OLIPRA Constitution

CONSTITUTION 

(Called a voluntary Association to uphold and preserve the highest possible ethical and professional behaviour in the interest of all Global Affiliates )

1. NAME, OFFICE AND AREA OF OPERATION

1.1 The name shall be 

Own Loft International Racing Pigeon Association

                          (From now on, revered as OLIPRA)

1.2 The principal contact centre of OLIPRA shall be displayed on the website http://www.olipra.co.za) 

1.3 The area of operation shall be the Globe 

2.     DEFINITION

In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires:

2.1             “Committee” means a committee established in Clause 16.

2.2             “Executive Committee” means the Executive Committee as set out in Clause 7.

2.3             “OLIPRA” means Own Loft International Pigeon Racing Association.

2.4             The Financial Year shall be from 1 March to 28 February 

2.5             “Financial Statement” means a balance sheet and an income statement conforming to generally accepted accounting practice.

2.6             “General Meeting” means a meeting at which all affiliates are entitled to be present and vote and which has been convened under the Constitution, and “Annual General Meeting” and “Special General Meeting” shall have a corresponding meaning.

2.7             “Member” shall mean a member in terms of Clause 4 read with Clauses 5 and 6.

2.8             “Object” means the object as specified in Clause 3.

2.8.1       “Office Bearers” means the Office Bearers referred to in Clause   7.

2.9             “Tetra Loft Grouping” “TLG” shall mean extending the standard velocity calculations mathematically to determine the average distance of a loft’s first four birds from a nominated team, behind the “marker” being the bird with the highest velocity in an area or club. As determined by the IT Application https://app.pigeonprogram.com/public/loft-grouping-calculator referred to as the TLG-Scorecard.

2.10        “KLPHF” Will mean Kilometres lost per hour of flight. 

2.10.1  “Golden Drop” shall mean the achievement of an LG score of <0.0750 KLPHF and having all the birds sent to the race, not just the nominated team, back in the loft before 20:00 hr on the day of liberation.

2.11        “Own Loft Racing” means all the competitions where the TLG scorecard will be used to determine a winner

3.     OBJECTIVES

The summary objectives to be read with Article 1 of OLIPRA are:

3.1             To uphold, promote, enforce, expect, and preserve the highest possible ethical and professional behaviour from its affiliates, improving the taunted image of the racing pigeon sport whilst ensuring the interest of the pigeon worldwide.

3.2             To establish "Own Loft Racing," as a groundbreaking game that leverages the innovative Tetra Loft Grouping Application to deliver accurate and dependable race results on an international scale. The strategy includes a comprehensive marketing campaign to ensure widespread awareness and engagement. 

3.3             To write, present, and continuously update an operation manual directing and assisting affiliates in achieving the goals and objectives of this Constitution. 

3.4             Maintain and promote external funding for the Racing Pigeon

Sport. Make mathematical calculation methods such as Tetra LG available to facilitate fair and equal competition between international racing pigeon lofts and teams. 

3.5             Make representations to authorities and Businesses to obtain sponsorship and support for promoting OLIPRA and its objectives.

3.6             Make representation to Insurance companies and underwriters for insuring pigeons in transit and providing a prize indemnity cover to the “Golden Drop” sponsors. 

3.7             Promote and develop the TETRA Loft Grouping system within all racing pigeon clubs internationally. 

3.8             Establish, maintain, and promote the art of “The Golden Drop,” Within the racing Pigeon international fraternity.

3.9             Assist in the settlement of disputes by mediation, arbitration, or otherwise as per the rules of the East Rand Commercial

Arbitration Board

3.9.1.1          Collect and disseminate information relating to any of these objectives that may be of benefit to affiliates. 

3.9.1.2          Raise funds by subscription, sponsorships or any other lawful means;

3.9.2 To issue a certificate of Compliance to all affiliates indicating the applicant’s compliance grade to the Union’s high standards. 

4. AFFILIATES (to be read in conjunction with Article 5 )

4.1 There shall be different types of affiliates as defined in the OLIPRA’s operations manual, namely: -

 4.1.1 Own Loft Racing Business   

4.1.2 Services, competitions, and Transport providing business entities, providing membership, and servicing professional part-time or full-time pigeon racers competing in the sport of racing pigeons for “fly for pay.” 

4.1.3 Goods and equipment providing business entities. 

4.2 All prospective and successful applications for affiliation shall be and remain business entities with the sole purpose of providing services, goods, equipment, and or competitions related to the sport of racing pigeons. They shall apply in writing by completing an application form, and OLIPRA’s Executive Committee, with the final decision, shall consider all such applications. If any affiliation application is declined, the Executive Committee need not provide reasons for its decision.

4.3 All affiliates shall be bound by the provisions of this Constitution and Articles of Association, as well as the conditions of OLIPRA’s Operations Manual and race rules as amended from time to time. 

               5.         TERMINATION OF AFFILIATION

 Affiliation to OLIPRA shall or may be terminated in any of the following ways:

5.1 By written resignation to OLIPRA

5.2 By failure to pay subscriptions or other amounts owing to OLIPRA within three months of the due date;

6. SUBSCRIPTIONS

6.1 The Management Committee, at annual conferences shall determine all affiliation subscriptions and other amounts payable to OLIPRA. They shall be included in the operations manual. Unless otherwise specified, they shall be payable annually in advance within three months of 31 December and shall not be refunded at the termination of affiliation. At the discretion of the

Management Committee, outstanding subscriptions will be dealt with in the same manner as a dispute described in the dispute resolution.

6.2  Accordingly, OLIPRA is a contributing member of the Union of  International Bodies, ( https://uia.org/) and in terms of that affiliation, all OLIPRA’s affiliates are subject to the payment of membership fees as determined by the management committee at the annual conference. This levy shall be included in the operations manual and amended as required

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION 

Article 1

The International Racing Pigeon Association, herein referred to as OLIPRA, is hereby established as a voluntary association, operating under the legal jurisdiction of the common law governing Non-Profit Organizations in South

Africa.   

OLIPRA serves as an inclusive body, accommodating National and International Unions, Federations governing pigeon racing in their respective nations, and representative sporting associations. Additionally, individual members meeting the qualifications are welcome, particularly those residing in countries where the National Control body diverges from the objectives set forth by OLIPRA.

The unifying factor among all participants is the pursuit of international competition, with the overarching objective to promote and ascertain a world champion Own Loft Championship. This determination is facilitated through

the utilization of the Loft Grouping game calculator, accessible at https://app.pigeonprogram.com/public/loft-grouping-calculator. This tool is regarded as an equitable and advantageous benchmark for assessing performance.

The official domicile of OLIPRA is situated in the town of Heidelberg, Gauteng, South Africa. Moreover, it maintains two principal international administrative offices: one in the state of Florida, USA, located at 4283 Express Lane, Suite 8180-967, Sarasota, 34249 (Tel: +1(941)5386941), and the other in Middlesex, UK, situated at Unit 9 Skyport Drive, West Drayton, Middx, UB7 04B (Tel: +44 0175 321 0551).

OLIPRA asserts its legal autonomy, and its official members, directors, and employees bear no personal liability for the organization's financial obligations. All affiliated Unions, Federations, and representative sporting associations hereby express their acceptance of these articles of association and commit to their adherence. Additionally, they pledge not to initiate legal actions against OLIPRA.

AIMS Article 2 

The primary aims of the International Racing Pigeon Association (OLIPRA) are dedicated to the advancement of the sport of pigeon racing. These aims include safeguarding pigeons from all forms of abuse and addressing issues of general interest within the realm of pigeon racing. Furthermore, OLIPRA assumes jurisdiction over the international Own-loft competition, overseeing its governance and duly registering any software associated with its implementation.    

OLIPRA holds the authority to endorse and regulate the organization of World Championships, as well as international competitions wherein outcomes are determined by the application of the software known as "Loft-Grouping." The term "Loft grouping" is distinctly interpreted by OLIPRA to signify the game and its governing rules, as explicated and regulated in the Loft Grouping rules available in the e-book accessible on the official website www.OLIPRA.co.za. The organization perceives "Loft grouping" in strict accordance with the rules and guidelines stipulated in the mentioned e-book. PRINCIPLES

Article 3

The fundamental principles underpinning the OLIPRA charter are grounded in the following tenets:

a)                 Complete Independence of Representative Sporting Entities: OLIPRA staunchly upholds the absolute autonomy of representative sporting Unions, Federations, and associations duly recognized as governing the sport of pigeon racing within their respective countries.

b)                 Mutual Respect Among Affiliated Entities: The OLIPRA charter promotes a culture of mutual respect among affiliated entities, including Unions, Federations, and representative sporting associations, fostering harmonious and reciprocal relations.

c)                  Compliance with OLIPRA Guidelines: Each member country commits to adhering to the general rules and techniques established and ratified by the OLIPRA Management Committee. This compliance specifically extends to the utilization of software in determining pigeon racing results and adherence to anti-doping regulations, consistent with the rules applicable in each respective country.

Management bodies Article 4

The operational framework of OLIPRA is overseen by the following committees and commissions:

The Conference: The apex body responsible for strategic decisions and considerations encompassing statutory, administrative, sporting, and financial aspects. The Conference convenes annually in conjunction with the prize-giving event organized by the member country, as designated by a prior Conference.

The Management Committee: A governing body entrusted with the day-to-day operations and management of OLIPRA, providing guidance on key decisions and advising the Conference on matters of significance.

The LG Rules and Handicaps - Articles of Association – Youth – Solidarity – Legal – Supervisory – Communications and Information Commissions: Specialized commissions tasked with overseeing specific aspects such as rule formulation, handicaps, articles of association, youth engagement, solidarity initiatives, legal matters, supervision, and communication and information dissemination.

The Finances Commission: A commission dedicated to the financial oversight of OLIPRA, ensuring sound fiscal management and adherence to established financial protocols.

Independently governed by its Conferences, OLIPRA Conferences transpire during the annual prize-giving event hosted by the designated member country. 

During these Conferences, matters of statutory, administrative, sporting, and financial significance are deliberated. Key activities include the conduct of statutory elections and the evaluation and acceptance, based on the guidance of the Management Committee, of Unions or representative sporting associations seeking membership.

MEMBERSHIP Article 5

Prospective members aspiring to join OLIPRA must adhere to the following procedures:

Application Submission: The Union, Federation or sporting association representing the applicant country must submit a formal membership request to the general administrative office of OLIPRA in South Africa. This submission should occur no later than two months before the scheduled date of the yearly Conference.

Required Documentation: The application must be accompanied by two copies of the applicant's articles of association. Additionally, a letter of endorsement from an existing OLIPRA member, who has agreed to propose the candidacy, should be included with the application.

Acceptance of Countries without a National Union or Federation: In cases where there is no National Union or Federation in a country, both countries and individual members may still be considered for acceptance by OLIPRA. However, such acceptance is contingent upon unanimous agreement by all members present at the ballot. Approval will not be withheld unless there is a valid and legitimate reason to do so.

CONFERENCES Article 6

All Conferences commence in the morning and are anticipated to entail a full day's deliberations, culminating in the distinguished prize-giving evening event.

The convening of an Extraordinary Conference is contingent upon expressed interest from at least half of the affiliated member countries, accompanied by substantiated reasons. In such instances, the Management Committee assumes responsibility for selecting the venue. The Management Committee, guided by the majority decision of its members, also possesses the authority to initiate Extraordinary Conferences.

Affiliated members reserve the right to submit proposals to the Conference. To secure a place on the agenda, these proposals must be received at the OLIPRA general administrative offices one month prior to the upcoming Conference. In the case of an Extraordinary Conference, proposals, substantiated with reasons, must reach the OLIPRA general administrative office at least twenty-one days before the Conference date. Subsequent to the proposal submission deadline, the Management Committee will present any counter-proposals during the session. These counter-proposals will be communicated to member unions and federations before the Conference. In the context of an Extraordinary Conference, this notification must occur 15 days before the Conference date.

All official documents and papers produced by OLIPRA are exclusively drafted in the English language. Member Federations and representative sporting associations are urged to engage in communication with OLIPRA using the English language.

OLIPRA Conferences maintain a public nature unless a decision to the contrary is made by the majority of the delegates.

Voting occurs on an absolute majority basis, requiring half plus one of the votes cast for a proposal to be accepted. In the event of a tie, the proposal is not approved. Voting methods include:

a)   Public Ballot: Voting is conducted by means of a public ballot, with the name of each represented country called out, and a verbal declaration made by the head of the delegation.

b)  Raising Hands: Delegates may express their votes by raising hands.

c)   Secret Ballot: A secret ballot is employed, regardless of the subject, if the majority of countries request it.

Voting rights, entailing one vote per country, are extended solely to delegates present at the Conference. This privilege is contingent upon the represented country not being more than one year in arrears with the payment of its annual subscription, the amount of which is determined by the International Conference. Individual members not representing their country are devoid of voting power.

Postal votes are permissible for Extraordinary Conferences, provided they reach the general administrative office at least three days before the ballot, contained within a sealed envelope. Federations and affiliated sporting associations officially represented in alignment with OLIPRA guidelines are granted one vote per country at the Conference. Newly approved affiliate

members can exercise voting rights from the subsequent Conference, excluding individual members.

Topics not on the Conference agenda may be added for discussion if at least half of the Unions, Federations, and representative delegations express this wish in writing. This provision does not extend to requests to amend the articles of association. No vote can be accepted on a matter not appearing on the agenda, with the exception of cases indicated in the previous paragraph.

To be recognized as a delegate, Conference participants must be at least 25 years old, have actively practised pigeon-fancying for a minimum of 5 years, hold the nationality of the represented country, be a member of its Federation or representative association, and be appointed by that body. The participant's primary activity cannot be profit-making in relation to the sport of pigeon fancying.

Each represented country is entitled to send two delegates to International Conferences, as well as Extraordinary Conferences. Delegates are authorized to represent only the Federation or representative sporting association that has duly authorized their representation.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Article 7

The OLIPRA is administered by a Management Committee consisting of a chairman, four Vice-Chairmen, a Treasurer, a Statutory Adviser, and a maximum of one member per five affiliated Federations. It is recommended to elect delegates to the Management Committee ensuring a reasonable geographical representation. The Committee also includes an Administrative Secretary and a Coordinator-Interpreter with an advisory role. The Administrative Secretary and the Coordinator-Interpreter are elected by the Management Committee for a five-year term.

To serve on the Management Committee, a member must be at least 25 years old, have actively practised pigeon-fancying for a minimum of 5 years within the Federation or representative sporting association they represent, possess the nationality of the country they represent, and be appointed by their Federation or association. Individuals whose main professional activity is related to the sport of pigeon-fancying cannot sit on the Management Committee. Each country is limited to one member on this Committee, excluding the Chairman, Administrative Secretary, Coordinator-Interpreter, and the Chairman of the organization where the general administrative offices are located, who automatically serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee. The Management Committee is elected for five years, with elections taking place at the time of the Conference.

The Chairman is elected by an absolute majority. If votes are equal after a second ballot, the new Management Committee appoints the Chairman. To be a candidate for the Chairmanship, the concerned party must be the outgoing Chairman or Vice-Chairman, proposed by their Union or Federation, and sponsored by a minimum of 5 other Unions or Federations. Candidates for the vice-chairmanship must be proposed by their Union or Federation, sponsored by a minimum of 5 other Unions or Federations. Other members are elected on a simple majority. If not elected to the position of Chairman, a candidate may propose their candidacy for Vice-Chairmanship at the Conference. Similarly, a candidate not elected as Vice-Chairman may apply for a member position. These members can be re-elected without restriction, provided they are again duly accredited and proposed by their Federation or respective representative association. Their mandate concludes if accreditation is withdrawn by the Federation in their country. In such cases, the Federation can transfer a representative to the Management Committee, but this person serves as an observer with no voting rights. The Chairman represents OLIPRA in all circumstances, directs discussions, and ensures adherence to the articles of association and regulations. In case the Chairman is unable to fulfil their mandate, a Vice-Chairman appointed by the Management Committee takes over. If the Vice-Chairman is also unable, the mandate passes to the General Treasurer or the Statutory Adviser. These mandates are effective until the International Conference is organised as part of the next Olympic Games. If the position of General Treasurer becomes vacant, the Management Committee appoints a temporary replacement from among its members. All applications for any post involving membership of the Management Committee, as well as proposal statements, must reach the General Administrative Office at least four months before the election and be placed on the agenda for the Conference. As an exception, the Chairman may propose an extra Vice-Chairman to ensure the proper functioning and development of OLIPRA and the protection of its interests.

Article 8

The Management Committee convenes Conferences based on the agenda received by the specified deadlines. It contacts the Chairman of the Federation organizing the Olympic Games, providing instructions for successful event organization.

Article 9

Between Conferences, the Management Committee holds extensive powers in managing OLIPRA. In addition to implementing Conference decisions, it takes measures and decisions dictated by circumstances, ensuring compliance with the articles of association.

Article 10

Cases not explicitly covered in the articles of association, having the nature of an emergency, are settled by the Management Committee, aligned as closely as possible with the sporting spirit and interests of OLIPRA or the Federations and representative sporting associations. Any protocol, contract, undertaking, etc., with third parties, must be signed by the Chairman of OLIPRA and countersigned by the Administrative Secretary or a Vice-Chairman with responsibility for the relevant Commission. The solution adopted in these cases must be notified to the next International Conference.

Article 11

The Management Committee meets twice a year as a general practice, with dates fixed by its chairman. However, it can convene for urgent reasons upon the request of one of its members, subject to authorization granted by the International Chairman. Travel and accommodation costs for Management

Committee meetings are borne by national Federations, except for those of the Administrative Secretary. Lunch during the working day is covered by OLIPRA.

Article 12

Sessions of the Management Committee must be convened at least six weeks before the session date and reference must be made to its agenda. In the event of an emergency, with the Chairman being the sole judge of this state of affairs, the period can be shortened.

Article 13

For valid deliberation, the majority of elected members of the Management Committee must be present. In case of tied votes, the Chairman's vote takes precedence.

Article 14

A report on the activities of the Management Committee and the General Administrative Office is submitted each time the Olympic Games take place.

Article 15

Members of the Management Committee can be replaced by a member of their Federation's Management at committee meetings, acting as an observer.

Article 16

The International Chairman and the General Administrative Office handle everyday matters. The Office compiles and dispatches mail submitted to the International Chairman and signs with him. The General Administrative Office also compiles minutes, ensuring that minutes related to Conferences are sent to Federations and representative member associations within 45 days of the meeting. It must send the same document to all members of the Management Committee, similar to the minutes of the Management Committee meetings. The General Administrative Office keeps the articles of association of OLIPRA up to date.

Article 17

Minutes of a Conference is considered accepted if no complaint is sent to the general administrative office 45 days after being sent out by affiliated Unions or Federations.

Article 18

Any letter or document from a group not recognized by OLIPRA must be sent to the Union or Federation or the duly affiliated representative association of the same nationality. The General Administrative Office follows up only after receiving a response from the concerned Union, Federation, or representative association. If a response does not arrive within the normal period, the case is submitted to the OLIPRA Management Committee.

MONITORY FUNDS 

MANAGEMENT Article 19

The Treasurer and the General Administrative Secretary, under the supervision of the International Chairman, are responsible for regularly collecting subscriptions owed by Unions, Federations and member representative associations. The Chairman (or Treasurer) and the General Administrative Secretary jointly sign bank transfers to cover OLIPRA expenses. All financial operations, including expenditure and revenue collection, are conducted through the OLIPRA's bank. Accounting documents and information are submitted to the non-voting member of the board, appointed by the previous Conference, who signs the statement for approval. The company year spans the period between two Olympic Games. At each International Conference, the accounts submitted are approved, and the company year is closed. Any Union, Federation or representative sporting association two years in arrears with its subscription receives formal notification by registered letter, and if payment is not made within three months, it loses its right to vote at the Conference. General Provisions

Article 20

Federations, Unions or representative associations affiliated with OLIPRA may not be affiliated with both OLIPRA and a competitor Union or Group, as declared by the Management Committee or a Conference.

Article 21

The articles of association of national Federations, Unions or representative sporting associations must not counter the aims and principles of OLIPRA. All National Federations or representative associations must, upon request, send a copy of their articles of association to the International Administrative Office and inform it of any amendments made.

Article 22

To participate in an official competition or demonstration organized by OLIPRA, the participant (club or individual) must be a member of an affiliated union or federation. An enthusiast subject to an unconditional penalty or exclusion by their own national Union or federation cannot become affiliated or participate in pigeon-fancying activities within another union or  federation, a member of OLIPRA.

Article 23

Former Chairmen of OLIPRA are automatically candidates for Honorary Chairmen. The Conference must nominate these Honorary Chairmen. They may also be appointed as representatives by the Management Committee or the

International Chairman, allowing them to participate, without voting rights, in all meetings of the Commissions, the Management Committee, and the Conference. On the proposal of the Management Committee, the Conference may confer the title of Honorary Member on individuals deserving of this honour. This title does not grant any particular rights to the individuals concerned. The International Chairman may decide to award the OLIPRA diploma and medal to those deserving of this honour.

Dissolution Article 24

OLIPRA is established on a permanent basis. If dissolution is considered, this decision can only be taken by an Extraordinary Conference convened at least forty-five days before the specified date. Conferences discussing dissolution must be attended by at least two-thirds of the Affiliate union, federation or affiliated representative associations for voting. The vote is passed if two-thirds of the votes are cast. If this quorum is not reached, a second, duly convened

Extraordinary Conference may issue its opinion based on the majority of votes. The Extraordinary Conference ruling on dissolution determines the fate of OLIPRA's company assets.