UKFSC Constitution

Introduction

Fantasy sports have become an established form of sports fan engagement internationally. As participation has grown and formats have diversified, the category increasingly intersects with broader questions relating to sport, media, technology and regulation.

The UK Fantasy Sports Council (UKFSC) has been established to support clarity, responsible development and informed understanding of fantasy sports within the United Kingdom. The organisation seeks to provide an independent forum for discussion and shared understanding of category-level issues affecting the fantasy sports ecosystem.

The UKFSC operates as a restrained, industry-informed body whose credibility derives from the quality and integrity of its outputs rather than from regulatory authority or commercial influence. Its purpose is not to promote specific products or commercial interests, but to contribute to clearer understanding, definitions and constructive discussion across the sector.

This Constitution sets out the purpose, structure and operating principles of the UKFSC.

1. Name, Purpose and Nature of the Organisation

1.1 Name

The name of the organisation shall be the UK Fantasy Sports Council, hereafter referred to as the UKFSC.

1.2 Status

The UKFSC is established as an independent, industry-informed body supporting understanding and responsible development in relation to fantasy sports within the United Kingdom.

Unless otherwise determined by the Governing Board, the UKFSC shall operate as an unincorporated association.

1.3 Purpose

The purpose of the UKFSC is to support shared understanding of fantasy sports within the UK by:

  1. promoting understanding of fantasy sports as a form of skill-based fan engagement;

  2. contributing to clearer definitions and language relating to the category;

  3. publishing research, insight and discussion papers on topics relevant to the fantasy sports ecosystem;

  4. facilitating constructive discussion between stakeholders with an interest in the sector; and

  5. supporting the responsible development of fantasy sports as the category continues to evolve.

1.4 Nature of the organisation

The UKFSC is not established to operate as:

  1. a regulatory or enforcement body;

  2. a lobbying organisation;

  3. a trade association acting primarily to advance the commercial interests of members; or

  4. a commercial enterprise.

Outputs of the UKFSC are informational and advisory in nature and do not carry regulatory authority.

1.5 Guiding principles

In carrying out its purpose, the UKFSC shall operate in accordance with the following principles:

  1. Independence - the organisation shall act independently of any single commercial or sectional interest;

  2. Neutrality - the organisation shall seek to clarify and inform rather than campaign or promote;

  3. Restraint - the organisation shall remain proportionate and disciplined in scope;

  4. Integrity of outputs - credibility shall derive from the quality and transparency of the organisation’s work.

1.6 Scope

The UKFSC shall focus on category-level questions relating to fantasy sports. It shall not ordinarily comment on individual operators, products or commercial disputes except where necessary to clarify broader issues affecting the category.

2. Membership and Participation

2.1 Purpose of membership

Membership exists to enable participation in discussion, consultation and the development of shared understanding around fantasy sports.

Membership does not confer ownership of the organisation or governance authority beyond that set out in this Constitution.

2.2 Eligibility

Membership may be open to organisations and individuals with a legitimate interest in the fantasy sports ecosystem, including operators, media organisations, technology providers, researchers, governing bodies and other relevant stakeholders.

Individual membership may operate through a contributor or expert network model, reflecting the UKFSC’s collaborative and insight-led approach.

2.3 Admission

Admission to membership shall be determined by the Executive, which may apply or delegate light-touch admission processes where appropriate.

Applicants must support the purpose and principles of the UKFSC and demonstrate an ability to contribute constructively to its work.

2.4 Responsibilities of members

Members are expected to:

  • support the purpose and principles of the UKFSC;

  • contribute constructively to consultations and discussions;

  • respect the independence and neutrality of the organisation.

Membership does not imply endorsement by the UKFSC of any organisation, product or service.

2.5 Fees

The Board may introduce membership fees where necessary to support the administration of the organisation.

Membership may initially operate on a free or voluntary contribution basis.

2.6 Suspension or removal

The Executive may suspend or terminate membership where a member acts in a manner materially inconsistent with the purpose or principles of the organisation.

3. Executive Leadership

3.1 Executive Team

The day-to-day activities and strategic development of the UKFSC shall be carried out by an Executive Team.

3.2 Composition

The Executive Team shall normally consist of:

  • Executive Director

  • Chief Executive Officer

  • General Manager

  • Head of Community

Additional executive roles may be created where appropriate.

3.3 Responsibilities

The Executive Team shall be responsible for:

  • implementing the organisation’s strategy;

  • coordinating stakeholder engagement and communications;

  • convening discussions and collaborative initiatives;

  • preparing publications and outputs;

  • administering the day-to-day activities of the organisation.

3.4 Accountability

The Executive Team shall operate under the oversight of the Governing Board.

4. Governing Board

4.1 Role

The Governing Board shall provide oversight of the organisation and safeguard its purpose, independence and credibility.

4.2 Responsibilities

The Board shall:

  • oversee the strategic direction of the organisation;

  • ensure activities remain consistent with the organisation’s purpose and principles;

  • approve major publications and outputs;

  • oversee financial stewardship;

  • appoint or remove members of the Executive Team.

4.3 Composition

The Board shall consist of individuals appointed on the basis of experience, independence and credibility relevant to the fantasy sports ecosystem.

The Board shall normally include independent non-executive members.

4.4 Separation of roles

Members of the Executive Team may also serve on the Board, but the Board shall include non-executive members in order to provide independent oversight.

5. Founding Leadership

Upon adoption of this Constitution, the organisation shall be established with the following executive leadership:

  • Executive Director - Mark Sutherns

  • Chief Executive Officer - Andrew Ferguson

  • General Manager - Tim Part

  • Head of Community - Holly Shand

The initial composition of the Governing Board shall be determined by the founding leadership and may be expanded as the organisation develops.

6. Meetings and Decision-Making

6.1 Board meetings

The Governing Board shall meet periodically as required to fulfil its responsibilities.

Meetings may take place in person or by electronic means.

6.2 Quorum

A meeting shall be quorate when at least half of Board members are present.

6.3 Decision-making

The Board shall aim to reach decisions by consensus. Where consensus cannot be reached, decisions may be taken by simple majority.

The Chair of the Board may exercise a casting vote where necessary.

7. Discussions and Outputs

7.1 Discussion groups

Discussion groups may be established to explore topics relevant to the purpose of the organisation.

Discussion groups shall normally be convened by the Executive Team.

7.2 Participation

Working groups may include members of the organisation, external experts and other contributors.

7.3 Outputs

The UKFSC may publish principles, frameworks, discussion papers, research or guidance relevant to fantasy sports.

All formal outputs shall be approved by the Governing Board.

7.4 Non-binding nature

Outputs of the UKFSC are advisory in nature and do not carry regulatory authority.

8. Advisory Contributors

The organisation may recognise individuals as Advisory Contributors where their expertise supports the work of the UKFSC.

Advisory Contributors do not form part of the governing body and have no decision-making authority.

9. Finances and Administration

9.1 Financial principles

The UKFSC shall operate on a not-for-profit basis.

9.2 Use of funds

Funds received shall be used solely to support the activities and administration of the organisation.

9.3 Financial oversight

The Executive Team shall manage the organisation’s finances subject to oversight by the Governing Board.

10. Amendments

This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds majority of the Governing Board.

11. Dissolution

The organisation may be dissolved by a two-thirds majority of the Governing Board.

Any remaining assets shall be applied in a manner consistent with the purpose of the organisation and shall not be distributed for private benefit.

12. Public Communications and Representation

Public representation of the organisation shall normally be undertaken by the Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer or another person authorised by the Governing Board.

The name of the UKFSC may not be used to imply endorsement of a product or service without permission of the Governing Board.

Adoption of this Constitution

This Constitution was adopted on:

[Date]

Signed on behalf of the organisation:

Mark Sutherns

Executive Director

UK Fantasy Sports Council