Statutes of the Padel Federation of Ireland (PFI)

Article 1: Name and Headquarters

The organisation shall be named the Padel Federation of Ireland (PFI).  

The headquarters of the PFI shall be located at Bushy Park.

 

Article 2: Objectives and Purpose  

– To promote, organise, and develop the sport of padel throughout Ireland.  

– To represent Ireland in international padel activities and maintain affiliation with the International Padel Federation (FIP).  

– To implement inclusive and accessible programmes, including initiatives for grassroots development, women’s sport, disability inclusion, and youth engagement.  

– To organise national tournaments, leagues, and events, while supporting the development of coaching, umpiring, and facilities.  

– To establish and enforce regulations that govern the sport of padel within Ireland.

 

Article 3: Membership 

3.1 Categories of Membership

  1. Full Members: Affiliated padel clubs and organisations.  
  2. Individual Members: Players, coaches, umpires, and volunteers.  
  3. Honorary Members: Recognised individuals/entities for their contribution to the sport.  

3.2 Membership Rights  

  1. Participation in PFI-sanctioned events and activities.  
  2. Voting rights for full members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).  

3.3 Membership Obligations 

  1. Compliance with the PFI statutes, regulations, and disciplinary measures.  
  2. Payment of annual membership fees as determined by the AGM.

 

Article 4: Governance

4.1 Governance Structure 

– CEO and Management Board: Responsible for the overall strategic direction and operational management.  

– National Executive: Oversees and implements the Federation’s policies and decisions.  

– Technical Committees: Provide expert guidance on technical and developmental aspects of the sport.  

– Regional Committees: To be established to support regional growth.  

4.2 Officers

  1. President  
  2. Vice-President  
  3. Honorary Treasurer  
  4. Honorary Secretary  

4.3 Committees 

The following Standing Committees shall function within the PFI:  

  1. Finance and Marketing Committee  
  2. Technical Committee  
  3. Competitions, Disciplinary, and Child Welfare Committee  
  4. Schools Committee  
  5. Umpiring Committee  
  6. Coaching Committee  

Each committee shall meet at least five (5) times per year, maintain minutes of meetings, and report to the Board.

 

Article 5: Standing Committees

5.1 Finance and Marketing Committee

Responsibilities include:  

  1. Generating income through affiliation fees, sponsorships, grants, and other sources.  
  2. Preparing financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.  
  3. Promoting the PFI through marketing campaigns.  

5.2 Technical Committee 

Responsibilities include:  

  1. Developing technical personnel and coordinating coaching programmes.  
  2. Overseeing grassroots development initiatives, including programmes for disabled athletes.  
  3. Managing Ireland’s playing kits and organising international events hosted in Ireland.  

5.3 Competitions, Disciplinary, and Child Welfare Committee  

Responsibilities include:  

  1. Drafting the annual competitions calendar and fixture lists.  
  2. Administering all domestic competitions.  
  3. Enforcing player registration and eligibility rules.  
  4. Handling disciplinary matters, including anti-doping violations and inappropriate behaviour.  

5.4 Schools Committee  

Responsibilities include:  

  1. Promoting padel in schools and third-level institutions.  
  2. Coordinating programmes and competitions for youth players.  

5.5 Umpiring Committee  

Responsibilities include:  

  1. Training and certifying umpires.  
  2. Assigning umpires for domestic competitions.  

5.6 Coaching Committee  

Responsibilities include:  

  1. Developing coaching standards and training modules.  
  2. Certifying coaches through official courses.

 

Article 6: Meetings 

6.1 Annual General Meeting (AGM)  

  1. Held annually to approve reports, budgets, and strategic plans.  
  2. All full members are entitled to attend and vote.  

6.2 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

  1. Convened for urgent matters requiring member approval.  

6.3 Quorum and Voting   

  1. A quorum shall consist of 50% plus one of the eligible voting members.  
  2. Decisions are passed by a simple majority.

 

Article 7: Financial Management

The PFI’s financial year shall align with the calendar year.  

Annual accounts must be audited and presented at the AGM for approval.  

The Federation shall generate income through:  

  1. Membership fees  
  2. Event revenues  
  3. Sponsorships and grants  

 

Article 8: Disciplinary Code
The Board of Directors or a designated Disciplinary Committee may impose sanctions for:
a. Violations of anti-doping rules.
b. Inappropriate conduct during competitions.
c. Actions detrimental to the reputation of the sport. 

Sanctions may include:
a. Suspensions (temporary or lifetime).
b. Fines, which must be paid within 60 days of notification.
c. Other measures as deemed appropriate by the Board or Disciplinary Committee.

Article 9: Dissolution
In the event of dissolution, the Federation’s remaining assets shall be allocated to a non-profit organisation dedicated to sports development. The allocation of assets must adhere to applicable laws and regulations regarding the distribution of assets upon dissolution.

Article 10: Amendments
Amendments to these statutes require a two-thirds majority vote at the AGM or an EGM. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to all members at least 14 days prior to the meeting where the vote will take place.



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