Rules & bye-laws

The Mauritius Gymkhana Club ("the Club") is a private club formed to further and enhance the well-being of its members.

The Club is governed by, and is run in accordance with, the Registrar of Association Act, its Rules and the present Bye-Laws as may be amended from time to time.

It is the member's duty to be informed of the Rules and Bye-Laws of the Club. The cooperation of all members is requested for the efficient and effective operation of the Club.

All members and their guests shall be bound by the Rules and the By-Laws of the Club as may be amended from time to time.

The President

The President shall lead and motivate the Club, ensuring that Club Members feel valuable, inspired, and connected to each other.

The President together with the Executive Committee shall ensure that the Club remains at all times dedicated to a sense of well-being amid tranquillity and the enjoyment of friends and family.

The President shall have such other powers and duties as are prescribed by law, by these Bye-laws, or by the Executive Committee from time to time.

The Honorary Secretary

The Hon. Secretary shall keep the record of the proceedings of the Executive Committee of the Club and shall discharge such other duties pertaining to his office or as are prescribed by law, by these Bye-Laws, or by the Executive Committee from time to time.

The Hon. Secretary has the legal custody of the books (except books of account) and records of the Club.

The Honorary Treasurer

The Honorary Treasurer shall have such powers and duties as are prescribed by law, by these Bye-laws, or by the Executive Committee from time to time.

The Hon. Treasurer is responsible for the financial supervision of the Club, and will have charge of and be generally responsible for all funds and disbursements of the Club.

All business transacted at a meeting of the Executive Committee shall be recorded by the Hon. Secretary. The proceedings of the Committee shall be treated as confidential, and no member of the Committee shall, without its previous permission, disclose the same or any part thereof to any unauthorised person - a duty that continues after the member has vacated office.

A resolution agreed to in writing by all members of the Executive Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a duly called meeting of the Committee.

Standards of Conduct

Serving in an elected position on the Executive Committee is a privilege that carries the following affirmative standards of conduct:

• Use Club resources wisely
• Communicate and work together with common courtesy and collegial respect
• Always represent the Club and its mission in a positive and professional manner
• Accurately present the Club's policies and positions when communicating on its behalf
• Never use a Club role or title to further personal advancement

Representation of the Club

No member of the Executive Committee shall make a statement or take a public position in the name of the Club that is contrary to, or creates a misimpression of, a policy or position established by the Executive Committee.

Conflict of Interest

Every member of the Executive Committee has a duty of loyalty to, and must act in the interests of, the Club. A conflict of interest exists when someone's loyalty may be divided between the Club and a second person or organisation.

As part of that duty of loyalty, members of the Executive Committee must disclose any conflict or potential conflict of interest promptly as it arises.

A conflict of interest exists when any member of the Executive Committee, their immediate family, or any party, group or organisation to which they have allegiance, has a direct or indirect financial or other material interest in a proposed contract, transaction or arrangement with the Club, or in a Club policy or position.

The Executive Committee is the final arbiter on all matters involving conflict of interest.

(a) The income and assets of the Club, whenever derived, shall be applied solely toward the promotion of the Club's objects. No portion shall be paid or transferred, directly or indirectly, by way of dividend or profit to the Members of the Club.

(b) All club monies will be banked in an account held in the name of the Club.

(c) General Fund. All membership dues and income from regular operations are deposited into this account, and all general expenditure is paid from it. Entrance fees are deposited into a separate account.

(d) Restaurant and Bar. This operation should be financially self-supporting (not subsidised by dues income), with its profits dedicated to the Club's regular capital needs and debt retirement.

(e) General. Dues and other operating revenue, excluding restaurant and bar, should cover the costs of the clubhouse, swimming, tennis and golf operations, administrative expenses and occupancy. Dues income exceeding these costs is used to retire debt and fund capital expenditure.

The Mauritius Gymkhana Club is a private Club. Membership at the Club is a privilege, not a right.

Mode of Application and Nomination

Application for membership shall be in writing, in the prescribed form, accompanied by all required documentation and a letter of recommendation signed by the proposer and seconder.

Each application must be accompanied by payment of the applicable entrance fee, which is refunded if the application is not approved.

The Club considers each candidate strictly on merit. No distinction, discrimination or restriction is made on account of a candidate's religion, sexual orientation, origin or race.

If it later appears to the Executive Committee's satisfaction that a statement in the application was incorrect in any material particular, or that a material particular was omitted, the Committee may cancel the election. The member then ceases to be a member and is not entitled to any refund of entrance fee, subscription or other charge paid.

The Executive Committee reviews and votes on each application in a manner it determines, with full powers and absolute discretion to accept or reject a proposal, and is not bound to give any reason for its decision.

Applicant Profile

As per Bye-Law 2000, Section 2.3.1, the individual applicant should be:

• A professional, an executive, or a person holding a responsible position
• Well known to the proposer and seconder
• Known to be of respectable behaviour and good character
• Willing to participate and help in the sporting / social activities of the Club
• An asset to the Club

Classes of Membership

As per the amendment to the Bye-Laws (new membership subsets effective from 1st July 2019), there are several classes of membership: Full Membership, Temporary Membership, Corporate Membership and Honorary Membership. The prescribed entrance fee and monthly subscription fee for each class are set out below.

Full Membership Fees

A.1 - Young Member Single (18-35): entrance fee MUR 125,000, monthly subscription MUR 1,455, one-year plan total with premium MUR 135,000 (initial payment MUR 50,000, by end of 6th month MUR 50,000, by end of 12th month MUR 25,000). If a Young Member Single marries within the 18-35 bracket, their spouse may join on payment of a one-off MUR 50,000 spouse fee; the member then upgrades to Young Member Family and pays that subscription. No entrance-fee discount applies to this category, unlike the 50% rebate available to members' children who apply before age 22.

A.2 - Young Member Family (18-35): entrance fee MUR 175,000, monthly subscription MUR 1,600, one-year plan total with premium MUR 190,000 (initial payment MUR 90,000, by end of 6th month MUR 50,000, by end of 12th month MUR 50,000). In the event of divorce, members of a Family Membership may request division of the membership on production of the final decree; once approved, each party is allocated a distinct account number. No entrance-fee discount applies to this category, unlike the 50% rebate available to members' children who apply before age 22.

A.3 - Ordinary Single Member (36+): entrance fee MUR 250,000, monthly subscription MUR 1,455, one-year plan total with premium MUR 270,000 (initial payment MUR 100,000, by end of 6th month MUR 85,000, by end of 12th month MUR 85,000). Change of civil status (Bye-Laws 2000, Section 2.2) - Marriage: submit a spouse application form to the Club Manager for approval at the next Executive Committee meeting. Divorce: inform the Club Manager in writing and request division of the membership; once approved, each party is individually responsible for their own membership. Remarriage: submit a spouse application form with the nomination fee; within the 18-35 bracket, the spouse may join on payment of the one-off MUR 50,000 spouse fee (applicable only on remarriage), and the member upgrades to the Family subset.

A.4 - Ordinary Family Member (36+, married): entrance fee MUR 300,000, monthly subscription MUR 1,600, one-year plan total with premium MUR 325,000 (initial payment MUR 125,000, by end of 6th month MUR 100,000, by end of 12th month MUR 100,000). In the event of divorce, members of a Family Membership may request division of the membership on production of the final decree; once approved, each party is allocated a distinct account number. In case of remarriage, the change-of-civil-status provisions under A.3 apply.

The entrance fee and first subscription are payable when the signed application form is lodged with the Club Manager. Members opting for the one-year payment plan must also remit a promissory note for the balance at that time - missing an instalment causes the membership to lapse automatically, and amounts already paid are retained by the Club.

Corporate Membership Fees

B.1 - Mauritian Companies or Corporations: entrance fee MUR 300,000, monthly subscription MUR 3,475, one-year plan total with premium MUR 325,000 (initial payment MUR 125,000, by end of 6th month MUR 100,000, by end of 12th month MUR 100,000, fee per nominee MUR 100,000).

B.2 - Foreign Companies registered in Mauritius: entrance fee MUR 300,000, monthly subscription MUR 3,475, one-year plan total with premium MUR 325,000 (initial payment MUR 125,000, by end of 6th month MUR 100,000, by end of 12th month MUR 100,000, fee per nominee MUR 100,000).

The entrance fee, nominee fees and first subscription are payable when the signed application form is lodged with the Club Manager. Companies opting for the one-year payment plan must also remit a promissory note for the balance at that time, on the same instalment schedule as above.

Temporary Membership Fees

C.1 - TM1 Category: entrance fee MUR 50,000, monthly subscription MUR 5,500.

C.2 - TM2 Category: entrance fee MUR 50,000, monthly subscription MUR 5,500.

Honorary Membership

Honorary membership may be conferred by the Executive Committee on an individual without the prerequisites or obligations of other memberships, in recognition of achievements or service to the Club or to suitable dignitaries. The duration of such membership shall not exceed 12 months, but may be renewed annually at the Executive Committee's discretion.

Members on Leave (MOL): Single MUR 500/month, Family MUR 600/month. Senior Members: Single/Family MUR 875/month. All rates above took effect from 1st July 2019.

Full Membership Definitions

Single Membership: One person 18 years of age or older.

Family Membership: A married couple with no, one or more dependent children, or a single parent with one or more dependent children. Dependent children under 21 are members of the Club as part of a Family Membership; those 21 or older must hold their own membership or use the Club as a guest, subject to the guest policy in force. In the event of divorce, members of a Family Membership may request division of the membership on production of the final decree.

Temporary Membership: Temporary members must open an account with the Club by making a deposit in the prescribed amount, operated in accordance with Rule 7.2. Temporary Members may not bring guests or take part in Club Championships, though they may be invited to sponsored private competitions, tournaments or golf open tournaments. They must produce their HCP certificate before their round of golf, and must be accompanied by a caddy until they complete the etiquette session and obtain that certificate.

Honorary Membership: May be conferred by the Executive Committee on an individual without the prerequisites or obligations of other memberships, in recognition of achievements or service to the Club or to suitable dignitaries. Duration shall not exceed 12 months, renewable annually at the Executive Committee's discretion.

Senior Membership: Members with at least 25 years of membership who reach the age of 60 are termed "Senior", with a reduced subscription and waiver of green fee (golf only). This takes effect once the Executive Committee approves the member's substantiated application, and applies only to members who joined before 1st August 2000.

Member's Children

Children are defined as unmarried sons and daughters of Members under the age of 21. They have the same rights and privileges as the class of Membership to which their parent belongs, subject to the limitations in the Rules and Bye-Laws.

Members must at all times supervise their children and minor guests so that they do not interfere with other Members' and guests' enjoyment of the Club, and behave properly and in conformity with the Rules and Bye-Laws. Members are responsible and answerable for their children's behaviour on Club premises.

Under 12 years old:

• Not permitted on the Club's premises unless accompanied by a parent or an adult Member
• Not allowed on the premises past 21:00 Monday to Thursday, or past 22:00 Friday to Sunday, except as approved by the Executive Committee
• Not allowed to sign chits
• Not allowed in the Gym area of the Fitness Centre
• Not allowed in the main bar or at the bar terrace
• Must be accompanied by an adult in the Dining Room and restaurant terrace at all times

Above 12 and up to 21 years old:

• Must abide by the Club Rules and Bye-Laws, and the Club's dress code
• May sign chits with the written consent of their parents, filed with the Club Manager
• Not allowed into the main bar if under 18
• Not allowed to purchase alcoholic drinks or cigarettes if under 18
• Not allowed to introduce guests to the Club
• Not allowed to participate in any competition or tournament where money or drinks are involved

The Club is a Member's place. Members are welcome to bring guests to the Club. Guests may use the Club, but only if accompanied by a Member.

The Club wants its Members to feel comfortable and eager to share their club with their guests, but as a private club, wishes to discourage any perception that its facilities may be used by simply accompanying a Member.

All Club policies, rules and regulations, so far as pertinent, apply alike to guests and Members. Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests.

Members inviting a guest must report to the Reception Desk and/or Sporting Outlet to register and sign the guest into the Guest's Book before using Club facilities, and must accompany their guests at all times while they use the facilities or are present on the premises.

Any person not registered as a guest will be refused admittance and service, and may be asked to leave the premises. Management must be notified in writing if a guest is signed in for a sporting activity not practised by the member, in which case the guest may take part unaccompanied at the Club Manager's discretion.

Suspended or terminated members, and any person declared ineligible for membership, cannot be introduced as guests. Save where expressly provided otherwise, no guest may take part in any sporting activity more than twice in one calendar year. Any expense incurred by a guest is debited to the account of the member who registered them.

The Do's and Don'ts

Members must act in a respectful and safe manner at all times whilst at the Club, and are responsible for their own behaviour as well as that of their dependents and guests.

Slurs, racial comments or degrading remarks by members are prohibited, as are obnoxious and abusive language and rude, boisterous, disorderly or discourteous behaviour.

Members acting irresponsibly, improperly or disrespectfully on Club premises will not be tolerated and will be sanctioned; the same applies to abuse or vandalism of Club facilities. Members and guests must not interfere with other Members' or guests' enjoyment of the Club.

Management has the right to notify members and guests of Bye-Law infractions and take appropriate measures to ensure compliance. The Club Manager and designated employees have the authority to evict from the premises any person whose conduct is disorderly or contrary to the Club's best interests.

Harassment, sexual or otherwise, of Club staff will not be permitted. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual or similarly offensive nature, and offensive comments, jokes, innuendos or other sexually oriented statements.

Members shall not reprimand Club employees; any complaint should be addressed to the Club Manager in writing.

Disciplinary action on a perceived rule violation is initiated by a written, signed and dated complaint identifying the member(s) charged and the violation, forwarded to the Club Manager and/or the Executive Committee. The Manager must notify the Committee of any violation; the Committee reviews the incident and determines whether further action is warranted.

To meet special unforeseen situations, the Manager and/or Executive Committee may from time to time allow variances of certain Bye-Law requirements and related policies. Any variance is granted with the welfare of the overall Club in mind and does not set a precedent.

Use of Club's Facilities

Use of the Club's premises is restricted to members and their invited guests. None of the Club's facilities may at any time be made available to the general public or to any non-member group or organisation without the express authorisation of the Executive Committee.

Except in an emergency, members will be notified in advance if the Clubhouse or any Club facility is to be closed for any reason.

Hours of operation: The Executive Committee and the General Manager establish the hours of operation and fees for each Club facility or service.

Food and Beverages: All food and beverages consumed anywhere on Club premises must be purchased from the Club, save for exceptions granted by the Club Manager or otherwise set out in these Bye-Laws.

Service of Alcoholic Beverages: The Club reserves the right to refuse service of alcoholic beverages to any Member or guest who cannot provide satisfactory evidence of being eighteen years of age, or who appears to be intoxicated.

Directing of Staff: No Member may give directions to Club staff regarding the operation of the Club, or directly countermand instructions issued by Club Management to any staff member. Any request to Club staff beyond usual service or actions must be channelled through Club Management. Members may not berate, belittle, reprimand or discipline any Club staff. Concerns regarding staff conduct should be communicated to the Club Manager. Club staff shall not be asked or directed to leave the premises except by the Club Manager.

Dress Code: Members are expected to dress in a fashion befitting the surroundings and atmosphere of the Club, and to advise their guests of the dress requirements - it is each Member's responsibility to inform guests of appropriate attire to avoid embarrassment. The Club reserves the right to deny access to anyone improperly dressed. Dress for special events may be defined for that occasion, and prevailing dress definitions may be waived. The Executive Committee has given sole authority to Club Management and staff to enforce the dress code, including refusal of service and requesting non-compliant persons to leave.

Clubhouse

Casual clothes, including denim and appropriate golf and tennis attire, may be worn. Golf shoes (no metal spikes) may be worn, but Members are strongly encouraged to clean their shoes before entering the dining area.

No short shorts, cutoffs, swimsuits, bare midriffs or men's tank tops. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. "Courtesy" suggests that men remove their hats and caps while seated in the Clubhouse.

Golf Course: Men - shirts must have a collar at all times; shirts with sleeves must be tucked in; pants or shorts must have a zipper or buttons. Ladies - pants or skirt/shorts of acceptable and appropriate golf length. Prohibited attire: tank tops, halters, midriff-baring shirts, short shorts, mini skirts/shorts, blue jeans, and metal spikes on shoes. Only soft-spiked golf shoes are permitted; other shoes (such as tennis shoes) must be approved by the Golf Staff.

Loss or Damage of Property: No property of the Club shall be removed from the premises. Damage to or loss of Club property, or that of Members or guests, caused by a Member or their guest or family, is the Member's responsibility and will be charged to them. The Club is not responsible for any loss of, or injury to, property of Members or guests, including valuables, clothing, golf bags, clubs or other property.

Mobile Phones: For the comfort and enjoyment of fellow Members, mobile phones may not be used in the Dining Room, the Fitness Center, or during classes in the Ballroom.

Automobiles: The Club is not responsible for loss of or damage to any automobile or motorcycle on Club property.

Pets: Pets are not allowed at any time anywhere on the Club's premises.

Main Hall and Dining

Smoking in the Main Hall and Dining Area is prohibited. Liquor and wine may be served with a pre-arranged corkage fee.

Tipping to any Club employee is prohibited and will cause immediate disciplinary action against the employee accepting it.

For the comfort and enjoyment of Members, mobile phones and laptops may not be used in the Dining area.

Children under twelve are not permitted in the Clubhouse unless accompanied by an adult. Anyone under eighteen is not allowed to sit at the Bar or in the Bar area, which is intended for adults only.

Tennis

The Club Manager has the authority to decide on the Tennis Courts' opening and closing.

All players must check in and register with the attendant in charge before starting play, and members must indicate any guest who is playing. Play is limited to one hour per group unless otherwise posted.

Courts are not to be used when the nets are lowered, or for any purpose other than tennis, save where expressly authorised by the Club Manager.

Players must wear proper tennis attire and shoes at all times. Shirts must be worn at all times - men must wear polo shirts or T-shirts without a collar, but sleeveless shirts or polos are not allowed; women may wear sleeveless polo shirts. Running shoes, black-soled shoes, sports bras and cut-off jeans are not permitted.

No food or beverages other than water are permitted on the courts (other beverages may be permitted at times designated by the Club Manager); glass containers are never allowed. All trash must be placed in the containers provided. Smoking is prohibited on the courts, and no game other than tennis may be played there save if allowed by the Club Manager.

Excessive noise, racquet throwing and profanity are not permitted at any time. Persons not playing tennis should remain outside the fence for their own protection.

Guests may play tennis no more than three times per calendar month, and must be accompanied by a Member and pay the appropriate guest fee.

The Tennis Captain and the Club Manager may prohibit any player from playing in case of misconduct or misbehaviour on the courts at any time.

Fitness Center

The Club Manager has the authority to decide on the Fitness Centre's opening and closing. Members exercise at their own risk.

Children below the age of twelve are not allowed to use the Fitness Center. Shirts and closed-toe shoes are required at all times.

Weights and mats must be returned to their designated areas; dumbbells and weights must not be slammed or thrown on the floor when finished. Trash and towels must be placed in the appropriate receptacles.

Cardio workout must be limited to 30 minutes when others are waiting for a machine. Members are expected to be courteous to staff and other Members while working out. No food or drink, except water and sports drinks, is allowed in the fitness area.

The Fitness Centre is cleaned, maintained and restocked at regular intervals throughout the day. All Members are required to wipe down cardiovascular and strength equipment after each use; paper towels and disinfecting spray are available.

The Club reserves the right to deny use of the Fitness Center to anyone unwilling or unable to properly and safely use the equipment, or who does not follow etiquette.

All guests must be accompanied by a Member and pay the appropriate guest fee. A guest may use the fitness facilities no more than once per calendar month, and may not come as a guest of multiple Members in the same month. Members are responsible for knowing their guests' status under this rule.

Swimming Pool

The Club Manager has the authority to decide on the swimming pool's opening and closing.

All Members and guests using the pool and pool area do so at their own risk; the Club assumes no responsibility for accidents of any kind.

All Members must register themselves and their guests at the pool entrance before entering. Children under eight must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult.

Showers must be taken before entering the pool. Persons with any skin disease, sore or inflamed abrasion, nasal or other discharge, or any communicable disease, open blisters or cuts shall not use the pool.

Spitting, spouting of water, pushing, running, throwing an individual into the water, towel popping, profanity and other dangerous or objectionable conduct is prohibited. Toys may be restricted at the discretion of Management.

Proper swimming attire must be worn in the pool and pool area at all times, and a swimming cap must be worn at all times while in the pool. Outside food and drink are not allowed in the pool area; all food and beverage must be purchased from the Club.

If in the Club's best interest, the Club Manager may reserve the swimming facilities for swim meets, exhibitions, special functions or other appropriate purposes; the Executive Committee will be informed of any such event 2-3 days in advance.

Golf

The golf course is open year-round, Mondays through Sundays, unless the Golf Manager declares the course or part of it unplayable; play may be suspended if weather conditions merit it. If the course is closed, any Member not ceasing play immediately will be subject to disciplinary action.

The Golf Manager has the authority at all times to decide on the course's opening and closing. All players must report to the Caddy Master before starting play.

No one other than Members and their guests engaged in regular, properly registered play may use or be on any part of the course during the golf season. Club employees may use the course only on days and times expressly permitted by the Executive Committee.

Any player on the course may be required to identify themselves and show proof of Member or guest status to Golf Professional Staff or another Club representative.

Guests must be accompanied by a caddy and should have a handicap. Members are responsible for their guests' conduct at all times, as well as any food, beverage and other purchases their guests make at the Club.

The Club wishes to maintain a standard of dress and appearance on the course consistent with a private club. Gentlemen must wear slacks or mid-length shorts and collared shirts (including mock or turtle neck, knit shirts or sweaters) at all times; ladies must wear slacks, shorts or skirts appropriate for golf and not overly revealing.

All play is governed by the R&A Rules, which Members must observe, subject to any local rules put into effect from time to time. Players must observe the Rules of Etiquette set out in the MGC Local Rules and Etiquette, and every effort should be made to respect the course at all times.

Trash must be placed in the waste containers at the teeing areas and restrooms. Smoking materials are allowed on the course, but care must be taken to prevent littering and fire risk. Broken tees and loose spikes, which can damage mowers, should be picked up.

Greens must not be scuffed while walking or turning. Only soft-spiked or soft-soled golf shoes or tennis shoes are permitted; turf-type, metal-spiked or street shoes are not allowed. Good judgement should prevail to preserve the course.

Caddies are to be treated with consideration, respect and understanding at all times. Members may give routine instruction and direction but may never berate, belittle, reprimand or discipline a caddie; unsatisfactory performance should be reported to the Golf Manager.

A visitor may play golf subject to payment of the prescribed Visitor's Green Fee and strict compliance with the Club Rules and Bye-Laws, and must always be accompanied by a caddy. Golf bookings may be made one day in advance; visitors may only play during off-peak hours and are not allowed to play on weekends.

Children's Play Area

The Club Manager has the authority to decide on the Children's Play Area's opening and closing. The Club accepts no liability for any accident to children or adults occurring within the play area.

No child under eight is allowed in the children's play area unless accompanied by an adult.

Management reserves the right to restrict access to the play area during important golf competitions.

Golf Dress Code

Members and guests must be appropriately dressed on the course and in the clubhouse at all times.

Gentlemen: Collared shirt, tailored shorts or trousers. Tucked-in shirts are preferred.

Ladies: Collared or golf-style top, skirt, skort, shorts or trousers of tailored length.

Footwear: Golf shoes (soft spikes only). Metal spikes are not permitted.

Not permitted: Jeans, T-shirts, sleeveless tops (gentlemen), tracksuits, swimwear and beachwear.

Juniors: The same code applies to all junior members and guests.

The Executive Committee may refuse access to anyone who is not appropriately dressed.