1. NAME

1.1 The name of the Association is the ‘Middlesbrough Disabled Supporters Association 2024’ (MDSA24).

2. AIMS & OBJECTIVES

2.1 To enhance the ‘Match Day’ experience for all supporters with a disability.

2.1.1 To work along side Middlesbrough Football Club to achieve this.

2.2 All those associated with MDSA24 embrace the social model of disability, which explains that it is social and physical ‘barriers’ that cause ‘disability’ not impairments. These barriers may be attitudinal, intellectual, sensory or physical. We all affirm that it is important to see the person and not the ‘disability’ and to remove stereotypes and stigmas.
2.3 To represent and/or support disabled members, their PAs or Carers of MDSA24 in their dealings with the club.
2.4 To recommend measures to improve the match day experience for disabled supporters at the Riverside Stadium and MFC facilities such as Rockliffe, the Herlingshaw Centre and any other MFC Venues, this includes the outer area of the venues and any MFC events.
2.5 To encourage travel to away matches by members, providing information and support where available to enable participation.

3. MEMBERSHIP

3.1 Membership is open to any disabled supporter, PA (Personal Assistant) or any other individual who feels that they may be able to contribute to the Aims of the MDSA24 and its support of disabled people.
3.2 Applications for Membership will be received and processed by the appointed Membership officer.
3.3 Full Membership details including current membership fees, and the current way in which MDSA24 collects, stores and uses any members data as stated in our current GPDR policy will be provided to each Member at the time of Application and Renewal.
3.4 Any offensive, including racist, sexist or inflammatory remarks/language will not be permitted. Anyone behaving in an offensive way or breaking the Equal Opportunities Policy may at the discretion of The Committee be given a written warning, asked not to attend further meetings or to resign from the MDSA24. Each offence will be dealt with accordingly and appropriate action will be taken. The individual concerned shall have the right to be heard by an MDSA24 Panel and be accompanied by a friend, before a final decision is made, as referenced in our Unacceptable Behaviour Policy.

4. THE PANEL

4.1 The business of the MDSA24 will be carried out by a Panel elected at an Annual General Meeting.
4.2 The Panel will meet as necessary and not less than six times a year.
4.3 The MDSA24 Panel shall comprise of;

Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer

4.4 A Lifetime Role of ‘Honorary President’ will be given to Mr Patrick Cronesberry, for him alone and for as long as he is a Member of MDSA24 and wishes to hold the position.
4.5 The Panel shall remain in office for a period of 1 year, not withstanding any legitimate vote of no confidence against any or all Panel members.

4.5.1 At the first AGM and each subsequent annual AGM a new Panel will be elected.
4.5.2 Leaving Members may stand for re-election with a maximum of 2 consecutive years.
4.5.3 No member can hold more than one position within MDSA24.
4.5.4 No two family members may hold a Panel Position within the same Term unless agreed by vote at an AGM.

4.6 In the event of any Panel member leaving their elected position prior to an AGM, the Panel shall appoint, through a Panel ballot requiring a majority vote, a temporary successor who will act until the next AGM, when that position will be the subject of a proper election by the members of the MDSA24.
4.7 The MFC Disability Liaison Officer and other Senior Club Officials (depending on the items to be discussed) shall be invited to attend each meeting.

4.7.1 This/These person/s shall not hold voting rights.

4.8 Minutes of Panel meetings will be available to any member who requests a copy and published on the MDSA24 Socials, allowing for issues of confidentiality and the requirement of the General Data Protection Regulations 2018.

5. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS (AGM)

5.1 The AGM will be held annually at an agreed date. All MDSA24 members will be invited to attend. MDSA24 will endeavour to hold such meetings in a fully accessible venue.
5.2 The Secretary will be responsible for dispatching the Calling Notice for the AGM to all members of MDSA24 at least 21 days prior to the meeting. A copy of the proposed Agenda is to accompany the Calling Notice.
5.3 Minutes of the AGM will be available to any member who requests a copy and will be placed on the MDSA24 section of the MFC website and MDSA24 Socials.
5.4 The Panel can call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), as can any member, providing he/she has the written support of at least 10% of the other members, or a minimum of 10 members whichever is the greater – the written requests by all parties are to be sent to the Secretary who will convene an EGM at the earliest convenient date.

6. RECORD KEEPING

6.1 The Secretary of the MDSA24 will retain all correspondence and in the case of nonfinancial, those records will be kept for a minimum of 3 years with financial documents kept for a minimum of 7 years (current legal requirements).

7. FINANCE

7.1 The Treasurer shall ensure that detailed financial records in an electronic format are kept and that all MDSA24 receipts and payments are correctly accounted for. The Treasurer and a nominated member of the MDSA24 Panel will jointly review these records monthly.
7.2 The Treasurer shall ensure that if one or more bank accounts be opened in the name of the MDSA24, that 2 signatures including the Treasurer and at least one of the office bearers namely the Chair, Vice Chair or Secretary shall be required for official banking documents and cheques.
7.3 Approval of any expenditure shall be required by at least 2 officers of the MDSA24
Panel.
7.4 An updated MDSA24 financial report in paper format should be presented at each Panel meeting unless accepted exceptional circumstances dictate otherwise, and the financial records shall be available for review by any member upon written request.
7.5 The MDSA24 annual statement of accounts in paper format shall be subject to independent examination prior to being presented to members at the Annual General Meeting. The independent examiner(s) shall be appointed annually at the AGM.
7.6 MDSA24 is a non-profit making organisation and is willing to accept donations from groups or individuals.

8. MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Amendments or alterations to the Constitution may only be made at an AGM or EGM called for the purpose. Alterations can only be passed on a majority vote of members present at the meeting. 21 days notice of such a meeting will be given to all members.

8.1.1 In order to ensure that this Constitution remains relevant and effective it will be reviewed as and when required.

8.2 Dissolution of MDSA24. If the Panel at any time decides on the grounds of expense or otherwise that it is necessary to dissolve MDSA24, it shall call either an EGM of all members or conduct a Ballot electronically giving no less than 28 days’ notice.

8.2.1 A two thirds majority of those voting members present is required provided there is a minimum of 77% of all members to make such a decision.
8.2.2 In the event of the dissolution of MDSA24 any property and/or funds will be donated to a local charity.