1. Name

The name of the group is UK Deaf Athletics.

2. Mission Statement & Aims

UK Deaf Athletics mission is to enable deaf people to participate in and enjoy athletics, in friendly, deaf-aware spaces. Also, it aspires to guide and mentor deaf athletes from beginner level to elite competition, including the Deaflympics.

To expand, our aims are to:

• create inclusive and deaf-aware opportunities in athletics
• support deaf athletes, coaches, families and volunteers
• build confidence, community and participation
• work in alignment with UK Deaf Sport and other partners
• promote wellbeing, fairness and safe participation
• raise awareness of deaf inclusion in sport
• promote participation pathways from grassroots engagement through to Deaflympic competition, encompassing local, regional, national, and international opportunities.

3. Powers

To achieve these aims, the group may:

• raise funds, apply for grants and receive donations
• organise activities, events and training
• recruit and support volunteers
• work with other organisations
• open and operate a bank account
• create policies and procedures when needed
   

4. Committee & Membership

The group is led by three officers

• Chair 
• Secretary 
• Treasurer

The committee may add additional roles in future (for example: Safeguarding Lead, Communications Lead).

The quorum for Committee meetings is 4

4.1 Membership 

Membership is open to anyone who supports the aims of the group.

4.2 Eligibility for Deaf Athlete Competition 

If members wish to compete as a Deaf athlete, they are required to have an audiogram and declare the process and provide a copy of the audiogram to the Board. For Deaflympic standard, the athlete must have a hearing loss of at least 55 decibels (dB) in their better ear.

5. Responsibilities

The committee is responsible for:

• managing finances
• making decisions in the best interests of the group
• supporting volunteers
• ensuring safeguarding and inclusion
• ensuring information is accessible to all. including BSL where possible

5.1 Terms of Service

Committee members will serve for at least 3 years. They may be re-appointed.

6. Meetings

The committee will meet at least four times per year. More meetings can be held if needed.

Decisions will be made by simple majority. 

If the vote is tied, the Chair has the deciding vote.

7. Finance

• All money will be used to support the aims of the group.
• The Treasurer will keep clear and accurate records.
• Payments will need approval from two committee members.
• A simple annual financial summary will be shared with the committee.
• The group may fundraise, apply for grants and accept donations.

8. Safeguarding

The group is committed to safeguarding and will maintain a separate Safeguarding Policy in line with UK Deaf Sport.

9. Accessibility and BSL Commitment

We will take reasonable steps to ensure:

• information is accessible in BSL where possible
• meetings and events are deaf-aware
• communication support is considered and planned

10. Changes to the Constitution

This constitution may be changed at a committee meeting with a simple majority vote. 

11. Dissolution

If the group closes, any remaining funds will be donated to a deaf-sport or disability-sport charity chosen by the committee.

12. Accessibility of the Constitution

If any member requires the constitution in BSL or another accessible format, the committee will provide this on request