Rights, Duties & How the Club Works

OUR MISSION

Founded in 1921, the Sport Club Português unites generations of the Portuguese-American community through culture, language, sports, education, and social fellowship.
All members share a responsibility to uphold the Club’s values and ensure it thrives for future generations.

TYPES OF MEMBERS

Category Description Voting Rights Other Notes
Effective Members (Sócios Efectivos) Portuguese citizens or their descendants, over 18 years of age, who pay dues as established by the General Assembly. ✅ Full voting rights; eligible for election. Core members of the institution.
Juvenile Members (Sócios Juvenis) Descendants of Portuguese, under 18, with parental or guardian authorization. ❌ No voting rights. Pay a symbolic annual fee (minimum $10); become Effective Members at 18.
Auxiliary Members (Sócios Auxiliares) Individuals of non-Portuguese nationality who pay dues as approved by the Board. ❌ No voting rights. May attend Assemblies with authorization but cannot vote or be elected.
Corporate Members (Sócios Corporativos) Companies or institutions that support the Club through financial or service partnerships. ❌ No voting rights. May be recognized publicly as sponsors or partners.
Benefactor Members (Sócios Beneméritos) Individuals or entities that contribute significant financial or service support. ✅ Voting rights if also Effective Members. Recognized by the General Assembly for their generosity.
Merit Members (Sócios de Mérito 1st and 2nd Class) Members distinguished by exceptional service or dedication to the Club. ✅ Full voting rights. Receive special honors and medals.
Honorary Members (Sócios Honorários) Members or external figures recognized for their exceptional contribution to the community or the Club. ❌ No voting rights. Title approved by the General Assembly.
Life Members (Sócios Vitalícios) Life Members are Effective Members with at least 10 years of paid membership who, after turning 65, choose this category. They are exempt from dues or may make a one-time lifetime payment and have the same rights and duties as Effective Members. ✅ Full voting rights. Receive a gold emblem and lifetime recognition.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Stay in Good Standing

  • Pay your membership dues each year, on time.

  • Members who are more than 90 days late lose their rights until payment is regularized.

  • Keep your contact information updated with the office.

B. Participate and Get Involved

  • Attend General Assemblies — where the Club’s most important decisions are made.

  • Volunteer, serve on committees, and support Club events.

  • Accept positions when elected and perform them faithfully.

  • Encourage others to join and help grow our community.

C. Respect and Integrity

  • Treat all members and leaders with courtesy and respect.

  • Follow the Club Statutes and Internal Regulations.

  • Avoid any behavior or public comments that harm the Club’s name or unity.

  • Use Club facilities responsibly and report any irregularities or issues.

D. Represent the Club with Pride

  • Promote Portuguese language and culture.

  • Support educational, cultural, and sports initiatives.

  • Remember that being a member is both a privilege and a responsibility.

HOW THE CLUB IS MANAGED

A. The General Assembly

  • The highest authority of the Club, composed of all members in good standing.

  • Approves accounts, elects leaders, and defines the Club’s direction.

  • Meets five times per year: January, April, July, October, and December.

    • January: presentation and approval of annual accounts and reports.

    • December: elections and installation of new officers.

Important: If attendance is too low, the Assembly cannot make decisions — including electing a Board — which endangers the Club’s regular functioning.
Your presence matters.

B. The Elected Bodies

Governing Body Purpose Main Role
General Assembly Board Oversees member meetings Organizes Assemblies, ensures democratic process
Board of Directors Manages day-to-day operations Runs events, finances, and administration
Fiscal Council Supervises finances Reviews accounts, ensures transparency
Property Council (Junta de Imóveis) Oversees real estate Manages Club properties and assets

C. Elections

  • Held every December during the General Assembly.

  • Candidates must be members in good standing.

  • Elections are by secret ballot and supervised by an independent Electoral Committee.

KEY THINGS EVERY MEMBER SHOULD KNOW

  1. Pay dues on time — your membership keeps the Club running.

  2. Only members in good standing may vote or hold office.

  3. Attend the five yearly Assemblies: January, April, July, October, and December.

  4. Thirty (30) members can petition for an Extraordinary Assembly.

  5. Respectful conduct is mandatory at meetings and events.

  6. Complaints or suggestions must be submitted in writing.

  7. Members may face disciplinary action (warning, suspension, expulsion) for misconduct.

  8. The Fiscal Council reviews all financial activity.

  9. Decisions are made by majority vote.

  10. The Club belongs to its members — your voice matters.

  11. Promote Portuguese language, culture, and pride.

  12. Respect the Statutes — they ensure fairness and transparency.

FINAL MESSAGE

The Sport Club Português has stood strong for over a century thanks to the dedication and unity of its members.
Being a member means continuing a legacy of service, respect, and pride in our Portuguese heritage.
Your participation keeps the red and green of our flag shining in Newark for generations to come.