Does an association have to have a?

Verified 21 August 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

In principle, an association has not the obligation to have one. But, in general, it is advisable to establish one to organize the daily operation of the association. In some cases, the writing of a {circumflex over (C)} is mandatory. We present you the information to know.

The following associations and federations must adopt a

  • Approved communal or intercommunal hunting associations
  • Associations with at least 50 employees
  • Departmental federations of approved associations for fishing and aquatic protection
  • Approved sports federations and sports associations wishing to obtain an approval.

Other organizations may have to write a note, including:

The aim of the usual operating rules of the association: access to facilities, use of equipment, relationship between members, payment of membership fees, etc.) and disciplinary rules.

Please note

Once adopted and communicated, the - commits the members, and non-compliance with its rules may lead to sanctions defined in the same regulation.

The may include the procedural rules for imposing a sanction, and possibly the scale of sanctions (warning, temporary exclusion, suspension, definitive exclusion).

The - may also provide for its review conditions and the frequency of its reviews (e.g. every 5 years).

The may contain the timetables and conditions for access to the facilities, the rules of propriety of the members of the association, the respect of the rules of hygiene to be respected within the structure, etc. For sports associations, this may be other elements such as the reservation and cancelation of courses and lessons, the use of equipment, access to the refreshment bar, the organization of permanence for volunteers.

A template is available:

Model of an association

The - may not modify or contradict the statutes.

In case of contradiction, the statutes prevail.

The concept can be drawn up as soon as the association is created. It can be drawn up at the same time as the statutes and can even be integrated into it.

The association can also write one later.

In order for it to be binding on members, it must be adopted by the competent body designated by the statutes (for example: the general meeting, the board of directors, the president).

The certificate does not have to be declared in the prefecture or in court, nor be published in the JOAFE: titleContent or in a legal ad log.

However, for the associations or foundations recognized as being in the public interest (ARUP or FRUP), the requested by the administration when it completes the statutes or when a statutory amendment is transmitted via compteasso.associations.gouv.fr.

It is therefore advisable to keep it available and up to date, especially in case of administrative control.

The contract must be brought to the attention of the members. It can be consulted on request or posted in a place accessible to members.

It applies to members as the statutes and is not applicable to third parties (i.e. persons outside the association).

Please note

If the association carries out a public service mission and if the regulation defines the organization of this service, it is binding on third parties.

Example :

A disagreement may arise when a provision provides that only “active” members have access to certain activities, without clearly defining what an “active member” is. Some members may feel that they meet the conditions, whereas the Bureau considers otherwise.

Similarly, a dispute may arise if a disciplinary sanction (temporary or permanent exclusion) is imposed on the basis of a rule that is considered unclear or perceived as unfair by the member concerned.

In the event of disagreement on the interpretation or application of the

  • Consult the statutes : in case of contradiction between the statute and the statutes, the statutes shall prevail.
  • Contact the competent body : the body designated in the statutes (board of directors, bureau, general meeting, etc.) may be asked to interpret or revise the regulation.
  • Promote mediation : in the event of a conflict between members, a mediation internal or external may be proposed to reach an amicable agreement.
  • Litigation : if no amicable solution has been reached, a dispute concerning the application of the person may be brought before the civil court, particularly if the rights of a member are at issue (exclusion, sanction, refusal of access, etc.).

Model of an association

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