BYLAWS
PTPICKLE - PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION OF PORTUGAL
CHAPTER ONE
General Provisions
Article 1
Name and Acronym
The PTPICKLE - Pickleball Association of Portugal shall adopt the acronym "PTPICKLE", hereinafter used throughout these regulations, and both the acronym and the full name may be used interchangeably during its statutory activities.
Article 2
Activity
PTPICKLE's activity is governed by the Bylaws and the Internal Regulations approved at the General Assembly and aims to:
a) Manage, organize, regulate, and supervise the practice of PICKLEBALL at the national level;
b) Promote the growth, development, and dissemination of PICKLEBALL in both competitive and recreational formats;
c) Foster the training of sports agents by developing necessary training actions;
d) Represent the interests of its members before Public Administration;
e) Represent Portuguese PICKLEBALL before international sports organizations where it is affiliated and ensure the participation of national teams in competitions;
f) Defend the fundamental principles of sports ethics, particularly in terms of fair competition, the integrity of sports results, and the prevention and sanctioning of violence associated with sports, doping, and corruption in sports.PTPICKLE may also engage in agreements and contracts with other entities, whether associated or not, including associations, schools, and companies, aiming to pursue its statutory purposes.
Article 3
Long-term Goals
PTPICKLE's long-term goals include achieving the status of a public utility entity and subsequently, public utility status for sports organizations.
CHAPTER TWO
Members
Article 4
Membership Categories
PTPICKLE comprises the following categories of Members:
a) Founding Members;
b) Regular Members (individuals or collectives);
c) Honorary Members.Membership is proven through a dedicated membership form, which must be held by the Board.
Article 5
Founding Member
Founding Members are those who signed the establishment act of PTPICKLE and/or are part of the initial governing bodies.
Founding Members are exempt from paying the registration fee and the annual membership fee.
Article 6
Regular Member
Regular Members are individuals or collectives who demonstrate interest and pay the registration fee and annual membership fee as determined by the General Assembly, acquiring membership according to Article 7.
Regular Collective Members include sports clubs and entities owning Pickleball courts.
Regular Individual Members include players, coaches/trainers, and referees.
Entities owning Pickleball courts are considered sports clubs for the purposes of these regulations.
Article 7
Honorary Member
Honorary Members are individuals or collectives granted such distinction by the General Assembly due to their significant contributions to Pickleball.
Honorary Members are exempt from paying the registration fee and the annual membership fee.
Article 8
Admission
Admission of Members is the responsibility of the Board, according to the following conditions:
a) Upon proposal by an existing Member;
b) Upon proposal by the Board;
c) Upon direct application by the interested party;
d) Upon proposal by a club.Membership registration documents will be kept in a registry book held by the PTPICKLE Board.
Article 9
Registration and Membership Fees
For interpretation and application purposes:
a) The Registration Fee is a one-time payment by a Regular Member to join PTPICKLE, with the amount established or revised annually by the General Assembly upon the Board’s proposal;
b) The Membership Fee is a fixed annual payment owed by Regular Members for maintaining their membership, also established or revised annually by the General Assembly upon the Board’s proposal.The fees are set as follows:
a) Regular Collective Members: €30 registration fee and €90 annual membership fee;
b) Regular Individual Members: €10 registration fee and €30 annual membership fee.
Article 10
Rights of Members
Members have the right to:
a) Participate and engage in PTPICKLE’s activities;
b) Propose initiatives to the appropriate bodies;
c) Attend General Assemblies;
d) Enjoy benefits granted by PTPICKLE according to the Internal Regulations and other approved regulations;
e) Request information from the Board regarding the association’s activities.Regular Members specifically have the right to:
a) Participate in General Assemblies, according to Article 21(6);
b) Vote and be elected, as part of a list, for PTPICKLE’s governing bodies.Members can only exercise these rights if their statutory obligations are up to date.
Article 11
Duties of Members
Members must:
a) Comply with the Internal Regulations and other approved regulations;
b) Pay all required financial contributions;
c) Promote the interests of PTPICKLE and assist in achieving its objectives;
d) Protect and promote PTPICKLE’s good name, prestige, and assets;
e) Serve in elected positions as required by the Bylaws and Internal Regulations.
Article 12
Loss of Membership
Membership is lost if:
a) The Member voluntarily requests withdrawal via registered letter to the Board, with 30 days’ notice;
b) The Member is declared incapacitated, bankrupt, or deceased;
c) The Member is expelled following disciplinary proceedings;
d) The Member fails to pay membership fees for two consecutive years, without prejudice to debt recovery.Loss of membership must be declared by the General Assembly upon a Member’s proposal and favorable opinion from the Board.
In the case outlined in item d) above, a Member will be removed if they fail to settle outstanding payments within 60 days of notice.
Article 13
Infractions and Sanctions
Disciplinary infractions include:
a) Willful violation of duties established in the Bylaws and Internal Regulations;
b) Acts damaging to the prestige, dignity, or effectiveness of PTPICKLE.The Board is responsible for initiating disciplinary proceedings and proposing sanctions.
Sanctions are imposed by the General Assembly.
Members have 20 days from notification to present their defense in writing to the President of the Board or the appointed investigator.
Possible sanctions are:
a) Warning;
b) Suspension of rights for up to 180 days;
c) Expulsion.
CHAPTER THREE
GOVERNING BODIES
Section I
General Provisions
Article 14
Governing Bodies
The governing bodies of PTPICKLE are:
a) The General Assembly;
b) The Board of Directors;
c) The Fiscal Council.The members of the General Assembly board, the Board of Directors, and the Fiscal Council are elected under the terms defined in the following Articles.
All Members, except Honorary Members, are eligible for the Governing Bodies of PTPICKLE, provided that their membership fees are up to date, they are not suspended, and they have maintained their membership status continuously for at least 90 days.
Holding any position within the Governing Bodies of PTPICKLE is unpaid. However, members may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses related to the performance of their duties, provided this is duly approved by the Board of Directors.
Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 3 above, members of the Governing Bodies may perform paid functions within PTPICKLE if they are of a technical or educational nature, arising from their professional activity or specialized training, provided they are duly approved by the Board of Directors.
Article 15
Term of Office
The members of the General Assembly Board, the Board of Directors, and the Fiscal Council shall serve a three-year term and may be re-elected without limit. Their functions cease when their successors take office.
Elections for the members of the Governing Bodies shall take place every three years, during the first quarter.
The members of the first General Assembly Board, the first Board of Directors, and the first Fiscal Council shall begin their term on the day following their election, lasting for the remainder of that calendar year plus the three subsequent years.
In the event of a vacancy in any governing body position, regardless of the reason, the respective body shall provisionally fill the position until the next General Assembly meeting, where the position will be permanently filled as follows:
a) By calling substitutes, according to their order on the winning list from the last election for the respective body;
b) If no substitutes are available, the position shall be filled by co-option.
Article 16
Dismissal
Members of the governing bodies, individually or collectively, may be dismissed for serious reasons, such as abuse or deviation of duties, acts leading to the exclusion of a member, or final criminal conviction.
Dismissal can only occur in a General Assembly specifically convened to assess the seriousness of the cause.
Section II
General Assembly
Article 17
Composition
The General Assembly consists of all Effective Members in full enjoyment of their rights according to the statutes.
Article 18
Competence
Except for matters under the exclusive competence of other governing bodies, the General Assembly is responsible for considering and deciding on all matters of interest to PTPICKLE.
The responsibilities of the General Assembly include:
a) Reviewing and approving the Activity Plan and Budget for the following year, proposed by the Board of Directors, as well as the Annual Reports and Accounts submitted by the Board, along with the Fiscal Council’s opinions;
b) Electing the Board of Directors and the Fiscal Council;
c) Reviewing, amending, approving, enforcing, interpreting, and repealing the Statutes and Internal Regulations, resolving omissions, and confirming or altering decisions on such matters;
d) Approving the initial membership fee proposed by the Board of Directors;
e) Awarding honors either on its initiative or upon proposal by the Board of Directors;
f) Deciding on the dismissal, readmission, and exclusion of Members upon proposal by the Board of Directors;
g) Deciding on the dissolution and liquidation of PTPICKLE;
h) Deciding on the value of annual dues and other financial contributions from Members and their updates, upon proposal by the Board of Directors;
i) Reviewing proposals, opinions, or motions submitted;
j) Dismissing members of the governing bodies or their representatives under the terms defined in these Internal Regulations;
k) Exercising all other functions assigned by Law, the Statutes, and these Internal Regulations, and any not falling within the competence of the other governing bodies.
Article 19
General Assembly Board
The General Assembly is chaired by its Board, composed of a President and two Secretaries, elected from among the Members.
The President of the General Assembly Board is elected as part of the winning list of the governing body elections.
The President of the General Assembly Board is responsible for:
a) Convening and conducting General Assembly meetings;
b) Signing the minutes of the General Assembly;
c) Ensuring full compliance with the regulations.The First Secretary is responsible for:
a) Drafting the minutes and handling other administrative tasks for the Assembly;
b) Carrying out all duties assigned for the proper functioning of the Assembly.If the Board or any of its members is absent, the Board of Directors shall assume these functions.
The Second Secretary assists the First Secretary and replaces them in their absence.
Article 20
Notice and Agenda
Notice for any General Assembly meeting shall be sent via email to each Member entitled to vote, at least 15 days in advance.
The notice must state the date, place, time, and agenda of the meeting.
No decisions can be made on matters not listed on the agenda unless two-thirds of the Members with voting rights present agree to add the matter.
If the meeting involves changes to the Statutes and/or Internal Regulations, the notice must specify the proposed changes.
If the meeting involves the dismissal of governing body members, the notice must include the charges and the defense statements.
Article 21
Operation
The General Assembly meets ordinarily in the first quarter of each year to approve the budget, activity plan, activity report, balance sheet, and financial statements presented by the Board of Directors, along with the Fiscal Council’s report.
Every three years, the General Assembly also elects the Governing Bodies of PTPICKLE.
Extraordinary General Assembly meetings may be called by the President, upon request from the Board of Directors, the Fiscal Council, or half of the Effective Members.
In the first call, the Assembly may meet only if at least one-third of all Members entitled to vote are present or duly represented.
In the second call, the Assembly may meet with any number of Members present.
Only Effective Members whose membership fees are up to date, who are not suspended, and who have maintained membership for at least 90 consecutive days have voting rights.
Honorary Members may attend and participate in the Assembly’s discussions but do not have voting rights.
Article 22
Resolutions
Resolutions of the General Assembly must be recorded in minutes and are passed by an absolute majority of the valid votes cast by Members entitled to vote, unless otherwise specified by law or these Internal Regulations.
Resolutions regarding changes to the Statutes or the dismissal of governing body members (except those due to violation of the Statutes or Regulations) require a qualified majority of those present or represented.
Resolutions regarding the dissolution of PTPICKLE require a qualified majority of the total Members entitled to vote.
Section III
Board of Directors
Article 23
Composition
The Board of Directors shall consist of three members, elected from eligible Members, holding the following positions:
a) President;
b) First Board Member;
c) Second Board Member.
Article 24
Powers of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has broad powers to carry out all necessary actions for the proper management of PTPICKLE and to ensure its legal representation.
The responsibilities of the Board of Directors include:
a) Leading and managing PTPICKLE, enhancing its reputation, protecting its interests, and promoting its progress;
b) Approving and recording the admission of new Members;
c) Proposing to the General Assembly the dismissal or readmission of Members;
d) Preparing the budget, activity report, and annual accounts for approval by the General Assembly;
e) Implementing penalties as provided in the Internal Regulations after a General Assembly resolution;
f) Requesting the convening of the General Assembly and submitting necessary proposals;
g) Deciding on the acceptance of contributions, donations, and gifts of any kind;
h) Setting or modifying all mandatory contributions resulting from PTPICKLE activities, subject to General Assembly approval;
i) Promoting relationships with Clubs, Associations, Federations, and other entities nationally and internationally;
j) Hiring individuals, preferably PTPICKLE Members, for services needed to pursue PTPICKLE’s objectives, and exercising disciplinary power over them;
k) Appointing Members to Committees or Sections deemed necessary;
l) Creating and promoting the development of Sections in line with PTPICKLE’s objectives;
m) Approving the Specific Regulations for Sections and any other regulations necessary for PTPICKLE’s activities;
n) Requesting opinions from the Fiscal Council;
p) Providing the Fiscal Council access to accounting books, records, and documents;
q) Providing Members access to accounts and documents, which must be included in the agenda of the next General Assembly meeting;
r) Collecting revenues and authorizing expenditures in accordance with established rules;
s) Acquiring, selling, and encumbering movable property, even if subject to registration;
t) Handling complaints, appeals, and other legal and sports-related administrative matters;
u) Appointing representatives as legally required.
Article 25
Powers of the Members of the Board of Directors
The President of the Board of Directors is responsible for:
a) Representing the Board in official acts and in all cases where, expressly and by decision of the Board, broader representation has not been established;
b) Presiding over Board meetings, using a casting vote in the event of a tie;
c) Managing bank accounts and all other banking transactions jointly with the First Board Member;
d) Signing all treasury books;
e) In cases of extreme urgency, making decisions and informing the other Board members at the first subsequent Board meeting.The First Board Member is responsible for:
a) Recording the financial transactions or appointing someone trustworthy to do so, under their full responsibility;
b) Receiving and securely depositing PTPICKLE's assets under their responsibility;
c) Signing receipts and all income and expense documents of PTPICKLE;
d) Managing bank accounts and all other banking transactions jointly with the President;
e) Fulfilling authorized expenses;
f) Preparing and presenting, together with the other Board members, the financial report and the budget.The Second Board Member is responsible for:
a) Organizing the secretarial services and preparing the Board’s correspondence;
b) Signing, receiving, filing, and dispatching correspondence;
c) Preparing and presenting, together with the other Board members, the activity report;
d) Assisting the First Board Member and replacing them when necessary;
e) Drafting the minutes of the Board meetings;
f) Collaborating in the preparation of the budget.
Article 26
Binding Authority
To represent PTPICKLE in and out of court, the signatures of the President of the Board and any other Board member will be necessary and sufficient.
In the event of the President’s inability to act, they will be replaced by the First Board Member together with the Second Board Member.
The Board may delegate the practice of certain binding acts of PTPICKLE to qualified employees through a power of attorney with specific powers for this purpose.
Article 27
Operation of the Board
The Board will meet whenever convened by its President, at least three times a year, and decisions will be made by a simple majority of those present, with the President casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie.
Minutes of Board meetings will be drafted by the Second Board Member and filed in a dedicated book or folder.
After being approved, the minutes will be signed by those present.
Section IV
Audit Council
Article 28
Composition
The Audit Council is composed of three members: a President and two Board Members, elected from among the eligible members by those entitled to vote.
There will also be a substitute who will take office if a vacancy occurs, except as stated in the next clause.
If the President's position becomes vacant, it will be filled by the First Board Member, and this one by the substitute.
Article 29
Powers
The Audit Council is responsible for:
a) Ensuring compliance with legal, statutory, and regulatory provisions;
b) Issuing opinions on all matters submitted by the Board or the General Assembly, notably on the Board’s Annual Report and Accounts;
c) Reviewing accounting records, bookkeeping, and other financial documents related to PTPICKLE’s activity;
d) Requesting the convening of the General Assembly when deemed necessary and appropriate;
e) Exercising all other powers granted by law and this Internal Regulation.
Article 30
Operation
The Audit Council must meet once every four months, whenever convened by its President, or at the request of the Board, and must meet to issue the opinions mentioned in the previous article.
CHAPTER FOUR
Election of Governing Bodies
Article 31
Election of Governing Bodies
The Governing Bodies of PTPICKLE are elected at the Electoral General Assembly, by direct and secret ballot, using a single list system for all bodies.
Candidate lists must be sent by registered mail to PTPICKLE's headquarters at least thirty days before the election date.
Only Effective Members (excluding Honorary Members) may subscribe to the candidate lists.
No member may subscribe to more than one list.
The lists must include the full number of effective members for each body and at least two substitutes.
Candidate lists must be accompanied, within the period referred to in item 2, by a declaration from the candidates explicitly expressing their acceptance and confirming their eligibility.
The acceptance included in the candidacy proposals implies the candidate’s submission to PTPICKLE’s disciplinary authority.
The initiation of disciplinary proceedings after the acceptance and submission of the candidacy does not suspend the electoral process but prevents the candidate from taking office if the generally applicable penalty results in a loss of mandate.
The list receiving the majority of votes from members present will be elected.
In case of a tie, a second ballot will be held between the lists with the tied votes.
The Electoral Assembly Board will consist of the General Assembly Board and two scrutineers appointed at the time by the President of the Assembly.
The General Assembly for the election of Governing Bodies must take place within the first quarter of the respective year.
Article 32
Requirements for Election of Governing Body Members
Without prejudice to other special provisions of these Internal Regulations, only individuals who cumulatively meet the following requirements may be elected to a Governing Body of PTPICKLE:
a) Reside within national territory;
b) Be over eighteen years old;
c) Not be affected by any legal incapacity;
d) Have been affiliated with the association for at least ninety days;
e) Not be considered ineligible or legally disqualified;
f) Not be in debt to PTPICKLE;
g) Not have been punished for criminal, regulatory, or disciplinary offenses related to violence, doping, corruption, racism, or xenophobia, or for crimes committed while holding leadership positions in any sports organization or against the property of any sports federation, within five years of serving the sentence;
h) Not have suffered disciplinary sanctions in any sport resulting in suspension for more than 120 days, even if later pardoned;
i) Not have lost a mandate due to absence, been dismissed, or resigned from previous duties during the last two mandates.It is the responsibility of the President of the General Assembly Board to verify candidates' eligibility.
Article 33
Lists of Candidates for Governing Bodies
All members may be part of candidacy lists for the governing bodies, in accordance with these Internal Regulations.
The President of the General Assembly Board will announce the composition of the candidate lists to the members, via electronic means, at least ten days before the election date.
The voting right is defined in these Internal Regulations, approved by the General Assembly, with each member having the right to one vote.
Article 34
Voting
Voting will take place by a show of hands, unless the Internal Regulations determine otherwise or if requested by the President of the General Assembly or the President of PTPICKLE, in which case it will be by secret ballot.
Secret ballot voting is mandatory for:
a) Election, loss, and removal of mandates of Governing Body members;
b) Discussion of matters directly related to any body or any of its members;
c) When requested by members representing at least half of the votes present at the Assembly.If it is impossible to determine the result of a vote by show of hands, the President of the Assembly Board may decide to hold a roll-call vote in alphabetical order.
CHAPTER FIVE
Dissolution and Liquidation
Article 35
Extinction
In case of PTPICKLE’s extinction, it is up to the General Assembly to decide on the destination of its assets, in accordance with applicable legislation, and to elect a liquidation commission.
The powers of the liquidation commission are limited to carrying out necessary conservatory acts and completing pending business for the liquidation of the organization's assets.