1. Name and Status

Terms and Definitions:

• International Gloster Breeders Association and its autonomous activity section identified as “IGBA”
• Autonomous Governing Authority the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders identified as “CIGB” (“the Governing Sector”)
• IGBA Affiliate an organisation with representation to the IGBA activity section
• External Affiliate is an organisation with no affiliation to the IGBA.
• Steering Group is the committee of the “CIGB”

1.1 The organisation shall be known as the International Gloster Breeders Association (IGBA).
1.2 IGBA shall operate a distinct but constitutionally recognised governing sector known as the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB) (“the Governing Sector”).

1.3 IGBA and the CIGB are unincorporated, not-for-profit associations.
1.4 Neither IGBA nor the CIGB shall seek incorporation.
1.5 The two bodies operate autonomously within their respective functions. Cooperation between them shall not create partnership, agency, employment, regulatory authority, or legal liability between the bodies.

2. Financial Year

2.1 The financial year of both IGBA and the CIGB shall run from 1 January to 31 December.

2.2 Renewal of IGBA membership is due on the 1^st January. Subscriptions to be with the Treasurer by the 31^st January each year.

2.3 Affiliates must have paid current subscriptions by the 1st March in any year.

3. Objects

3.1 Objects of IGBA (Activity Sector)

IGBA exists to:

1. a) Promote the welfare, responsible keeping, breeding and exhibiting of Gloster Canaries.
2. b) Provide membership to adult, junior and affiliate organisations.
   c) Organise and administer exhibitions, including the principal All Gloster exhibition in accordance with rule 8
3. d) Provide education, guidance and support to members.
   e) Provide administrative, financial and logistical support to the Governing Sector where agreed.

3.2 Objects of the CIGB (Governing Sector)

The CIGB exists to:
a) Act as the international standards-setting body for the Gloster Canary Fancy.
b) Establish, maintain and publish breed standards.
c) Recognise affiliated societies in the United Kingdom and Overseas.
d) Maintain a list of recognised judges.
e) Issue welfare, judging and exhibition guidance.
f) Recognise or support exhibitions operating under CIGB standards.
The Governing Sector shall not act as a regulatory authority and shall not assume operational control of affiliated societies or events.

4. Autonomy and Separation

4.1 IGBA and the CIGB shall operate independently within their defined objects.
4.2 IGBA shall not report to the CIGB except through its single representative on the CIGB Steering Group.
4.3 The CIGB shall not exercise executive control over IGBA.
4.4 Each body shall maintain separate decision-making authority.
4.5 Administrative or financial support provided by IGBA to the CIGB shall not create legal control, liability or reporting subordination.

5. Membership

5.1 IGBA [Activity Sector]

Membership shall consist of:

• Individual Adult Members
• Individual Junior Members (under 16 years of age)
• President (elected at AGM)
• Honorary Members (elected at AGM for unparalleled support to IGBA)
• IGBA Affiliate Members

5.1.1 Individual Adult members shall have voting rights within IGBA.

5.1.2 Individual Junior members shall not have voting rights.

5.1.3 An IGBA affiliate member shall not have voting rights.

5.1.4 Honorary Members may attend meetings but do not carry voting rights unless otherwise specified.

5.1.5 Membership subscriptions shall be determined annually by the Activity Sector Committee Treasurer and presented to the AGM for approval.

5.2 CIGB [Governing Sector]

Membership of the CIGB shall consist solely of:

• IGBA Affiliated Societies (UK)
• External Affiliated Societies (UK)
• IGBA Affiliated Societies (Overseas)
• External Affiliated Societies (Overseas)
• IGBA with one representative to the CIGB Steering Group holding one vote.

5.2.1 Each affiliated society shall nominate one representative to the CIGB Steering Group.
5.2.2 Each affiliated society shall have one vote within the CIGB Steering Group.

5.2.3 IGBA Affiliate membership will be free of charge
5.2.4 External Affiliates can apply to the CIGB General Secretary for CIGB membership.

5.2.5 External Affiliate membership fee shall be determined annually by Treasurer and confirmed at the AGM

6. IGBA Structure

6.1 IGBA [Activity Sector] General Committee

The Main IGBA Executive Officers and Committee shall manage the day-to-day affairs of the IGBA and will consist of:

• Chair
• Vice Chair
• General Secretary
• Treasurer
• Membership Secretary
• Affiliate & Event Secretary
• Members Show Secretary
• Members Show Manager (s)
• Overseas Representative

6.1.1 The Committee shall be elected at the IGBA Annual General Meeting.

6.1.2 Adult members shall vote in IGBA elections.

6.1.3 The IGBA Committee will be authorised to co-opt additional members as considered necessary to administer other functions of the IGBA including but not limited to a show team and overseas sub-committee.

6.1.4 Committee and co-opted additional members shall serve for a term of one year and may be re-elected.

6.1.5 No member of the main IGBA Committee shall simultaneously hold any position, whether elected, appointed, or advisory, within any current or future governing body responsible for the oversight, regulation, or administration of Gloster-related activities. Any such appointment must be declared immediately, and the individual must resign from one of the positions within 14 days.

6.2 CIGB Steering Group

 The Steering Group shall comprise:

• One representative from each affiliated society.
• One representative from IGBA.

6.2.1 Each representative shall hold one vote.
6.2.2 The Steering Group shall elect from among its members a Chair and General Secretary, Treasurer

6.2.3 The Steering Group shall determine standards, recognition and confederation policy. 6.2.4 The Steering Group shall not administer day-to-day IGBA operations.

6.2.5 No member of the Steering Group shall simultaneously hold any position, whether elected, appointed, or advisory, within any current or future governing body responsible for the oversight, regulation, or administration of Gloster-related activities. Any such appointment must be declared immediately, and the individual must resign from one of the positions within 14 days.

6.3 Article: Meetings

6.3.1 Separate Authority

6.3.1 The International Gloster Breeders Association (“IGBA”) and the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (“CIGB”) shall each convene and regulate their own meetings in accordance with this Article.

6.3.2 Each Section shall operate independently and autonomously in the calling, conduct and determination of its meetings

PART A – IGBA

6.4 Annual General Meeting (AGM)

6.4.1 The IGBA AGM shall be held within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the end of the financial year.

6.4.2 Not less than twenty-eight (28) clear day notice to be served by either digital means, (IGBA social media, the IGBA website) or Yearbook shall be given to members.

6.4.3 The notice shall include but not be limited to, the agenda, details of elections, motions, proposed rule amendments.

6.4.4 The business of the AGM shall include but not be limited to:

(a) approval of the minutes of the previous AGM;
(b) receipt and adoption of Officers ‘reports;
(c) approval of the annual financial statement;
(d) election of Officers
(e) election of President and Honorary Memberships;
(f) constitutional amendments

6.4.5 Quorum, Attendance, Voting

6.4.5.1 The quorum shall be fifteen (15) members or ten percent (10%) of members entitled to vote, whichever is the lesser.

6.4.5.2 Attendance at AGM by either physical attendance or registering an internet connection will constitute attendance.

6.4.5.3 Votes of members in attendance at the IGBA AGM shall be deemed to represent the vote of all members entitled to vote.

Voting Effect

6.4.6 Each fully paid-up member present shall have one (1) vote.

6.4.6.1 For the purposes of determining voting eligibility, subscriptions must be fully paid by 1st March of each year.

6.4.6.2 Only members whose subscriptions are fully paid by 1st March shall be entitled to vote at the AGM, EGM, or SGM.

6.4.7 Decisions shall be by simple majority unless otherwise provided in this Constitution.

6.4.8 Constitutional amendments shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those present and voting.

6.4.9 The Chair shall have a casting vote in the event of equality.

6.5 Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

6.5.1 An EGM may be convened:

(a) by resolution of the Committee; or
(b) upon written requisition signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of members entitled to vote.

6.5.2 The requisition shall state the specific business to be transacted.

6.5.3 Following receipt of a valid requisition, the Committee shall arrange a meeting within 21 days, and the meeting shall be held within 42 days of the date of receipt.

6.5.4 Not less than twenty-one (21) clear days’ written notice shall be given to members.

6.5.5 No business other than that stated in the notice shall be transacted.

6.5.6 Quorum and voting provisions shall mirror those of the AGM.

6.6 Special General Meeting (SGM)

6.6.1 A Special General Meeting may be convened by the Committee for a single defined purpose requiring member approval outside the ordinary business of the AGM.

6.6.2 Not less than twenty-one (21) clear days’ written notice shall be given specifying the resolution.

6.6.3 No business other than that specified in the notice shall be transacted.

6.6.4 Quorum and voting provisions shall be identical to those of the AGM unless a higher majority is required elsewhere in this Constitution.

6.7 Ordinary Meetings

6.7.1 The Committee shall hold Ordinary Meetings using digital technology for the conduct of routine business.

6.7.2 The quorum shall be fifty percent (50%) of serving Committee members.

6.7.3 Decisions shall be by simple majority of those present and voting.

6.7.4 The Chair shall have a casting vote in the event of equality.

PART B – CIGB

6.8 CIGB Annual General Meeting (AGM)

6.8.1 The CIGB AGM shall be held within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the end of its financial year.

6.8.2 Not less than twenty-eight (28) clear days’ written notice shall be given to all recognised affiliates.

6.8.3 Each recognised affiliate shall be entitled to one (1) duly appointed voting representative.

6.8.4 The business of the AGM shall include but not be limited to:

(a) approval of the minutes of the previous AGM;
(b) receipt of the reports of the Governing Steering Group;
(c) ratification of standards, policies and codes of conduct;
(d) election or confirmation of Steering Group members;
(e) consideration of motions and amendments.

6.8.5 The quorum shall be a minimum of twenty fifty percent (25%) of members entitled to vote.

6.8.6 Decisions shall be by simple majority of members in attendance.

6.8.7 Amendments to governing regulations shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of affiliates entitled to vote.

6.8.8 The Chair shall have a casting vote in the event of equality.

6.9 CIGB Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

6.9.1 An EGM may be convened:

(a) by resolution of the Governing Steering Group; or
(b) upon written requisition of not less than twenty-five percent (25%) of recognised affiliates entitled to vote.

6.9.2 The requisition shall specify the business to be transacted.

6.9.3 The meeting shall be convened within twenty-one (21) days of receipt and held within forty-two (42) days.

8.7.4 Not less than twenty-one (21) clear days’ written notice shall be given to members.

6.9.4 No business other than that stated in the notice shall be transacted.

6.9.5 Quorum and voting provisions shall mirror those of the AGM.

6.10 CIGB Special General Meeting (SGM)

 6.10.1 A Special General Meeting may be convened for a single defined governing matter requiring affiliate approval outside the ordinary AGM cycle.

6.10.2 Notice, quorum and voting provisions shall mirror those of an EGM.

6.10.3 No business other than that specified shall be transacted.

6.11 CIGB Ordinary Meetings

6.11.1 The Governing Steering Group shall hold Ordinary Meetings as necessary using digital technology for the conduct of governing business.

6.11.2 The quorum shall be twenty five percent (25%) of serving Steering Group members.

6.11.3 Decisions shall be by simple majority of those present and voting.

6.11.4 The Chair shall have a casting vote in the event of equality.

6.12 Voting by Electronic or Postal Means

6.12.1 Subject to compliance with applicable law and regulations, the Committee for IGBA or the Governing Steering Group for CIGB may permit members or affiliates to vote by electronic means or by postal ballot for any AGM, EGM, or SGM.

6.12.2 Electronic or postal votes shall be treated as equivalent to votes cast in person and shall be included in determining the outcome of any resolution or election.

6.12.3 Notices calling a meeting shall specify whether electronic representation and consequent voting is permitted and will provide instructions for participation.

7. Judging

7.1 Judges recognised by the IGBA and CIGB act as independent officials.
7.2 Recognition shall be subject to compliance with published judging standards and code of conduct.
7.3 Judges are not employees or agents of the International Gloster Breeders Association (IGBA) or Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB).

7.4 Application / Eligibility:

7.4.1 An applicant to join the IGBA Judge Panel must be either:

1. a) current year fully paid member of the IGBA with 5 years champion status.
2. b) current year COM omj approved Gloster judge

7.4.2 An application will be:
a) proposed and supported by two current panel judges.
b) sent to the IGBA General Secretary for presentation to the Judge Panel Team for review and acceptance.

7.5 Any judge relinquishing breeding or exhibiting Gloster Canaries will advise the IGBA General Secretary and the Judge Panel Team and the judge will be automatically removed from the judging panel.

7.6 Any Judge returning to breeding or exhibiting Gloster Canaries after a year or more period of absence must serve one (1) year as a breeder/exhibitor before reapplying for the position of a panel judge.

7.7 Failure to fulfil a judging engagement without just cause will result in an individual being removed from the judge panel.

IGBA Members Show

7.8 Any judge who has accepted the invitation to judge the IGBA Show immediately becomes ineligible to judge the next 3 shows.

7.9 Replacement of a current year IGBA Show judge will be the reserve nomination.

7.10 Non acceptance of an invitation to judge the IGBA Show, will not invalidate an individual from being nominated and accepting an invitation in a future year.

7.11 The Judge Panel Team will make recommendations for engaging judges to the members show 

8. Exhibitions.

8.1 The IGBA shall organise the principal annual Gloster Exhibition.

8.2 The IGBA and CIGB may recognise, or support exhibitions organised by affiliated societies.
8.3 An IGBA and or CIGB supported event is organised by the affiliated society, not by the IGBA or CIGB
8.4.1 Use of the IGBA or CIGB name or logo requires prior approval.

Exhibiting Rules:

8.5 Members must only exhibit birds that are their bona-fide property.

8.6 Knowingly exhibiting birds that are not the property of the exhibitor will result in the IGBA withdrawing an individual’s membership.

8.7 Member exhibiting status will comply with the CIGB ruling as determined from time to time.

Current status defined as:

• Junior: from 8 (eight) years of age to 16 (sixteen) years of age.

8.7.2    Junior members over 16 (years) attain Novice status.

8.7.3    Novice status: up to and including year 5 (Five) from first joining the fancy.

8.7.4    A novice may exhibit in any Gloster classes without affecting their status if no novice

classes are provided – entry forms to be marked “Novice”

8.7.5    Novice exhibitors move from Novice to Champion status in year 6 (six) after first joining the fancy.

8.7.6    Once Champion status is attained an exhibitor is always a champion. Champion

exhibitors leaving and subsequently returning to the fancy, irrespective of time

remain at Champion status.

8.7.7    With the exception of Junior members, members of the same family residing at the same address shall exhibit under the highest status of the members.

8.8       Birds must be exhibited in their natural colour; any bird showing artificial colour will

be disqualified.

8.9       Show Cages to be standard specification as defined from time to time by the CIGB

8.10     Exhibitions and exhibitors will adopt and comply with reasonable mandatory regulations of the country that the exhibition takes place

9. Affiliation & Patronage

9.1 IGBA UK & Overseas All Gloster Affiliation fees provide one representative position on the CIGB Governing Sector Steering Group, in accordance with rule 6.2.5.

9.2 IGBA provides patronage to Cage Bird Societies and All Gloster exhibitions promoting both Member & Open Shows.

9.2.1 Clubs applying for IGBA Affiliation & Patronage must, at minimum, adopt the current show classification as defined by the CIGB

9.2.2 Clubs applying for IGBA Affiliation & Patronage must engage a current year IGBA panel judge.

9.2.3 Affiliated organisations must refrain from including references to approval, endorsement or recognition by any external body in show schedules, advertisements, catalogues, social media promotions or other event publicity produced under IGBA affiliation

9.3 Patronage Levels
9.3.1 There will be 5 (Five) levels of IGBA patronage

9.3.1.2 IGBA UK Gloster Patronage includes CIGB Governing Sector representation set out in rule 9.1, IGBA Affiliation, entry access to British Championship, Rosettes Trophy, Website & Yearbook promotion of exhibition events.
9.3.1.3 IGBA UK Cage Bird Societies Full Patronage (> 30 Gloster Entries) provides IGBA Affiliation, one Yearbook, entry access to UK CBS Gloster Championship Rosettes Trophy, Website & Yearbook promotion of exhibition events.

9.3.1.4 IGBA UK Cage Bird Societies Patronage (<30 Gloster Entries) provides IGBA Affiliation, one Yearbook, entry to UK CBS Gloster Championship, Limited Rosettes. Website & Yearbook promotion of exhibition events.

9.3.1.5 IGBA Overseas Full Gloster Patronage includes CIGB Governing Sector representation set out in rule 9.1 , IGBA Affiliation, entry access to Overseas Championship Rosettes Trophy, Website and Yearbook promotion of exhibition events.

9.3.1.6 IGBA Overseas Starter Patronage provides CIGB Governing Sector representation, IGBA Affiliation, Website and Yearbook promotion of events, 3 Rosettes. NO access to Overseas Championship.

9.4       To be eligible for IGBA specials, British and Overseas Championship points and awards annual subscriptions must be paid by the 31^st August of any year

10. Safeguarding and Welfare

10.1 A Welfare and Safeguarding Officer may be appointed by IGBA.
10.2 Junior participation shall require appropriate supervision and parental consent.

10.3 The welfare of birds shall be paramount in all activities.

11. Finance

11.1 IGBA and the CIGB shall maintain separate accounts.
11.2 IGBA may provide agreed administrative or financial resource support to the CIGB Governing Sector.
11.3 Annual financial statements shall be prepared for both bodies.

12. Discipline

12.1 IGBA and CIGB may discipline individual members in accordance with procedures 12.2 and 12.3

12.2 Disciplinary Procedure

General Principles: The International Gloster Breeders Association (IGBA) and the Governing Sector known as the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB) shall ensure that all complaints and disciplinary matters are handled fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

12.2.1 No individual member or recognised affiliate shall be subject to disciplinary sanction without:

• Written notice of the allegation,
• A reasonable opportunity to respond,
• Consideration of evidence by an impartial panel.

12.2.2 Disciplinary action may arise from conduct deemed:

• Prejudicial to the interests or reputation of IGBA and or CIGB,

• In breach of the Constitution, Rules, Codes of Conduct, Judging or Exhibiting Rules,

• Dishonest, abusive, discriminatory, or detrimental to the Gloster Canary Fancy.

12.3 Disciplinary Procedure – Individual Members

12.3.1 Grounds for Complaint

Complaints may include (but are not limited to):

• Breach of exhibiting rules,
• Falsification of ownership,
• Abuse of officials or members,
• Conduct bringing IGBA into disrepute.

12.3.2 Submission of Complaint

1. a) Complaints must be submitted in writing to the General Secretary.
   b) Anonymous complaints shall not normally be considered.
   c) The complaint must set out specific allegations and supporting evidence.

12.3.3 Preliminary Assessment

1. a) The Committee shall conduct an initial review to determine if there is a prima facie case.
   b) If no case exists, the complaint shall be dismissed.
   c) If a case exists, the matter shall proceed to formal hearing.

12.3.4 Disciplinary Panel

1. a) A Disciplinary Panel of not fewer than three Committee members shall be appointed.
   b) Any person with a conflict of interest must withdraw.
   c) The accused member shall receive:

• Written details of allegations,
• Copies of evidence,
• At least 14 days’ notice of the hearing.

12.3.5 Hearing Procedure

1. a) The member may submit written representations and/or attend the hearing.
   b) The Panel may consider written and oral evidence.
   c) Decisions shall be made by majority vote.

12.3.6 Sanctions

The Panel may impose:

• No action,
• Written warning,
• Suspension of membership for a defined period,
• Withdrawal of exhibiting privileges,
• Removal from office,
• Expulsion from membership – Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority of the Panel.

12.3.7 Appeal

1. a) The member may appeal in writing within 21 days of notification.
   b) An Appeals Panel (different members from the disciplinary panel) shall review the case.
   c) The Appeals Panel decision shall be final.

12.4 Disciplinary Procedure – Governing Body Affiliates

CIGB may discipline individual affiliates in accordance with procedure identified in       clause 12.4

12.4.1.1 Grounds for Action

Action may be taken where an affiliate:

• Breaches IGBA and or CIGB Constitution or Affiliate Code of Conduct,
• Acts contrary to IGBA and or CIGB standards for supported events,
• Fails to uphold welfare or judging standards,
• Brings IGBA and or CIGB into disrepute.

12.4.2 Formal Notice

1. a) Written notice of concerns shall be issued to the Affiliate Secretary.
   b) The affiliate shall have 28 days to respond in writing.

12.4.3 Review by Governing Sector

1. a) The Governing Sector Committee shall review the matter.
   b) A meeting may be convened (in person or electronically).
   c) The affiliate may make written or oral representations.

12.4.4 Sanctions

Sanctions may include:

• Advisory notice or corrective action plan,
• Formal warning,
• Suspension of affiliate recognition,
• Removal of judging accreditation rights,
• Withdrawal of IGBA recognition.

Suspension or removal requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Governing Sector Committee.

12.4.5 Appeals

1. a) An affiliate may appeal in writing within 28 days.
   b) An independent Appeal Panel shall review the matter (different members from the disciplinary panel).
   c) The Appeal decision shall be final.

12.5 IGBA and CIGB Interim Measures

In cases involving safeguarding, welfare breaches, or serious reputational risk, the Committee may impose temporary suspension pending investigation.

Such suspension shall not imply guilt and shall be reviewed within 60 days.

12.6 IGBA and CIGB Confidentiality

All disciplinary proceedings shall remain confidential, except:

• Where publication of sanction is deemed necessary to protect the interests of IGBA and or CIGB.
• Where disclosure is required by law.

13. Liability and Indemnity

13.1 IGBA Committee and CIGB Steering Group members shall not be personally liable for debts of the association provided they act in good faith.
13.2 The association shall indemnify officers against liabilities properly incurred except in cases of fraud, dishonesty or wilful misconduct.

13.3 The associations shall maintain appropriate insurance where practicable.

14. Voting and Constitutional Amendments of IGBA Operating Section and CIGB Governing Section

14.1 Authority of the General Meeting

14.1.1 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and any Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and any Special General Meeting (SGM) duly convened in accordance with this Constitution shall constitute the Membership in session and shall be the supreme decision-making authority of the IGBA or CIGB whichever is in session.

14.1.2 Decisions properly passed at such meetings shall be binding upon the entire Membership, whether present or not.

14.2 Ordinary Resolutions

14.2.1 Ordinary business and policy decisions shall be determined by a simple majority of eligible voting Members present and voting at a quorate AGM or EGM.

14.2.2 In the event of an equality of votes, the Chair shall have a casting vote.

14.3 Constitutional Amendments

14.3.1 This Constitution may only be amended at an AGM or EGM.

14.3.2 Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the General Secretaries not less than twenty-eight (28) days prior to the meeting.

14.3.3 Full wording of the proposed amendment shall be circulated to the Membership not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

14.3.4 Constitutional amendments shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority of eligible voting Members present and voting at a quorate meeting.

14.3.5 No separate postal or electronic ballot of the entire Membership shall be required unless specifically resolved by the Committee or mandated elsewhere within this Constitution.

14.4 Quorum

14.4.1 The quorum of the IGBA Ordinary, Annual General, Extraordinary General or Special General meeting shall be ten (10) members or ten percent (10%) of members entitled to vote, whichever is the lesser.

14.4.2 The quorum of the CIGB Ordinary, Annual General, Extraordinary General or Special General meeting shall be twenty five percent (25%) of recognised affiliates entitled to vote.

14.4.3 No business shall be transacted unless a quorum is present.

14.5 Proxy and Electronic Participation

14.5.1 The Committee may permit proxy voting or secure electronic participation, provided procedures are published in advance of the meeting.

15. Dissolution

15.1 IGBA and the CIGB Governing Sector may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority of their respective voting bodies.
15.2 Any remaining assets shall be transferred to a non-profit organisation with similar objects and shall not be distributed to members.

Adopted by IGBA at the AGM on the 22^nd March 2026

Presented for adoption by CIGB at the inaugural meeting on the 21^st August 2026

Appendix 

Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB) – Affiliate & Event Governance Documents

1. Affiliate Recognition Declaration

1.1 Purpose

This declaration sets out the basis on which societies are recognised as Affiliated Societies of the Confederation of International Gloster Breeders (CIGB).

1.2 Status

1.2.1 Affiliated societies remain independent organisations.
1.2.2 Recognition by CIGB does not create a partnership, agency, or legal obligation.

1.2.3 CIGB is an unincorporated, not-for-profit association.

1.3 Conditions of Recognition

Affiliated societies agree to:

• Support the objects of CIGB to the exclusion of all others
• Uphold CIGB breed standards
• Follow CIGB welfare and show standards at CIGB-recognised or supported events
• Promote ethical breeding and exhibiting practices
• Nominate a liaison officer to communicate with CIGB
•  

1.4 Voting Rights
Each affiliated society is entitled to one vote at CIGB General, Annual, Extraordinary General or Special General Meetings in accordance with the CIGB Constitution.

1.5 Duration
Recognition is granted on an annual basis and may be renewed subject to compliance.

1.6 Withdrawal or Suspension

CIGB may suspend or withdraw recognition where an affiliated society:

• Acts contrary to CIGB welfare standards
• Brings CIGB into disrepute
• Fails to comply with reasonable CIGB requirements
• Fails to uphold Affiliate Code of conduct
• Attains membership of an alternative external body.

A right of appeal shall be provided

2. Affiliate Code of Conduct

Affiliated societies recognised by CIGB shall:

2.1 Act in the best interests of the welfare of Gloster Canaries at all times.
2.2 Promote responsible, humane and ethical keeping and breeding practices.
2.3 Ensure birds exhibited at events are fit, healthy and properly cared for.
2.4 Treat members, officials, judges and visitors with respect and fairness.
2.5 Refrain from conduct that may damage the reputation of CIGB or affiliated societies.

2.6 Address complaints or welfare concerns promptly and responsibly.
2.7 Cooperate with CIGB investigations where required.
Failure to comply may result in suspension or withdrawal of affiliation.

3. Judges Code of Conduct

3.1 Status of Judges
Judges recognised by CIGB act as independent officials and are not employees, agents or representatives of CIGB.

3.2 Professional Conduct

Judges shall:
• Judge impartially and consistently against CIGB standards

• Avoid bias or favouritism
  • Declare any conflicts of interest
  • Treat exhibitors and officials with courtesy and respect

3.3 Welfare Responsibilities

Judges shall:

• Prioritise bird welfare at all times
• Report welfare concerns immediately to show officials
• Disqualify exhibits where welfare standards are not met

3.4 Confidentiality

Judges shall not disclose judging decisions, discussions or confidential matters outside appropriate channels.

3.5 International Events

When judging overseas, judges shall:

• Respect host country laws and customs
• Follow CIGB standards alongside local regulations
• Act as ambassadors for CIGB

3.6 Breaches

Failure to comply with this Code may result in suspension or removal from the CIGB recognised judges list.

4. Supported Event Guidance

4.1 Definition

4.1.1    An IGBA-Supported Event is an exhibition organised by an affiliated society that operates under IGBA standards but is not organised or controlled by IGBA.
4.1.2    An CIGB-Supported Event is an exhibition organised by an affiliated society that operates under CIGB standards but is not organised or controlled by CIGB.

4.2 Responsibilities of the Organising Society

The organising society is responsible for:

• Venue booking and local permissions
• Compliance with local laws and regulations
• Insurance cover
• Event management and staffing

4.3 IGBA & CIGB Requirements

To be recognised as IGBA-supported or CIGB-supported, the event must:

• Apply CIGB breed standards
• Follow CIGB welfare and show standards
• Use CIGB recognised judges (where available)

• Refrain from including references, other than IGBA or CIGB references, to approval, endorsement or recognition by any external body in show schedules, advertisements, catalogues, social media promotions or other event publicity produced under IGBA or CIGB affiliation.

4.4 Use of IGBA & CIGB Name

Events may be described as: “IGBA Supported or CIGB Supported Exhibition”
The IGBA & CIGB name and logo must not be used in a way that implies IGBA or CIGB is the organiser or legally responsible.

4.5 Safeguarding

Where junior members are present:

• Appropriate supervision must be in place
• Parental or guardian consent must be obtained

4.6 Withdrawal of Support

IGBA and or CIGB may withdraw support where standards are not met or where welfare concerns arise.

Approved by the IGBA members  at AGM on 22nd March 2026

Presented for approval to CIGB Governing body at Committee on 21^st August 2026