Statutes of the United Nations Golf Club (UNGC)

Version May 2024

1. Name and Seat

The club is named “United Nations Golf Club” (UNGC), operating under VICREC. The club is based in Vienna, and the official working language is English.

2. Purpose of the Club

The club aims to allow its members to pursue their shared interest in golf.

3. Means to Achieve the Club’s Purpose

• Material means: Membership fees, event revenues, voluntary donations, grants, subsidies, fundraising, and other income sources.
• Idealistic means: Meetings, sports events, sports trips, and other gatherings.

4. Membership

Membership Categories:

• Youth Members
• Regular Members
• Associate Members
• Special Members
• Honorary Members

Eligibility:

• Staff (incl. supernumeraries) at Vienna-based international organizations
• Retirees from UN common system organizations
• Family members living in the same household as the above
• Youth members are eligible if they have not yet reached their eighteenth birthday
• Honorary membership shall be awarded to those persons providing extra ordinary achievements or services to the club. They may be recommended by the ExCom and approved by the Annual General Meeting.
• Special members are proposed by a regular member and approved by the ExCom (limited to 10% of total members).

Admission is decided by the ExCom and can be refused without reason. Membership is renewable annually by form submission and fee payment and is non-transferable. All members must comply with the statutes, club rules, and “The R&A” Golf Rules. Violations or debts may result in suspension or expulsion.

5. Termination of Membership

Membership ends by death, voluntary resignation, or expulsion. Resignation must be in writing and effective only at year-end. Non-payment after the grace period (normally by March 31) results in voluntary resignation. Expulsion can occur for gross breaches of duty or dishonorable behavior. Honorary membership may be revoked by an Annual General Meeting decision.

6. Rights and Duties of Members

• Regular members: Full participation and voting rights.
• Other members: Participation rights unless limited to regular members.

Members must support the club’s purpose, avoid harming the club’s reputation, adhere to statutes and decisions, and pay dues promptly.

7. Organs of the Club

• General Assembly
• Executive Committee (ExCom)
• Auditor(s)
• Arbitration Tribunal

All positions are honorary, and expenses are only reimbursable by ExCom decision.

8. The General Assembly

The General Assembly is the governing body, meeting at least once per year (usually March). Extraordinary meetings can be called by ExCom decision, member request, auditors, or court. Meetings are quorate regardless of attendance.

Voting:

• ·       By consensus or simple majority.
• ·       Proxy voting allowed with written notification 24 hours prior.

9. Duties of the General Assembly

• Elect/dismiss ExCom members and auditors.
• Adopt annual reports and financial statements.
• Discharge of the ExCom.
• Approve budget and membership fees.
• Award/revoke honorary memberships.
• Rule on appeals.
• Amend statutes or dissolve the club.

10. The Executive Committee (ExCom)

• President
• Vice-President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Club Captain
• 1st Vice-Club Captain
• 2nd Vice-Club Captain
• Activities Convenor

At least two ExCom members must be VIC staff. Terms are 1 year, and re-election is allowed.

Meetings:

• Called by President or Vice-President.
• One week advance notice.
• Quorum: Four ExCom members.

11. Duties of the Executive Committee

• ·       Manage club operations.
• ·       Prepare financial statements and reports.
• ·       Organize General Assemblies.
• ·       Handle assets and membership decisions.
• ·       Initiate and manage projects.

12. Special Responsibilities

• President: Represents the club; can act independently in emergencies.
• Vice-President: Assists/substitutes for the President.
• Secretary: Manages documentation and membership registry.
• Treasurer: Manages finances and compliance.
• Club Captain: Organizes competitions.
• Vice-Club Captains: Assist with competitions and special events.
• Activities Coordinator: Organizes social events and manages the website.

Tasks may be delegated to regular members.

13. Finances

The fiscal year ends December 31. Income is from membership fees, events, and other sources. The Treasurer manages accounts, and auditors review finances annually. Members have no claim to funds except for reimbursed expenses.

14. The Audit

Two auditors elected by the General Assembly conduct ongoing monitoring and annual review of accounts, reporting to the ExCom and General Assembly.

15. Additional Provisions

Additional rules may be established (e.g., finance, competition rules). Proposed rules must be shared 10 working days before the General Assembly and need a two-thirds majority for adoption.

16. Amendments to the Statutes

Amendments require a two-thirds majority at the General Assembly. ExCom proposals must be shared 10 working days in advance. Changes take effect immediately unless otherwise stated and must be reported to VICREC.

17. Arbitration Tribunal

A three-member panel of regular members handles disputes. Each party appoints one arbitrator, and these appoint a third as chair. Decisions are by simple majority and final.

18. Dissolution

Dissolution requires a proposal by two-thirds of members and a two-thirds majority decision at an extraordinary General Assembly.

Liquidation:

• Appointment of a liquidator.
• Assets must go to a charitable organization, preferably with similar aims.
• VICREC may act as an advisor.

19. Appendix A – Financial Rules

• Cash assets are held in a business account at an Austrian bank.
• Financial statements are available 10 days before the General Assembly.
• Contracts or payments over EUR 150 require Treasurer + President/Vice-President/Secretary approval and ExCom majority decision.
• Smaller payments require only Treasurer approval.