The International Flying Dutchman Class Organization
Byelaws -
Approved at AGCM -  8 July 1990


Notes
The Byelaws and structure of IFDCO are currently under review. An updated version of these Byelaws will be released when approved by the IFDCO General Committee (See IFDCO Byelaw 1.2.2.

The structure for the Class as set out in these Byelaws was created in anticipation that the FD would retain Olympic status and was designed to provide support to National FD classes to promote the FD worldwide. As a result of loss of Olympic status and due to various IYRU/ISAF initiatives and changes in the needs of the Class and FD sailors some of the byelaws particularly those relating to the organisation of Championships have been replaced by working documents which will be incorporated into the updated byelaws following the current review..

National FD Secretaries are encouraged to refer to Appendix VI. Duties of National Development Managers as this provides guidance on the tasks that National FD Class Associations should undertake.

The use of email and the world wide web has fundamentally changed the way that sailors and the Class communicates.

IFDCO launched a website www.sailfd.org in 1996 and any National FD Class is entitled to have an area designated on the website free of charge as follows www.sailfd.org/NAT where NAT are the national letters.

FD sailors are encouraged to contribute towards their national FD websites and any major news should be forwarded to the IFDCO webmaster. In addition, results of any significant event should be forwarded to the ISAF webmaster for publication on www.sailing.org, the ISAF website at which all ISAF rule, regulations, guidance and international sailing news can be found.

Any queries about the IFDCO Byelaws should be referred to the IFDCO General Secretary (See contacts page)

Index to IFDCO Byelaws

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1      Foundation Rules
1.2 Byelaws
1.3 IYRU Regulations
2.0 MEMBERS 2.1 Eligibility
2.2 Benefits
2.3 Annual Contribution
2.4 Membership Sticker
2.5 Membership Card
2.6 Membership Records
3.0 BOATS 3.1 Building License
3.2 International Class Fee
3.3 Class Rules
3.4 Measurement Forms and Certificates
3.5 Sail Numbers
3.6 Sail Buttons
3.7 Boat Register
4.0 CHAMPIONSHIPS 4.1 Organization
4.2 Selection of Venues
4.3 Entry Qualification
4.4 FD Championship Rules
 
5.0 ADMINISTRATION OF MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS 5.1 Use of Class Logo
5.2 FD Bulletin
5.3 FD Class Book
5.4 FD World Ranking List
 
6.0 INTERNATIONAL CLASS ORGANIZATION 6.1 Organizational Structure
6.2 Executive Officers
6.3 Administrative Officers
6.4 Executive Committee
6.5 General Committee
6.6 Sub-Committees
6.7 Commodores
6.8 National FD Development Managers
7.0 NATIONAL FD CLASS ASSOCIATIONS 7.1 Constitution
7.2 Financing
APPENDICES I. FD Championship Rules
II. Villenia Cup Rules/FD World Ranking List Scoring System
III. Duties of IFDCO Officials
IV. Duties of a Commodore
V. Sub-Committees: Terms of Reference
VI. Duties of National Development Managers
VII. Rotation of General Committee Members
VIII. World & Continental Championships Notice of Race
IX. Sailing Instructions


1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1      Foundation Rules
1.1.1  The International Flying Dutchman Class Organization (IFDCO) is constituted as a Dutch foundation and its activities are governed by the IFDCO Foundation Rules. The Foundation Rules were revised in 1988,
were ratified on 10 July 1988, at the Annual IFDCO General Committee meeting and registered at the Chamber of Commerce of Amsterdam, Holland under Nr.:S206267 dated 20 September 1988.

1.1.2   The IFDCO Foundation Rules provide for the creation of byelaws.

1.2       Byelaws
1.2.1   The IFDCO Byelaws are the terms of reference which govern all aspects of the IFDCO including the class rules, membership of IFDCO, the worldwide organizational structure, responsibilities of class
officials and relationship with the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU).
1.2.2   Changes to the byelaws may only be made by the IFDCO General Committee at an Annual General Committee Meeting (AGCM) as provided in IFDCO Foundation Rule 14.
1.2.3   Official references to IFDCO Byelaws shall be in the following format:
              IFDCO Byelaw X.X or
              IFDCO Byelaws Appendix X para x.x

1.3     IYRU Regulations
1.3.1  The IYRU is the governing body for international yacht racing and has granted the FD international status.
1.3.2   The benefits and obligations of international status are set out in the IYRU Constitution and Regulations, a copy of which is published in the IYRU Yearbook and proceedings.

2.0      MEMBERS

2.1      Eligibility

2.1.1   Any person who owns, sails or has a strong interest in the Flying Dutchman (FD) may apply to be a member of the IFDCO.
2.1.2   Applications for membership should include details of the applicant's name, address, telephone number, sail number, nationality and date of birth.
2.1.3   Applications should be made to the National FD Class Association secretary or the IFDCO Membership secretary and should be accompanied by the annual contribution.

2.2      Benefits
2.2.1   Members shall, on payment of the annual contribution, be entitled to:
      (a)  be included in the FD World Ranking List;
      (b)  receive communications from IFDCO regarding changes to the byelaws or class rules, the fixture list, major regatta results and other news about the class;
      (c)  receive copies of FD Bulletins free of charge;
      (d)  receive a copy of the FD Class Book free of charge;
      (e)  propose or support changes to the class rules;
       (f)  attend and speak at competitors' hearings;
      (g) attend the AGCM as an observer.

2.3     Annual Contribution
2.3.1  The annual contribution is payable by each member to the IFDCO for a calendar year.
2.3.2   The annual contribution shall be paid by 31 March for members in the Northern Hemisphere or 30 September for members in the Southern Hemisphere to the National FD Class Association which shall act as
agent to IFDCO for the collection of annual contributions.
2.3.3   The amount of the annual contribution shall be published in the FD Bulletin and FD Class Book and may be changed only at an AGCM.

2.4     Membership Sticker
2.4.1  On receipt of the annual contribution a membership sticker will be sent to the member who shall affix it to his or her membership card.

2.5     Membership Card
2.5.1  A new member shall be provided with a membership card which shall indicate his or her membership number.
2.5.2  A membership card with current membership sticker will be evidence that a subscription has been paid and shall be produced at each FD regatta. Failure to produce such evidence may result in an
additional annual contribution being charged.

2.6     Membership Records
2.6.1  The IFDCO Executive Committee shall appoint an IFDCO Membership Secretary who shall be responsible for maintaining an
up-to-date record of members personal details provided under 2.1.2 above, their Membership number, and record of annual contributions paid.
2.6.2  Membership records may be maintained on a computer database for administrative convenience and to provide statistical information.
2.6.3Details of members (excluding date of birth) may be published in the FD Class Book.

3.0     BOATS

3.1     Building License
3.1.1  Any yard building FDs requires a license from the IYRU. A copy of an application to the IYRU for a license should be sent to the IFDCO General Secretary.
3.1.2  Builders who do not build more than two FDs a year may obtain a free license from the IYRU.
3.1.3  No license is required to build a mould.

3.2      International Class Fee
3.2.1  The International Class Fee is payable when a new boat is built and consists of an IFDCO royalty combined with an IYRU fee (0.5 of the average retail price of a complete new boat ready to sail excluding trans-
port costs).
3.2.2  The International Class Fee is payable in full to: IYRU Holdings Ltd
27 Broadwall, Waterloo London SE1 9PL, England Tel: +44 71 928 6611Fax: +44 71 401 8304
3.2.3   The IYRU will supply an IYRU plaque which shall be fixed to the FD in accordance with the Class rules before leaving a builder's premises.
3.2.4   The International Class Fee is subject to annual review by the IYRU. The IFDCO royalty element may only be increased at an
AGCM.

3.3      Class Rules
3.3.1   The object of the Class rules is to ensure that FDs are as nearly the same as possible in shape and weight of hull, centreboard, rudder, and mast and shape of sail plan and that the boats at all times conform
to the class rules and the IFDCO Byelaws.
3.3.2   Alterations to the Class rules shall require the approval of the IYRU except that where in the interests of the Class an immediate alteration is deemed necessary by the IFDCO Executive Committee in
which case action may be taken forthwith but shall be regarded as temporary and must at once be submitted to the IYRU for final decision at its next meeting.
3.3.3   The IFDCO General Secretary shall be responsible for ensuring that a current version of the rules is available to members and other interested parties.
3.3.4   All members should recognize the importance of adhering to both the rules and the spirit of the rules and shall be bound not only to observe these rules but encourage other members to observe these
rules.
3.3.5   Any member observed violating the rules in a way that can clearly be demonstrated to be premeditated with the intention of deriving an unfair advantage and in clear contravention of the Class rules or
IYRR shall be reported to the Executive Committee who shall have the power to hold a hearing and remove all membership rights. Such decision shall be notified to the IYRU, the individual's national authority, the Secretary of the National FD Class Association, all the IFDCO Commodores and published in the next IFDCO Bulletin.

3.4     Measurement Forms and Certificates

3.4.1  All FDs shall be measured by a measurer approved by IFDCO using a measurement form in accordance with the Class rules. When measured, the measurement form shall be sent to the Boat Registrar who shall issue the measurement certificate.
3.4.2  The measurement form and measurement certificate should be taken to all FD regattas as entry may be denied if a valid measurement form and measurement certificate are not available for inspection.

3.5     Sail Numbers
3.5.1  Sail numbers shall be issued through the Boat Registrar. Personal sail numbers are permitted in accordance with the Class
rules.

3.6     Sail Buttons
3.6.1  Sail Buttons shall be fixed to each sail in accordance with the Class rules.
3.6.2  The fee for sail buttons may be changed only at an AGCM.

3.7      Boat Register
3.7.1  The IFDCO Executive Committee shall appoint an IFDCO Boat Registrar who shall be responsible for maintaining a boat register which should include a record of the builder, date of measurement, measurer and IYRU license fee number for FDs for which an International Class Fee has been paid, together with a copy of the measurement form and measurement certificate, history of owners and sail numbers.

4.0     CHAMPIONSHIPS

4.1      Organization
4.1.1   IFDCO will make arrangements for the following events to be held annually:
  a)  FD World Championship (WC)
  b)  FD Continental Championship (CC) in each continent that IFDCO members will support a championship
  c)  FD Masters Championship (MC)
 d)  FD Week (FDW) at the same venue as the WC or CC if it is not open.
4.1.2  The IFDCO Championship Organization Committee is responsible for identifying suitable championship venues and, follow-ing approval from the General Committee for a venue, shall be responsible for working with the organizing authority with a view to the Championship being run in accordance with the IFDCO Championship rules.

4.2     Selection of Venues
4.2.1  Venues will only be selected if there is a good expectation of suitable sailing conditions and where the organizing authority undertakes to provide top quality racing, good shore facilities and a friendly
atmosphere.
4.2.2. Any National Yachting Authority or National FD Class Association wishing to organize a World or Continental Championship should submit a written presentation indicating the proposed venue, proposed date, likely wind conditions, details of tides, and shore facilities. The proposal should also include a map of the area, the names of the promoters, any sponsors, the likely entry fee, living costs, and details of any major
championships held at the same venue within the previous five years.
4.2.3   The proposal should be sent to the IFDCO General Secretary who shall notify the General Committee that the presentation has been received and shall forward the presentation to the Championship Organization Committee for detailed consideration.
4.2.4   The final selection of championship venue shall be approved by the General Committee.

4.3     Entry Qualification
4.3.1  Entries to World and Continental Championships shall only be accepted from fully paid-up members of IFDCO.
4.3.2  Entries to World and Continental Championships may be restricted, in which case eligibility shall be determined in accordance with the Championship Rules.
4.3.3  There shall be no restrictions on entries by members of IFDCO to the FD Week.
4.3.4  The only restriction on entries by members of IFDCO to the FD Masters Championship shall be on the basis of the age of the helm as described in the Championship Rules.

4.4     FD Championship Rules
4.4.1  The FD Championship Rules are set out in Appendix 1 and should form the basis for the organization of World and Continental Championships, the FD Week and FD Masters Championships.
4.4.2   The Championship Rules may be changed only at an AGCM.

5.0     ADMINISTRATION OF MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

5.1     Use of Class Logo
5.1.1  The use of the class logo on flags, badges, etc., shall be reserved for use by IFDCO as authorized by the IFDCO Executive Committee. Changes to the class logo, flag and badges shall be approved at an
AGCM.

5.2      FD Bulletin
5.2.1   The IFDCO Executive Committee shall appoint an editor for the FD Bulletin who shall be responsible for producing a regular Bulletin (at least three times a year) and arranging for it to be distributed to all
registered, fully paid up IFDCO members.
5.2.2   The Bulletin should contain any information considered to be of interest to members but need not represent the views of the
IFDCO General Committee.

5.3    FD  Class Book
5.3.1    The IFDCO Executive Committee shall appoint an editor for the FD Class Book which shall be the official class publication. It should be produced annually and made available to all members free of charge.
5.3.2    It is intended that the FD Class Book contain:
  a)  History of the FD Class
  b)  IFDCO Foundation rules
  c)  IFDCO Byelaws
  d)  FD Class rules
  e)  FD World ranking list
  f)   List of IFDCO committee members and addresses
  g)  List of past IFDCO Presidents
  h) Tables of past and present FD Olympic, World, Continental and National Champions
  i)  Table of top 3 helms and crews in the Villenia Cup for each year
  j)   Full FD results of the most recent Olympic, World and Continental
Championships
  k)  Addresses of yards, sail makers, mast and foil makers supplying FD sailors
  l)   All international FD trophies/prizes with photographs

5.4     FD World Ranking List
5.4.1  The FD World Ranking List shall be maintained by the FD World Ranking List Registrar who shall be appointed by the IFDCO Executive Committee.
5.4.2  Only fully paid up members of IFDCO shall appear in the FD World Ranking List.
5.4.3  The FD World Ranking List shall (subject to 5.4.6 below) include the results of qualifying regattas received by the FD World Ranking List Registrar within twelve months of the end of the regatta.
5.4.4  The scoring system as set out in the Villenia Cup Rules (Appendix II) shall be used for the FD World Ranking List.
5.4.5  The FD World Ranking List shall be recalculated on a twelve month rolling basis for the year to 30 April, 30 June, 31 August
and 31 October and on such other dates that the IFDCO Executive Committee considers appropriate.
5.4.6  FD World Ranking Lists shall be produced for publication on or after the 14th day of the following month and will not be revised for errors or omissions unless the error or omission is made by the FD World
Ranking List Registrar and a member of IFDCO is materially disadvantaged. In this respect the onus for ensuring that the results
of a regatta are promptly submitted to the FD World Ranking List Registrar shall rest with the IFDCO member.
5.4.7  Every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of the FD World Ranking List and members should notify the FD World Ranking List Registrar of errors and omissions so that subsequent FD World Ranking Lists reflect the correct data.

6.0    INTERNATIONAL CLASS ORGANIZATION

6.1    Organizational Structure
The IFDCO international organizational structure shall from 1 January 1990 comprise:
      Executive officers
      Administrative officers
      Executive Committee
      General Committee
      Sub-Committees
      Commodores
      National FD Development Managers

6.2     Executive Officers
6.2.1  The IFDCO Executive Officers shall be members of the Executive Committee and shall have the following titles:
         President
         General Secretary
         Secretary
         Treasurer
         Vice President Technical
         Vice President Championships
         Vice President Commodores
         Vice President Promotion
6.2.2  The duties of the Executive officers are outlined in Appendix III and these may be varied by the Executive Committee.

6.3      Administrative Officers
6.3.1  The IFDCO Administrative Officers shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and shall have the following titles:
      Membership Secretary
      Chief Measurer
      FD World Ranking List Registrar
      Boat Registrar
      FD Bulletin Editor
      FD Year Book Editor
      Development Manager
      Public Relations Officer
       Keeper of Prizes
6.3.2  The duties of the Administrative Officers are outlined in Appendix III and these may be varied by the Executive Committee.
6.3.3  Administrative Officers are entitled to be reimbursed all direct expenses in relation to the performance of their duties so long as
they are within guidelines which shall be approved by the Executive Committee.
6.3.4  Administrative officers who are not members of the General Committee may, at the discretion of the Executive Committee,
be paid a fee for their services.
6.3.5   The total sum reimbursed to the Administrative officers shall be disclosed in the annual accounts distinguishing between expenses and fees. 

6.4     Executive Committee
6.4.1  The IFDCO Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring that the class is organized in accordance with the Foundation rules and byelaws.
6.4.2  The Executive Committee is in particular responsible for the development of the class in countries which do not have well
established national sections.
6.4.3  The members of the Executive Committee shall be appointed in accordance with the Foundation rules.
6.4.4  Any necessary costs incurred by members of the Executive Committee in the performance of their duties shall be reimbursed
by IFDCO so long as the General Committee has agreed in principle that they are reasonable.

6.5      General Committee
6.5.1   The IFDCO General Committee, consisting of the Executive Committee members and Commodores, is responsible for
monitoring the activities of the class, determining class policy and approving changes to the Foundation Rules, Byelaws, and Class
rules.
6.5.2   The General Committee shall meet at least once a year for an AGCM in accordance with the Foundation rules.
6.5.3   The rotation of the retirement of the first General Committee shall be as set out in Appendix VII.
6.5.4   Nominations for appointments to the General Committee shall be made in writing to the General Secretary at least one hour before the commencement of an AGCM. Each nomination shall be proposed by a
Member of the General Committee, shall be seconded by five IFDCO members from at least three countries and shall indicate that
the person nominated has confirmed their willingness to serve in accordance with the Byelaws.
6.5.5   All members of the General Committee are expected to devote a significant amount of time to international communication, the development of FD sailing and to attend the AGCM.
6.5.6   General Committee members attending the AGCM are entitled to be partially reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses.
6.5.7  No compensation shall be paid to any member of the General Committee without the prior approval of an AGCM.

6.6     Sub-Committees
6.6.1  The following IFDCO sub-committees have been formed and their responsibilities are set out in appendix V:
       Championship Organization
       Technical Development
        Promotion
        Measurement
        Finance
6.6.2   The terms of reference of new subcommittees shall be approved by the IFDCO Executive Committee.
6.6.3  The terms of reference of sub-committees may only be varied at an AGCM.
6.6.4  The Executive Committee shall be responsible for appointing a chairman for each sub-committee. The chairman of the sub-committee is responsible for finding and proposing members for the sub-committee.
6.6.5   All sub-committee members shall be approved by the Executive Committee.
6.6.6  The term of office of each sub-committee member shall end on the date of the third AGCM after their appointment, but they may be re-elected at an AGCM for two further terms in succession.
6.6.7  The chairman of each sub-committee who is responsible to the Executive Committee for fulfilling the responsibilities of the sub-committee, shall maintain files on the activities of the sub-committee and prepare a report for presentation at the AGCM which shall include a review of activities and goals for the forthcoming year.
6.6.8  Each sub-committee shall restrict its activities to the tasks allocated to that sub-committee. All other ideas or suggestions should be referred to the IFDCO General Secretary.

6.7      Commodores
6.7.1   Commodores are members of the General Committee and shall be appointed in accordance with the Foundation rules.
6.7.2  The duties of a commodore are set out in Appendix IV.
6.7.3  The regions referred to in IFDCO Foundation rule 4.2.2 shall be:
      North and South America  (USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Chile)
      Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland,)
      North West Europe (Holland, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark,
          Norway, Finland, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg)
      Mediterranean countries (Italy, Israel, Yugoslavia, France,
          San Marino, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Croatia, Slovenia)
       Eastern Europe (CIS, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Rumania,
           Czechoslovakia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania)
        South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
        East Asia (Japan, Republic of Korea, China)

6.8     National FD Development Managers
6.8.1  National FD Development Managers will work in conjunction with the National FD Class Association and National Authority to promote FD sailing.
6.8.2  National FD Development Managers shall be appointed in consultation with the officers of the National FD Class Association and shall be ratified by the IFDCO Executive Committee.
6.8.3  National FD Development Managers shall be honorary members of IFDCO and shall be responsible to the IFDCO Executive Committee for performing the duties of a National FD Development Manager as set
out in Appendix VI.

7.0    NATIONAL FD CLASS ASSOCIATIONS

7.1     Constitution
7.1.1  Each nation may form a national FD class association.
7.1.2  The national class association should be designated ""National'' Flying Dutchman Class Association.
7.1.3  The national class association shall be self governing on local matters so long as they are not in conflict with IFDCO Foundation rules, byelaws or class rules.
7.1.4  The national class association may with the written permission of the IFDCO General Secretary use the FD logo in their communications.

7.2     Financing
7.2.1  The national FD class association shall be an independent organization and shall be self-financing. IFDCO shall not be responsible for any liability of the national class association unless approval has been received in writing from the IFDCO Treasurer.
 

This page was first published on the IFDCO website on 23 November 2003

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