ARTICLE 1: NAME
1.1 This association shall be known as the Gloucester and Area Adult Ringette Association, hereafter to be referred to as GAARA.
ARTICLE 2: BOUNDARIES
2.1 GAARA is situated within the Eastern Region of Ringette Ontario and also consists of the geographical area known as the National Capital Region (NCR) (as defined by the National Capital Act (R.S.C>, 1985, c. N-4)
2.2 Eastern Region includes communities within the boundaries of the City of Ottawa; Counties of Hastings, Lennox and Addington, Frontenac, Leeds, Grenville, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott, Russell, Lanark, and Renfrew.
ARTICLE 3: OBJECTIVES AND AIMS
3.1 The objectives and aims of GAARA are:
(a) to promote ringette for life at the 18+ age
(b) to exercise general supervision and direction over the playing interests of its players, bench staff, on-ice officials, minor officials and other volunteers, with emphasis on the enhancement of fair play, fun, and sportsmanship; and
(c) to formulate and administer policies beneficial to ringette.
ARTICLE 4: GOVERNING RULES
4.1 The governing rules of GAARA shall be the Gloucester and Area Adult Ringette Association Bylaws and Operational Procedures.
4.2 GAARA shall also follow the Ringette Ontario Policies and Codes of Conduct, as they apply to adult ringette.
ARTICLE 5: FINANCIAL YEAR
5.1 Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the fiscal year will end on April 30.
ARTICLE 6: MEMBERSHIP
6.1 Board of Directors (also referred to as the Board)
6.2 General Membership, defined as:
6.2.1 Individuals registered with GAARA as a player, bench staff or on-ice official; and
6.2.2 Individuals/teams registered through another association but playing in the GAARA League.
who have:
(a) agreed to abide by and comply with the Constitution, Bylaws, Operational Procedures and such other rules and regulations of GAARA as may be in force;
(b) fully paid all fees and fines; and
(c) provided all required documentation regarding registration to the league registrar.
ARTICLE 7: AMENDMENTS TO THE GAARA CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
7.1 The Constitution and Bylaws of GAARA shall not be amended except at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or a General Meeting (GM).
7.2 Notice of the proposed amendment shall be given to the Secretary in writing no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the AGM or GM.
7.3 Team reps must receive a copy of the proposed amendments one week prior to the AGM or GM.
7.4 All proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the voting members present at the AGM or GM. Sub-amendments to such amendments may be made and voted upon at the meeting provided that such sub-amendments do not change the original intent of the motion.
ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS TO THE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
8.1 The GAARA Board may adopt or revise rules, during the playing season, but such rules must be approved by 70% of the eligible voting members at any GM, or special meeting, to become part of the Rules and Regulations for the following season.
ARTICLE 9: EFFECTIVE DATE
9.1 This Constitution replaces the Constitution of GAARA dated May 26, 2020, and shall come into force upon its approval by the membership.