The office of HKSTA shall be established and maintained in Hong Kong at the registered address of HKSTA. Correspondences will be sent by the Secretary to all HKSTA members.

ARTICLE II
DEFINITION, AFFILIATION AND OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

HKSTA is founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to the establishment of a group of trained Sandplay Therapists in Hong Kong, to support and promote professional development in Sandplay Therapy (theory, clinical practice and research) in the tradition of Dora Kalff, based on the theories of C. G. Jung*.
* Sandplay Therapy is a therapeutic method developed by Dora Kalff and based on the psychological principles of C. G. Jung. Sandplay is a creative form of therapy in using imagination, “a concentrated extract of the life forces both physical and psychic” (C. G. Jung). It is characterized by the use of sand, water and miniatures in the creation of images within the “free and protected space” of the therapeutic relationship and the sand tray. A series of Sandplay images portrayed in the sand tray create an ongoing dialogue between the conscious and the unconscious aspects of the client’s psyche which activates a healing process and the development of personality.
The Hong Kong Sandplay Therapy Association (HKSTA) is a Regional Society of the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (“ISST”), founded by Dora M. Kalff. All certified members (of ISST) are members of HKSTA and pay dues to HKSTA that include dues to ISST.
English and Chinese are the official languages of HKSTA. In case of doubt, the English formulation shall prevail.

ARTICLE III
PURPOSES AND GOALS

Hong Kong Sandplay Therapy Association (HKSTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to support and promote professional development in sandplay as defined above.
Its goals are:
a. To promote the study and teaching of Sandplay Therapy in Hong Kong.
b. To propagate and disseminate knowledge about Sandplay Therapy to the general public.

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP

A-1. Certified Sandplay Therapist (CST)

To be eligible for admission as a CST Member of HKSTA, such person must be habitually and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application for CST membership. In addition, CST Members of HKSTA should have obtained the status of membership of ISST, which may include the following requirements:

Completion of a personal psychotherapeutic sandplay process with a certified ISST member, for a minimum of 25 sandplay sessions.
Completion of at least 100 hours of teaching by an ISST Teaching member and based on ISST standards.
Consultation/Supervision with certified ISST Teaching Member/s – a minimum of 80 hours, of which a minimum of 30 hours must be individual hours. Up to 50 hours can be in a group setting provided that the candidate presents his or her own material for at least 10 hours of the group sessions and the group is no larger than 10 participants (excluding the Teaching Member).
Approval of two preliminary papers, at least one of which must include clinical sandplay material.
Approval of the final case study by three ISST approved case-readers. The three readers must include at least one ISST approved case-reader from HKSTA. Exceptions will be made in exceptional circumstances.

A-2. Certified Sandplay Therapist-Teacher (CST-T)

To be eligible for admission as a CST-T Member of HKSTA, such person must be habitually and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application for CST-T membership. In addition, CST-T Members of HKSTA shall meet the membership qualifications for CST of HKSTA and should have obtained the status of CST-T membership of ISST, which include the following requirements:

Requirements to become a teaching member

Conference attendance: A member must attend at least one international ISST conference.
Select a teaching consultant: A new Member must select a Teaching Member to act as a consultant/mentor/guide to assist the Member to:
a.    Become familiar with the Sandplay Curriculum.
b. Prepare at least three cases for presentation in addition to the case that is the subject of the final case report.
c.    Present at least one case at a regional, national or international conference and receive written evaluation forms.
d. Develop skills in consulting and reading of preliminary papers.
e.    Teach at least one introductory class on Sandplay for a minimum of three hours in the presence of a CST.
Time Frame: There is no deadline for the completion of these requirements. Individuals are encouraged to work towards meeting these requirements at a pace that is comfortable for them.
To Document: Regarding the case presentation and Introductory Course teaching requirements, written evaluation forms from the participants are required and must be reviewed by the Teaching Consultant who is responsible for making a final decision that the requirements are successfully met. Once all case preparation and teaching requirements are met, in accordance with ISST practice, the Teaching Consultant writes a letter of recommendation for admission as a Teaching Member addressed to the HKSTA Board and sent to the Membership Chair. A recommendation for Teaching Membership from the local ISST Regional Society must be included in the application to ISST for CST-T status.

A-3. Associate Member

This category is intended for individuals who intend to work towards CST membership of HKSTA.

Pre-qualifications to become an associate member of HKSTA:

Graduate degree from an accredited university in a mental health profession such as psychiatry, psychology, and social work; and
At least two years of clinical experience after graduation or receiving the license to practice in own profession.
Habitually and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application for associate membership.

Requirements to become an Associate Member

Completed at least 50 hours of recognized sandplay training program; and
Is in the process of completing a personal therapeutic sandplay process with a certified ISST member (Amended March 2023); and
Is in the process of completing the required hours of consultation/supervision, individually or in groups with a certified ISST teaching member, on his/her work with clients who engage in sandplay on a regular basis.

A-4. Affiliate Member

This category includes licensed mental health professionals and students of mental health accredited programs, or persons who have attained educational requirements for licensure or certification in the “human service profession” or equivalent.

For the purpose of determining the eligibility requirements for becoming an Affiliate Member of HKSTA, “human service profession” includes, but is not limited to, the following fields:

• Nursing

• Law

• Education

• Family Mediation

The decision of the Executive Committee of HKSTA as to whether an applicant for affiliate membership of HKSTA satisfies the above eligibility requirements shall be final.

B. Application for Membership

Applications for membership in HKSTA shall be addressed to the Secretary at the registered address of HKSTA and shall be in accordance with the instructions provided by HKSTA (Hong Kong Sandplay Therapy Association) for each specific category of membership.
The professional qualifications of all applicants shall be vetted by the Executive Committee, which have the full right and final discretion to refuse admission of unqualified applicants.
In relation to applications for CST-T membership, CST membership and associate membership, applicants shall provide such documentary evidence as HKSTA may reasonably require for the purpose of determining whether the requirement for habitually and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the date of the application has been satisfied. For the purpose of determining eligibility for such memberships, a person shall be regarded as “habitually and ordinarily resident” in Hong Kong if Hong Kong is his or her usual place of abode where he or she normally lives, other than for temporary or occasional absences. The decision of the Executive Committee of HKSTA as to whether an applicant satisfies the requirement under this clause shall be final.

C. Legal Liability

To protect the public and reduce legal liability to HKSTA, members are required to adhere to the code of ethics stipulated by their primary mental health discipline. HKSTA is not liable or responsible for any indemnities stemming from malpractice of its members.

D. Membership Withdrawal Policy

Withdrawal of membership shall be made in writing to the Secretary. Termination of membership shall take effect at the time specified in the member’s notification and, if no time is specified, at the time of its receipt by the Secretary. The Secretary will inform the Executive Committee of the withdrawal of membership. Fees previously paid will not be refunded.

E. Membership Fees

The General Meeting of the HKSTA shall have power to alter any fees and subscriptions.
All HKSTA members will pay fees to the Association, the amount of which is determined by the Executive Committee. All CST and CST-T members will need to pay both the HKSTA and ISST membership fees.
Dues paid to ISST by HKSTA are calculated as follows: the number of ISST members of HKSTA, as of January 1st of each year, is to be multiplied by the dues stipulated for Individual Members of ISST. HKSTA is obligated to report in writing each year before January 31st to the Treasurer of ISST the number of their ISST members by January 1st. HKSTA will pay dues to ISST by March 31 of the current year.

F. Termination of Membership

Termination of membership due to non-payment of HKSTA membership fees:
a. Members are required to pay annual membership fees within the first 3 months of each calendar year. Any person admitted as a new member of HKSTA on a date other than the first day of a calendar year shall pay the first annual membership fee within 3 months from the date of admission.
b. A member who is more than 3 months in arrears with the membership fee from the due date will cease to be a member immediately after the said 3 months’ period. He/she may be reinstated at the discretion of the Executive Committee of HKSTA on payment of the outstanding membership fees.
c. Any person ceased to be a member of HKSTA due to his/her failure to settle his/her HKSTA membership fees will have to reapply as a new member if his/her membership has lapsed for 3 years or more.
HKSTA reserves the right to review and terminate an individual’s membership of HKSTA should such individual be subject to exclusion from membership of his/her generic professional body or ISST.
HKSTA may, by resolution passed by a majority of its Executive Committee members present and voting, terminate the membership of any member if the Executive Committee of HKSTA is satisfied that any one of the following grounds exists:
a. Any member of HKSTA who has been convicted of a criminal offence or has become the subject of any legal, arbitral or disciplinary proceedings, whether within or outside Hong Kong, which in the reasonable opinion of HKSTA involves fraud, dishonesty, corruption or breach of professional ethics;
b. In relation to any CST-T member, CST member or associate member, any such member who is no longer “habitually and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong” as assessed by the criteria set out in paragraph B 3 of this Article IV;Any member of HKSTA who has engaged in conduct which, in the reasonable opinion of HKSTA, is prejudicial to the interests, reputation or goals of HKSTA; or
c.Any member who is subject to exclusion from membership of his/her generic professional body or ISST.

ARTICLE V
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
AND MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

A. Election of Executive Committee Members

The Executive Committee of HKSTA shall consist of the chairperson, vice chair, secretary, treasurer and at least one committee member. They will be elected for a term of three years.
Nominations of new member(s) to the Executive Committee shall be made by having the support and approval of more than half (1/2) of the existing Executive Committee Members at the Election General Meeting. The nominated candidate(s) must come from either of the following categories of Certified Sandplay Therapist (CST), Certified Sandplay Therapist – Teacher (CST-T), or Associate Member of HKSTA.
To be nominated or elected as a member of the Executive Committee, a person must be habitually and ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years immediately preceding the date of nomination or election and must also hold the status of “permanent resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” within the meaning of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

B. Regular Meetings

An Annual General Meeting (AGM) shall be held before March 31st of each year, and notice of the AGM shall reach its members at least 14 days before the meeting. Elections for the five posts of the Executive Committee will be held at this meeting.
Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the membership shall be called by the Executive Committee or at the request, in writing, of at least 50% of the voting members.
The quorum for any General Meeting shall be formed by at least 25% of the paid up membership including proxy. If the number of voting members present at the meeting is insufficient to constitute a quorum, the Executive Committee shall adjourn the meeting to a day within 21 days. The Secretary shall send the notice for calling the Adjourned Meeting and agenda to each member at least 14 days prior to the meeting. At that meeting, a quorum shall be formed by whatever number of voting members present.
All decisions of the General Meeting shall be valid if they are made by a majority of votes given either by the voting members or by proxy.

C. Notice of Meetings

Written notice, stating the place, date, time and general nature of the business to be considered, of the annual meeting or any special meeting, shall be sent to each member entitled to vote not less than 14 days before the date of the meeting.

D. Members Entitled to Vote

Members in the following three categories are entitled to vote: Certified Sandplay Therapists-Teachers (CST-T), Certified Sandplay Therapists (CST), and Associate Members. Each member entitled to vote may cast one vote, either in person or by written proxy.
Members may vote either in person or by written proxy. Proxies shall be filed with the member responsible for recording the proceedings of the meeting, normally the Secretary. A proxy shall be valid only for the meeting in question.
In relation to the appointment of proxy, the following requirements shall apply:
a. Any member of the Association who is entitled to vote at a General Meeting may appoint a proxy to attend and vote on his/her behalf at that General Meeting.
b. A proxy must also be a member of the Association who is entitled to vote at the General Meeting in question.
c. For the appointment of a proxy to be valid, the duly completed and signed proxy form must be lodged by the appointing member with the Association at its registered office (or such other address as may be specified in the notice of meeting) not less than 24 hours before the time appointed for holding the relevant General Meeting.
The Executive Committee shall have the right to determine all questions and disputes which may arise as to the validity of any appointment of proxy or of any vote cast by a proxy, and its decision shall be final.

ARTICLE VI
DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The affairs of HKSTA shall be managed by the Executive Committee of HKSTA. The Executive Committee shall hold meetings at least two times a year.

A. The Duties of the Executive Committee members are:

Chair: The chair shall serve as the chief executive officer of the Association; have general supervision over the business of the association and over its several officer subjects. The chair shall have the responsibility for the agenda of meetings and preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee. The chair shall have the power on behalf of the association to execute all deeds, agreements, and instruments.
Vice-chair: The vice chair shall convene the meeting in the event that the chair cannot be present and take up all the responsibility of the chair until the chair returns or until the vacancy is filled.
Secretary: The secretary shall plan the agenda of the meetings in conjunction with the chair. The secretary shall notify the members of all meetings, as well as send all other notices required by law or the constitution. The secretary is also responsible for recording the proceedings of all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee, and maintaining the archives of these proceedings. In case of his or her absence or disability, the chair or members shall appoint another person to perform these functions.
Treasurer: The treasurer shall serve as the chief financial officer of the Association. The treasurer shall be responsible for the safety of all moneys and keep accurate accounts of all transactions conducted in the name of the Association. He/she shall give an account of the financial condition of the Association at regular meetings of the Executive Committee whenever the chair or members of the Executive Committee request a report. The treasurer shall prepare an annual financial report for audit and for presentation at the AGM. The treasurer shall count the number of ISST members of HKSTA as of January 1st of each year and report in writing each year before January 31st to the Treasurer of ISST the number of ISST members of HKSTA by January 1st. He / she shall arrange to pay dues to ISST by March 31 of the current year.
The Association shall open and maintain such bank account or accounts in the name of the Association with such licensed bank(s) in Hong Kong as may from time to time be approved by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall appoint three (3) of its members, namely the treasurer and any two (2) other members of the Executive Committee, to be the authorized signatories to operate all such bank account(s) of the Association. All cheques, withdrawal slips, payment instructions, and other instruments or transactions in connection with any such bank account(s) shall be valid and binding on the Association only if signed jointly by any two (2) of the said authorized signatories. The Executive Committee may, by resolution duly passed, vary or replace the authorized signatories as it deems fit, provided that the treasurer shall at all times remain one of the authorized signatories and the other two authorized signatories must be members of the Executive Committee.
Committee Member: The Committee Member shall give aid to other executive members as deem fit by the Chair.

B. Terms of Office

Members of the executive committee shall be elected for a three (3) year term. Any position of a member not filled at the AGM may be filled by the members elected at EGM.

C. Resignations

Resignations of any Executive Committee member should be addressed to the Chair in writing with at least one month’s notice prior to the date of resignation.

ARTICLE VII

FINANCE AND MEMBERSHIP FEES

1.⁠ ⁠Income:

The income of the Association shall be derived from membership subscriptions (membership fees), activity fees charged for specific events or programs, and any other sources approved by the Executive Committee from time to time.

2.⁠ ⁠Expenditure:

The funds of the Association shall be applied solely towards the promotion of its goals as set out in Article III of this Constitution. This includes, but is not limited to:

a. Administrative Costs: Office expenses, audit fees, salaries, bank charges, and other general overheads.

b. Activity Outgoings: Direct costs associated with holding events, seminars, publications, and other professional activities of the Association.

3. The Association shall ensure that all income, donations (if any), subscriptions, and other receipts, as well as all expenditures, are conducted in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. In particular, the Association shall adhere to all applicable requirements relating to anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and any other similar regulatory or statutory obligations.

ARTICLE VIII
ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MINUTES

An archive of all the proceeding of all meetings of the Association and the Executive Committee is kept in the registered office. The members of HKSTA are eligible to access to the proceeding of the meetings of the Association by putting his/her request in writing to the Executive Committee. The decision to accept the request is at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE IX
CODE OF ETHICS

HKSTA complies with the code of ethics of ISST. In the event of a written complaint of an alleged breach in the code of ethics by an ISST-certified member, HKSTA will appoint three members to hear and investigate the complaint. The three members will not be affiliated with the accused member. HKSTA will inform the ISST Board of the complaint and report developments and outcomes related to the complaint. If the complaint cannot be resolved locally, HKSTA may request assistance from the ISST Board.

ARTICLE X
ELIGIBILITY TO STAND FOR AND ELECTION OF ISST BOARD

HKSTA has the right to nominate a member of ISST Board and a substitute who are then confirmed by the General Assembly of ISST. HKSTA has the right to nominate one ISST Board Member for each one- to- fifty (50) ISST-certified members, with one additional member for above fifty (50) ISST-certified members.

ISST-certified member within HKSTA is eligible to stand for the election of ISST Board representatives. The HKSTA representative on the ISST Board must be nominated from the HKSTA Executive Committee.

The role of the HKSTA representative on the ISST Board should be as outlined in the ISST job description, and also represents the views and concerns of HKSTA executives and members.

ARTICLE XI
DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Association may be dissolved at a general meeting by a simple majority of members present or represented by proxy, in which event any remaining funds shall be donated to charity purposes, to be determined by the outgoing committee.

ARTICLE XII
COOPERATION WITH REGIONAL SOCIETIES

HKSTA will continue to work towards closer cooperation with ISST and ISST regional societies.

ARTICLE XIII
IN ALIGNMENT WITH ISST

HKSTA, being recognized as a regional society of the ISST, acknowledges that its establishment, goals, governance framework, and membership structure are to be maintained in alignment with the constitution, by-laws, regulations, and directives of the ISST as may be adopted, issued, or amended from time to time.
Subject always to the requirements and limitations imposed by the applicable laws and regulations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the provisions of this Constitution shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with, and subordinate to, the constitution, by-laws, regulations, and directives of the ISST.
In the event of any inconsistency, conflict, ambiguity, or omission between the provisions of this Constitution and any provision, requirement, or directive of the ISST, the provisions, requirements, and directives of the ISST shall, insofar as legally permissible, prevail and be deemed incorporated herein by reference, and the relevant provisions of this Constitution shall be construed accordingly.
HKSTA shall undertake all acts and measures necessary to give full effect to the foregoing, including but not limited to amending or updating this Constitution, administrative rules, or internal procedures, to ensure continuing conformity with the prevailing requirements and directives of the ISST.
Nothing herein shall be construed as permitting HKSTA to act in contravention of any law in force in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

ARTICLE I NAME AND LOCATION

ARTICLE II DEFINITION, AFFILIATION AND OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

ARTICLE III PURPOSES AND GOALS

ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE V ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

ARTICLE VI DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

ARTICLE VIII ACCESS TO RECORDS AND MINUTES

ARTICLE IX CODE OF ETHICS

ARTICLE X ELIGIBILITY TO STAND FOR AND ELECTION OF ISST BOARD

ARTICLE XI DISSOLUTION OF THE ASSOCIATION

ARTICLE XII COOPERATION WITH REGIONAL SOCIETIES

ARTICLE XIII IN ALIGNMENT WITH ISST

ARTICLE I
NAME AND LOCATION