Eastern Province Panel Of Cat Judges Constitution

As from the 25th October 2003, the Eastern Province Panel of Judges has changed its name to Independent Judges Network.

The members of Independent Judges Network are:

Rita Wiseman

Jane Vermeulen (secretary)

Philippa Gilmour

Tanya Milligan

Su Jacobs

Anita Grobler

Dina Freitas.

CONSTITUTION

1. NAME

This association shall be known as the Independent Judges Network as f romk 25th October 2003. (Hereinafter referred to as “The Panel”).
NOTE: Was Eastern Province Panel of Judges.

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 To establish criteria for candidate judges.

2.2 To train candidate judges.

2.3 To educate judges in an effort to maintain a high standard of judging skills.

2.4 To determine weaknesses based on interaction and communication with:

Judges (local and international)

Exhibitors

Breeders

Breed Groups

Show Managers

Stewards

and endeavor to improve same.

2.5 To uphold at all times the integrity and dignity of its members and the dignity and prestige and honour of judging.

2.6 To promote a knowledge of cats and breed standards and to assist breeders.

2.7 To promote and strive for the efficient co-existence with all other Judges Panels.

3. LEGAL STATUS

3.1 The Panel shall be a voluntary association, with an independent Legal Persona.

3.2 All property and assets shall vest in the Panel.

3.3 Any obligations or liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the Panel are for itself and to the exclusion of its members.

3.4 The power to decide whether or not to enter into litigation shall vest in the management of the Panel.

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1 The Panel shall be an autonomous body formally recognized by the Governing Council (clubs), and shall consist of qualified judges domiciled in the Republic of South Africa and/or any other person co-opted as a member.

4.2 The Panel may co-opt any person as a member of the Panel.

4.3 Qualified judges may apply for membership in writing submitting such application to the secretary of the Panel.

4.4 Each member shall pay an annual membership fee on or before the 28th February of a calendar year. The membership fee will be decided upon by the Panel from time to time.

4.5 Upon receipt of an application for membership the Panel will vote, at the next scheduled meeting, whether to accept or not to accept such applicant as a member.

4.6 Voting will take place by a show of hands or by ballots.

4.7 A simple majority shall decide the result.

4.8 Members not having paid their annual membership fee by the time the AGM has taken place will lose their membership privileges (to vote / to judge) until such time that their membership fee is paid in full. If membership is not paid by June then the member will forfeit their membership. The Secretary will keep the Clubs informed.

4.9 Members outside of Port Elizabeth and the surrounds will make themselves available to judge at one show per year at their own expense. This clause may be waived at the discretion of the Panel.

5. CANDIDATES

5.1   By the second meeting of each year the panel will decide whether judge’s courses will be run for that year. In the event that such a course will be run, the panel will decide the following items:

a)    which courses to be run for the year

b)    how many candidates will be accepted for each course

c)    election of tutors for each course

Each course will be run separately from any other course held during a particular year.

5.2 After the outcome of the meeting stated above, persons will be asked to apply to become students on the courses. Details to be given as follows:

5.2.1. the course

5.2.2. the number of vacancies in the course

5.2.3. the criteria to become a student

5.2.4. the closing date of the applications

5.2.5. the commencement date of the course

5.3 Each tutor shall report to the panel on a monthly basis:

     the progress and status of the lectures

     the progress of the students

5.4 Upon the successful completion of the written examination, the tutor and panel to arrange when the practical examination shall take place.

5.5 Upon the successful completion of the practical exam, the Secretary shall be informed of the names of the probationers. The Secretary shall be responsible for:

    a)   keeping full particulars of each probationers judging books

    b)   keeping the judges reports on the progress of the probationers

    c)   reporting back to the panel on the progress of the probationers on a meeting to meeting basis.

    d)   informing the Show Managers Forum of the progress of the probationers

5.6 In the event of the panel being of the opinion that any one, or more, probationer has completed his required number of cats, the Secretary shall place such an item on the Agenda for an ordinary meeting of the panel for discussion and subsequent voting (if student’s reports are satisfactory to the panel).

6. VOTING

6.1 Only members present at a meeting shall be entitled to vote. No proxy votes shall be allowed, except for members as stipulated in paragraph 7.2 and 7.3.

6.2 Unless otherwise laid down in the Constitution, matters requiring a vote shall be decided by a simple majority.

6.3 In all cases, should there be an equality of votes; no person shall have a casting vote.

6.4 Voting rights of officers and/or co-opted members, not being qualified judges are regulated by paragraph 9.7 to 9.9.

7. MEETINGS

7.1 The Panel shall hold meetings in order to decide on matters of importance to the Panel.

7.2 Since the membership of the organization may be widely distributed, those members outside the Province of the Central Office will receive exemption from attending meetings.

7.3 Members outside of Port Elizabeth and the surrounds, as stipulated in 7.2 above, will be informed of the business if the Panel by phone, in writing, email or fax. In the event of matters requiring a vote these members will cast proxy votes. All proxies shall be received by the Secretary by no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

7.4 A quorum shall consist of 50% of the membership, calculated in the event of a fraction, to the next highest whole number.

7.5 An Annual General Meeting of the Panel shall be held once a year, no later than 31st May each year.

7.6 Notice of the annual General Meeting shall be given by the Secretary to all members not less than 12 days prior to such meeting.

7.7 The Secretary of the Panel shall forward the agenda of the Annual General Meeting to all members at least 7 days prior to such meeting taking place.

8. CENTRAL OFFICE

The Central Office shall be in Port Elizabeth or its surrounds and the address shall be decided upon at each annual General Meeting.

9. MANAGEMENT OF THE PANEL

9.1 The day to day management of the Panel shall be conducted by the Officers of the Panel.

9.2 The Officers of the Panel shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.

9.3 The term of all Officers shall be for a period of one year, calculated from the date of election.

9.4 The Officers of the Panel may be elected from the existing members or co-opted members and need not be a qualified judge.

9.5 In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President.

9.6 The President will act as Chairperson of the Panel.

9.7 All of the Officers and/or co-opted members of the Panel, who are not qualified judges, shall not have a vote on matters concerning breed standards, the Standard of Points, changes to the Standard of Points or any matter requiring a qualification of a judge.

9.8 Officers or members not being qualified judges will have voting rights on matters relating to the Panel, all disciplinary matters and any matter not directly related to and those mentioned in 9.7 above.

9.9 Officers or members not being qualified judges will not attend the Symposium of the SA Council of Cat Judges and will furthermore not partake in the training or examination of candidate judges.

9.10 Any member of Eastern Province Judges Panel shall not serve as President for more than two consecutive terms.

10. DISCIPLINE

In the event of a compliant against a member of the Panel the under mentioned procedure shall be adopted:

10.1 All complaints must be submitted in writing to the President of the Panel.

10.1 All complaints must be submitted in writing to the President of the Panel.

10.2 The compliant must contain full particulars concerning the complainant, the member in violation and the complaint.

10.3 A complaint has to be lodged within 30 days of the complainant becoming aware of the alleged misconduct, violation or cause.

10.4 The Secretary of the Panel will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and inform the member concerned and all other members of the Panel of the complaint.

10.5 The member concerned has the right to answer in writing to the allegations within 30 days.

10.6 At a regular meeting of the Panel, the complaint and answer thereto will be discussed and the Panel shall decide upon the merit of the complaint.

10.7 The Panel will thereafter vote whether or not a formal hearing needs to be held. A two-thirds majority is required.

10.8 Upon the outcome of the vote referred to in 10.7, the venue, date and time of the hearing will be determined.

10.9 Parties have the right to be represented by an attorney and may call witnesses.

10.10 The complainant and member concerned shall have no vote at the hearing.

10.11 The meeting will be presided upon by an external qualified person who is reasonably acceptable to both parties.

10.12 After hearing of all the evidence the members shall vote, by secret ballots and the President shall inform all parties of the outcome thereof. A two-third majority shall determine the result.

10.13 The outcome will be decided upon by the Panel members.

10.14 An appeal against the outcome and/or penalty may be filed with the Ethics Committee, within 30 days of the date of the decision.

10.15 The Rules of the Ethics Committee are applicable in the event of an appeal.

11. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

11.1 An initial period of a minimum of 4 months, at the end of which another period of 4 months may be applied for.

11.2 After a second leave of absence some form of refresher course should be undertaken. The extent and duration to be decided by the Panel.

11.3 Members may attend the AGM and Symposium during this period.

12. ANNUAL REPORT

The Treasurer shall at the Annual General Meeting submit a report showing an exact accounting of all assets, liabilities and monies received and paid out.

13. AMENDMENTS

This constitution my be amended by an Annual General Meeting of the members provided that the proposed amendments, together with the notice of time and place of the meeting has been mailed to all members. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be included in the agenda. The consent of two-thirds of the members present calculated in the event of a fraction to the next highest whole number will effect an amendment as proposed.

14. RATIFICATION

In the event of a decision taken at the AGM or a special meeting being procedurally not in accordance with the constitution, the Panel may ratify that decision, by a simple majority vote.

15. DISSOLUTION

15.1 A dissolution shall only be effective if passed at a physical meeting of the Panel by a two-third majority of those present and eligible to vote.

15.2 Upon dissolution, the Panel shall give or transfer its assets to some other society, association or body having similar objectives.

Page last updated on 27-10-2003

1.	NAME

	This association shall be known as the Independent Judges Network as f romk 25th October 2003. (Hereinafter referred to as “The Panel”). NOTE: Was Eastern Province Panel of Judges.

2.	OBJECTIVES

	2.1	To establish criteria for candidate judges.
	2.2	To train candidate judges.
	2.3	To educate judges in an effort to maintain a high standard of judging skills.
	2.4	To determine weaknesses based on interaction and communication with:
		Judges (local and international)
		Exhibitors
		Breeders
		Breed Groups
		Show Managers
		Stewards
		and endeavor to improve same.
	2.5	To uphold at all times the integrity and dignity of its members and the dignity and prestige and honour of judging.
	2.6	To promote a knowledge of cats and breed standards and to assist breeders.
	2.7	To promote and strive for the efficient co-existence with all other Judges Panels.

3.	LEGAL STATUS

	3.1	The Panel shall be a voluntary association, with an independent Legal Persona.
	3.2	All property and assets shall vest in the Panel.
	3.3	Any obligations or liabilities incurred by or on behalf of the Panel are for itself and to the exclusion of its members.
	3.4	The power to decide whether or not to enter into litigation shall vest in the management of the Panel.

4.	MEMBERSHIP

	4.1	The Panel shall be an autonomous body formally recognized by the Governing Council (clubs), and shall consist of qualified judges domiciled in the Republic of South Africa and/or any other person co-opted as a member.
	4.2	The Panel may co-opt any person as a member of the Panel.
	4.3	Qualified judges may apply for membership in writing submitting such application to the secretary of the Panel.
	4.4	Each member shall pay an annual membership fee on or before the 28th February of a calendar year. The membership fee will be decided upon by the Panel from time to time.
	4.5	Upon receipt of an application for membership the Panel will vote, at the next scheduled meeting, whether to accept or not to accept such applicant as a member.
	4.6	Voting will take place by a show of hands or by ballots.
	4.7	A simple majority shall decide the result.
	4.8	Members not having paid their annual membership fee by the time the AGM has taken place will lose their membership privileges (to vote / to judge) until such time that their membership fee is paid in full. If membership is not paid by June then the member will forfeit their membership. The Secretary will keep the Clubs informed.
	4.9	Members outside of Port Elizabeth and the surrounds will make themselves available to judge at one show per year at their own expense. This clause may be waived at the discretion of the Panel.

5.	CANDIDATES

	5.1	By the second meeting of each year the panel will decide whether judge’s courses will be run for that year. In the event that such a course will be run, the panel will decide the following items:
		a) which courses to be run for the year
		b) how many candidates will be accepted for each course
		c) election of tutors for each course
		Each course will be run separately from any other course held during a particular year.
	5.2	After the outcome of the meeting stated above, persons will be asked to apply to become students on the courses. Details to be given as follows:
		5.2.1. the course
		5.2.2. the number of vacancies in the course
		5.2.3. the criteria to become a student
		5.2.4. the closing date of the applications
		5.2.5. the commencement date of the course
	5.3	Each tutor shall report to the panel on a monthly basis:
		the progress and status of the lectures
		the progress of the students
	5.4	Upon the successful completion of the written examination, the tutor and panel to arrange when the practical examination shall take place.
	5.5	Upon the successful completion of the practical exam, the Secretary shall be informed of the names of the probationers. The Secretary shall be responsible for:
		a) keeping full particulars of each probationers judging books
		b) keeping the judges reports on the progress of the probationers
		c) reporting back to the panel on the progress of the probationers on a meeting to meeting basis.
		d) informing the Show Managers Forum of the progress of the probationers
	5.6	In the event of the panel being of the opinion that any one, or more, probationer has completed his required number of cats, the Secretary shall place such an item on the Agenda for an ordinary meeting of the panel for discussion and subsequent voting (if student’s reports are satisfactory to the panel).

6.	VOTING

	6.1	Only members present at a meeting shall be entitled to vote. No proxy votes shall be allowed, except for members as stipulated in paragraph 7.2 and 7.3.
	6.2	Unless otherwise laid down in the Constitution, matters requiring a vote shall be decided by a simple majority.
	6.3	In all cases, should there be an equality of votes; no person shall have a casting vote.
	6.4	Voting rights of officers and/or co-opted members, not being qualified judges are regulated by paragraph 9.7 to 9.9.

7.	MEETINGS

	7.1	The Panel shall hold meetings in order to decide on matters of importance to the Panel.
	7.2	Since the membership of the organization may be widely distributed, those members outside the Province of the Central Office will receive exemption from attending meetings.
	7.3	Members outside of Port Elizabeth and the surrounds, as stipulated in 7.2 above, will be informed of the business if the Panel by phone, in writing, email or fax. In the event of matters requiring a vote these members will cast proxy votes. All proxies shall be received by the Secretary by no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting.
	7.4	A quorum shall consist of 50% of the membership, calculated in the event of a fraction, to the next highest whole number.
	7.5	An Annual General Meeting of the Panel shall be held once a year, no later than 31st May each year.
	7.6	Notice of the annual General Meeting shall be given by the Secretary to all members not less than 12 days prior to such meeting.
	7.7	The Secretary of the Panel shall forward the agenda of the Annual General Meeting to all members at least 7 days prior to such meeting taking place.

8.	CENTRAL OFFICE

	The Central Office shall be in Port Elizabeth or its surrounds and the address shall be decided upon at each annual General Meeting.

9.	MANAGEMENT OF THE PANEL

	9.1	The day to day management of the Panel shall be conducted by the Officers of the Panel.
	9.2	The Officers of the Panel shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
	9.3	The term of all Officers shall be for a period of one year, calculated from the date of election.
	9.4	The Officers of the Panel may be elected from the existing members or co-opted members and need not be a qualified judge.
	9.5	In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President.
	9.6	The President will act as Chairperson of the Panel.
	9.7	All of the Officers and/or co-opted members of the Panel, who are not qualified judges, shall not have a vote on matters concerning breed standards, the Standard of Points, changes to the Standard of Points or any matter requiring a qualification of a judge.
	9.8	Officers or members not being qualified judges will have voting rights on matters relating to the Panel, all disciplinary matters and any matter not directly related to and those mentioned in 9.7 above.
	9.9	Officers or members not being qualified judges will not attend the Symposium of the SA Council of Cat Judges and will furthermore not partake in the training or examination of candidate judges.
	9.10	Any member of Eastern Province Judges Panel shall not serve as President for more than two consecutive terms.

10.	DISCIPLINE

	In the event of a compliant against a member of the Panel the under mentioned procedure shall be adopted:
	10.1	All complaints must be submitted in writing to the President of the Panel.
	10.1	All complaints must be submitted in writing to the President of the Panel.
	10.2	The compliant must contain full particulars concerning the complainant, the member in violation and the complaint.
	10.3	A complaint has to be lodged within 30 days of the complainant becoming aware of the alleged misconduct, violation or cause.
	10.4	The Secretary of the Panel will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and inform the member concerned and all other members of the Panel of the complaint.
	10.5	The member concerned has the right to answer in writing to the allegations within 30 days.
	10.6	At a regular meeting of the Panel, the complaint and answer thereto will be discussed and the Panel shall decide upon the merit of the complaint.
	10.7	The Panel will thereafter vote whether or not a formal hearing needs to be held. A two-thirds majority is required.
	10.8	Upon the outcome of the vote referred to in 10.7, the venue, date and time of the hearing will be determined.
	10.9	Parties have the right to be represented by an attorney and may call witnesses.
	10.10	The complainant and member concerned shall have no vote at the hearing.
	10.11	The meeting will be presided upon by an external qualified person who is reasonably acceptable to both parties.
	10.12	After hearing of all the evidence the members shall vote, by secret ballots and the President shall inform all parties of the outcome thereof. A two-third majority shall determine the result.
	10.13	The outcome will be decided upon by the Panel members.
	10.14	An appeal against the outcome and/or penalty may be filed with the Ethics Committee, within 30 days of the date of the decision.
	10.15	The Rules of the Ethics Committee are applicable in the event of an appeal.

11.	LEAVE OF ABSENCE

	11.1	An initial period of a minimum of 4 months, at the end of which another period of 4 months may be applied for.
	11.2	After a second leave of absence some form of refresher course should be undertaken. The extent and duration to be decided by the Panel.
	11.3	Members may attend the AGM and Symposium during this period.

12.	ANNUAL REPORT

	The Treasurer shall at the Annual General Meeting submit a report showing an exact accounting of all assets, liabilities and monies received and paid out.

13.	AMENDMENTS

	This constitution my be amended by an Annual General Meeting of the members provided that the proposed amendments, together with the notice of time and place of the meeting has been mailed to all members. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be included in the agenda. The consent of two-thirds of the members present calculated in the event of a fraction to the next highest whole number will effect an amendment as proposed.

14.	RATIFICATION

	In the event of a decision taken at the AGM or a special meeting being procedurally not in accordance with the constitution, the Panel may ratify that decision, by a simple majority vote.

15.	DISSOLUTION

	15.1	A dissolution shall only be effective if passed at a physical meeting of the Panel by a two-third majority of those present and eligible to vote.
	15.2	Upon dissolution, the Panel shall give or transfer its assets to some other society, association or body having similar objectives.