LIFE MEMBERSHIP POLICY

The purpose of this Policy is to recognise and honour individuals who have provided outstanding, distinguished, and sustained service to the Club. Life Membership is the highest honour that the Club can bestow and is reserved for those whose contribution has significantly advanced the objectives, reputation, and success of the Club.

This Policy applies to all members of the Club and governs the nomination, assessment, approval, rights, and obligations of Life Members.

Life Membership shall:

• Be awarded sparingly and only in exceptional circumstances.

• Recognise significant voluntary service over an extended period.

• Not be granted soley based on playing ability, office held, or length of membership.

• Reflect the values and traditions of the Club.

• Preserve the prestige and integrity of the honour.

A nominee should have:

4.1 Length of Service

Provided a minimum of fifteen (15) years of significant service to the Club, although exceptional circumstances may justify consideration of a shorter period.

4.2 Outstanding Contribution

Demonstrated outstanding commitment and service through a minimum of two of teh following:

• Administration and governance roles.

• Coaching, mangement, or team support.

• Refereeing or rugby development.

• Volunteer service and operational support.

• Fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.

• Facilities development and maintenance.

• Promotion of rugby and the Club within the community.

• Mentoring and supporting members.

• Significant playing experience across club, representative and/or international levels.

• Any other contribution considered exceptional by the Club.

4.3 Exemplary Conduct

Consistently upheld the vaues, standards, and reputation of the Club and Rugby New Zealand.

5.1 Nominations

• Any current financial member may nominate a candidate for Life Membership.

• Each nomination must be supported by two (2) current financial members of the Club.

• Nominations must be submitted in writing to the Club Secretary.

• Nominations may be submitted at any time but must be received at least 60 days before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be considered that year.

5.2 Nomination Requirements

The nomination must include:

• Full name of the nominee.

• Details of the nominee's membership history.

• A summary of service and achievements.

• Specific reasons why Life Membership should be awarded.

• Names and signatures of the nominator and two supporting members.

• Any supporting documentation deemed relevant.

6.1 Review Panel

The Club Executive Committee shall establish a Review Panel consisting of:

• The Club Executive President (or nominee).

• The Club Chairman.

• Two Executive Committee members.

• One current Life Member (where available).

The Review Panel shall assess nominations against the criteria in this Policy.

6.2 Recommendation

The Review Panel shall make one of the following recommendations:

• Approve the nomination.

• Defer the nomination pending further information.

• Decline the nomination.

The Panel's recommendation shall be reported to the Executive Committee.

Committee Approval

• The Executive Committee shall review and endorse the nomination of Life Membership by a 75% majority vote of the Executive Committee.

Member Approval at AGM

• Endorsed nominations shall be presented at the AGM by the Nominator.

• Life Membership shall require approval by at least 75% of members present and entitled to vote.

Life Members shall:

• Be recognised as honorary members of the Club.

• Receive free membership of the Club for life.

• Be entitled to attend Club meetings and events.

• Retain voting rights if permitted under the Constitution.

• Receive invitations to significant Club functions and ceremonies.

• Be listed on the Club's Honour Board and official records.

Life Members are expected to:

• Continue to uphold the values and reputation of the Club.

• Act as ambassadors for the Club.

• Support the ongoing development of rugby and the Club community.

Life Memberships does not inpose any mandatory duties or obligations.

Life Membership may only be revoked in exceptional circumstances where a Life Member:

• Engages in serious misconduct;

• Acts in a manner that brings the Club into disripute; or 

• Is found to have obtained the honour through materially false infoirmation..

Revocation shall require:

• Written notice to the Life Member.

• An opportunity for the Life Member to respond.

• A recommendation from the Executive Committee.

• Approval by a 75% majority at the General Meeting of the Club.

The Club Secretary shall maintain an official Register of Life Members, including;

• Name of Life Member.

• Date awarded.

• Citation of summary of service.

Life Membership shall normally be presented at the Club's Annual General Meeting, Prizegiving, or other significant Club event.

Recipients should receive:

• A Life Membership Certificate.

• A Life Membership Pin or Badge (if applicable).

• A Life Member Club Blazer.

• Formal recognition in Club communications and records.

This Policy shall be reviewed by the Executive Committee every three years, or earlier if required by changes to legislation, the Club Constitution, or governance best practice.

To be eligible for consideration:

1. Nominee must meet the Life Membership criteria.

2. Nomination must be made by a current fincancial member.

3. Nomination must be supported by two current financial members.

4. Approval must be achieved in accordance with the Club Constitution.