1. What motivated you to write "A Guide to Club Law and Practice"?

I have been involved over the years as a committee member in the running of numerous clubs and associations, ranging from professional organisations to private members’ clubs. In that capacity, I have seen at close quarters the problems which can arise and have been struck by how little those involved (including professional lawyers) know about this area of the law. In addition, there is little guidance available to those who need it. The main books to deal with clubs are large and expensive volumes written for an audience of lawyers.

2. Who is this book written for?

The book is for those who become involved in a club, whether as an ordinary member, or as a member of the committee which runs it. Its object is to provide guidance to those who do not have professional legal qualifications and the insights of a professional lawyer. In other words, it is for those who may be best described as “well-informed law people”, people with professional knowledge and experience but little or no knowledge of the law. As mentioned above, the literature available for this audience is scant.

3. Why have you written this book now?

There are large numbers of clubs and associations throughout the country. The range is wide. It includes local sports clubs (golf/bowls/cricket/tennis, for example), choral societies and music clubs, and art appreciation societies at one end of the scale. At the other, there are national organisations with local branches (for example, the Women’s Institute/Rotary Clubs/Round Table/U3A/Inner Wheel) and the so-called “Pall Mall” clubs. Whatever their size, they all share the same characteristic: they are known in law as “unincorporated associations”. There is little available up-to-date information about the law which applies to all these organisations. Recent experiences of the problems that may affect clubs (including some well-publicised examples) led me to conclude that the time is ripe for this kind of book.

4. What are some common misconceptions about the legal aspect of running a club or association that you would like people to be more aware of?

• Those involved in running a club or association are often unaware of the importance of the Club’s rules/constitution for the governance of the club.
• Because of this, they often fail to observe the rules/constitution.
• The nature of a club or association is such that running it poses different problems from running organisations which are subject to regulation or supervision, such as companies or charities.
• Those in charge of running a club/association often do not realise the extent of their exposure to legal liability.

5. What are the top 2–3 key takeaways you hope readers will gain from reading the book?

• The importance of the club’s rules/constitution
• The importance of good governance in the running of a club/association
• The importance of being aware of the club’s possible exposure to legal liability caused by actions or decisions taken by the club and members, particularly in the case of a large club

6. Is there something you have learnt from writing this book?

I have learnt that this is an area of the law about which there is limited knowledge. In view of the large numbers of clubs and associations throughout the country, guidance is important for those involved. For those involved in clubs good governance is critical.