{"id":2317,"date":"2025-01-10T19:40:49","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T19:40:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.friizit-mattertal.ch\/vereinsgrundung\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T15:00:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T15:00:37","slug":"starting-a-club","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.friizit-mattertal.ch\/en\/starting-a-club\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting a Club"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Starting a club<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t
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What is a club? \ud83e\udd1d<\/h3>

A club is a long-term association of natural and\/or legal persons pursuing a specific purpose. This purpose is typically non-commercial<\/strong> and can be political, religious, scientific, artistic, charitable, or social<\/strong>. A commercial purpose is allowed as long as the club does not operate a business in a commercial manner.<\/p>

In contrast, a foundation<\/strong> has no members but is a legal entity that manages assets for a specific purpose.<\/p>

How to start a club? \ud83d\ude80<\/h3>

\u2705 Define the purpose and name:<\/strong> Decide on the club\u2019s purpose and choose a name. The name must be unique and not misleading. Trademark rights must be considered.<\/p>

\u2705 Create statutes:<\/strong> The written statutes<\/strong> define the purpose, resources, and structure of the club. They form the legal foundation for the club\u2019s legal personality. \u2794\u00a0\ud83d\udd17 Sample statutes from VitaminB<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>

\u2705 Hold a founding meeting:<\/strong> Members formally establish the club, approve the statutes, and elect club officials (board, possibly an auditor).<\/p>

\u2705 Check trade register entry:<\/strong> A club does not need<\/strong> to be registered<\/strong> unless it runs a business in a commercial manner or is subject to audit requirements. However, voluntary registration can enhance credibility.<\/p>

\u2705 Further steps:<\/strong>
\ud83d\udccc Get insurance (e.g., liability insurance) \ud83d\udee1\ufe0f
\ud83d\udccc Create an online presence \ud83c\udf0d
\ud83d\udccc Handle administrative tasks \ud83d\udcdd<\/p>

Club organization \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f<\/h3>

A club operates through its governing bodies<\/strong>:<\/p>

\ud83d\udc65 General assembly:<\/strong> The highest authority, responsible for approving statutes, overseeing other bodies, and dissolving the club.<\/p>

\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udcbc Board:<\/strong> This executive body manages the club\u2019s affairs and represents it externally. It should include at least a president<\/strong>, a secretary<\/strong>, and a treasurer<\/strong>.<\/p>

\ud83e\uddfe Auditor (optional):<\/strong> If required, an auditor reviews financial records. Larger clubs or member requests may trigger an audit.<\/p>

Legal framework \u2696\ufe0f<\/h3>

A club becomes a legal entity<\/strong> once it has written statutes defining its purpose, resources, and structure<\/strong>. The club\u2019s assets<\/strong> are solely responsible for its liabilities<\/strong> unless personal liability is stated in the statutes.

<\/p>

\ud83d\udca1 Minimum Age for Founding an Association \ud83d\udc76\ud83d\udc66\ud83d\udc67<\/strong><\/p>

In Switzerland, minors can also co-found or join an association<\/strong>.
The key requirement is that they are capable of judgment<\/strong> \u2013 meaning they understand the consequences of their actions.
Young people aged around 14 or older<\/strong> are generally considered mature enough to take part in founding an association or holding certain roles.
For legally binding actions (e.g. contracts involving money), parental or guardian consent<\/strong> is required.
\ud83d\udd17 More information can be found in the VitaminB glossary:
\ud83d\udc49 www.vitaminb.ch\/vereinsglossar\/mindestalter<\/a><\/p>

Advantages of a registered club \u2705<\/h3>

\ud83d\udccc Increased credibility<\/strong> with authorities and partners
\ud83d\udccc Better cooperation opportunities<\/strong> with organizations and businesses
\ud83d\udccc Legal security<\/strong><\/p>

Membership and rights \ud83c\udfc5<\/h3>

\ud83d\udc68\u200d\ud83d\udc69\u200d\ud83d\udc67\u200d\ud83d\udc66 Natural and legal persons can become members.
\ud83d\udcdc The statutes define admission criteria and fees.
\u274c Members are not personally liable unless specified in the statutes.<\/p>

Club dissolution \ud83d\uded1<\/h3>

A club can be dissolved by member decision<\/strong> or by law<\/strong> (e.g., insolvency). Upon dissolution, the club enters a liquidation phase<\/strong> where liabilities must be settled. \ud83d\udcb8
\ud83d\udca1 Tip:<\/strong> When founding a club<\/strong>, consider what happens to assets and materials in case of dissolution\u2014this can be defined in the statutes.<\/p>

Summary \ud83d\udcdc<\/h3>

Establishing a club is a structured process, from defining its purpose to organization and optional registration. Compliance with legal requirements ensures the club functions as a stable and operational entity.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Checklist for starting a club \ud83d\udcdd<\/h3>