In many ways, religion itself is an exception to the rule that chapter-based voluntary associations are in decline.

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State high school associations are going to have to be ready to look at their rule books, and make them less black-and-white when it comes to eligibility.

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The rule-making process rewards active participants, so the industry associations play a vital role in preventing the worst regulatory excesses.

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To change the rule, the Swiss would need 75% of the 208 member associations to vote in favour of his proposal at the congress in Sydney.

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The Flight Attendants Union Coalition, representing nearly 90, 000 flight attendants, and the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA), which represents 22, 000 airline pilots, also oppose the rule change.

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Europe's governing body is keen to introduce a rule preventing the international transfer of players under the age of 18 after member associations, clubs, leagues and players agreed to the principle at a March meeting.

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