Model Bylaws for the Statutes of Clubs (1995)

The Model Bylaws of 1995 serve as the primary regulatory document for sports and social clubs in Bahrain, established under the authority of Decree-Law No. (21) of 1989. These bylaws grant clubs a "legal personality" upon their registration in the Official Gazette and define their core mission as the integrated physical, spiritual, and mental development of youth. The document provides a standardized governance framework that ensures all clubs operate with transparency, financial accountability, and alignment with national community development goals.

Key Aspects of the Bylaws:

• Membership Categories: Establishes four types of membership: Active (requires age 18+ and full civil rights), Affiliate (spouses/children), Associate (youth under 18), and Honorary.
• Governance Structure: Mandates a Board of Directors elected by the General Assembly for a two-year term to manage club affairs.
• General Assembly Authority: Defines the General Assembly as the supreme authority of the club, responsible for approving budgets, electing board members, and dismissing boards if financial confidence is lost.
• Electronic Governance (2020 Update): Following Decision No. 150 of 2020, clubs are now authorized to hold General Assembly meetings and conduct voting through approved electronic means.
• Financial Discipline (2021 Update): Under Decision No. 16 of 2021, a strict 90-day grace period is implemented for membership fee payments, after which membership rights are frozen until the debt is settled.
• GSA Oversight: Ensures that all major decisions, including club mergers or dissolutions, require the final approval of the General Sports Authority