Leeds United Supporters Network (LUSN)
CONSTITUTION
Implementation: 8th August 2024
‘LUSN is a global network of independent, self-governing supporters’ groups unified by their passion for Leeds United whose decision making processes involve consultation with member groups.’
The Network
LUSN is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to promoting and encouraging participation from all sections of the Leeds United fan base. It provides an essential service to supporters while fostering ongoing relationships and building partnerships within the Network and ensuring that the Network is an integral part of the Leeds United family.
Objectives
To foster partnerships between Leeds United supporters’ groups wherever their geographic location, helping them to bring supporters together to watch and/or attend Leeds United fixtures and events, whilst maintaining their independence.
To work closely with LUFC, putting forward a united front and ensuring that the Network is properly represented at all relevant groups.
To nurture smaller groups and help them develop so they can meet the LUSN criteria and can join the Network if they wish.
To help individual supporters have a voice by encouraging them to join LUSN’s LUIS group or by directing them to groups local to them.
Membership
Any Leeds United supporters groups, or individual supporters, may apply for membership of LUSN. Acceptance of membership will be at the discretion of the officers of the committee. Groups with less than 20 members will be supported by LUSN to help their group develop and function.
The group will be expected to:
Be self-governing and independent.
Not be run for financial gain - a membership fee may be charged.
Have its own statement of purpose in line with that agreed in the charter.
Have a constitution formally agreed by its members.
Have a committee, elected by members, consisting of (as minimum) chair, secretary and treasurer who are, ideally, LUFC members.
Have a minimum of 20 members who live in their region and are Leeds United supporters. In certain circumstances it may have members who live outside their region.
Submit information to LUSN secretary confirming the above points.
Members
· All decisions that require a vote will be decided by one member group having one vote.
No member shall directly profit from LUSN funds.
Any member is entitled to claim expenses actually and necessarily incurred on behalf of LUSN as long as it has prior approval of the Committee. The payment should be duly noted in the accounts by the Treasurer.
Member groups will:
Pay an annual affiliation fee to help with the functioning of LUSN. Details of use of any funds will be provided - currently free membership.
Receive annual confirmation of membership of LUSN.
Have a clear line of communication through the LUSN secretary.
Have access to, and contribute to, information to help facilitate their group to watch and/or attend matches and LUFC related functions.
Be willing to contribute to, and support the administration of LUSN.
Be willing to contribute to, and receive, the support of other groups with advice, practical help or membership recommendation where appropriate.
Be willing to support smaller groups by ‘adopting’ them as part of their own group and/or by helping them develop to meet LUSN criteria.
Be willing to contribute to the promotion and development of all LUSN groups through various media platforms and communication channels.
Support LUSN fundraising and by attendance at events if appropriate.
Participate, where possible, in regular meetings for representatives of LUSN groups.
Support LUSN to continue with, and develop, positive relationships with LUFC.
Be able to contribute to LUSN representation with LUFC.
Inform LUSN secretary if their club wishes to leave the network, ceases to meet the Network criteria or is terminated for any reason.
Leeds United Supporters network embodies the Leeds United Code of Behaviour for all activities including meetings, travel and events.
The Leeds United Code states that:
“The Club is committed to providing a safe and friendly environment in which ALL members of our community can enjoy watching football.
The Club adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of racism, homophobia, anti-social behaviour and discrimination at Elland Rd Stadium and we are proactive in our attempts to maintain this.”
Any concern/complaint regarding members of LUSN and/or associated activities should be directed initially to the Chair or Secretary. Any action deemed necessary as a result of a concern/complaint will be agreed by The Officers of the Committee in line with the Constitution.
Election of Officers
LUSN shall have democratically elected Officers.
The Committee shall consist of at least 4 Officers: a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
Officers of the Committee shall usually be members of Leeds United.
The Officers of the Committee shall be elected at the AGM. (on a one group, one vote basis). Each nomination for a position on the Committee shall be made in writing to the Secretary no later than 7 days before the AGM. Each nomination shall be proposed and seconded by current affiliated members at the AGM.
The Committee must consist of at least four (4) individuals.
The Officers may co-opt members to fill other roles as needed. These roles will be agreed at the AGM or at meetings during the season.
A list of Committee members shall be available to members.
Meetings
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the end of each season (usually June/July/August).
The Secretary shall notify, by email, Website, Facebook and Twitter, all affiliated members of the AGM giving at least 28 days’ notice of the meeting date. The notification shall include the date, the time and location of the meeting. The agenda will be sent by email at least 7 days before the meeting.
A minimum of 10 groups needs to be represented for the AGM to be formally recognised.
The Committee will endeavour to meet monthly throughout the season and members are encouraged to attend these meetings, as appropriate.
Members will be sent summaries of these meetings and will be informed of the next meeting. A reminder will be sent with a detailed agenda approximately a week before the meeting.
In the event of one of the Officers of the Committee resigning or being removed from office then the remaining officers shall call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to appoint a successor. The EGM shall be called by giving all affiliated members 7 days’ notice of the meeting by written notice as described above.
A quorate of 10 groups is needed to make any decisions.
If an urgent matter arises that requires an EGM, then a written request, signed by representatives of at least 10 groups must be submitted to the Secretary.
Accounts
The Treasurer keeps records of all transactions on behalf of LUSN.
The Treasurer manages the bank account. The Secretary and one other committee member is a signatory to the account.
Any member may ask for information about the accounts at any time allowing a reasonable time for a response.
The Treasurer shall present a summary of the accounts for the previous season at the AGM.
The Treasurer shall maintain a register of assets.
In event of the termination of LUSN the Treasurer shall try to ensure that all debts are collected and all creditors are paid. Remaining LUSN money will be donated to an agreed relevant charity.
This constitution was accepted by members at the AGM on August 8th 2024
