Why are we reviewing the Constitution?
The Emerald Lakers Basketball Club is committed to excellence in governance. As our club grows, it is essential that our founding documents reflect modern standards for non-profit sporting associations and the evolving needs of our members. This review process ensures transparency, clarifies management responsibilities, and provides a stable framework for the club's administration through 2026 and beyond.
We are updating the constitution to simplify membership categories, modernise voting procedures, and ensure full compliance with updated regulatory requirements, all while preserving the core values that make our club special.
What you'll find on this site is a draft, not a finished document. Nothing here is final until members have read it, questioned it, improved it and voted on it.
If something doesn't look right, would work unfairly for your family, or could simply be said more clearly, we want to know. Every piece of feedback goes to the Constitution Sub-Committee, and the draft will keep changing as suggestions come in — some already reflect ideas from members and other clubs.
This is your Club. The Constitution is being rewritten with you, not handed to you.
A working draft, shaped by you.
To foster a love of basketball in
a supportive, inclusive and community-driven environment, where players of all ages and abilities can develop skills, build confidence and belong, whether the goal is to have fun and play with mates or shoot for
the stars and beyond.
Inclusion
Every player, coach and family is welcome and supported.
Fairness
Transparent processes for team selection, coaching and development.
Respect
For teammates, officials, opponents, and the game itself.
Growth
We nurture basketball and personal growth,
on and off the court.
Community
Run by the community, for the community and built on volunteer passion.
To be a respected, well-organised and inclusive basketball club that empowers young people, builds strong community connections, and leads the way in grassroots sport leadership.
Engagement Milestones
JUN 2026
Draft Constitution Released
The proposed Constitution, tracked changes and supporting information were distributed to members to begin the consultation process.
23 JUNE TO LATE JULY 2026
Member Consultation
Members are invited to review the draft Constitution and submit feedback, questions and suggestions for consideration.
LATE JULY 2026
Committee Review
The committee reviews member feedback, responds to questions and finalises the proposed Constitution ahead of the Special General Meeting.
10 AUGUST 2026
Special General Meeting
Members will consider and vote on the proposed Constitution at a Special General Meeting. The meeting date and formal notice has been provided to members- and is available in the tab at the top of the page.
Key Proposed Changes
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We have identified several key areas for improvement to modernise our governance and support the club's long-term growth. Explore the main topics of the 2026 review below.
Governance
Refining how the club is led and managed to ensure compliance with modern basketball association standards.
The proposed governance changes include a complete overhaul of club bylaws to align with the latest Associations Incorporation Reform Act. This ensures that every board decision is backed by clear legal authority, protecting committee members from personal liability and providing a robust framework for club operations.
Committee Structure
Proposed updates to role definitions and executive committee responsibilities for better operational efficiency.
We are proposing to divide committee responsibilities into dedicated portfolios: Basketball Operations, Finance & Grants, Member Welfare, and Communications. This structure reduces the load on the President and Secretary, allowing specialists to drive improvements in their specific areas of expertise.
Membership
Clarifying membership categories and eligibility for players and parents.
New membership categories include 'Ordinary Member', 'Junior Member', and 'Associate Member'. This clearly defines who is eligible to vote, how parents represent their children at the AGM, and ensure that our membership rolls are kept accurate and up-to-date for grant eligibility.
Finance
Strengthening financial oversight, reporting, and auditing requirements.
Proposed changes require an annual independent review of the club's accounts, even where not mandated by state law. This ensures that member funds are being spent transparently on club development, equipment, and coaching resources.
Policies
Formalising club policies under the constitution for better member protection.
The constitution now formally incorporates the club's Codes of Conduct and Safeguarding Children policy by reference. This means that a breach of these critical policies is a breach of the club's foundational rules, providing clear grounds for mediation or disciplinary action if required.
Meeting Our Incorporated Club Obligations
Ensuring our foundational document meets all current regulatory and legal requirements for Australian sports clubs.
The 2026 Constitution has been drafted specifically to meet the evidentiary requirements for Consumer Affairs Victoria and Basketball Victoria. This high level of compliance simplifies our annual reporting and makes the club more competitive when applying for state and local government grants.
Voting
Updating voting rights and AGM procedures for fair representation.
We are modernising our voting procedures to allow for postal and electronic voting prior to the AGM. This ensures all members, even those who cannot attend in person, have their voice heard. The quorum requirements have also been adjusted to reflect our current active membership levels.