Stevie brought up a very valid point earlier. Most organisations now have an equality policy. They are organised in such manner as not to debar anyone on ethnic, gender etc, reasons. Why do pigeon clubs still require proposer and seconder? If a suitable person writes to apply for membership, the application should be accepted. The Management Committee should then speak with the person to make enquiries about their suitability and then recommend to the members whatever further action is required. You may say that the Management Committee become the proposer and seconder for formality purposes, but why on earth would we consider a refusal of a suitable person?