Constitution
1. Document Control
Version 2.0 / Last Updated October 2025 by Laura Chetcuti Dimech
2. Glossary
AIMS - Agency of Integrity in Maltese Sports
AGM - Annual General Meeting
Committee - refers to the Committee set up under Article 6 of this Constitution
EGM - Extraordinary General Meeting
IPF - International Powerlifting Federation
Member - refers to any person with a valid Membership as laid down by Article 5 of this Constitution
MPA - Malta Powerlifting Association
OCVO - Office of the Commissioner of Voluntary Organizations
WADA - World Anti-Doping Association
3. Name and Office
3.1 The name of the entity shall be Malta Powerlifting Association, hereinafter referred to as "The Association" or "MPA".
3.2 The Association was established on the 15th of April 2017 as a voluntary organization under the commissioner of Voluntary Organizations, hereinafter referred to as the OVCO, with Voluntary Organization number VO-1940. MPA registered address is Spartan Power 154, Triq San Ġiljan, San Ġwann.
3.3 MPA is a registered affiliate of the international body of powerlifting - the International Powerlifting Federation, hereinafter referred to as "IPF". MPA cannot be a member of another international organization that is not recognized or approved by the IPF, i.e., the National Federations affiliated to the IPF shall not be affiliated to any other organisation with similar objects to those of the IPF and, in particular, to any other organisation purporting to be, or seeking to become, a worldwide governing body for powerlifting.
4. Objectives and Power
4.1 The main objectives of the Association are to:
a) Promote and grow the sport of powerlifting in Malta
b) Set requirements and enable athletes to represent Malta in international competitions c) Supervise, control and regulate powerlifters and powerlifting competitions in Malta
d) Act as the body representing IPF in Malta.
e) To promote, support and encourage clean/doping free powerlifting sport.
4.2 The Association will have the power:
a) To purchase, lease, hire or otherwise acquire and hold real and personal property rights and privileges;
b) To control and raise money, including to borrow, invest, loan or advance monies and to secure the payment of such money by way of mortgage, or charge over all or part of any
of its real and personal property;
c) To sell, lease, mortgage, charge or otherwise dispose of any property of the Association and to grant such rights and privileges over such property as it considers appropriate;
d) To determine, raise and receive money by subscriptions, donations, fees, levies, gate charges,
sponsorship, government funding or otherwise;
e) To make, alter, rescind and enforce by-laws, regulations, policies and procedures for the governance, management and operation of the Association;
f) To enter into contracts with employees, sponsors, members and any other persons, agencies and organizations;
g) To make and enforce rules of competition in adherence to those already established by IPF; h) To produce, develop, create, license and otherwise exploit, use and protect the
intellectual property of the Association;
i) To determine, withdraw, suspend or terminate members and the conditions of membership with the Association;
j) To determine, implement and enforce disciplinary, dispute and appeal procedures, conduct hearings and impose sanctions and penalties;
k) To consider and settle disputes between members;
4.3 To do any other acts or things which are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects of the Association, provided that the above powers shall not limit the rights and powers of the Association.
5. Membership
5.1 Membership with the MPA is open to anyone irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age or ability. The MPA offers only one kind of membership for natural persons.
Provided that any member must:have a Malta-issued valid passport or be a permanent resident of Malta and; be of legal age or have a legal guardian's permission if under the
legal age
5.2 The price, validity andconditions of an MPA membership is determined yearly at the discretion of the Committee.
Provided that all members are bound by the Constitution, regulations, by-laws and policies of the association.
Provided further that membership may be suspended or terminated following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee if a member:
a. Is convicted of an indictable offense;
b. Acts in a manner considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests of the Association;
c. Breaches any provisions of this Constitution which are not remedied within 14 days after receiving notice from the Committee requiring the breach to be remedied;
5.3 A member must have a valid membership in order to take part in local, national or international events, as well as to have a voting right at any AGM or EGM.
5.4 Any resignation or lapse of membership does not release a member from any monetary dues to the MPA.
5.5. Members of the Association shall have the following duties:
a) To observe all the provisions of this Constitution;
b) To attend any AGM or EGM;
c) To help, under the direction of the Committee in at least one national competition during a calendar year, whether in relation to the set up, running and/or taking down of such
competition;
d) To abide by any direction issued from time to time by the Association.
6. Committee
6.1 The following officers are elected in each AGM:
a) President
b) Vice President
c) General Secretary
d) Treasurer
e) Integrity Officer
6.2 The following officers may be elected in each AGM or co-opted by the Committee during the term:
a) Events Officer
b) Marketing and Communication Officer
6.3 The roles in Articles 6.1 and 6.2 make up the Executive Committee, hereinafter referred to as the "Committee".
Provided that, without prejudice to Article 14, the Committee must always be made up of an odd number of officers and be no less than three (3) officers and no more than nine (9) officers.
Provided further that if the Committee is composed of an even number of members, the Secretary General has a casting vote.
6.4 Should a vacancy in any of the roles in Article 6.1 arise, the Committee must issue a public call for submission of nominations.
Provided that if within one (1) week, no nominations are submitted, the Committee may co-opt an officer following a resolution passed by a simply majority.
Provided further that during the period of vacancy, the Committee may continue to carry out affairs normally.
6.5 Duties of Committee Members
a) President
i. To ensure the smooth administrative running of the Committee;
ii. To act as chair during all Committee meetings and any AGM or EGM;
iii. To represent MPA in national and international events;
iv. To maintain regular contact with the Committee;
v. To draw up an Annual Plan together with the Secretary General;
vi. To maintain relationship with senior stakeholders.
b) Vice President
i. To act as acting President if the President is unable or unwilling to perform his duties;
ii. To ensure the smooth administrative running of the Committee;
iii. To represent the MPA in national and international events;
iv. To maintain regular contact with the Committee;
v. To maintain relationship with senior stakeholders;
vi. Any other duty that the President or Secretary General may deem fit.
c) Secretary General
i. To organise the documentation of the MPA, including but not limited to the Annual Report;
ii. To keep an up to date register of all Members;
iii. To take minutes during Committee meetings;
iv. To draw up an Annual Plan together with the President.
d) Treasurer
i. To draw up a yearly Financial Report which is presented at the AGM;
ii. To apply for funding opportunities;
iii. To set up a Budget for every event of the Committee together with the President and Secretary General;
Provided that if changes to the Budget are required, any changes may be adopted following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee.
Provided further that the above duties are without prejudice to Article 12.
e) Integrity Officer
i. To ensure that all directions and regulations of AIMS and WADA are adhered to;
ii. To ensure compliance with the yearly certification from AIMS and WADA;
iii. To keep track of any pending cases in relation to doping committed by members of the MPA;
Provided that the above duties are without prejudice to Article 13.
iv. To organise any events for Members in relation to anti-doping.
f) Events Officer
i. To organise local events;
ii. To coordinate logistics for national athletes participating in international events;
iii. To liaise with potential or current sponsors.
g) Marketing and Communications Officer
i. To design any promotions, branding, and social media;
ii. To draw up a PR plan when required;
iii. To draw up or implement Branding Guidelines;
iv. To be responsible for the management of the Association's media.
6.5 The above duties are without prejudice to the right of the Committee to assign particular duties to any other officer other that what is laid down by this Constitution.
6.6 If a Committee member fails to appear for (3) consecutive meetings or is unwilling or unable to perform their duties or breaches a provision of this Constitution, any Committee member or fifty percent (50%) of all Members may present a motion for his dismissal.
Provided that such motion shall pass following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee
6.6 Legal and judicial representation of the Committee vests in the President and Secretary general.
6.7 Rights of Committee Members:
a) To represent the Committee in national or international events;
b) Declare and be compensated for any documented expenses;
Provided that such compensations shall be included in the Budget and Financial Report of the Association.
6.8 The Association, may at its discretion but in accordance with the Voluntary Organizations Act, opt to employ a person for a temporary or a permanent role. Such a decision must be approved following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee.
7. Committee Meetings
7.1 The Committee must meet at least once every two months or as may be required. Notice for the meeting must be sent to Committee members no less than five (5) days before by the Secretary General.
7.2 It is the responsibility of the Secretary General to draw up the agenda.
7.3 Any member may request the Secretary General no less than 10 days before the next Committee Meeting, to place an item on the agenda and/or request to be present at the Committee Meeting.
Provided that such member will not have any right to vote.
7.4 Anything stated during meetings is to be considered as private and confidential, and may not be disclosed to anybody unless authorised in writing by the President or Secretary General.
8. Annual General Meeting
8.1 The Annual General Meeting must take place yearly within the first 6 weeks of the year.
8.2 During the AGM, the Association shall endeavour:
a) To elect the Committee in accordance without prejudice to Articles 6 and 9;
b) To receive reports on the previous year's activities, including the Annual Report, the Financial present report and auditors report, if necessary;
c) To consider any notices of motion and remits;
d) To transact any other business that may properly be conducted at an AGM.
8.3 Notice of the AGM shall be given to the members of MPA no less than 1 month prior to the to the AGM.
8.4 Notices of motions containing changes to this Constitution and all other remits and nominations must be sent to by the Secretary General at least 15 days prior to the AGM.
8.5 The quorum of an AGM shall consist of at least seventy five percent (75%) of all members.
Provided that if quorum is not reached within fifteen (15) minutes, the AGM can commence normally.
8.6 During an AGM, all Committee members need to be present, unless a valid reason for absence is provided.
8.7 During an AGM, every member with a fully paid membership can vote.
8.8 Non-members may attend the AGM but shall not have any voting rights.
8.9 Any motions passed shall have the effective date of the AGM.
9. Nominations and Elections
9.1 A person may only submit a nomination if they are a member for at least one (1) year.
9.2 Any nominations for officers of the Association may be made and seconded by any member and shall be forwarded to the Secretary General in writing or by email not less than fifteen (15) days before the ensuing AGM. The Secretary General shall notify all nominations to the Committee and members of the Association not less than seven (7) days before the relevant AGM.
9.3 If no valid nomination for any of the officers listed above are received by the Secretary General, nominations for the position or positions, as the case may be, may be made orally at the AGM provided that the approval of the nominee has been obtained.
9.4 Should there be only one (1) nomination for an available office, the Chairperson of the meeting shall declare the nominee elected.
9.5 Should there be more than one (1) nominee for an available office a secret ballot shall be taken amongst the eligible members. The officer will be elected by a simple majority of eligible members present.
Provided that each voting member has one (1) vote and voting by proxy is not allowed.
Provided further that has the Secretary General has a casting vote.
10. Extraordinary General Meeting
10.1 An EGM can be called upon if:
a) 50% of active members request one
b) 33% of the Committee request one
c) The governing international or national body requires one
10.2 For an EGM to occur, 15 days notice must be given to the members and the agenda shall be circulated no less than 7 days before the EGM.
Provided that no other business shall be discussed during the EGM than what is set from before.
10.3 Any motions passed shall have the effective date of the EGM.
10.4 During an EGM, all Committee members need to be present, unless a valid reason for absence is provided.
10.5 All MPA members with a fully paid membership can vote.
11. Financial Running of the Federation
11.1 The Treasurer is responsible for the maintenance of bank accounts, up to date financials and ensuring that the Association is running at a profit.
11.2 Any profit declared at the end of the financial year, must be reinvested into the Association or its members.
11.3 Any transaction must be authorised by the Treasurer and the President or Secretary General.
Provided that any financial decisions exceeding €300 must be approved following a resolution passed by a simple majority of votes of the Committee.
Provided further that any financial decision regarding funding or reimbursements of Members must be authorised by the Treasurer and the President or Secretary General.
11.4 The Committee may decide to apply for any government grants or sponsorships. In the cases where assistance is given, it is up to the Committee to decide how the distribution of such funds is made, in accordance with all local rules and regulations.
11.5 The financial year of the Association runs from 1st January to the 31st December of every calendar year.
12. Integrity in Sports
12.1 The Association follows and accepts the IPF Anti-Doping regulation as well as the World Anti Doping Code.
12.2 The Association shall best endeavour to remain compliant with AIMS at all times..
12.3 The Association and its members recognize the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne as the only external body for jurisdiction, applying the Code of Sports-Related Arbitration for all disputes which cannot be settled amicably through mediation.
Provided that all national legal remedies must be exhausted before referring a matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
12.4 Nothing in this Article is intended to replace or supersede any applicable rule of the IPF which may apply with respect to anti-doping matters.
Provided the applicable rule of the IPF is not inconsistent with the World Anti-Doping Code.
12.5 If any member is found to be in violation of the WADA regulations, and/or gets a positive test after a national or international doping test, a two thousand (€2,000) fine which is certain, liquid and due, is payable to the MPA.
13. Disciplinary cases
13.1 Any complaint regarding behaviour of a Member likely to bring the MPA into disrepute, will be brought to the attention of the President or Secretary General.
Provided that without prejudice to Article 12, the Association has no right to decide or impose any additional suspensions on claims of doping.
13.2 The President and Secretary General may commit all the necessary inquiries to determine the facts of the incident, draw up a report and decide whether the offence merits a Warning of Conduct and/or to request a written explanation from the offender by letter.
Provided that the report and notice of such decision must be forwarded to the Committee and laid down in writing during the next Committee Meeting.
13.3 If a satisfactory explanation is provided by the offender, following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee, the offender shall be excused.
Provided that if no response is received to the letter referred to in Article 13.2 within 7 days of the request, or if the apology is deemed to be unsatisfactory, or if no resolution is
passed by the Committee as aforesaid, Article 13.4 shall apply
13.4 Within 10 days, the President shall consult with the Committee to determine the sanction to the breach, which must agreed to by a resolution passed by a simple majority.
Provided further that the President has a casting vote.
13.5 The sanction mentioned in the previous Article is included, but not limited to;
a. Public admonition; and/or
b. A fine not exceeding five hundred euro (€500); and/or
c. Annulment of any records or rankings obtained in a national competition; and/or
d. Prohibition from participating in any national and/or international competition; and/or
e. Suspension of membership for a definite period of time not exceeding 4 years.
Provided that the Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of the sanction, in whole or in part, for a probationary period not exceeding twelve (12) months.
Provided further that any decision must be laid down in writing during the next Committee meeting and must be available to the Members.
14. Sub Committees
14.1 The Committee may establish sub-committees for a definite or indefinite period of time following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee.
Provided that any existing sub-committees must be confirmed in the first meeting after the AGM following a resolution passed by a resolution of a simple majority of the
Committee.
14.2 Such sub committees are subject to the direction of the Committee.
14.3 There needs to be at least one officer from the Committee present in any sub committee created.
14.4 Sub-committees must report all activities to the Committee in a timely manner.
15. Competition Rules of Powerlifting
15.1. The MPA follows any technical rules as issued by the IPF.
15.2 During a national competition, where possible, the head referee should be a qualified referee.
15.3 Members are prohibited to compete in sports that goes against Article 15 of the IPF Code
16. Matters not provided For
16.1 If any matter shall arise which in the opinion of the Committee is not provided for in this Constitution, the Committee shall determine the matter in writing.
Provided that such matter will be resolved following a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of votes of the Committee
16.2 Such determination shall be binding upon members unless and until set aside by a resolution of the Committee.
17. Indemnity
17.1 The MPA and other officers and servants (whether voluntary or paid) of the Association shall be indemnified by the Association against all losses and expenses incurred in relation to the discharge of those duties unless such loss or expense incurred as a result of their own dishonesty, wilful act or omission or negligence.
18. Dissolution
18.1 In the event of a call for the dissolution of the Association, an EGM must be called and a motion must be passed by 2/3 majority of present Members.
18.2 Upon dissolution, the assets of the Association remaining after payment of all the Association's liabilities will be disposed of in such manner as passed by resolution at the EGM convened for the purposes of dissolving the association.
Provided that the assets shall not be paid to or distributed among the Members of the Association but shall be given or transferred to some other organisation or body having
objects similar to the objects of the Association, or to some other charitable organisation or purpose in Malta.
19. Prohibition on Personal Benefits
19.1 Any Committee member must declare any potential or actual conflict of interest in the discharge of his duties. Such declaration must be laid down in writing and minuted.
19.2 No Member or person associated with a Member may participate in or materially influence any decision by the Committee in respect of payment of any income, benefit or advantage.
19.2 Any payment of income, benefit or advantage from the property of the Committee must be proportionate to the product or service offered..
19.3 Any payment must be recorded in the Financial Report of the Association.