British Dragon Association (BDA)

Constitution and Rules

Note: In addition to the Rules of the BDA set out below, the International Dragon Association (IDA), of which the BDA is a member National Association has Rules, Regulations and other guidelines which govern many aspects of the class. More information can be found at the IDA website.

1: Objects of the Association

The BDA ("The Association") was founded on the 29

th February 1956. It is the National Dragon Association of Great Britain and is affiliated to the International Dragon Association (IDA). Its objects are to arrange regattas including the Edinburgh Cup and regional championships, co-ordinate and represent the interests of Dragon owners in Great Britain in all matters concerning the International Dragon Class, including its Rules and Regulations and to act for such owners generally and, in particular, in negotiating with the ISAF, the IDA and the RYA.  

2: Membership

Membership shall be open to those with an interest in British-registered Dragons, or in the class generally, who wish to be kept informed regarding Class matters. It is compulsory under Dragon Class Rule 1.8.10 for all those Dragon owners wishing to take part in Dragon class races. A member may be expelled from the Association by decision of the Officers if, in their opinion, the member has behaved in any way that may be deemed prejudicial to the aims and good name of the Association.

3: Definition of a Fleet

A Dragon Fleet shall consist of a minimum of five Dragons, the owners of which are members of the Association.

The following Fleets are currently recognised:

Abersoch

Affiliated

Aldeburgh

Burnham-on-Crouch

Medway

North & East

Solent

South & West

4: Subscriptions

The annual subscription for members and boats shall be proposed each year by the Committee and shall be submitted for approval by members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Subscription rates will be posted on the website and subscriptions will be collected by Direct Debit, via the website or by Fleet Secretaries and sent to the Hon. Treasurer not later than 31

st March each year.  

5: Officers

The Officers of the Association shall consist of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, an Hon. Secretary and an Hon. Treasurer.

The Officers of the Association shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and are eligible for re-election, save that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman shall serve for a period not exceeding 4 successive years and shall then stand down for at least one year. Candidates for election must be nominated by a proposer and seconder at least 28 days before the AGM.

The duties of the officers are:

Chairman and Vice-Chairman: To chair meetings of the Committee and the AGM as appropriate. To be responsible for the overall management of the Association, the promotion of the Dragon class in Great Britain and the Association’s relationship with the IDA.

Hon. Secretary: To be responsible for all non-financial administration of the Association.

Hon. Treasurer: To be responsible for the financial administration of the Association.

6: The Committee

The affairs of the Association shall be conducted by a Committee consisting of the Officers and a member representing each Dragon Fleet and up to three co-opted members at the invitation of the Chairman.

Each member of the Committee shall have one vote.

Fleet representation on the Committee shall be reviewed annually at the AGM.

A Fleet representative unable to attend a Committee meeting may appoint a deputy.

At a Committee meeting three members, who shall include at least one Officer, shall form a quorum.

7: Committee meetings

Committee meetings will be held in the London area (or elsewhere by the mutual consent of the members of the Committee) at least four times a year.

The Agenda for Committee Meetings must be circulated to Committee members at least one week before the date of the meeting.

8: Annual General Meeting and Special Meetings

The AGM shall be held in London between 31

st October and 28th February. At no time shall more than fifteen months elapse between AGMs.  

A Special Meeting shall be convened by the Hon. Secretary at the written request of at least ten members of the Association within 28 days of the receipt of such a request.

At a General or Special Meeting each member shall be entitled to one vote. A member may request that another member exercises their vote by proxy. All proxy votes must be advised to the Hon. Secretary in writing or by e-mail at least 24 hours before the Meeting.

The quorum for any General or Special Meeting shall be ten members.

Resolutions for General or Special Meeting must be lodged at least 28 days before the Meeting.

At a General or Special Meeting only a simple majority of votes is necessary for a resolution on a matter not constituting an alteration to the Constitution and Rules of the Association.

9: Alteration to the Constitution and Rules of the Association

The Rules of the Association may be altered by a majority of not less than two-thirds of those voting at the AGM or a General Meeting summoned for the purpose.

10: Chair at Meetings

The Chair at all Meetings shall be taken by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman. In their absence, the Meeting will elect its own Chairman.

11: Accounts

Statements of Accounts shall be made up to 31

st October in each year and submitted for approval to the AGM.  

12: Safety and sail limits

The Association may require the organisers of the Edinburgh Cup, South Coast, East Coast and Northern Area Championships to include various requirements from time to time in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions. These may be varied at the Committee’s discretion. The current requirements are set out in the Addendum to the Constitution.