |
H |
8 |
Elections
Executive
On a poll basis using a written ballot paper reflecting the above weighted voting system.
Section Chairmen
On a one company one vote system by members of the relevant section only.
General Business
AGM/GM
Unless a poll is requested, by a show of hands one company one vote.
Sections
On a one company one vote system by the relevant section.
Nominations for office holders must be received in writing by the Secretariat fourteen days before the AGM.
General Meetings
The Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting each year. Other General Meetings, to which all members shall be invited, shall be convened as thought necessary by the Chairman. The Chairman shall convene a General Meeting on the request of SEVEN or more members. Twenty-one day’s notice shall be given of a General Meeting. All items discussed and Minutes and other papers circulated in connection with meetings are private and confidential and a condition of membership is that they shall not be divulged to any non-member.
Quorum
A quorum at a General Meeting shall consist of representatives from SEVEN member companies. If at any meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting may be dissolved by those present.
Proxy Voting
At any General Meeting, a member may appoint a proxy to attend and vote on its behalf. Proxy nominations must be received in writing by the Secretariat seven days before the AGM.
Sub-Committees
The Association in General Meeting or the Executive Committee shall have the power to appoint sub-committees charged with such duties as the Association may decide.
Executive Committee
There shall be a Executive Committee of FIVE including the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Membership Chairman, Marketing Chairman and Marketing Vice Chairman. The Executive shall also include TWO section Chairmen and Vice Chairman for the Outdoor (including Surfacing/Constructors) and Indoor sections. The Executive will have the power to co-opt additional members. A quorum of all Executive Committee meetings shall consist of FIVE.
Chairman and Vice Chairman
Full Members of the Association shall at the AGM nominate and elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman, who shall carry out the duties prescribed. Their term of office shall be two years. At the end of the two year period of office, they may offer themselves for re-election. Following his term of office, the Chairman shall be an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee for one year
Duties of Chairman
The Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Association and shall have a vote. He/She should do all in his/her power to promote the well-being of the Association and shall perform such duties in his/her capacity as Chairman as directed by General or Executive Committee meetings.
The Chairman of the Association shall act as the Association’s representative whenever the occasion necessitates and, when representing its opinion on any subject, it shall be his/her duty to do so in a fair and balanced manner.
During the Chairman’s term of office he/she is a member of the Chairmen’s Council of FSPA and shall represent the views and interests of the Association on that body.
Duties of Vice Chairman
In the absence of the Chaiman, the Vice Chairman shall act as Chairman. In the absence of both Chairman and Vice Chairman, the members present at a meeting shall have the power to elect a temporary Chairman to conduct its business.
Chairman and Vice Chairman: Removal from Office
The Chairman or the Vice Chairman may be removed from office by resolution of any General Meeting of the Association.
Office Holders: Temporary Appointment
Any person may, by a show of hands, be elected without notice to occupy the office of Chairman or Vice Chairman temporarily pending the election of a permanent office holder.
Section Chairmen
The members of the Outdoor and Indoor Sections shall at General Meeting nominate and elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman. Chairman is elected for two years and Vice Chairman for one year. At the end of their period of office Chairman and Vice Chairman may offer themselves up for re-election
Secretary
The Secretary shall be a member of staff of the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA). His or her duties shall be as directed by the Federation and he or she shall be responsible to the Association through that organisation.
Associates
The Association may determine in the General Meeting the rights of Associates including:
a) use of logo
b) voting
c) attendance of meetings
d) provision of information
e) associate criteria
f) Annual subscriptions & entrance fee
Professional Code of Practice
The Association may adopt in General Meeting a Professional Code of Practice, adherence to which may be a condition of membership.
Personnel
Creation of executive posts within the Association will be subject to a majority vote of full members in General Meeting. Appointments will be made by the Executive who may also create short-term posts. (Maximum period 6 monthly) if it is considered to be in the best interests of the Association
Alteration of Constitution
The Association may, by giving written notice to every member fourteen days in advance of a General Meeting, revoke, alter, or add to any part of this Constitution by resolution.
Association of Play Industries
Federation House
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2RF
Telephone: 0247 641 4999
Fax: 0247 641 4990 Ext 208
Email: api@api-play.org
Internet: www.api-play.org