ARTICLE 1 – NAME AND ORGANIZATION:
The name of the organization shall be the Mahjong International League, herein also called the MIL. It shall be a non-profit organization incorporated as Association in the meaning of article 60 and following of the Swiss Civil Code; its resources are constituted by members’ annual dues or changes, gifts and donations and any other resource, such as income from competitions, tournaments and other events organized by the MIL; its resources shall be applied exclusively in furtherance of its beneficent purposes; and no part of its resources or earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private person.
ARTICLE 2 – PURPOSE:
The purpose of the organization shall be to promote, foster, promulgate and develop the sport of Duplicate Mahjong throughout the world; to be in the Olympic Movement, remaining affiliated with International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a recognized International Federation (IF) in conformity with the requirements of the Olympic Charter and to contribute to the achievement of the goals set out in the Olympic Charter, in particular by way of spread of Olympism and Olympic education; to federate national Mahjong Organization in all countries; to devise methods and conduct competitions to award international or world championship titles; to establish standard laws for its contests adopting the International Code and supplementing it as may be required, but not inconsistent with it; to support and encourage the promotion of sports ethics; to dedicate its efforts to ensuring that in mahjong contests the spirit of fair play prevails; to fight against doping in sport and to take measures, the goal of which is to prevent endangering the health of mahjong players.
ARTICLE 3 – GOVERNMENT.
Government of the MIL shall be vested in a Congress, an Executive Council, herein also called the Executive, and Officers with defined powers, electing and holding office in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws of the MIL.
ARTICLE 4 – LANGUAGE.
The official language of this Constitution is English, but texts in other languages may be accepted as co-official by the Executive.
ARTICLE 5 – MEMBERSHIP.
The National Mahjong Organization, herein called NMO, of any country is eligible, subject to the By-Laws, to apply for membership of the MIL, and may be elected by the Executive.
ARTICLE 6 – ZONES.
For purposes of administration and zonal competition, the world shall be divided by the Executive into appropriate geographical Zones. The NMOs in each zone shall unite in a Zonal Conference, herein called ZC. The Executive shall consist of not less than eight nor more than twenty-three members, plus the President of the MIL. The number of members of the Executive for each Zone shall be set forth by the By-Laws and the ZC shall designate and accredit the members of the Executive representing the Zone.
ARTICLE 7 – OFFICERS.
The officers of the MIL shall be elected by the Executive. The officers shall include a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Executive may also elect such other officers as it may deem appropriate for the administration of the affairs of the MIL. The respective officers shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be provided by the By-Laws or as the Executive may prescribe.
ARTICLE 8 – CONGRESS.
The Congress shall have the powers in the MIL not delegated to the Executive under the Constitution and By-Laws.
a) Delegates. Each NMO in good standing may designate and accredit one Delegate to the Congress.
b) Meetings. Regular meetings of the Congress shall be held as set forth in the By-Laws.
c) Quorum. At a meeting of the Congress a quorum shall consist of duly accredited Delegates from at least one-third of the NMOs in good standing in the MIL.
d) Proxies. Any NMO may be represented at a meeting by a duly accredited proxy, but no person may represent more than one NMO in any meeting of the Congress.
e) Voting. Any action of the Executive subject to review by the Congress shall require a two-thirds majority vote of those present for rejection of the action of the Executive. Any other matter within the jurisdiction of the Congress shall require only a majority vote of those present and voting, except as may be otherwise required by the Constitution or By-Laws.
f) Control. The Congress shall have the power to control the other organs of the MIL, such as the Executive, the Officers and any other Committee as defined in the Constitution and By-Laws.
g) Revocation. The Congress shall have the power to revoke any organ of the MIL at any time for material grounds. Such revocation requires a two-thirds majority of the present Delegates.
h) Dissolution. The Congress shall have the exclusive power to resolve upon the dissolution of the MIL. This decision requires a two-thirds majority of 75% of all Delegates to the Congress.
ARTICLE 9 – EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The Executive shall exercise supreme executive and administrative powers over the affairs of the MIL consistent with the MIL Constitution and the By-Laws. The management of the affairs, property and business of the MIL shall vest in the Executive. In addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon it by the Constitution and the By-Laws, the Executive may exercise all such powers of the MIL and do all such lawful acts as are not required by the Constitution or by the By-Laws to be exercised or done by the Congress.
a) Members. The Executive shall consist of as many zonal representatives as are authorized by the By-Laws, plus the President of the MIL, who shall for his first term be elected from the members of the Executive and, upon assuming office, shall resign as a zonal representative. Additionally, two members of the High Level Players Commission shall also be members of the Executive. Each member of the Executive, including the President, shall be entitled to one vote on all matters within the Executive’s jurisdiction.
b) Meetings. The Executive shall hold meetings as set forth in the By-Laws.
c) Quorum. One-half of all the total members of the Executive, representing at least three Zones, shall constitute a quorum.
d) Proxies. Any ZC may appoint a proxy to represent it in any meeting of the Executive. No person may serve as a proxy for more than one ZC and no one member of the Executive or proxy may serve as proxy for any other ZC but he may serve as a proxy for one or more members of the Executive from his own ZC.
e) Power and Duties. The Executive shall exercise all executive and administrative powers incident to the effective supervision and administration of the affairs and activities of the MIL. In implementation of these powers, but not in limitation thereof, the Executive shall have the following specific powers:
i) To elect officers and define their powers, duties and tenure.
ii) To fix dues and fees.
iii) To apply the funds of the MIL for its lawful purposes.
iv) To designate the officer or officers to have custody of funds and to account therefore.
v) To fix the dates, sites, eligibility requirements and conditions for contests held under the sanction and supervision of the MIL and to establish appropriate rules and regulations governing such contests.
vi) To exercise appellate jurisdiction from acts or decisions of all Committees. The decisions of the Executive, taken on the basis of the provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws, are final. Any dispute relating to their application or interpretation may be resolved solely by the Executive and, in certain cases, by arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
vii) To accept or reject applications for membership from any NMO, to suspend membership and to terminate membership of any NMO in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws.
viii) To fix zonal boundaries and to recognize ZCs.
ix) To elect honorary officers and members.
x) To notify all ZCs, NMOs and members of the Executive of actions taken by the Executive at each meeting by means of summary minutes, financial statements, or other pertinent documents or reports.
xi) To adopt a set of By-Laws and to make amendments thereto in accordance with the provisions of Article 11 of this Constitution.
xii) To recommend amendments to the Constitution in accordance with the provisions of Article 12.
xiii) To otherwise implement, administer and control the policy and affairs of the MIL in any manner consistent with its Constitution and By-Laws.
xiv) Any action by the Executive under Section 2 or 7 of Article 9(e) shall be subject to review by the Congress under Article 8 of this Constitution.
xv) Any decision by the Executive under Sections 6 & 7 of Article 9 e) shall be subject of appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws.
ARTICLE 10 – COMMITTEES.
Standing or special committees of the MIL, including a Management Committee, may be constituted from time to time and, subject to applicable law and the By-Laws, such committees may be vested with such powers as the Executive may see fit. The members of all committees, other than the High Level Players Commission, shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Executive.
ARTICLE 11 – BY-LAWS.
The Executive shall adopt a set of By-Laws providing for the regulation and management of the affairs of the MIL. Thereafter, the By-Laws or any part of them may be amended by the Executive by the affirmative vote of 75% of all its members entitled to vote, provided the effective date of the Amendment fixed by the Executive shall not be earlier than three months after the mailing of written notice and the full text of the Amendment to each NMO, and provided further that, if a majority of all the NMOs make written objection to the Amendment to the President of the MIL before the effective date fixed by the Executive, the Amendment shall be null and void.
ARTICLE 12 – AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution or any part of it may be amended at any duly constituted meeting of the Congress at which a quorum is present by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Delegates present.
ARTICLE 13 – ARBITRATION.
In addition to other provisions of the Constitution and the By-Laws, any dispute arising on the occasion of, or in connection with, the MIL Tournaments, as provided in Article 9 of the By-Laws, shall be submitted to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations to the exclusion of any recourse to any national/state court. The parties to such dispute shall undertake to implement in good faith the arbitral award rendered by the CAS.
ARTICLE 14– REGISTERED OFFICE AND APPLICABLE LAW.
The MIL has its registered office in the City of Lausanne, Switzerland. The Constitution and By-Laws of the MIL shall be governed by Swiss Law.
By-Laws
ARTICLE 1 – OFFICES
1.1 Principal Office.
The registered office of the Mahjong International League (hereinafter called the “MIL”) shall be in the city of Lausanne (Switzerland).
1.2 Other Offices.
The MIL may also have offices at such other places as the Executive may from time to time determine, or as the business of the MIL may require. In particular, the MIL may have an office at the place of residence of the President of the MIL.
ARTICLE 2 – MEMBERSHIP
2.1 Organizations.
A National Mahjongand/or Duplicate Mahjong Organization (hereafter called the “NMO”) of any country or area may apply for membership in the MIL and be elected thereto by the affirmative vote of the/a simple majority of the members of the Executive present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, provided that any NMO, to be eligible to apply for membership, shall:
be the sole national organization controlling Mahjong and Duplicate Mahjong in its country;
be open to all nationals or bona fide residents of the particular country or area subject only to meeting the requirements of such NMO;
have an appropriate register of members;
undertake to comply with the Constitution and By-Laws of the MIL;
uphold an image of integrity and enforce a standard of ethics acceptable to the MIL;
engage in the promotion ofMahjongand Duplicate Mahjong, such as organizing and participatinginrelevant competitions and providingmahjong education and training programs for mahjong players;
comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the MIL governing its mahjong competitions;
conduct its activities in compliance with both the Olympic Charter and the rules & regulations of the MIL;
play mahjongand Duplicate Mahjong according to the current International Codes of MIL;
acknowledge to participant inany competitions organized by MIL;
The expression “country” shall mean any country, state, territory or a part of territory recognized by the international community. The name of the NMO must reflect the territorial extent and tradition of its country and must be approved by MIL as being in conformity with the Olympic Charter and the IOC regulations.
2.2 Resignations
Any member of the MIL which is not in arrears in dues or fails to perform itsMIL duties may resign in good standing. Resignations may be made in writing to the Secretary of the MIL at least one month before dues become payable, otherwise members shall be liable for dues for the coming year.
2.3 Removal
A member may be removed by the Executive by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the whole Executive, unless rejected by the Congress by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of those present at a regular meeting of the Congress at which a quorum is present. The Executive shall, in presenting any action for removal to the Congress, make known its reasons for such action. Any decision of the Executive removing a member shall be appealable before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations.
2.4 Suspension.
2.4.1 A member shall be automatically suspended from membership in the MIL for:
a)failure for a period of two full years to pay annual dues or charges, or
b)upon notice by a Zonal Conference that a member has failed to maintain its membership as an NMO in good standing within its Zonal Conference.
2.4.2 A member may be suspended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the whole Executive, either for an indefinite period, or for any defined period, if the Executive concludes, in its discretion, that the member is not conforming or has not conformed with the requirements for eligibility for membership in the MIL or is bringing disrepute upon the MIL or its mahjong competitions. Subject to appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations, the decision of the Executive shall be final.
2.5 Reinstatements.
2.5.1 Any NMO removed from the MIL pursuant to Section 2.3 may only be reinstated by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Executive confirmed by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Delegates present at the next regular meeting of the Congress at which a quorum is present.
2.5.2 Any member suspended automatically pursuant to Section 2.4.1(a) may be reinstated by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Executive upon the payment of an amount equal to the dues and charges in arrears plus any further financial penalty imposed by the Executive.
2.5.3 A member temporarily suspended may be reinstated at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Executive on such conditions as the Executive may prescribe.
2.5.4 A member temporarily suspended pursuant to Section 2.4.1(b) may be reinstated by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the whole Executive on such conditions as the Executive may prescribe.
ARTICLE 3 – HONORARY OFFICERS
3.1 President Emeritus.
The title of the President Emeritus may be awarded by the Executive to an individual who, through outstanding services on behalf of the MIL, deserves the highest honorary title. He need not be a Zonal Representative. The President Emeritus shall be entitled to attend all meetings of the Executive and the Congress and will be a member ex-officio of all the Committees of the MIL, but shall have no vote unless otherwise qualified to vote. The President Emeritus shall preside over the Advisory Committee and Committee of Honor.
3.2 President of the Congress.
The title of President of the Congress shall be honorary. He need not be a Zonal Representative, and the Executive shall have the power to confer this title on a person who has rendered outstanding and distinguished service to the MIL. The President of the Congress shall be entitled to attend all the meetings of the Executive and the Congress but shall have no vote unless otherwise qualified to vote. He may have such duties as may be assigned to him by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive.
3.3 Committee of Honour.
The Committee of Honour of the MIL shall consist of those individuals elected thereto by the Executive in recognition of their unselfish efforts in making a significant contribution to the enhancement and growth of mahjong throughout the world. The Committee of Honour shall not exceed eleven living members. Nominations and elections may be held at meetings of the Executive in even numbered years only, with nominations to be made by a minimum of three Executive members from three different zones and election to the Committee shall require the affirmative vote of three-quarters of the whole Executive, and, additionally, if any of the President Emeritus, President of the Congress or existing members of the Committee of Honour are present, they shall have the right to vote. Induction to the Committee shall occur on the occasion of the closing ceremonies of the particular World Championship at which time the individual shall be presented with a suitable pin designating his election to the Committee of Honour. Voting for election to the Committee of Honour shall be by secret ballot.
ARTICLE 4 – ZONES
4.1 Zones.
For purposes of administration and furtherance of the objectives of the MIL and to comply with the International Olympic Committee’s principles of the five IOC rings, the world shall be divided by the Executive into fivegeographicalContinental Conferences identical to the IOC’s five rings. The Executive may establish zones within any of the five Continentswhich, although part of a Continent, shall be entitled to have at least one member on the Executive and berths in MIL tournaments set forth in Article 9 of the By-Laws. A zone may have its own zonal conference of the NMOs situated within the said zone and may conduct its own zonal competitions for representation in MIL tournaments.
4.2 Zonal Conferences.
The NMOs in each Zone shall unite in a Zonal Conference (hereinafter called ZC). The ZC shall decide any question in which different organizations dispute the right to be the NMO for a country within the Zone. A Zone designated by the Executive that does not have a ZC shall establish one as soon as practical after designation of the Zone. The NMO in the Zone with the largest membership shall have primary responsibility to establish the ZC but, in the event of no ZC within six months after designation of the Zone, the Executive may assign to another NMO within the Zone the responsibility to organize the ZC is established within such period as may be fixed by the Executive. After a ZC has been established for a Zone, no NMO within its Zone may become or remain a member of the MIL unless it is also a member in good standing of the ZC.
4.3 Intentionally left blank.
4.4 Zonal Representation on Executive.
The Executive shall consist of not less than ninenor more than twenty-three (23) members, plus the President of the MIL. The Executive consist of one president,five to twenty representatives of each zone,one or two high level players. Each zone which is allocated two or more representatives shall elect or appoint at least one representative of each sex. The Executive shall have the authority, based upon such factors as it may deem relevant, to increase the entitlement of any zone so that any such zone may elect or appoint an additional member to the Executive, subject always to the maximum of twenty-three members of the Executive, plus the President of the MIL. The Executive shall also have the authority to eliminate a zone’s entitlement to any voting member of the Executive under such conditions and based upon such factors as it may deem relevant, provided that in any such case a zone with no voting members on the Executive shall be entitled to an official observer on the Executive. Each ZC shall be responsible for appointment or election of its voting member or members to the Executive and for the notification, in writing, to the Secretary of the MIL of the name and address of each such member. Such notification to be given annually not later than June 30. Such member or members shall continue in office until the appointment or election thereof is cancelled, revoked or substituted by the ZC empowered to appoint or elect the same, unless at any time a zone’s entitlement regarding the number of voting members is reduced, the Executive shall have the authority to require the ZC to remove any such appointment or election so that the zone has only the number of voting members on the Executive to which it is then entitled.
4.5 Zonal Changes.
The Executive shall have power to create additional Zones as the activities of the MIL may require and, for cause, may also alter the assigned territory or withdraw recognition of the existing Zones. Any NMO which wishes to change from one Zone to another must obtain the approval of the Executive.
4.5.1 The Executive shall have power to require each Zone to submit its Constitution and By-Laws which must be in conformity with the principles established by the MIL Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE 5 – CONGRESS
5.1 Intentionally left blank.
5.2 Powers.
The Congress shall have all powers in the MIL not delegated to the Executive under the Constitution or By-Laws. The Congress may also make recommendations to the Executive in respect to any administrative or Executive matters subject to the jurisdiction of the Executive. The Congress shall be entitled to receive reports on the affairs of the MIL and the business transacted by the Executive at each of the meetings of the Congress.
5.3 Meetings.
There shall be a regular meeting of the Congress at every MIL championship held in even numbered years. No special notice to any delegate is required for such meeting held no earlier than the third day following the day on which the competition begins unless special notice is otherwise required under the Constitution or By-Laws. The Secretary shall post a notice of the meeting near the entrance to the tournament site, but in no case shall a Delegate be relieved of the obligation to ascertain the time and place of each session of the meeting.
A complete list of the Delegates and proxies entitled to vote at the meeting shall be prepared by the Secretary and shall be open to the examination of any Delegate or proxy.
The order of business at a regular meeting of the Congress shall be as follows:
Roll call to determine quorum
Approval of minutes of preceding meeting
Report of the President
Report of the Treasurer
Unfinished business
New business
Adjournment
ARTICLE 6 – EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
6.1 Intentionally left blank.
6.2 Meetings.
A regular meeting of the Executive shall be held in conjunction with the Championships conducted by the MIL as notified by the President. Special meetings may also be held at the call of the President upon at least fifteen days’ written notice setting forth the time, place and purposes of the meeting. Any one or more members of the Executive (or any Committee thereof) may participate in a special meeting of the Executive (or such Committee) by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time; participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
6.3 Action without a Meeting.
In lieu of a meeting, any matter within the jurisdiction of the Executive may be acted on by Postal Ballot. In such case, at least two weeks’ notice setting forth the matter to be acted on shall be given to each member of the Executive. Effective action by Postal Ballot shall require 75% written consent of the Executive.
6.4 Voting requirements.
If action is proposed to be taken by the Executive Council in respect of
election of a new MIL President,
change in zonal boundaries or recognition of new zones,
change in the MIL Constitution or By-Laws,
approval of the members of the MIL Management Committee, or
changes to the number of voting members on the Executive allocated to any zone,
then in each such event, notwithstanding any other By-Laws provision to the contrary, the proposed action shall require the affirmative vote of 75% of the whole Executive.
ARTICLE 7 – OFFICERS
7.1 Officers.
The officers of the MIL shall include a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a General Counsel. The Officers, other than the General Counsel and the President, shall be elected by the Executive at its regular meetings every four (4) years held in conjunction with each Mahjong Championship commencing in 2015. Commencing with 2015, and every four years thereafter, the President shall be elected, but the term of office shall not begin until the end of the Championships the year following such election. The terms of the officers shall be for a period of four years and until their successors are elected and qualified; provided however, that if an election for President results in no successor being elected because no candidate has received at least 75% of the votes of the whole Executive, then the incumbent President’s term of office shall end without his successor being elected and qualified. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary. Each candidate for office shall be nominated and seconded by members of the Executive. Election of Officers shall be by secret ballot only if there is more than one candidate for the office. Newly elected officers shall assume office on the last day of the Championships at which they were elected except that if an office becomes vacant during the term of the officer, the newly elected officer shall assume office as soon as practicable after the predecessor officer has vacated the office. Election of any officer shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Executive present at any meeting at which a quorum is present; and if there are more than two candidates for any office and none receives a majority vote on the first ballot, then those two candidates receiving the largest plurality of votes shall continue to stand as candidates with any others receiving a lesser number of votes being eliminated as candidates. Upon an officer (other than the General Counsel) ceasing to be a member of the Executive, such person shall no longer continue as an officer and the office shall be vacant until filled by the Executive.
7.2 President.
The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the MIL. He shall preside at all meetings of the Executive and Congress, shall have general supervision of the affairs of the MIL, shall sign or countersign all certificates, contracts and other instruments of the MIL as authorized by the Executive, shall make reports to the Executive and the Congress, and shall perform all such other duties as are incident to his office or are properly required of him by the Executive. The President must, for his first term, be elected from the members of the Executive and, once elected, the President must resign as a Zonal Representative but shall continue as a member of the Executive.
7.3 Vice-Presidents.
The Vice-Presidents, in the order designated by the Executive, shall exercise the functions of the President during the absence or disability of the President. Each Vice-President shall have powers and discharge such duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Executive. Vice-Presidents must be members of the Executive.
7.4 Secretary.
The Secretary shall issue notices for all meetings, shall keep minutes of all meetings and shall have charge of the seal and the minute books of the MIL. The Secretary must be a member of the Executive.
7.5 Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall have the custody of all monies and securities of the MIL and shall keep regular books of accounts. He shall disburse the funds of the MIL in payments of just demands against the MIL or as may be ordered by the Executive, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and will render audited accounts covering each calendar year and an interim report at each annual meeting of the Executive setting forth an accounting of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the MIL. He shall perform all duties incident to his office or which are properly required of him by the Executive. The Treasurer shall also be Chairman of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer must be a member of the Executive.
7.6 General Counsel.
The General Counsel shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive. He shall be the Chief Counselling Officer of the MIL in all legal matters and may attend meetings of the Executive and Congress. He shall also be the Chairman of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee. The General Counsel shall not be a Zonal Representative nor a member of the Executive.
7.7 Absence or Inability to Act.
In the case of absence or inability to act of any officer of the MIL and of any person herein authorized to act in his place, the Executive shall from time to time delegate the powers or duties of such officer to any other officer, or any other person whom it may select.
7.8 Vacancies.
Vacancies in any office arising from any cause may be filled by the Executive at any regular or special meeting.
7.9 Other Officers.
The executive may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary or expedient, who shall hold their offices for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Executive.
7.10 Compensation.
The compensation paid to any officer or agent of the MIL shall be fixed and approved by the Executive.
7.11 Removal.
Any officer elected or appointed by the Executive may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the affirmative vote at a regularly convened meeting of the Executive of two-thirds of the whole Executive.
7.12 Bonds.
The Executive may, by resolution, require any and all of the officers to give bonds to the MIL with sufficient surety or sureties conditioned for the faithful performance of the duties of their respective offices, and to comply with such other conditions as may from time to time be required by the Executive. The cost of such bonds shall be the responsibility of the MIL.
ARTICLE 8 – COMMITTEES
8.1 Committees.
Standing or Special Committees may be appointed by the Executive from time to time, and the Executive may invest such committees with such powers as it may see fit. All committees so appointed shall keep regular minutes of the transactions of their meetings to be recorded in books kept for that purpose in the office of the MIL and shall report the same to the Executive at its next meeting.
8.2 Quorum and Action with or without a Meeting.
A quorum for any MIL Committee shall consist of a majority of the members of the Committee and, provided appropriate notice thereof shall have been given, the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting or the written approval of a majority of all the members of a Committee without a meeting shall be sufficient for the approval of any matter within the jurisdiction of such Committee. Each such Committee shall fix its own rules of procedure and shall meet as provided by such rules or by the direction of the Executive.
8.3 Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall include the President Emeritus, the President of Congress and members of the Committee of Honour. The Committee will make known its recommendations to the Executive.
8.4 Management Committee.
The President shall appoint from the members of the Executive and past Presidents of the MIL a Management Committee, subject to the approval of the Executive. The Committee shall consist of not less than five members nor more than nine members, including the President who shall act as Chairman. The Committee shall include at least one member of the Executive from each of Zones 1 and 2. The Committee shall have and may exercise, when the Executive is not in session, all the powers of the Executive except those requiring a specific number of affirmative votes of the whole Executive and except that the Management Committee shall not have any authority to elect officers to the MIL or to remove a member to fill vacancies in the membership of the Management Committee. The Executive shall have the power at any time to remove a member of the Committee, to approve appointment of a replacement member or to dissolve the Committee.
8.5 Finance Committee.
The President shall appoint a Finance Committee which shall consist of not less than three members, including the Treasurer who shall act as Chairman. The function and duty of the Finance Committee shall be to consider and take account of the financial affairs of the MIL and to formulate the financial policies of the MIL for submission and approval by the Executive.
8.6 Constitution and By-Laws Committee.
The President shall appoint a Constitution and By-Laws Committee which shall consist of not less than three members. The General Counsel shall be a member of this Committee and shall serve as Chairman of the Committee. The function and duty of this Committee shall be to consider and take account of all matters pertaining to the Constitution and the By-Laws of the MIL, and to formulate and recommend to the Executive any desirable alterations, amendments or repeals relating thereto.
8.7 Rules and Regulations Committee.
The President shall appoint a Rules and Regulations Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than three members, including the President and Secretary. The function and duty of the Committee shall be to consider and take account of all matters pertaining to the Rules and Regulations of the MIL competitions and to formulate and recommend to the Executive any desirable additions, amendments or repeals relating thereto. The Rules and Regulations established by the Committee for each contest must include the following requirements:
a) To be eligible for participation in MIL Tournaments, each contestant, as a condition of admission, agrees to abide by the Olympic Charter as well as all applicable Rules and Regulations of the MIL governing the contest. He must notably:
respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence, and behave accordingly in the playing areas both at and away from the mahjong table;
refrain from using substances and procedures prohibited by the rules of WADA (World Anti Doping Agency) and the MIL;
respect and comply in all respects with the applicable stipulations of the IOC Medical Code (WADA) as to the non-use of prohibited drugs by contestants;
consent to the power of the MIL through constituted authority to enforce proper behaviour and to discipline an offender;
agree to resolve any dispute or grievance arising out of any decision of the Executive and/or of a Committee or an appellate body established by the MIL, in the event such decision affects or prejudices his rights with regard to his participation and play in a MIL Tournament, through recourse to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations.
b) In the event a team, pair or individual refuses to play in any round or match against another team, pair or individual , the match shall be recorded as forfeited and the offending team, pair or individual and/or the NMO or Zone nominating such team, pair or individual shall be subject to suspension from participating in any MIL contest for such period as the Executive, in its discretion, shall determine. Any such decision of the Executive shall be appealable and liable to be resolved through arbitration before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in accordance with its Statutes and Regulations.
8.8 Laws Committee.
The President shall appoint a Laws Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than seven members representing at least three Zones. The function and duty of this Committee shall be to consider and take account of all matters relating to the international laws of mahjong. The Committee shall make whatever changes in the laws it deems appropriate, subject to approval by the Executive. The Committee shall interpret the laws; shall periodically review the laws; and at least once each decade shall make a comprehensive study and updating of the entire laws structure. The Laws Committee shall fix its own rules of procedure and shall act as provided by such rules or by direction of the Executive.
8.9 Credentials Committee.
The President shall appoint a Credentials Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. This Committee shall consist of not less than five members from at least four Zones. The function and duty of the Committee shall be:
a) To determine all questions relating to the rights and eligibility of players or entries nominated to participate in any MIL contest, taking into account reports received from ZCs or NMOs regarding previous discipline or suspension of any players under their jurisdiction. The list of players and non-playing captains nominated by a ZC or NMO as entrants for a forthcoming contest shall be furnished to the Chairman of the Credentials Committee or other designated representative by such date, not less than 30 days prior to the date of commencement of the contest, as the Chairman of the Credentials Committee shall determine.
b) To refuse to invite any player or captain to participate in any MIL contest. No reasons need to be given by the Credentials Committee for a refusal to such persons.
c) All issues of eligibility to participate in world championship events, as well as all qualification events which may be run by a Zone or NMO, are governed by regulations to be enacted by the Executive which may be amended from time to time.
8.10 Appeals Committee.
The President shall appoint an Appeals Committee and shall designate the Chairman of such Committee. The Committee shall consist of not less than five members of the Executive, who shall include the President. Other persons may be appointed temporarily to the Committee for any tournament conducted by the MIL. The Committee shall function as a judicial body to rule on protests and appeals from the decisions of other contest authorities, to determine disputed facts, and to act as an investigative body in its discretion.
8.11 Disciplinary Commission and Appeals Tribunal
The President shall appoint a Disciplinary Commission consisting of not fewer than five (5) members, at least two of whom shall be members of the Executive Council. The function and duties of the Disciplinary Commission shall be to investigate and judge any matter involving alleged unethical or reprehensible conduct or behavior as assigned to it by the President which may be in violation of the Disciplinary Code as adopted by the Executive. Any appeal of a determination of the Disciplinary Commission shall be made to an Appeals Tribunal which shall be appointed by the President and which shall not include any member of the Executive who served on the Disciplinary Commission that rendered the determination being appealed. The MIL General Counsel, or his designee, shall represent the MIL as the prosecutor before the Disciplinary Commission as well as before the Appeals Tribunal.
8.12 Competition Committee.
The President shall appoint a Competition and Tournament Committee to consist of not less than three (3) members. The function and duty of this Committee is to consider important mahjong related issues and make recommendations to the Executive Council for implementation.
8.13 High Level Players Commission
In accordance with Article 8.I, the High Level Players Commission is established. The High Level Players Commission consists of [ ] members which shall be the players This Commission shall advise the Executive on matters related to site selection for the conduct of the World Championships, the MIL’s anti-doping policy and administration of it, possible additional events, rankings of players, and such other duties as assigned by the Executive. The High Level Players Commission can appoint one or two representatives to the Executive .
ARTICLE 9 – MIL TOURNAMENTS
9.1 MIL Tournaments.
MIL Tournaments conducted under the sanction and control of the MIL are by invitation only and will include, but not be limited to individual, pairs or teams:
The World Mahjongand Duplicate Mahjong Games to be held in each leap year;
The World Mahjongand Duplicate Mahjong Series Championships to be held in even numbered years, two years from the previous World Mahjong Games;
The World Mahjong and Duplicate Mahjong Teams Championships which include, but are not limited to, Open, Women, Senior and Transnational Teams to be held in each odd numbered year.
The World Youth Mahjongand Duplicate Mahjong Teams Championships for players up to 25 years of age (Juniors) and for players up to 20 years of age (Youngsters) to be held at times established by the Executive, but preferably in the even years; * and
The World Youth Mahjongand Duplicate Mahjong Congress to be held at times established by the Executive, but preferably in the odd years.
*To be eligible to play in a Youngsters Championship, the player must not have achieved his/her 20th birthday by December 31 of the year prior to the year of the Championship. To be eligible to play in a Juniors Championship, the player must not have achieved his/her 25th birthday by December 31 of the year prior to the year of the Championship.
ARTICLE 10 – TOURNAMENT COMMITTEES
For each tournament conducted by the MIL, the President shall appoint an Organizing Committee. The members of the Committee shall include the Liaison Officer (a member of the Executive designated by the President), and such other persons as the President may select after consultation with the President of the NMO of the host country. Subject to the approval of the President, the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee may be designated by the NMO of the host country provided such designation is made in writing to the President at least six months before the scheduled starting date of the tournament. Subject to approval of the President, it shall be the function and duty of the Organizing Committee to make all necessary arrangements incident to the staging of the tournament.
10.2 Tournament Rules and Regulations Committee.
The President shall appoint a full Tournament Rules and Regulations Committee for each tournament consisting of those members of the standing Rules and Regulations Committee present at the tournament, plus such other persons as the President shall appoint. The Chairman of the Rules and Regulations Committee of the MIL shall act as Chairman of the Committee. The function and duty of this Committee shall be to interpret the rules and regulations formulated by the Rules and Regulations Committee for the tournament.
10.3 Tournament Appeals Committee.
A full Tournament Appeals Committee shall be appointed by the President to serve at each tournament conducted by the MIL. The Tournament Appeals Committee shall function as a judicial body to rule on protests and appeals from the decisions of other tournament authorities, to determine disputed facts, and to act as an investigative body in its discretion.
10.3.1 Members.
The Tournament Appeals Committee shall consist of those members of the standing Appeals Committee present at the tournament, plus such other persons as the President shall appoint. Appointments may be made by the President at any time, but at the start of any tournament, the President shall make additional appointments, in order to provide for a minimum of seven members who will be in attendance at the tournament. The President or his designee will act as Chairman of the Tournament Appeals Committee.
10.3.2 Meetings
The Tournament Appeals Committee shall meet only at the site of the tournament for which it is appointed. It may meet no earlier than 24 hours before the start of the first session of the tournament, and shall be deemed dissolved no later than 24 hours after the end of the last session of the tournament. At each meeting the Chairman shall preside, in his absence the President, and in the absence of both, the person designated by the President. Any question unresolved by the Tournament Appeals Committee after its dissolution shall be determined by the Executive.
10.3.3 Duties
The Tournament Appeals Committee shall hear and adjudicate timely filed appeals from rulings made by a tournament director as well as any other matters assigned to it by the President.
10.3.4 Quorum.
A quorum shall be three members and the vote of a majority shall prevail.
10.3.5 Procedure.
The Committee may establish such rules and regulations for its own procedure, not inconsistent with the Constitution and By-Laws, as it may deem appropriate for the efficient performance of its functions.
10.3.6 Process of Appeals.
Any captain, player, tournament official or other person connected with the conduct of a tournament may present to the Tournament Appeals Committee a matter subject to its jurisdiction.
10.3.7 Report to the Executive Council.
It shall be the duty of the Chairman of the Tournament Appeals Committee to file a report with the Executive on all cases and all matters heard by the Tournament Appeals Committee. The report shall be in writing and filed as promptly as practical with the Secretary and shall set forth in concise form a statement of the question or matter involved, the facts, and the decision of the Committee.
10.3.8 Appeals Referred to the Executive.
Appeals referred to the Executive shall be heard by a special meeting of the Executive convened by the President for that purpose. At such special meeting, a quorum shall consist of not less than three-fourths of all members of the Executive present or represented at the tournament and any decision shall be made by a two-thirds vote of such quorum. The Chairman of the Tournament Appeals Committee shall give a detailed report in writing of the findings of the Tournament Appeals Committee and the Executive shall call in such of the players, captains or other persons directly or indirectly involved in respect of the appeal as the Executive shall consider necessary or appropriate in the circumstances. The judgement of the Executive on the appeal shall be final.
ARTICLE 11 – FINANCE
11.1 Dues and Fees.
The amount and time for payment of all dues, fees and other charges shall be as from time to time fixed and determined by the Executive subject to review by the Congress.
11.2 Funds.
The monies of the MIL shall be deposited in the name of the MIL in such bank or banks or trust company or trust companies as the Executive shall designate and shall be drawn out only by cheque signed by persons designated by resolution of the Executive.
11.3 Fiscal year.
The fiscal year of the MIL shall begin on the first day of January in each year, unless otherwise provided by the Executive.
ARTICLE 12 – BOOKS AND RECORDS
12.1 Records.
The books, accounts and records of the MIL, except as may be otherwise required by law, shall be kept at its principal office or at such other place or places as the Executive may from time to time appoint. The Executive shall determine whether and to what extent the accounts and books of the MIL or any of them, shall be open to inspection of the members, and no member shall have the right to inspect any account or book or document of the MIL except as conferred by law or by resolution of the Executive.
ARTICLE 13 – NOTICES
13.1 Notices.
Whenever the provisions of the Constitution or these By-Laws require notice to be given to any member of the Executive or Delegate to the Congress or Officer, they shall not be construed to mean personal notice; such notice may be given in writing and transmitted by air mail post paid, electronic mail or telefax to the address as shown on the MIL records and the time when same is transmitted shall be the time of giving such notice.
13.2 Waiver.
A waiver of any notice in writing signed by an Executive member or Delegate, or Officer, whether before or after the time stated in said waiver for holding a meeting, shall be deemed equivalent to a notice required to be given to any such Executive member, Delegate, or Officer.
ARTICLE 14 – SEAL
14.1 Seal.
The corporate seal shall be in such form as the Executive may from time to time prescribe.
ARTICLE 15 – RULES OF ORDER AND QUORUM
15.1 Rules of Order.
Roberts’ Rules of Order (revised) shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by the Constitution or by the By-Laws or any special rules of procedure adopted by a duly constituted body of the MIL.
15.2 Quorums.
Except as otherwise required by the Constitution or the By-Laws or by special rules of procedures adopted by a duly constituted body of the MIL a majority of members of any body of the MIL shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the members present in any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be sufficient for the approval of any matter.
ARTICLE 16 – INDEMNIFICATION OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND OFFICERS
16.1 Indemnification of Members of the Executive and Officers.
The MIL shall indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding, whether civil or criminal, by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a member of any Executive or any officer of the MIL or served another corporation of any type or kind, domestic or foreign, or any partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, in any capacity at the request of the MIL, to the extent permitted by law. The MIL may purchase and maintain indemnity insurance to the extent permitted by law.
ARTICLE 17 – AMENDMENTS
17.1 Amendments.
Alterations, amendments or repeal of the By-Laws may be made in accordance with Article 11 of the Constitution.