Malta Optimist Dinghy Association - MODA

The Malta Optimist Association (MODA – The Association) is an autonomous, voluntary and non-profit making Association owned wholly by its members. Its objectives are to look after the interests of members (as defined in Article 3) by promoting, developing, encouraging, organising and co-ordinating racing and sailing optimist class dinghies in Malta under uniform rules and generally to encourage an

d foster the enjoyment of the sporting and recreational aspects of sailing

To advice, support and offer any assistance of service falling within the Memoranda and Articles of the Association, and to act as a channel of communication between the members and other Maltese and foreign sailing clubs and groups. To disseminate knowledge, information and experience of sailing and related matters, amongst the members. Safeguard the professional integrity and image of all members of the Association and ensure that all members keep to the Code of Ethics set up by the Association. To operate in harmony with other Maltese and relevant organisations whilst retaining that independence of status necessary in representing the interests of Members. To produce regular communications to Members conveying relevant material on the role of the Association. Ordinary Membership shall be open to all persons of any age residing in Malta and Gozo who practice optimist sailing or show to the satisfaction of the committee an interest in optimist sailing. Any rights granted to a member in terms of this statute shall, should the member be a minor be vested in the parent/guardian of said minor who’s name appears in the committees’ records of membership. For avoidance of doubt it is being stated that in voting procedures or any other right conferred to any member under this statute a parent/guardian may be vested with more that one vote in the event that he is acting on behalf of more than one minor. Notwithstanding any person may be disqualified or disallowed from becoming a member for reasons of gross misconduct, gross negligence or any other grave and serious reason, by a vote approved by not less than two thirds (2/3) of the members sitting on the management committee. Any member may freely leave the Association at any time and without any restriction or interference

All applications for Ordinary Membership shall be addressed to the Honorary Treasurer of the Association on the prescribed form as approved by the management committee from time to time. Applications shall be processed annually or periodically by the management committee. An applicant member shall receive written confirmation of his or her acceptance however such membership shall not take effect until payment of annual subscription is received by the Honorary Treasurer. Application shall lapse should payment not be made within thirty (30) running days from date of letter of acceptance sent by the management committee.

5.7 Members, with the exception of Honorary Life Members, shall pay an annual fee agreed from time to time by the Committee. However increments in the membership fee being in excess of twenty five percent (25%) over the previous year will have to be approved before hand at the annual General Meeting. Membership shall cease automatically if the subscription remains unpaid for a period of six (6) consecutive months from the date of when such subscription has fallen due irrespective of whether or not any renewal notice has been received by the defaulting member. A member save as provided for in article three.one (3.1) above may vote in elections and at general meetings only when his/her annual subscription is up to date.

5.8 Annual Membership of the Association shall be renewable on the first day of April each year and shall be valid until the thirty first (31st) day of March of the following year. Applications shall be made in the manner prescribed in article 3.4 and the following administrative procedures shall apply:

- The Honourable Sailing Secretary shall send renewal notices to all current members by not later than the last day of February in each year.

- Approval of Annual Membership shall be acknowledged by the sending by the Honorary Treasurer of the Membership card or any other form of membership material as approved by the Association.