Protect Promote Preserve – Safe Selective Sustainable Social
Category: Rules and Regulations
The following articles are used to define and indicate the source of authority for the issuance of various policies, regulations and rules by which USFA governs itself and its members.
The NSW Government is inviting your comments on suggested management initiatives to enhance marine biodiversity in the Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion. Please note that the consultation period has been extended until Sunday 8th May 2016.
The Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) has created a discussion paper where they describe eight suggested management initiatives in the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Assessment. The USFA agrees with most of these Initiatives except for Initiative 4 – Spatial Management.
Spatial management is basically another name for Lockouts. The USFA is opposed to lockouts as we believe there are better management strategies than total lockouts.
USFA’s Matthew Poulton answers some questions on what the Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion assessment created by the Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) means for spear fishers in NSW, Sydney, Newcastle & Wollongong.
The USFA’s Issues with the Hawkesbury Shelf Marine Bioregion Assessment
http://usfa.org.au/usfas-issues-hawkesbury-shelf-marine-bioregion-assessment/
The Hawkesbury Shelf marine bioregion under assessment
As many of you are aware there is a huge push to create another marine park from Newcastle to Wollongong. We are working as hard as we can to minimise the impacts to spear fishers as much as possible. We set to lose out big time here especially as shallow reefs and headlands <25m include 95% of the areas that we dive.
Another new year has come around and therefore timely that I make mention of some good things that will continue on benefitting all spearos. In the USFA we are fortunate to have many talented members who willingly volunteer their time to assist in the running of the Association.
The One Up One Down pairs events were well received, why would they not be as any new members are invited to dive and be paired with some seriously outstanding spearos who choose to give up their time to assist newcomers to the sport and show them the ropes for a few hours. Continue reading USFA 2016 address to Spearfishers
a) The first Sunday of every month of the year, except January, Mother’s Day, long weekends and major championships. Dates for the upcoming year are to be notified three (3) months prior to commencement. The year commences 1st January and completes 31st Where agreed, Allimans may be held in conjunction with major metro controlled events.
b) A notified date shall not include any date which has been allocated to another championship event except as in (a) above. It shall also not include any date which has been previously notified by any club as a veto date. Veto date must be notified to committee at least four (4) months prior to the upcoming competition year.
c) Alliman Shields must be held on the notified scheduled dates.
d) Allimans will start and finish at the following times
January, February, March, April, May, June – 8am till 1.15pm
July, August, September, October, November, December – 8am till 1.15pm
These times may vary only where an Alliman is conducted in conjunction with a major Metro controlled competition normally 8am till 2pm or as otherwise notified at the venue.
Disturbing news is emerging tonight with reports and photographs on social media of two men with spear guns confronted on the beach at Mona Vale, Sydney with a speared Grey Nurse Shark on Sunday 2nd August 2015. The Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association (USFA) do not condone any illegal practise by NSW spearfishers who do not comply with Fisheries regulations and laws.
The juvenile 1.2m Protected Shark had been shot twice in the head and from an angle that denotes a deliberate act and not a result of self-defence.
When confronted the men feigned poor English and then said the shark had “tried to kill them” before throwing the dead shark back into the ocean along with the rest of their catch.
The two men fled the location in a champagne coloured Nissan Patrol 4WD still wearing wetsuits with numberplates being seen by a few and forwarded to Fisheries.
The Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association (USFA) would like to remind all spearfishers that every time you pull on a wetsuit you are representing not just yourself but the entire sport, that at all times you must uphold the highest level of ethical standards, abide by all laws and adhere to the USFA Rules and Regulations.
The USFA has also developed the Code of Conduct for Grey Nurse Sharks to assist spearfishers with their interactions with GNS.
This code represents the minimum standards of behaviour and actions required when Spearfishing in proximity to Grey Nurse Sharks. The code is part of the membership commitments to the Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association (USFA). It also serves as the default standard for all NSW Spearfishers.
Code of Conduct for Grey Nurse Sharks
When spearfishing near where Grey Nurse Sharks congregate:
Keep a minimum distance of five (5) metres at all times.
Do not knowingly allow sharks to steal catches.
Refrain from all forms of flashlight photography of sharks.
When sharks move to within five (5) metres discreetly retreat avoiding the projected path of the shark. If the sharks appear agitated, move out of the area.
Assist in any scientific research in conjunction with NSW DPI personnel.
Maintain and share records of shark populations to be able to ascertain whether they may be increasing or decreasing over periods.
When operating in Grey Nurse Shark locations, try to limit direct interaction.
Educate other spearfishers who may not be aware of, or otherwise regulated by the USFA code.
The Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association (USFA) would like all members to assist in any way possible to identify these men so that their details can be forwarded to Fisheries. Report illegal or suspect fishing activities to your nearest Fisheries Office or use the Fishers Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536 or complete the online report form. http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance/report-illegal-activity
The USFA can also be alerted to assist via our Contact Us page. Please address the Secretary
Peter Walsh
USFA Vice President
A word of caution: If you break the Marine Parks rules and are charged, it does not matter if you did not know you were breaking the rules. Ignorance is not a valid legal defence.
What is a “no-take” area?
An area where all forms of fishing, recreational and commercial is banned. This includes gathering shellfish or crustaceans or collecting seaweed.
How is a Marine Park mean to work?
By setting aside areas for protection, the aim is to create a system of areas which are not harvested, and which can supply adults and juveniles to the surrounding areas which are still open to fishing.
Does it work?
For some species, particularly long-lived and territorial species, yes, Marine Parks can work quite well. For other species, especially open-ocean, pelagic species such as tuna; the no-take areas would have to cover massive areas of ocean to be effective.
The NSW Fisheries department is charged with the sustainable management of fisheries activities that take place in NSW. The Fisheries Management Act gives certain powers to the NSW Fisheries Officers and they apply the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation. The Regulations are reviewed on a regular basis with input from stakeholders such as recreational and commercial fishers; as well as conservation groups.
A word of caution: If you break the recreational fishing rules and are charged, it does not matter if you did not know you were breaking the rules. Ignorance is not a valid legal defence.
Understanding the rules
What is a “fish”?
For the purposes of legislation and regulations dealing with fishing activities the term fish means:
Sharks and rays
Bony fishes such as bream and morwong
Cephalopods such as squid and cuttlefish
Crustaceans such as crabs and lobster
Oysters and other molluscs
Echinoderms such as sea urchins
Beachworms and other polychaetes
And the definition applies regardless whether the animal is dead or alive, or has been cut into pieces.
What is meant by “take or attempt to take”?
The “taking” of fish (see above list for what a ‘fish” is), is the act of catching and killing a fish, gathering or collecting fish, or removing fish from a rock or other attachment point. “Attempting to take” means you were trying to take a fish. In legal terms, it doesn’t matter if you were successful at killing a protected species, if you had the intent to do so; you are guilty of an offense.
What is the difference between the terms bag limit and possession limit?
The term “bag limit” refers to the amount you are allowed to catch on a given day, “possession limit” refers to the TOTAL amount you are allowed to have in your possession, say in your catch bag at the boat ramp, and at home in your freezer. A good example is Luderick, where the daily bag limit is 10 (as at November 2014), but the possession limit is 20.
What if I have accidentally done the wrong thing?
If you’re lucky and the NSW Fisheries official is in a very forgiving mood, you may get off with a warning. However that should be considered the height of good fortune and if you are in possession of a protected species, under size fish or are over the possession limit, a fine is the very least you can expect. Penalties can include time in goal.
What is considered poaching?
As recreational fishers, Spearfishers cannot sell their catch. “Selling” is defined as taking fish to sell, swap, barter or otherwise gain a benefit, or attempting to do so. It is illegal. End of story.
An example might be where you catch a good bag of bream and offer them to your local takeaway in exchange for other food. That is illegal.
What about spearing fish for family and friends?
That is ok. But remember, many species of reef fish are long-lived and territorial. No one intends to deplete local populations of a particular fish species, but overfishing can and does have local impacts.
Know where you can and can’t spearfish
To begin with, currently all freshwater creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, impoundments and dams are closed to spearfishing. The ‘Freshwater’ begins at the tidal limit of rivers that empty into the sea.
Are the any areas where I can’t spearfish but where other forms of fishing are allowed?
Yes, other than the above freshwater areas, see the link below for a comprehensive list.
In the listed areas all forms of taking fish with spear is prohibited. Some of the closures are historic, other’s are to prevent divers interacting with boats, whilst some were simply the result of politics.
Spearfishing Competition Procedures and Minimum Standards
Code of Conduct
Code of Discipline
Attachments
1. USFA Schedule of Fees
Abbreviations used in this document
USFA: The Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association AUF(S): The Australian Underwater Federation – Spearfishing AGM: The Annual General Meeting of the USFA ASAP: – As soon as possible Club: -Shall infer USFA Affiliated Committee: -USFA Committee (the Executive plus one Member per Club) Executive: -USFA Executive as per TABLE 1 (any position cited shall infer USFA. E.g. Secretary = USFA Secretary) EFT: Electronic Funds Transfer Member: Member of the USFA via an Affiliated Club or directly Meeting: General Meeting of the USFA Committee NSW: New South Wales Sport: The sport of skindiving Sub-committee: USFA Sub-committee (appointed by the Committee)
USFA Constitution Proper
1. Association Name The Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association
2. Office The Office of the USFA will be determined by the USFA Committee
3. Aims and Objectives
(a) To promote and develop the sport and other associated underwater activities (b) To actively implement and promote any and all safety measures applicable to our activities (c) To organise and control any relevant activities within NSW (d) To provide an organisation which can represent the interests of its Affiliated Clubs and their members to the AUF(S), Government, and Regulatory Authorities (e) To establish, promote or assist in the subscription to, or becoming a member of any organisation whose objects are similar to, or in any part are similar to the objects of the USFA and beneficial to the USFA (f) To arrange competitions, conventions, conferences, symposiums, expositions and the like for the members of the USFA and to provide or arrange for prizes, trophies and awards (g) To obtain any acts or legislature, provisional order or other official or Government power or authority licence which may be deemed requisite to the USFA, and to act in opposing any acts or legislature, provisional order or any other official or unofficial power of authority there by Government or any other group or organisation which may be deemed to be against the interests of the USFA or the sport (h) To encourage the uniformity of rules, regulations, codes of conduct, standards and administrative controls of the sport in NSW (i) To purchase, lease or acquire any lands, buildings, easements or properties (real or personal), which may be requisite to the purpose of any of the objects of the USFA (j) To accept subscriptions, donations or bequests (whether real or personal estate) for all or any of the objects of the USFA (k) To regularly publish and distribute an informative journal and to forward any relevant material received pertaining to the sport
4. Changes to the Constitution
(a) The Constitution of the USFA may be altered or changed by Special Resolution and ratified at the AGM or an Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee, subject to the other provisions of this section. Note: The Committee, by definition, signifies the Executive and one Representative from each Affiliated Club, who shall carry the voting power of his Club after consultation with all of its members. The rules covered in Sections 16, 17, 18 & 19 shall be strictly adhered to in the deliberation and final voting on any such alterations. (b) All proposed amendments or alterations shall be delivered in writing or electronically, by the Secretary or his nominee, to the nominated Club Representatives of all of the Clubs and to the Executive, not less than 30 days before the voting is to take place (c) The Public Officer shall send all required documentation concerned with the alterations and lodge any Official Forms, accompanied by any associated fees, to the relevant Government Department within 7 days of the alterations being accepted by the USFA, and in the same time frame will inform the Club Representatives and Executive of all particulars (d) The Secretary shall inform all Club Representatives and Executive within 7 days of receiving confirmation of alterations from the relevant Government Department upon which the alterations will be immediately adopted (e) Any change to the USFA Constitution Proper requires at least 75% of the voting power of the USFA, as set out in Section 19 below, to be in favour of the alterations proposed in order to be carried. (f) The Executive may make, alter or repeal any part of the Constitution, except the Constitution Proper, at any time, provided notice of any change is given to all Clubs and Executive within 14 days of the proposed date of change, after which time the changes shall take immediate effect.
5. Club Affiliation
(a) Any Club or Group associated with any form of underwater activity shall have its application of Affiliation considered by the Committee, provided that the Club or Group satisfies the following conditions:
i. The Club or Group’s Constitution is presented to and approved by the USFA ii. It’s predecessor’s Constitution, i.e. a Club’s Zone, is presented to and accepted by the USFA iii. The Club or Group agrees to abide by the Constitution of the USFA iv. The Club or Group pays in advance the registration fee as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees” v. The Club or Group Nominates a Club Representative.
(b) All Clubs shall pay an annual Affiliation Fee as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (c) Each member of a Club shall pay an annual Member’s Affiliation Fee (as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees”) through their Club to the USFA. It shall be part of their Club Membership and shall not be an optional amount. (d) Notice of Annual Affiliation Fees payable by the Clubs and their members shall be sent prior to the conclusion of the financial year. All Clubs and members must ensure that Affiliation Fees are paid within 30 days of the expiry date. Failure to do so will result in the Club or member being deemed unfinancial. All Fees become due on July 1st of each year. (e) Any Club which becomes unfinancial shall no longer partake in the privileges of membership and nor will its members. (f) In the event a Club remains unfinancial for more than 30 days after the serving of a notice by the Membership Officer, it shall be struck off the list of USFA Affiliated Clubs. (g) A rejoining Fee as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees” may be demanded by the Committee. (h) All Clubs shall accept full responsibility for the actions of their members and shall undertake to administer any penalties or controls as deemed appropriate by the USFA. (i) Should any Affiliated Club fail to abide by the Constitution, its affiliation may be suspended by the Committee. (j) Acceptance of the USFA Constitution implies acceptance of all sections and parts of the USFA Constitution. (k) Conditions relating to payment of annual Individual Member’s Affiliation Fees will be the same as those relating to members of Clubs, except that their fees will be paid directly to the Membership Officer. Failure to pay their fees as set out in Section 5. Part (d) above, will result in action as in Section 5. Parts (e), (f) & (g) above, but pertaining to an Individual Member. (l) Clubs must attend a Committee meeting when a meeting is deemed to be sufficiently important to be rated as compulsory. This may be accomplished by either sending a representative in person or by an electronic link-up. (m) Notwithstanding the above, all meeting minutes forwarded to the Club Representatives will be replied to in the form of a willingness to accept the outcomes of those meetings, or a report tendered on the issues arising from the minutes. These may be offered as agenda for the following meeting at the discretion of the Committee present at the original meeting. (n) Non-compliance with Parts (l) & (m) of this section (above) may result in a fine or suspension of Affiliation at the discretion of the Committee. (o) The Club’s Representative must: i. Forward to each of his Club’s members all correspondence received from the USFA ii. Organise a reply to the USFA when required iii. Organise any member’s voting on any issues tendered by the USFA iv. Report back to the USFA on any voting results v. Forward any issues his Club or any of its members may have vi. Organise any submissions the USFA may have to supply to any authorities from time to time
6. Membership
(a) The Membership categories are as follows: i. Full Membership: e.g. Senior, Lady or Junior ii. Honorary Full Membership: e.g. Patrons of the sport; non-competing office bearers or volunteer helpers iii. Individual: e.g. Social or Independent iv. Life Membership
(b) Clarification and Eligibility Criteria of Membership Categories: i. Any person who is a registered financial member of a registered financial Club. Membership shall be unlimited subject to the Committee’s right to reject any application for membership without any reason being given. The applicant’s Club will be informed of the reason for rejection within 7 days of the refusal. ii. The Executive may approve Honorary Full Membership, at its discretion, in cases such as a new member offer, a prominent individual’s efforts in promoting the sport or non-competing Office bearers and volunteer helpers. iii. An individual may make application directly to the Membership Officer via the Membership Application Form. All rights and obligations as for a Full Member, and as defined in this Constitution, apply. iv. Any person rendering special or important service to the USFA may be nominated for Life Membership. Nominations shall come from the Clubs to the Secretary 30 days prior to the AGM. The nomination shall give a full account of the nominee’s activities in sufficient depth for adequate consideration to be given by the Committee. A nominee will be accepted as a Life Member if a 66% majority of the USFA’s total voting power is in favour. A Life Member shall pay no USFA Affiliation Fees and no Club Membership Fees.
7. Patron
(a) Nominations from Members or Clubs for the position of Patron of the USFA shall be considered by the Committee at the AGM. (b) A patron is a person of note who may or may not be a member of the USFA and has performed functions or delivered statements which have brought repute to the USFA. (c) This position is purely Honorary but will be in keeping with the dignity of the USFA.
8. Rights of USFA Membership
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and the regulations set up from time to time, every Member shall be entitled to use all premises and facilities of the USFA, and to participate in any activity, competition or event conducted by, or under the auspices of, the USFA. (b) Every Member is eligible to contest any election into any Position of Office in the USFA. (c) Every Member shall be entitled to add agenda to any proposed meeting of the USFA within the specified timeframe, attend any meeting of the USFA, and may address any meeting of the USFA with the permission of the Chairman. (d) Every Member is entitled to view any records of business, or otherwise, of the USFA by appointment with the Secretary of the USFA.
9. Rights of USFA Affiliated Clubs
(a) Each Club, provided all other conditions contained herein are satisfied, shall be entitled to vote on matters determined at any General Meeting or Extraordinary Meeting of the USFA, or any Special Resolutions offered. (b) As per Section 8. Parts (a), (c) & (d) above
10. Structure of the USFA
(a) The administration, control and direction of the USFA shall be the responsibility of the Executive, except during the course of General Meetings, Extraordinary Meetings, and an AGM at which the Committee presides, and whilst dealing with any Special Resolutions. (b) The Executive will consist of all position holders as detailed in TABLE 1. (c) The Committee shall consist of the Executive and one representative from each financial Club. (d) The Committee may, at any time, appoint or delegate its powers to any Sub-committee and may regulate and determine the procedures and duties of such Sub-committee. (e) The Executive may appoint persons to hold any positions in the USFA deemed necessary for the correct and efficient running of the USFA. Any duties related to, and any powers implied by such appointment will be circulated and clearly defined to the USFA Membership within 7 days of such appointment.
11. Authority and Responsibility of the Executive
(a) When the Committee is not in session, the Executive shall assume the general authority. (b) The Executive may not take action that involves changes to: the Constitution Proper; any major policy; or any issues denoted as a Special Resolution without first advising all the Clubs of the intended action and being guided by the decisions of the Clubs, except as laid down in this Constitution. (c) The Executive shall settle all and any disputes arising from any Clubs’ or their Zones’ interpretation of this Constitution. All decisions made shall be final. (d) Directions from the Executive to the Clubs, their Members and their Zones are binding. (e) The USFA Executive shall neither have authority over, nor be held responsible for the financial management of the Clubs or their Zones, except as laid down in this Constitution. (f) The Executive may, without prior warning, remove from Office any member of the Executive who: through misconduct, mismanagement or omission, fails to carry out their duties in a proper manner. The Executive may then appoint a person to hold that position temporarily until an election for that position takes place. Appeals outlined in Section 14 below. (g) The Executive may, at any time, call upon any Club to account for its actions and may, if so decided, suspend the Club until an enquiry into its actions is satisfactorily completed. (h) Any Club failing to account in full for its actions, or attempting to hinder the work of the USFA at any time, shall be considered contemptuous and be liable to imposition of a penalty or suspension as at the discretion of the Executive. (i) The Executive must ratify any recommendations, public statements or business, submissions and the like, by any Member or Sub-committee before they are implemented as USFA Official. (j) Each member of the Executive shall provide an Annual Report for the AGM electronically forwarded to the Secretary no later than 7 days before the meeting. (k) If any member of the executive resigns before the AGM, they shall send a letter of resignation to the Secretary. (l) The Chairman of the USFA may appoint a replacement until such time as an election may be held to fill the position.
12. Authority and Responsibility of the Committee
(a) The Committee shall assume the authority of the USFA, and the specific authority of the Executive, when it is in session. (b) Any member of the Executive considered as failing to carry out his duties in a satisfactory manner by the remainder of the Executive and/or the Committee, or bringing by his actions, statements or otherwise, disrepute upon the USFA, shall be requested by the Executive or Committee to show acceptable reasons for his actions. Failure to respond to such a request in a satisfactory manner shall result in his removal from Office by the Committee. (c) Any Committee member suspended under Part (b) above, or Section 11. Part (f) above, may appeal at the next Committee Meeting or by direct contact to all Clubs and each member of the Executive for deliberation. (d) The Committee may impose any of the following penalties:
i. Temporary or permanent suspension of Affiliation ii. Temporary or permanent suspension of a Member iii. A fine as per “USFA Schedule of Fees”
13. Executive Positions and Responsibilities of Office
TABLE 1
POSITION
JOB DESCRIPTION
Chairman
The chief Executive member and spokesman of the USFA -Authority to convene all meetings of the USFA
Preside at all meetings of the USFA, maintaining order and correct procedure -Authorise all statements for publication or public release in conjunction with the Secretary
Acting USFA representative at all official functions
Conduct himself in a manner to bring credit to the USFA
Motivate the Executive in a positive way and engender team spirit – Ensure that a culture of good governance exists within all record keeping, systems, processes, projects and financials of the USFA
May appoint a stand-in when required – usually, but not necessarily, the Deputy Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Assist the Chairman as necessary
Stand-in for the Chairman when required
Be equally responsible for all duties of the Chairman
Secretary
Keep a true and accurate record of all business carried out by the USFA
Keep a true and accurate record of all policies of the USFA
Make any appropriate records available to any member
Confer with the Chairman in times of emergency -Conduct all general correspondence of the USFA
Ensure all communications are in keeping with the professional expectations and brand identity of the USFA.
Prepare the agenda and business for, and advertise all meetings of the USFA
Prepare, or have prepared, and distribute minutes of all meetings of the USFA -Compile an Annual Report of the activities of the USFA: usually for the AGM
Inform all Clubs of all relevant matters, protests, meetings, motions, disputes
Assistant Secretary
Assist the Secretary in all his duties.
Stand-in for the Secretary when necessary
Treasurer
Keep true audited books and accounts of the USFA’s financial affairs -Oversee all banking of the USFA’s monies
Be a signatory (one of at least two) on the USFA cheque account
Keep an accurate record of all payments of accounts and fees
Prepare a progressive report for meetings of the USFA and whenever required
Prepare a budget for the USFA as required
Register USFA Account signatories with the bank at the commencement of term
Advise or seek advice on any financial matter as required
Assistant Treasurer
Assist the Treasurer in all his duties
Stand-in for the Treasurer when necessary
Membership Officer
Maintain procedures for the attracting of new members
Maintain procedures for the renewal of memberships
Seek new improved methods for the above -Recognize the needs and implications of the expanding base of Independent divers
Collect and receipt all Membership fees and present to the Treasurer
Pursue short and long-term activities that support the implementation and ongoing effectiveness of a self-regulating diver accreditation scheme for USFA Members and potentially others within the spearfishing community
Provide strategic support to related initiatives Strategic Planning
As part of a Committee assist in setting the direction and mission of the USFA in light of virulent competitive forces and emerging threats
Identify and workshop strategic issues through a forum that augments the objectives of the Executive
Discuss current or prospective issues and assist in the formulation of relevant action plans
Report to the USFA Executive
Sports Secretary
Keep a record of results of all USFA, AUF(S) and CMAS skin diving Championships and Competitions
Keep a record of all past and present holders of perpetual trophies
Keep a list of trophy donors
Keep a record of the Competition history of the USFA
Recall all perpetual trophies before the following year’s event
The transport, cleaning, repair and engraving of all perpetual trophies
The receiving of nominations and applications for any perpetual USFA award
The submission of the preceding to the USFA Committee for evaluation
Website Manager
Organize material into a logical layout -Monitor and regularly update the website
Source interesting material
Arrange for approved material to be posted as required
Ensure the website remains functional
Continually improve ways to attract & hold the interest of relevant audiences
USFA Magazine Officer
Source and organize material
Edit and produce the magazine on a quarterly basis
Ensure all material is fit for distribution or approved by the Executive
Distribution of the finished article
Fundraising Officer
Actively seek fundraising opportunities
Identify where funds are needed
Organize the event via suitable means such as advertising, crew selection, sourcing of necessary equipment and location, etc
Collection and accounting of all monies and delivering to the Treasurer
Grants Coordinator
Keep informed of available Government Grants
Identify projects which require funding
Enlist reliable personnel to carry out the task involved
Make applications
Monitor the implementation of the task making sure it remains on track and within the stipulated contract
Provide relevant assistance to project officers engaged in assignments
Deliver any required reports
Historical Officer
Keep all historical records of the USFA
Research historical data as required by the USFA for certain events or occasions
Inform the Executive in advance of any key historic milestones
Public Affairs Officer
Respond to any adverse issues directly concerning the USFA
Respond to any adverse publicity directed at the USFA or any of its members
Confer with the USFA Executive before making any response or action
Provide assistance to officers requiring assistance on PR related matters
Act on opportunities with potential for positive publicity or outcomes
Education Officer
Provide literature and tuition to members or prospective members
Source appropriate and interesting material to facilitate the above
To advise Club officials on the setting up and running of a Club educational program that covers all aspects of safety and the indoctrination of new members
Report material and proposed delivery methods to the USFA
Recognized Training Officer
Organize the training of members or prospective members via accredited tutors and instructors
Organize accreditation of members as trainers
Report proposed training schemes to the USFA
Spearfishing Records Officer
Keep a complete up-to-date list of all record sized speared fish
Be totally responsible for liaison between Members, Clubs, USFA, AUF(S) and CMAS on matters concerning records
Make available to Members the correct procedure for claiming a record
Process any record applications promptly, professionally and with diplomacy
Data and Research Officer
Collection of competition data
Scientific assessment of competition data
Writing of any appropriate reports
Scan for research relevant to USFA and source as necessary
Report all results to the USFA for assessment prior to any other use
Endangered Species Officer
Proactively liaise with relevant regulatory bodies
Scientific assessment of endangered and protected species
Submit any reports to the USFA prior to any other use
Keep members informed of any changes in regulations
Environment Officer Advisory Council Liaison Officer
-Identify and keep records on all Advisory Councils -Identify any which require USFA representation -Lobby to Facilitate USFA representation – Ensure USFA representation is maintained -Source and assess suitable candidates
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (Far North): from QLD border to Port Macquarie
Keep all records on Marine Parks -Seek involvement in any review processes
Organize meetings with the MPA
Organize submissions when required -Keep the USFA fully informed at all times
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (North): from Port Macquarie to Gosford
AS ABOVE
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (Central): from Gosford to Shoalhaven Heads
AS ABOVE
Marine Parks Liaison Officer (South): from Shoalhaven Heads to VIC border
AS ABOVE
Public Officer
Lodge all appropriate USFA documentation and records with the relevant Government Department
Members Liaison Officer
Maintain direct contact with the nominated Club representative of each Club
Ensure that any important correspondence from the USFA has been received
Ensure that the nominated Club representative reports to all his members
Ensure that any task required by the USFA is completed by the Clubs
Report all outcomes to the USFA
14. Appeals
(a) Any Club which has disciplinary action taken against it or any of its members may appeal to all Clubs and the Executive within 30 days of imposition of penalty, and with the prescribed bond as outlined in “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (b) Clubs shall have the option of appealing for their members or not: at their discretion. (c) All correspondence pertaining to appeals, suspensions and voting shall be deemed as “A” Class correspondence.
15. Committee Meetings
(a) The Committee shall meet at least 4 times a year including the AGM. (b) The Quorum shall consist of at least 6 Committee members with a minimum of 4 to be Executive. (c) If a Quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the advertised starting time of the Meeting, that Meeting shall be adjourned. (d) That Meeting shall be rescheduled to a date not exceeding 14 days from the original meeting date. (e) If a Quorum is not present within 30 minutes of the advertised starting time of the rescheduled Meeting, or if a suitable date cannot be agreed upon at the original Meeting, that particular Meeting shall be cancelled. (f) In the absence of both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman at a Meeting and providing a Quorum being present, those present are to elect a Chairman for the Meeting. (g) The Secretary shall issue a Meeting notice and call for Agenda to all Club Representatives and Executive not less than 30 days prior to the Meeting. (h) The Club Representatives and Executive shall deliver all Agenda to the Secretary not less than 15 days prior to the Meeting. (i) The Secretary shall publish and distribute the final Agenda not less than 10 days prior to the Meeting. (j) Items for inclusion on the Agenda of any Meeting may be submitted at the Meeting but any Members present may exercise their right to veto any such item if the item is deemed to be better served under a Special Resolution or if limited by available time remaining. (k) All financial Members shall be eligible to attend any Meeting, (l) Any Meeting (except the AGM) may, upon a motion being duly moved and carried, be adjourned to enable a meeting of any Sub-committee to be convened if deemed necessary to facilitate proper decision making on any issues presented. (m) Voting on any general issues, not deemed to be better served under a Special Resolution, shall be restricted to one vote per Committee member. Club Representatives shall have the authority to vote without consulting their Club. The Chairman must abstain but may lodge a casting vote in the case of a deadlock. (n) Voting on a Special Resolution shall be carried out in strict accordance with Section 19 or 20 below. (o) Any Member ruled to be disorderly by the Chairman, shall be removed from the Meeting and their vote (if any) curtailed until a replacement Representative is appointed. If none available, the Meeting will continue without their Club’s representation. There will be no replacement offered in the case of the Member being an Executive Officer. (p) A copy of the Minutes shall be sent to all of the Executive and Club Representatives within 30 days of the meeting. The Club Representative must adhere to the provisions of Section 5. Parts (m) & (o)i. above.
16. Annual General Meeting and Elections
(a) The AGM shall follow all provisions of Section 15 above, except part (l). (b) The business of the AGM shall be the notification and ratification of action taken during the year by the Executive, any business that any Member wishes to place on the Agenda, and the election of the Executive for the next term of Office. (c) Nominations for members of the Executive shall be received by the Secretary, duly nominated, seconded and signed or approved by the nominee, up to the conclusion of the AGM. At this time the Chairman shall declare all Offices vacant and a returning Officer shall be appointed to conduct the election of the USFA Chairman who shall then complete the election. (d) Voting shall be by a show of hands or by secret ballot at the discretion of those present. (e) The Chairman of the elections will have no vote except as a casting vote in the case of a drawn result. (f) If there is only one nomination presented in accordance with part (c) above for a particular position, then the nominee shall be deemed duly elected into that position. (g) Any positions left vacant at the completion of the elections shall be advertised by the Secretary with the view of seeking nominations. Notwithstanding the provisions of Part (f) above, the nominations shall be dealt with in accordance with Section 20 below.
17. Extraordinary Committee Meetings
(a) An Extraordinary Meeting of the Committee, or any Sub-committee, may be called at any time by the Executive or upon receiving a request from Clubs representing at least 50% of the voting power of the USFA. (b) Notice of the Extraordinary Meeting is to be served to all Executive and Club Representatives not less than 30 days prior to the meeting. (c) The Chairman of the USFA shall have the authority to call an Extraordinary Meeting with limited notice in times of emergency.
18. Special Resolutions or Notices of Motion
(a) Any matter or issue presented to the Executive or Committee that is over and above the matters and issues related to the every day running of the USFA, or any matter or issue which would be deemed to require a broad response, shall be deemed a Special Resolution. (b) A Special Resolution is to be referred to a Meeting or an Extraordinary Meeting or be dealt with electronically. (c) A Special Resolution is to be voted on in accordance with the provisions of Section 19 or 20 below.
19. Voting Rights and Voting
(a) The voting power of a Club shall be calculated on the basis of every full 10 members of a Club shall gain that Club one vote. E.g. 9 Members – no vote; 20 Members – 2 votes; 47 Members – 4 votes etc. (b) Voting on general issues not deemed a Special Resolution shall be carried out in accordance with Section 15. Part (m) above. (c) No Club shall hold a total voting power in excess of 15 votes. E.g. 160 Members – 15 votes; 200 Members – 15 votes. (d) The Executive shall hold only one vote as a whole, being a casting vote only. (e) A simple majority shall decide if a motion is to be carried or defeated. (f) If voting reaches a deadlock, the Executive shall clear the room to discuss and vote on the motion in order to deliver the casting vote. (g) If Part (f) above eventuates, the Chairman shall only carry a casting vote as part of the Executive vote. (h) Any Member involved in the voting on any issues relating to the business of the USFA must declare if a conflict of interest exists in any issue, and, if one does exist, that Member must abstain from the vote on that issue.
20. Electronic Voting
(a) If the Committee or the Executive require a matter dealt with between Meetings, they shall inform the Secretary who shall, within 14 days, advise all Clubs and the Executive of the details of the matter in the form of a Notice of Motion. (b) Upon receiving such notice, the Club Representative must carry out his duties as outlined in Section 5. Part (o) above. (c) The Club Representative must return his Club’s vote in writing to the Secretary within 30 days: being the validity date. Any Club votes received after this date shall be declared invalid and an explanation may be sought by the Executive. (d) The Executive shall consider and decide the matter from the indication of votes received from the Clubs. This decision shall be final and shall be circulated by the Secretary within 30 days of the validity date. (e) Any Club wishing to amend the Notice of Motion shall record its amendment with its vote for the consideration of the Executive. (f) The Executive may issue a notice of motion at any time. (g) Voting power shall be determined by the secretary from the provisions contained in Section 19 above. (h) All Parts contained in Section 19 above, are to be adhered to. (i) All records of the abovementioned are to be placed on file by the Secretary and produced at the next Meeting if required.
21. Correspondence
(a) Correspondence shall be treated in 3 priorities: “A” Class; “B” Class; or “C” Class. (b) “A” Class correspondence shall be considered of greatest urgency and shall be replied to ASAP, but not more than 14 days upon receipt of the communication by the Club representative. (c) “B” Class correspondence shall be considered of medium urgency and shall be replied to ASAP, but not more than 21 days upon receipt of the communication by the Club Representative. (d) “C” Class communication shall be considered of least urgency and shall be replied to ASAP, but not more than 30 days upon receipt of the communication by the Club Representative. (e) The Chairman or Secretary may classify outward correspondence if deemed necessary. (f) The Chairman or Secretary may classify inward correspondence if deemed necessary, and the Executive shall be bound by the provisions of this section: Parts (b), (c), & (d) above. (g) Any communication not replied to within 7 days of its due date, shall be followed up by the Members Liaison Officer. (h) Any communication deemed “Confidential”, shall not be transmitted beyond the bounds of the Executive until such time as deemed cleared for general distribution.
22. Notices
(a) A Notice may be served upon any Member either in person, by mail, or electronically, and shall be classified as “A” Class correspondence. (b) Any Notice served by mail or electronically shall be deemed to have been served at the time when it would have been delivered in the normal course of events. (c) The Members Liaison Officer shall follow up on any Notices served within 7 days of the serving to ensure; firstly – it being received; secondly – it being treated as “A” Class by the recipient; and thirdly – the recipient understands the content of the Notice.
23. Finance
(a) All finance shall be under the control of the Committee. (b) All monies for the USFA shall be paid in full to the Treasurer who shall bank such monies within 7 days of receipt. (c) All accounts payable by the USFA shall be paid by cheque, which shall be signed by the Treasurer and one other member of the Executive (being a nominated signatory on the account), or EFT using 2 factor authentication (a one time password generator), which only allows the EFT to take place with one Executive member as the originator, and one Executive member as the authenticator. (d) The financial year shall be from 1-7- preceding year to 30-6- following year. (e) In the case of any new applications for affiliation or Membership being received before and near to the end of a financial year, thus leaving insufficient time to complete the transaction and associated accounting, the fees payable will be accounted in the next financial year but full Membership rights shall be extended in the interim. (f) The assets and income of the USFA shall be applied solely in the furtherance of its specific authority, and no portion shall be distributed directly or indirectly to the members of the USFA, except as bona fide compensation for services rendered or expenses incurred on behalf of the USFA. (g) The Executive may receive, upon the direction of the Committee, payment for services as a condition of appointment, or reimbursement for travelling or other legitimate out of pocket expenses or costs incurred in carrying out the functions or responsibilities of Office. (h) The allocation of USFA funds for any purpose, including State Team subsidies, shall be controlled by the Committee. (i) All claims for reimbursement shall be made to the Secretary at regular intervals. (j) All payments shall be made in accordance with Part (c) of this section, above.
24. Employment of Staff
(a) Upon the recommendation of the Executive, staff may be employed on a part or full time basis to assist the Executive in carrying out its function and responsibilities with respect to the USFA. (b) Conditions of employment and payment shall be as decided by the Committee.
25. Liabilities of the Executive
(a) If the Executive as a whole or any member of the Executive in his Office as such has paid, or is liable to pay, money for any act, default or omission of any other Member or Members of the USFA, such money shall be refunded to him, or them, by the USFA, or such money shall be paid by the USFA. (b) Payments made shall be in accordance with Section 23. Part (c). 26. Levies (a) Should the USFA bank balance fall below a figure determined by the Committee, a levy as determined by the Committee shall be placed upon all the Clubs. (b) The levy value shall be placed on the “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (c) The levy shall be paid within 30 days of invoice.
27. Audits
(a) The Executive shall appoint auditors who shall have the authority to call for the production of all books, papers and accounts relating to the affairs of the USFA. (b) The accounts shall be audited annually and at any other time deemed necessary by the auditors. (c) Any Member or Affiliated Club may order an audit at any time by the submission of a written requisition to the Secretary, and the placing of an Audit Bond as outlined in the “USFA Schedule of Fees”. (d) Any Member or Affiliated Club who shall cause such audit will be exclusively liable for all and any fees and expenses incurred during said audit if all books and processes are found to be in order.
28. Dissolution
(a) The USFA may be dissolved voluntarily whenever a Special Resolution is carried requiring the USFA to be dissolved. (b) Such a Special Resolution must be dealt with at an Extraordinary Committee Meeting convened for that sole purpose. (c) In the event of the USFA being dissolved, the funds and property remaining after such dissolution, and the satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, shall be transferred to any Affiliated Clubs of the USFA: such Clubs being organisations not carried on for the profit or gain of its individual Members. Said distribution shall be made in such a way that each Club receives an amount equal to the proportion of its Members as a percentage of the total Affiliated Club Membership of the USFA.
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