Our Constitution

The Southern Lights Ice Hockey Club is governed by its constitution which can be downloaded here.

Code of Conduct

We ask all players to agree to a code of conduct when they sign up to play each season. This code of conduct helps clarify and maintain the wonderful, inclusive atmosphere and camaraderie we work together for.

The Southern Lights Ice Hockey Club provides a place where LGBT+ players know their team members support and empower each other, and where they can feel safe.

The Southern Lights explicitly expect all players to be respectful and tolerant of others at all times. A club like ours has a very diverse membership and respect for this diversity is the core of why we exist.

I agree to be respectful of my team mates at all times, through my language, actions and intentions.  I understand if my behaviour conflicts with the clubs values, my membership with the club may be suspended or revoked.

Membership

Each of our skaters pays a fee to join Southern Light to become a member of Southern Lights, which is included in their first payment for a playing season. The Committee then officially reviews and approves each membership application.

While not explicitly stated, it is customary for each skater on a Southern Lights team to be a member of the association.

Additionally, we offer a non-skating membership option for our supporters who are not actively skating with us in a given year for a nominal cost.

Committee Meeting Dates

Committee meetings are usually the second Monday of each month, online 8:00 PM. Some meetings fall outside of this rule to avoid certain holidays or hockey events. See list of meeting’s below;

12th February 2024
11th March 2024
8th April 2024
13th May 2024
17th June 2024
8th July 2024
9th August 2024
9th September 2024 - AGM (to be confirmed)
14th October 2024
11th November 2024
9th December 2024
13th January 2025
10th February 2025

Annual GenEral Meeting (AGM)

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held once a year between July and November. It is an important opportunity for members to learn about the organisation's activities and finances, elect members to the committee, and for the committee to set annual fees and joining costs.

Key Points

  • The secretary must send notice of the AGM to all members at least 21 days in advance, or 14 days in advance if there is a special resolution.

  • All members have the right to attend the AGM, submit items for discussion, vote (including by proxy), and access meeting materials.

  • A quorum is required at the AGM, meaning that a certain number of members must be present for the meeting to proceed.

  • There are specific rules for voting at the AGM and via proxy.

  • Elections for committee members take place under specific rules.

  • Minutes of the AGM must be taken and made available to members (we make them available on our website here).

Special General Meetings

Members can call a special general meeting if they have certain concerns or want to discuss specific matters. Special general meetings must be called in accordance with the organization's rules.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Southern Lights constitution which can be downloaded here.

Grievance Procedures

Sometimes, disputes can occur between individuals who are affiliated with clubs. The Southern Lights constitution contains standard provisions (Sections 25-29) which can be used to help resolve these issues.

If you have any concerns, we encourage you to speak with the club's coaches or committee members as soon as possible.

Key Process

  1. Parties must attempt to resolve the dispute initially (within 14 days). This can involve dealing directly with the parties involved or asking a coach or committee member to assist.

  2. If this does not resolve the issue, parties must inform the committee (within 10 days, in writing, to any committee member who will bring it to the committee)

  3. The committee will find and engage a mediator (agreed to by both parties). 

    • The mediator may be an impartial current or former member of the club, a member of an uninvolved LGBT+ Sporting club, or a professional mediator from the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria. 

    • The mediator's role is not to determine the dispute, only to help parties reach an agreement to move forward.