Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

1. How to Become a member:

The Maldivian Reefers Association welcomes all Maldivian individuals to join our reefing community. To become a member, please follow these steps:

1. Application Submission: Interested individuals must complete an application form available on our website.

2. Orientation and Registration: Upon joining, new members will be briefed on the Association’s Rules and Regulations. They will then be added to our Members Registry, subject to approval from the Association.

3. Unique Identification Number: Each member will be assigned a unique identification number. This number will serve as a permanent identifier for as long as the member remains part of the Association.

4. Equality and Non-Discrimination: Our Association practices strict non-discrimination. All members are treated equally, and positions within the Association are filled through elections among the General Members.

2. Forceful Removal of Members and Voluntary Resignation

a. Voluntary Resignation:

i. Members wishing to leave the Association must submit an official resignation application. However, submission does not guarantee removal unless officially processed and confirmed by the Association’s registry.

ii. Members in the process of resignation who owe any debt to other members within the community must settle these debts or reach a mutual agreement before the termination process can be finalized.

b. Forceful Removal:

i. Members who violate the Association’s rules and regulations or break any laws will be removed without prior notice.

ii. If the Association’s governing body decides to remove a member based on an allegation or other serious issues, a vote will be taken among the Association Committee members. The member will be removed from the main registry if two-thirds of the committee members vote in favor of the removal.

3. Funding Plan:

The Maldivian Reefers Association, located in the capital city of the Maldives, is dedicated to promoting the saltwater aquarium hobby across the country. To ensure the smooth operation and sustainability of our association, we have developed a comprehensive funding plan. Our goal is to generate revenue through the following strategies:

3.1 Recreational Events on Saltwater Reef Keeping

a) Workshops and Seminars: Organize educational workshops and seminars on saltwater reef keeping. These events will offer valuable knowledge and hands-on experience, attracting both hobbyists and newcomers.

b) Competitions and Exhibitions: Host competitions and exhibitions showcasing members’ aquariums and reef setups. These events will not only generate revenue through entry fees but also promote the hobby to a broader audience.

c) Social Gatherings: Plan regular social gatherings and meetups for members to share experiences and knowledge. These events will strengthen community bonds and attract new members.

3.2 Participation in Social Events

a) Community Outreach Programs: Participate in local community events and fairs to raise awareness about reef keeping and the importance of marine conservation. These activities will enhance our visibility and attract potential members and supporters.

b) Collaborations with Educational Institutions: Partner with schools, colleges, and universities to conduct educational programs and workshops on marine biology and reef conservation. These collaborations will help us reach a younger audience and foster a new generation of reef enthusiasts.

c) Public Demonstrations and Talks: Arrange public demonstrations and talks at various venues to showcase the beauty and benefits of reef keeping. These events will serve as a platform to attract new members and generate interest in the hobby.

3.3 Donations and Sponsorship

a. Corporate Sponsorships: Seek sponsorships from companies and businesses related to the aquarium and marine industry. In return, we will provide them with advertising opportunities and recognition at our events and on our platforms.

b. Individual Donations: Encourage individual donations from members, supporters, and the General Public. We will highlight the impact of their contributions on our activities and the promotion of marine conservation.

c. Grant Applications: Apply for grants from environmental and educational foundations that support marine conservation and educational initiatives. These funds will be used to support our programs and expand our outreach efforts.

By implementing this funding plan, the Maldivian Reefers Association aims to secure the necessary resources to promote the saltwater aquarium hobby and contribute to marine conservation efforts in the Maldives. Our commitment to education, community engagement, and responsible reef keeping will ensure the long-term success and growth of our association.

Governing Body and Advisory Committee

1. Governing Body:

The Maldivian Reefers Association is governed by elected members from the general membership, chosen through a voting system during committee meetings. These elected members are responsible for all governance functions and association matters. The tenure of elected members is five years unless removed according to the Governing Body Guidelines.

2. Advisory Committee:

The Advisory Committee provides non-binding strategic advice to the Association on corporate, organizational, and related affairs. It comprises five individuals with unique skills, backgrounds, and expertise related to the saltwater hobby. Members of the Advisory Committee are selected from the following categories:

i. 1 x Legal Professional

ii. 1 x Marine Research Professional

iii. 3 x Saltwater Hobbyists

The Advisory Committee addresses specific issues, challenges, and opportunities for the Association’s betterment. It holds formal governance power, unlike the elected members of the governing body. The committee includes the following members:

i. President of the Association

ii. Vice President

iii. Secretary

iv. Five elected members of the Advisory Committee

2.1 Governance Power:

The Advisory Committee’s primary responsibility is to provide expertise on various issues related to the Association’s objectives. The Association cannot undertake any action without the approval of at least three members of this committee.

3. Titles and Responsibilities:

The Maldivian Reefers Association’s governing body consists of four elected members from the general membership: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

3.1 President:

The President is the most senior elected member of the Association. The President’s duties include presiding at all meetings, day-to-day administration of the Association, executing legal documents, and ordering specific actions to further the Association’s Rules and Regulations. The President is also responsible for ensuring that the governing board operates effectively and fulfills its duties.

3.2 Vice President:

The Vice President acts as an advisor to the President and serves as a backup in the President’s absence. Responsibilities include making public appearances, performing ceremonial duties, and meeting with heads of associations or government officials regarding matters of concerns of our community. If the President’s position becomes vacant, the Vice President will temporarily assume the role until a new President is elected.

3. Election Guidance

4.1 Electing Members:

a) Fair and Democratic Process:

i. Elections must be conducted in a manner that is fair, democratic, accessible, and transparent.

b) Election Timing and Venues:

i. Office bearers and committee members shall be elected by the interim committee at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) or an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

ii. The AGM should be held within the final few months of the elected members’ tenure.

c) Eligibility and Candidacy:

i. Any full member of the association is entitled to stand for any position, provided they are registered members.

ii. No full member should be barred from standing for any position unless the position requires specific expertise.

iii. No full member may hold more than one position at a time.

d) Application Process:

i. Interested candidates must file their application forms with the interim committee once elections are announced.

ii. All governing body members will be elected through a voting system among all general members.

iii. If no applications are filed for a position, nominations can be made during the annual meeting, and a vote will be conducted to select members based on votes.

e) Voting Process:

i. Voting can take place prior to, or during, the AGM.

ii. Votes must be counted and verified by interim committee members who are not running in the election or endorsing a particular candidate.

f) Election Neutrality:

i. Any office bearer re-running for election must not be involved in the electoral process.

ii. The interim committee responsible for elections must consist of neutral individuals within the association who are not running or openly supporting a candidate. If neutrality is not possible, the head of the interim committee should seek assistance from general members.

g) Timelines and Notifications:

i. Members of the governing body and Advisory Committee should be elected within one month of the Association’s official registration.

ii. Elections for the governing body should occur at the first annual meeting and subsequently at the end of each year during the last Annual Meeting.

iii. Fifteen days before the annual meeting, the association should publicly announce the opening of applications for candidates.

1.2 Removal of Elected Members:

A. Attendance:

i. If any member fails to attend committee meetings three consecutive times, the Advisory Committee shall vote on whether the member should remain in the position.

B. Unlawful Activity:

i. Any elected member found guilty of committing a crime or engaging in unlawful activity will be automatically removed from their position without prior notice.

C. Resignation:

i. Any elected member wishing to resign must file a resignation application with the President. The member will be removed after an Advisory Committee meeting, contingent on the official handover of all materials related to their duties to the Association Secretariat.

This election guidance ensures a structured, fair, and transparent process for the election and removal of members within the Maldivian Reefers Association, fostering a robust and accountable governance framework.

2. Governing Body Meetings:

These rules and regulations ensure the proper governance, accountability, and orderly conduct of the association’s activities and its eventual dissolution if necessary.

a) The governing body shall convene board meetings at least three times per year.

b) A quorum for these meetings is 50% of the governing body members. Meetings must be conducted in accordance with the association’s policies and procedures.

c) The President will chair the meetings; in the President’s absence, the Vice President will preside.

d) The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes, which must be signed by the President or the meeting chair and securely stored for record-keeping purposes.

3. Annual Meetings:

a) The association shall hold annual meetings twice per year.

b) A quorum for annual meetings is 50% of the registered members.

c) The President will chair the annual meetings; in the President’s absence, the Vice President will preside.

d) The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes, which must be signed by the President or the meeting chair and securely stored for record-keeping purposes.

4. Abolishing the Association:

a) The association can be abolished if a full majority of the general members agree that it is in the best interest to do so. This decision must be made by a full majority vote of the general members and formally communicated to the Ministry in writing.

b) If the government decides to abolish the association, it shall be dissolved immediately as per the Association Act law, Chapter 10.

5. Annual Report and Expenditure:

The annual report and expenditure statement must be approved during the annual meeting. Once approved, it shall be signed by the governing body members and submitted to the Registrar of Associations at the relevant government ministry within 30 days.

6. Debt of the Association:

If the association is abolished and lacks sufficient funds to settle its debts, the outstanding amount shall be equally divided among the governing body members, and the debt must be cleared before the abolition process is finalized.

3.3 Treasurer:

The Treasurer ensures that funds are spent properly, issues receipt, records all money received, attends committee meetings, and presents the budget report. Additional duties include preparing end-of-year accounts for auditors, advising the board on financial responsibilities, working with professional advisors, and overseeing bookkeeping, budgeting, and report preparation.

3.4 Secretary:

The Secretary ensures that accurate and sufficient documentation exists to meet legal requirements and enables authorized persons to determine how, when, and by whom board meetings were conducted. Responsibilities include recording and distributing meeting minutes, maintaining accurate records, scheduling board meetings, overseeing membership lists, ensuring up-to-date contact information, holding members accountable, tracking board member terms, and orienting new board members.

3.5 Advisory Committee:

The Advisory Committee provides non-binding strategic advice to the Association on corporate, organizational, and related affairs. It addresses specific issues, challenges, and opportunities for the Association’s betterment, holding formal governance power compared to the elected members of the governing body.