1. Aims & Objects

• The promotion and fostering of accordion and fiddle music, with particular reference to the Scottish traditional style, but not in any way excluding music from other parts of the British Isles or the rest of the world.
• The promotion of member accordion and fiddle clubs.
• To encourage the establishment of new accordion & fiddle clubs, by recruiting such clubs into the association and to attempt to ensure that no overlapping of venues or dates occurs which would prove injurious to any member club.
• To encourage in every possible way, the appreciation and playing of accordion and fiddle music by young people who will be able to maintain and pass on the tradition to others and to future generations.

2. Membership

2.1 Membership of the association is open to clubs who –
a) Pay the annual membership fee
b) Abide by the rules of the Association.
2.2 Rules of membership –
a) Every member club shall have 2 votes at General Meetings
b) The executive committee may terminate the membership of any club for good reason but the club will have the right to appeal.
2.3 Any person found to be promoting a member club for personal gain
shall render that club ineligible for membership of the Association.

3. Committee

3.1 The association shall be represented by an executive committee of not less than eight but not more than twelve people.
3.2 The committee will consist of office bearers as follows –
Chairperson
Vice- chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
3.3 Office bearers will be elected for a 2 year term at the AGM (and are eligible for re-election at the end of this term).
3.4 Duties - the Chairperson
- to chair meetings of the executive committee and the association.
- to represent the association at functions/meetings
- to act as spokesperson of the association as required

the Vice Chairperson
- to deputise for the chairperson in his or her absence

the Secretary
- to prepare, in consultation with the chairperson, the agenda for meetings of the executive committee and association
- to take and keep minutes of all meetings
- to collect and circulate any relevant information within the Association

the Treasurer
- to supervise the financial affairs of the Association
- to keep accurate records of all transactions made by the Association.
3.5 The chairperson will appoint the remaining committee members.

4. Finance

4.1 Any cheque issued shall be signed by the Treasurer and/or one other
nominated member of the committee.
4.2 Expenditure of up to £501 shall be at the Treasurers discretion in between meetings of the executive committee.
4.3 Receipts of any such expenditure must be kept.
4.4 The accounts of the Association shall be audited annually.

5. Annual General Meeting

5.1 The Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM), on
or about the last Sunday in June.
5.2 The venue of the AGM will be at a central meeting place selected by
the executive committee.
5.3 All member clubs shall receive a minimum of 30 days notice of the AGM.
5.4 A quorum of representatives from ten member clubs is required for the AGM to take place.

5.5 The business of the AGM shall include -
• Receiving a report from the Chairperson on the Association’s activities over the year.
• Receiving a report from the Secretary on communications and any other relevant information
• Receiving a report from the Treasurer on the finances of the Association
• Electing new office bearers (every two years, or as necessary)
• Considering any other matter as may be decided

6. Extraordinary General Meeting

6.1 An extraordinary general meeting may be called by the executive committee, or by a minimum of ten member clubs, to discuss an urgent matter. The secretary shall give all members 14 days notice of any Extraordinary General Meeting together with notice of the business to be discussed.

7. Alterations to the Constitution

7.1 Any alterations to the constitution must be made at an AGM or
EGM, and the executive committee shall have notice of the proposed changes at least 14 days in advance.
7.2 Any changes to the constitution must be agreed by at least 51% of
the members present at the meeting. (2 votes per member club)