By-Laws

By-Laws for the Warrnambool Athletics Club ensure the proper running and operation of club-related events and member participation. 

Warrnambool Athletics Club Incorporated

By-Laws

1. Membership
   1. Eligibility and Application
      • Membership is open to anyone who supports the club's purposes.
      • Prospective members must submit an application via our website and pay the annual membership fee.
   2. Rights and Obligations
      • Members have the right to participate in club events and competitions based on their membership package:
        • Running Member - access to all events for the "Winter season" and the "Flaggy 5 Series"
        • Life Member - access to all events for the "Winter season"
        • Junior Member - access to all events for the "Winter season"
        • Associate Member - access to social events only
      • Members must adhere to the club's by-laws and code of conduct.
   3. Cessation of Membership
      • Membership may cease due to resignation, non-payment of fees, or disciplinary action in accordance with the Constitution.
      • Member status is archived at the end of each Athletics Victoria Season, regardless of member standing and must be renewed at the commencement of the Athletics Victoria Season each year or risk cessation classed as non-payment of fees.
2. Events and Competitions
   1. Event Participation
      • All members in good standing are eligible to participate in club events.
      • Guests may participate by completing a non-member event registration form prior to the event.
      • Registration is mandatory before each event regardless of member status.
   2. Event Fees
      • Junior Members and Running Members 
      • Guests and Associate Members pay a nominal fee for event participation.
      • Guests pay a higher fee to cover insurance costs.
   3. Risk Management
      • Safety briefing before each event covers route, hazards, and emergency procedures.
      • The club maintains liability insurance; participants acknowledge risks upon registration.
      • First aid stations are available during events.
   4. Injury Prevention
      • Participants must declare fitness to race.
      • Proper running attire and shoes are required.
      • Hydration stations are available throughout the course.
3. Race Scoring and Points
   Refer to the "Awards Policy & Procedures" POL010 AWARDS policy for the most current details on prize categories and award rules.
   1. Scoring System
      • Points are awarded based on handicap adjusted finish position. Refer to the table below:
        

        Place	Points
        1	20
        2	19
        3	18
        4	17
        5	16
        6	15
        7	14
        8	13
        9	12
        10	11
        11	10
        12	9
        13	8
        14	7
        15	6
        16	5

      • Additional placings from 16th onwards each receive 5 points.
      • Separate categories exist for event distances and gender in addition to the overall club champion.
        • Fastest Male and Female
          • Based on the 10 fastest times for each distance
          • 10 points for fastest for that distance down to 1 point for 10th fastest time for distance
          • Possible 120 points – 3 events per distance x 4 distances
        • Club Champion
          • Points as per the Scoring System herein
          • Best 8 races for the season are used to calculate a total
          • In the event of a tie, additional races can be used in the calculation to determine a final winner.
        • 5k Champ, 6k Champ, 8k Champ, 10k Champ
          • Points allocated as per the Scoring System herein
          • In the event of a tie, the fastest average pace
   2. Results and Awards
      • Event day top 3 placings are awarded based on handicap adjusted finish times.
      • Results are recorded and published post-event.
      • Cumulative scores determine season winners.
      • Prizes are awarded to top finishers in each category.
4. Disqualification Conditions
   1. Fair Play: Unsportsmanlike conduct leads to immediate disqualification.
   2. Course Compliance: Deviation from the marked course results in disqualification.
   3. Compliance with Officials: During any club event, all participants must adhere to the instructions and directions provided by event officials and marshals. Failure to comply with these directions will result in immediate disqualification from the event. This rule is in place to guarantee the safety of runners, spectators, and volunteers, and to uphold the integrity of the competition. Participants are reminded that officials' directions are final and must be followed without delay.
   4. Health Concerns: Participants must withdraw if instructed by medical personnel.
5. Amendments
   1. Amendments to By-Laws
      • Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Committee.
      • Proposed amendments should be provided to the Committee at least 24 hours prior to being added to a General Committee Meeting agenda.
      • Amendments require approval by an absolute majority at a General Committee Meeting.
6. Grievance Procedure
   1. Dispute Resolution
      • Members can raise grievances in writing to the Committee, or via email to complaints@wboolathsclub.com
      • The Committee will investigate and seek resolution during the next convened General Committee meeting

These by-laws are designed to complement the constitution and provide specific rules for the smooth operation of the running club's regular season events and competitions.