Clubs attending the IABA’s EGM have voted in favour of a motion to remove reference to the IBA (AIBA) from the Association’s constitution in a decision described as “hugely positive” by IABA Chair, Niall O’Carroll.
140 clubs attended at the National Stadium today, in an EGM called by 44 clubs. These clubs triggered the meeting under Article 4.9 of the IABA Constitution. This allows 10% or more of clubs to request an EGM on a stated cause. These clubs proposed a vote that “‘To remove any references to IBA ( AIBA) from all relevant Objects in the IABA Constitution whether contained in the Memorandum or the Articles of Association.’
The meeting opened with an address from Chair of the IABA Board of Directors, Niall O’Carroll, who affirmed that this EGM was taking place as it was requested by clubs. He addressed matters including selection for the 2024 World Youth Championships and confirmed that no sanction will be taken against any child that boxes under a neutral flag.
The first speaker was JP Kinsella, Secretary of Monkstown Boxing Club. JP was the motion’s proposer and spoke at length to state that this EGM was called by clubs, and not Central Council, the Board of Directors, Sport Ireland or the Olympic Federation of Ireland. He spoke about the need for clubs to be able to work with clubs in any federation they want, and of the value of the Olympic Games as an aspiration for all boxers. Others to address the EGM included Liam Morley Brereton of St. Brigid’s Boxing Club, Edenderry who stated in favour; Darren McGavin of Moyle Park BC who was opposed, Dom Robinson of South East Boxing Club who was also opposed; Andrew Duncan of Rochfortbridge BC who spoke in favour, and Johnny Joyce of Olympic BC Mullingar, who spoke on other matters.
This resolution required 51% approval to pass. 140 clubs cast their votes. Of those, 73 voted in favour, 40 voted against and 27 votes were adjudged invalid by the Scrutineers. The Scrutineers self-nominated from the attending non-voting delegates. They included Liam Morley Brereton of St. Brigid’s Boxing Club, Edenderry and Trish O’Loughlin of St. Catherine’s Boxing Club. Scrutineers were assisted by auditor, Declan Fitzgerald of Nexus Accounting.
Chair of the IABA Board of Directors, Niall O’Carroll, said “Today was an important day for Irish boxing. Clubs have called their own EGM and have decided they want to remove IBA from our constitution. This will, when those changes are voted on, mean that clubs have the freedom to work with clubs in any federation they want, including the USA, England, Germany, and others. This is vital for the development of our clubs and our boxers. Its equally important that we acknowledge our status as Ireland’s most successful Olympic Sport, and the heritage that stems from that incredible status. I know some club members have stated on social media that the Olympics is just a two week tournament every four years – but it’s much more than that. Its the dream of kids when they first walk in club house doors. They want to be Kellie Harrington. We want them to have that opportunity and today, we moved a step closer to making sure they can still hold that dream close.”
Niall adds “I’m really heartened by the open, honest dialogue in the National Stadium today. We’ve come a long way in a short time and we should recognise our progress towards transparency. We began this conversation 16 months ago with a series of EGM Info meetings throughout the Association and today, all speakers at the podium spoke passionately about their perspective on changing our constitution. I confirmed, again, that it is the clubs, and only the clubs, who will decide if IABA leaves, or joins, any international federation. It is the clubs that will decide the future of the Association – it’s their Association.”
In order for the changes requested by clubs today to take effect, clubs will be asked to vote on a special resolution. This vote is likely to take place at IABA’s AGM, scheduled for November 24th.
Motion in Support of the Defence Forces
Crumlin Boxing Club President, Liam Mooney, spoke passionately about the contribution of the Defence Forces to Irish Boxing. The Defence Forces was central to the establishment of the Association in 1911. Liam noted the number of national and international champions with Defence Forces affiliation, and that Ireland’s first boxing gold medal was won by a member of the Defence Forces, Michael Carruth.
In recognition of this proud and long-standing contribution, Liam proposed that the IABA pledge its support for Irish troops serving in Lebanon. The 124 Infantry Battalion has been deployed there on UNIFIL peacekeeping duty, in a region in which UNIFIL has stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has deliberately fired on a number of non-Irish peacekeeping positions on Thursday. No Irish peacekeepers were injured in the incidents
This was seconded by National Registrar, Philip Rooney, to applause from all in attendance.
Proposed Ordinary Resolution
A proposed Ordinary Motion on the adoption of a revised rulebook has been deferred. A two phase formal consultation on the revision of the rulebook took place in November-December 2023 and June-July 2024. A 10 month information consultation was open between November 2023 and September 2024. The revised rulebook was adopted by the Board of Directors on September 20th last – but member voting on adoption has been postponed to allow additional consultations with State Services: the Defence Forces, Gardai, the PSNI and Universities.
Nominations are being accepted for election to Central Council, and are being accepted to nominations@iaba.ie until 5pm on Monday, October 14th. Nominations must be sent only to nominations@iaba.ie
As notified on September 21st, the AGM of the IABA will take place on Sunday, November 24th. In accordance with the requirements of Rule 14.2 of the IABA Rulebook, an Election Policy has been adopted by the Board of Directors and is attached. This Election Policy includes:
The policy; pages 1-13
Candidate Declaration; page 14
Nomination Papers; page 16
President Application for Nomination form; page 17-26
For the Information of Candidates – Please share this information with any intending candidates in your club
All intending candidates must return the Candidate Declaration Form to nominations@iaba.ie by 5pm on Monday, October 14th
All candidates intending to run for the Office of President must return the Candidate Declaration Form and the President Application for Nomination form to nominations@iaba.ie by 5pm on Monday, October 14th. The President Application for Nomination form is on page 17-26 of the Election Policy, which is attached.
Sample Candidate Declaration
For the information of Nominating Units
Please complete the Nomination Papers and return to nominations@iaba.ie by 5pm on Monday, October 14th. The signature of the President and the Secretary are required on Nomination Papers
Sample Nomination Papers:
Voting: Ballot papers will be sent to the postal address stated for the Club Secretary in the club’s Blocworx portal. The ballot papers will be accompanied by voting arrangements. Clubs are advised to review the postal address stated for their Club Secretary to ensure it is up to date. The address stated in the club’s Blocworx portal as at 5pm on Monday, October 14th is the address to which ballots will be posted.
Registration will be required to attend the AGM:
Eligibility: All clubs successfully affiliated for the 2024/2025 season
Attendees: Eligible clubs may nominate any two adult members to attend as delegates – one to be a voting delegate, one to be a non-voting delegate. Delegates nominated by clubs must verified members – this means they must be included in the club’s affiliation application, through Blocworx, for the 2024/2025 season as members and be over the age of 18. *Please note, delegates will be required to present photographic identification (passport, drivers’ licence, etc) on the day of the EGM.
Documentation connected with the AGM, including the Agenda and the Annual Report and Financial Statements will issue in the coming weeks.
145 clubs have registered for IABA’s EGM, scheduled for 11am on Saturday, October 12th at the National Stadium.
This EGM arises as 44 clubs, exercising their rights under Article 4.9 of the IABA Constitution, have requested the EGM to vote on the following Special Resolution: ‘To remove any references to IBA ( AIBA) from all relevant Objects in the IABA Constitution whether contained in the Memorandum or the Articles of Association.’
FAQ:
Did the Board of Directors of the IABA propose this EGM?: No
Who proposed this EGM?: A group of 44 clubs
Why is this EGM taking place before the AGM?: If clubs request an EGM, IABA must hold that EGM within 42 days, in accordance with the constitution.
What are clubs being asked to vote on? These 44 clubs have stated the text of the Special Resolution as ‘To remove any references to IBA ( AIBA) from all relevant Objects in the IABA Constitution whether contained in the Memorandum or the Articles of Association.’
Is this a vote on leaving IBA? No
Is this a vote on joining World Boxing? No
Is this a vote on staying with IBA and joining World Boxing? No
What are the potential outcomes if clubs vote to approve this resolution?
There will be no restrictions preventing clubs in engaging with all boxing relating activities should the IABA/Central Council permit. IABA clubs will be able to work with federations including USA Boxing, Boxing Canada, Germany and Sweden. IABA will remain a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. IABA is not aware that IBA has suspended members arising solely from constitutional amendment. IBA has suspended some members and that list is here. Italy, England Boxing and Boxing Scotland are not currently suspended. IABA clubs will give themselves the option of holding a vote on staying with IBA and joining another international federation.
What are the potential outcomes if clubs vote not to approve this resolution? If clubs vote not to approve the special resolution, the constitution remains as it currently is. IABA and IABA clubs are bound to the regulations set by IBA, which restricts any boxing related activities with non-IBA Federations. Should IBA remove 30+ additional federations from its approved member list, IABA clubs will no longer be able to work with clubs in those federations. IABA clubs will not have the option to vote on staying with IBA and joining another international federation. IABA will be removed as a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. If IABA is not a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, IABA boxers will not be able to participate in the LA 2028 Olympic Games or the 2026 Youth Olympics – which may have a knock-on effect in High Performance at Elite, Youth and Junior levels in terms of available resources.
Ordinary Resolution
The IABA Board of Directors, at its meeting on September 20th, adopted the IABA Rulebook. This rulebook has been the subject of two formal phases of consultation with clubs and members, in which proposals, amendment and commentary was invited:
Phase One: 21st November and 21st December 2023.
Phase Two: June 21st to July 19th
This consultation was through rules@iaba.ie, and the address has remained open from November 21st, to date, to capture any additional inputs by clubs and members.
Members will be invited to vote on an Ordinary Resolution to approve this rulebook as part of the EGM. “Does your club approve the adoption of the IABA rulebook, as adopted by the Board of Directors on 20 September 2024”
Registration for the EGM is now open, and will close at 12pm on October 10th. Register here: https://shout.com/s/2GXQZj9R
Eligibility – All clubs successfully affiliated for 2024/2025 season, as at 24 September 2024
Attendees: Eligible clubs may nominate any two adult members to attend as delegates – one to be a voting delegate, one to be a non-voting delegate. Delegates nominated by clubs must verified members – this means they must be included in the club’s affiliation application, through Blocworx, for the 2024/2025 season as members and be over the age of 18. *Please note, delegates will be required to present photographic identification (passport, drivers’ licence, etc) on the day of the EGM.
