LAA has previously communicated that there be a suspension of Centre activity by centres and clubs. This suspension should apply to all organised events, social gatherings, competitions and training sessions (LA sessions) planned.
LAA and Member Associations are aware that under a centres constitution that an Annual General Meeting (AGM) of its Members in accordance with the provisions of their State Act and the Regulations, may need to be conducted on a date and at a venue to be determined by the Board from the conclusion of their financial year. Centres will need to clarify this period with their State bodies.
It is currently still appropriate for Centre administration to proceed with essential processes such as reporting and end of season governance obligations, but we do encourage committees and administrators to undertake these in line with the governments’ advice and utilising strategies such as remote meeting practices.
LAA see a centres/clubs AGM as a very important step in delivering a viable committee for the 2020-2021 Little Athletics Session. Continuity within the centre/club is imperative going forward for the sport.
LAA recommend the following options:
1. Conduct the centre/club meeting (eg AGM) under the planning guidelines set out by the Australian Government.
2. The AGM be postponed until a determined date that is still within the prescribed period when it should be held at the conclusion of the centres/clubs end of financial year.
3. Postpone AGM which maybe outside the prescribed period. If for some reason, including the present circumstances, your centre or club is prevented or may be prevented from holding its AGM meeting by the due date we understand that in certain circumstances you can make an application for an extension of time to hold the AGM. We suggest that if the holding of the AGM is unlikely or uncertain the relevant centre or club should approach, as soon as possible, the relevant state authority that regulates procedures for Associations.
If an AGM is to be conducted (option 1 above) then the following provisions are also suggested:
Please be aware that these recommendations are current as of 26th of March 2020 and if the situation changes LAA will update our advice.
If you require further information please consider the following resources:
Eight tips for effective digital board meetings
ASIC: COVID-19 information
https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/articles/covid-19-information/
Governance Institute of Australia - Guidance — COVID-19 and the impact on AGMs
https://www.governanceinstitute.com.au/media/884744/guidance_agms-and-impact-of-covid-19-final.pdf
Associations Forum - Holding AGMs during COVID-19
https://associations.net.au/resources/covid-19/new-agm-guidelines.html
Coles Little Athletics Australia acknowledges and pays respect to all traditional custodians of the lands of which we work, run, jump and throw throughout Australia. We pay respect to elders both past, present and emerging.
We are committed to a positive future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to honor their ongoing cultural and spiritual connections to this country and recognize the role and value of culture.
