The document embodies FOSRS’s aims and objectives, foremost among them to provide an opportunity for all interested in Scottish rugby to discuss the game and put forward their views. Underlying its campaigning role, it also aims to get the supporters’ voice heard by the SRU and other bodies and to increase government, media and public support for rugby.  

Under the new rules, all who register on the website are classed as Honorary members and are entitled to use the Forum, participate in polls, stand for office and vote in Committee elections.  The Committee ruled out charging subscriptions as an impediment to encouraging wider discussion and involvement by supporters.

Among the rules are two–yearly elections to Committee and, in line with many rugby clubs, a two-year cap on how long the Chairman can serve in any one period.

To get over difficulties where instant response or action is needed and there is not time to consult Hon members, the Committee is in future permitted to take the necessary action. Said Chairman Peter Sellar: “Wherever possible, we will be guided by members’ views expressed in the Forum or in polls. However, this is not always feasible when instant action is needed, such as a response to a press query or to urgent events.

‘We have taken the view that Committee is elected by members and therefore the right body to take the necessary management and policy decisions. Of course, if we consistently get it wrong, members have the redress of voting the committee off next time”.           

 However, where more than 5% of members vote in a poll and over 2/3rds agree on one of the options, it will in future becomes a binding FOSRS policy. There is a caveat that a 2/3rds vote by the Committee can reject the option. But as Sellar explains, that is a necessary safeguard should a proposed course of action have wider ramifications than realized and he does not expect the clause to be used.

Hon members are invited to put their views on any elements of the new document, attached below, by emailing Hon Secretary Alison Halley on:

  .... short break while new web team works out how to put up said Constitution document... Anyone out there a dab hand in beastly Joomla 1.5? - If so, post a link on the Forum and a pint will be in the post!