Rules and Constitution

Bradford Magic Circle Rules and Constitution

All members of the Bradford Magic Circle follow a set of Rules, which outlines professional conduct and Confidentiality of Magical Techniques and secrets.

The Rules and Constitution were last changed at the 2009 AGM.

View Rules as of 2007 AGM

View Rules as of 2003 AGM

BRADFORD MAGIC CIRCLE

Rules and Constitution

1. The Society shall be called The Bradford Magic Circle (hereafter BMC).
2. Membership.
• (a) All persons genuinely interested in the Art of Magic and/or Allied Arts shall be eligible for membership at the discretion of the Committee.
• (b) Applicants shall complete an application form and return it to the Secretary.
• (c) Applicants will be interviewed by the Committee and asked to demonstrate their ability, although the Committee may choose to waive these requirements.
• (d) Applicants may be refused membership and the Committee reserve the right not to give reasons.
• (e) Applicants shall be given a copy of the rules and agree to keep them.
• (f) Successful full applicants will be encouraged to enter at least two BMC competitions in their first five years of membership. Where the numbers of new members are deemed sufficient, the Committee will organise a new member's show in which new members must take part. In addition all new members must take part or assist in one other event in the first year of their membership.
• (g) Senior membership is from 16 years of age.
• (h) Junior membership is at the discretion of the Committee, usually from 12 years of age.
• (i) The Committee may award honorary life membership to anyone who has given exceptional service to the BMC.
3. Associate Membership.
• Associate membership may be allowed to persons learning the Art of Magic. Associate members may be invited to certain lectures at the Committee's discretion.
4. Subscriptions.
• (a) There is an initial Joining Fee and an Annual Subscription, which is due after the Annual General Meeting (hereafter AGM). If not received within three months of that date membership is deemed to have ceased.
• (b) Any person whose membership has lapsed through any cause whatsoever can only rejoin with the approval of the Committee.
• (c) New members joining six months or after the AGM pay the Joining Fee and one half of the Annual Subscription.
• (d) Juniors' under16 pay a reduced subscription.
• (e) Senior Citizens (age 65+) pay a reduced subscription.
• (f) Associate members pay a reduced subscription
• (g) Couple membership is open for two members of whom at least one fulfils the requirements of Rule 2, but is subject to Committee approval.
• (h) Family membership is open to two adults plus children under 16 of whom at least two fulfil the requirements of Rule 2, but is subject to Committee approval. The subscription will be the same as the Couple membership, plus 25% of the Junior membership for each child rounded up to the nearest whole pound.
• (i) Members at the AGM shall decide the level of subscriptions, which take immediate effect.
5. Confidentiality.
• All members of the BMC are expected to keep confidential from non-magicians any secrets, explanations and special effects of the Art of Magic.
6. Infringement of Rights.
• Any member using another's routine without permission may be called before the Committee to give an explanation and may be expelled from the circle.
7. Management.
• (a) The Committee consists of:
  • President
  • President Elect
  • Past President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer
  • Entertainment's Officer
  • Magazine Editor
  • Publicity Officer
  • Librarian
  • Webmaster
  • Up to three elected persons
• (b) Five constitutes a quorum.
• (c) The Committee may co-opt members at their discretion.
• (d) The President, Secretary and Treasurer can act together in an emergency, but must report to a full Committee meeting within fourteen days.
• (e) The Committee has the authority to deal with any matter, including those not specifically covered by these rules.
• (f) The AGM shall be held each February (except in special circumstances).
• (g) The Officers and Committee shall be elected each year at the AGM.
• (h) Nominations for Officers shall be given to the Secretary before the AGM, but may be accepted on the night.
• (i) Up to two auditors shall be appointed who are not members of the Committee.
• (j) An audited Statement of Accounts shall be presented at the AGM.
• (k) Non-committee posts will consist of Welfare Officer, Auditor and Health and Safety Advisor.
  
8. Voting.
• (a) Only senior members are eligible to vote.
• (b) In the event of a tie the Chairperson of the meeting has a casting vote.
• (c) Resolutions are carried by a majority vote.
• (d) If necessary a vote may be taken at the AGM by secret ballot.
9. Extraordinary General Meeting.
• The Committee may call an Extraordinary General Meeting at any time and must do so if four senior members submit a signed requisition specifying therein the object of the proposed meeting. Such a meeting must be convened within twenty-one days of receipt of the requisition and members given at least seven days notice of the date of the meeting.
10. Expulsions and Resignation.
• The Committee may expel or ask for the resignation of a member who contravenes the BMC rules or, in the opinion of the Committee, acts against the interests of the Circle.
11. Non-Members.
• Members of other Magical Societies are welcome at BMC lectures on payment of an agreed fee and showing identification if required, unless the Committee decides otherwise.
12. Visitors.
• Non-magicians are welcome at competitions, social events and other meetings at which magical secrets are not being divulged.
13. Open Meetings.
• The Committee may decide certain meetings are open to anyone, in which case Rules 11 and 12 do not apply.
14. The Rules.
• The Rules may be added to, repealed or amended by resolution at an AGM or Extraordinary General Meeting and can take effect immediately if so desired.