What is an AGM and Why is it Important?
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a formal yearly gathering for all affiliated clubs in your region. It serves as a vital democratic platform where key decisions are made and the future direction of the sport is set.
The AGM is important because it’s your opportunity to:
-
Hold leadership to account: Review the past year’s performance through reports from the Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
-
Elect your representatives: Vote for the individuals who will lead the Regional Executive Committee and represent your club’s interests for the coming year.
-
Shape the future: Participate in discussions and contribute to decisions that will affect the development of wrestling in your region, from local competitions to new initiatives.
British Wrestling is providing support to the English regions to ensure these AGMs are well-organised and accessible. The processes are all outlined in the Regional constitution, but here’s a simple breakdown of how it all works.
AGM Timeline: What to Expect
The AGM process follows a clear timeline to ensure everyone has a fair chance to participate. Here’s a general guide to key dates and actions:
-
21+ days before the AGM: The formal notice of the AGM will be sent out, including the date, time, and venue.
-
14+ days before the AGM: This is the deadline for all nominations for Executive Officer positions. You must submit your completed nomination to the designated email address by this time.
-
7+ days before the AGM: The Regional Committee will send out the final meeting pack. This will include the AGM agenda, reports from the current committee, and the official list of all nominees for each position. This is also when the proxy voting form will be circulated, which you must return before the meeting if you cannot attend.
-
The Day of the AGM: The meeting is held. The reports are presented, nominations are discussed, and the votes are cast. The results of the election are then announced.
How Do the Votes Work?
Voting at the AGM is not an individual member’s vote; it’s a club vote. Each affiliated club in your region gets one vote. The representative sent by your club is the one who will cast that vote on behalf of all your members.
Decisions, including the election of officers, are made by a simple majority vote. This means the candidate or motion with the most votes wins.
To be eligible to vote, a club must have been affiliated with British Wrestling for at least six months prior to the meeting. This ensures that only established clubs with a vested interest in the region’s long-term success can participate in key decisions.
Affiliated clubs with less than six months’ affiliation and Associate clubs are invited and encouraged to attend the AGM to stay informed and engage in discussions, but they are not eligible to vote.
How Many People Can Attend?
To ensure the meeting is manageable and allows for a focused discussion, a maximum of two representatives per club can attend the AGM, whether in person or online.
For the meeting to be valid, there must be a quorum. This means that at least 33% of affiliated clubs must be present, either in person or by proxy. Your club’s attendance is vital to ensure the AGM can legally make decisions for the region.
Can You Vote by Proxy?
Yes, if your club’s designated representative can’t make it to the AGM, you can nominate a proxy to vote for you. A proxy is an individual authorised to act on behalf of another person. In this case, it’s a club representative who is given the authority to cast the vote of another club that can’t attend. This allows the absent club to still have its vote counted, ensuring its voice is heard in the democratic process.
To nominate a proxy, this person must be a representative from another affiliated club within your region. You will need to complete a proxy form and submit it by the specified deadline for the vote to be valid.
Can You Attend Virtually?
Yes, British Wrestling is working with the regions to offer both in-person and online attendance options for the AGM. While virtual attendance provides flexibility, we strongly encourage you to attend in person if you can. Being present in the room allows for a more dynamic exchange of ideas and provides a better opportunity to network with other clubs and committee members.
However, if you are a candidate for an executive committee position, you must attend the AGM in person for the election process.
The Nomination Process Explained
If you are an enthusiastic member interested in standing for a position on the Regional Executive Committee, you absolutely can! The elections for these positions are open to all eligible members. We actively encourage new people with fresh ideas and a passion for wrestling to get involved.
Here’s how the nomination process works:
-
Find Support: You will need a proposer and a seconder from other affiliated clubs to endorse your nomination.
-
Submit Your Nomination: Your club representative can assist you with submitting the necessary details to British Wrestling by the specified deadline, 14 days before the AGM. Your nomination will be reviewed for compliance with the regional constitution.
-
AGM Attendance: Candidates must attend the AGM in person to be part of the election process.
What if My Club Doesn’t Have a Vote?
If your club has not been affiliated for the required six months or is an associate club, you are still highly encouraged to attend the AGM, either in person or online. While your club won’t be able to vote, it’s a great opportunity to hear about the regional plans, meet key figures from British Wrestling (including the Chair and CEO), and have your voice heard during the open discussion periods. Why not help your club move towards full affiliation? You can read more about how to do this here.
If you need more information about any part of the AGM process, you can speak to your Regional Committee (North, Midlands or South) or contact British Wrestling directly. We are here to help and ensure a smooth, fair, and transparent process for everyone.
