St. Johns Bass Anglers

Constitution and By-Laws

 

 

ARTICLE I:  NAME AND PURPOSE

 

Section 1.  Name

 

            This chapter shall be called the ST. JOHN’S BASS ANGLERS CLUB

 

Section 2:  Purpose

 

            To stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport.  To offer our State Conservation Department our organized moral and political support.  To promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to demand adequate water standards and legal enforcement of existing regulatory standards.  To detect and report any polluter and call public and political attention to his crime.  To improve our skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass catching techniques and ideas.  To promote and encourage youth fishing and the love for this great recreation.  To function as a dynamic and effective link with other chapters and embrace the principles and purposes of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.

 

ARTICLE II:  MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.  Classes of Membership

 

            There shall be seven classes of membership:

 

a.      Active Membership – All persons who are entitled to full privileges of the club.

 

b.      Prospective Membership – All persons who have expressed the desire to become an active member, filled out a membership application, and who have not qualified to be placed on the active membership points ladder.

 

c.      Inactive Membership – Inactive members will have privileges limited to tournament participation for prize monies only.

 

d.      Youth Membership – All persons between the ages of 14 to 17 who have expressed a sincere desire to become an active member upon their 18th birthday.  Youth members are entitled to all privileges of the club except voting and holding office.

 

e.      Senior Membership – Members active for a total of 15 years become Senior Members and no longer must abide by Article V. Section 1.c.  Participation requirement.

 

f.        Life Member – Person receiving honorary title by club membership.

 

g.      Honorary Member – All persons whose general association will enhance the status and purpose of the club.

 

Section 2.  Requirement for Membership

 

            Membership requirements are:

 

a.      To become an active member, a prospective member shall:

 

1.      Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership.

 

2.      Prospective members will complete a membership application, be recognized as a potential member at a regularly scheduled meeting, and be recommended by the membership committee.

 

3.      Be 18 years of age or older.

 

4.      Before being accepted, you must fish as a guest in at least three (3) scheduled club tournaments and attend at least three (3) club meetings within a six month period of original date of membership application.  On the next regularly scheduled meeting after your third tournament, provided you have attended three (3) meetings, you are eligible to be voted on by secret ballot with affirmation by at least 80% of the active members at the meeting.

 

5.      If you are accepted by the club at that time, you will be eligible to qualify starting with the next tournament.  You then must beat 75% of the active members who participate in the tournament, or weigh in a limit of bass.  You may also qualify by winning special qualifying tournaments.  At this time you will be added to the points ladder.  You may continue to fish club events until you qualify.  Any person who attempts to qualify for active membership for twelve (12) months, who meets the participation requirements for regular membership, may be accepted as an active member, and placed on the competition ladder at the next tournament.  Dues will be pro-rated.

 

6.      Membership dues are to be paid (pro-rated) upon qualification.

 

b.      To become an inactive member, a person shall:

 

1.      Have been an active member, in good standing, who for reasonable conditions cannot participate in full requirements and does not live within fifty (50) miles of the club meeting place.

 

2.      Be recommended by the membership committee upon receiving a written request and approved by 80% affirmation of the active members present at a regularly scheduled meeting.

 

3.      Possess outstanding attributes and qualifications which, in the opinion of 80% of the membership, will reflect credit upon the club.

 

4.      To be restored as an active member, you must submit a written request to the membership committee, and pay dues (pro-rated) at that time.  Re-qualification is not required only if former member left in good standing.

 

c.      To become a youth member, a person shall:

 

1.      Be between the ages of 14 and 17 and provide written approval of their legal guardian to seek application for membership.

 

2.      Be recommended by membership committee and approved by 80% affirmation of the active members present at a regularly scheduled meeting.

 

3.      Youth member aged 14 to 16 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian to participate in club tournaments.

 

4.      A junior member who reaches the age of 18 while still in high school and who maintains a “C” average will be assessed no dues.

 

Section 3.  Membership Dues.

 

            The active membership dues shall be $30.00 quarterly or $120.00 annually.

a.       Active Membership Dues – Membership dues are payable $30.00 quarterly in advance at the January, April, July, and October meetings, or at the tournaments in the months listed above.

 

1.      If dues are not current, points will not be awarded on the ladder.

2.      Any monies owed the club will be deducted from tournament winnings.

 

b.      Prospective Membership Dues – None.

 

c.      Inactive Membership Dues – Dues for inactive members shall be $10.00 and are due in January of each year.

 

d.      Youth Membership Dues – None.

 

e.      Senior Membership Dues – Same as active members.

 

f.        Life Membership Dues – None.

 

ARTICLE III. OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES, ELECTIONS, VACANCIES, AND ELIGIBILITY

 

Section 1.  Officers and Their Duties

 

            The officers of the chapter shall consist of:

 

a.      President – Preside over all meetings and direct all official business.  Appoint and direct all committee functions.  Supervise all club functions.

 

b.      Vice President – Act as program chairman, assist the president in his duties and preside in the absence of the President, and publish and mail the monthly newsletter.

 

c.      Secretary – Maintain accurate minutes of all meetings.  Maintain an up-to-date membership roster, and maintain regular liaison between the chapter and Bass Anglers Sportsman Society’s National Headquarters.

 

d.      Treasurer – Maintain accurate financial records and report financial status at each meeting.  Also, collect and distribute all monies.

 

Section 2.  Board of Directors

 

            There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tournament Chairman, Membership Chairman, Immediate Past President, and one member appointed by the other seven.  The Board of Directors will set policy for the club and will have power to act for the club.

 

Section 3. Committees

 

            The following committees are hereby authorized as permanent committees.

 

a.      Tournament Committee – This committee consists of the Tournament Chairman, who is elected by the active membership at the annual election of officers, and at least four active members appointed by the Tournament Chairman.  The Tournament Committee is tasked with the responsibility and authority to determine tournament schedules, organization, rules, prizes, and qualifications.

 

b.       Membership Committee – This committee consists of the Membership Chairman, who is elected by the active membership at the annual election of officers, and four members appointed by the Membership Chairman.  The Membership Committee is tasked with responsibilities for screening all potential members for assurance that they possess the attributes of members, and recommending candidates for membership.  The Membership Chairman shall take all necessary action to keep membership in good standing, which will be coordinated with the Board of Directors.

 

 

Section 4. Elections

 

            The election of Officers, the Tournament Chairman, and the Membership Chairman shall be held annually at a regular meeting during the month of November.  Election shall be by simple majority of active members present.  Election of each officer shall be held separately in order listed in Article III Section 1 followed by the election of the Tournament Chairman and Membership Chairman.  All voting shall be held by secret ballot.

 

Section 5.  Eligibility to Vote

 

            Each active, senior and life member is entitled to one vote.  Proxy votes are not permitted.

 

Section 6.  Term of Office

 

            The term of office is for one year which shall begin on January 1, and end at the last meeting day of December, or until the successor assumes office.

 

Section 7.  Vacancies

 

            In the event of an office becoming vacant, nominations shall be asked and election held to fill the unexpired term of the individual vacating office.

 

Section 8.  Eligibility for Holding Office

 

            To be eligible for office, a member must:

 

a.      Have been an active member for six months.

 

b.      Have attended at least ¾ of the chapter meetings and ¾ of the tournaments.. The President has the power of official excuse, and will consider hardships.

 

ARTICLE IV:  METHOD OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

 

            Amending the Constitution and By-Laws

 

            The Constitution may be amended at any regular meeting by a 2/3 vote of the active members present, provided notice of the proposed amendment(s) has been presented to the active membership at least one regular meeting prior to the vote.

 

ARTICLE V:  REMOVAL OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1.  Removal of Active Membership

 

            A member shall be dropped from the active membership roll for:

 

a.      Failure to pay dues which are six (6) months delinquent.  (Ref. Article II Section 3 Dues)

 

b.      Any action which would reflect dishonor and disgrace on this chapter.  Such actions may be brought to the attention of the active membership for determination.  A simple majority of those active members present at a regularly scheduled meeting is required for expulsion.

 

c.      Failure to attend 50% of the chapter activities during a calendar year, unless excused by the President.

 

d.      Youth members are exempt from (c.) above.

 

Section 2.

 

            Second offenders of Club Rule Section III Number 17 will be removed from active membership automatically for a period of one (1) year minimum.

 

Section 3.

 

            The Board of Directors shall be responsible for insuring compliance by active members of the above and following recommendation of the Board, the active members shall vote regarding whether or not the member is dropped from the roll.  Final decision rests on the majority vote of the membership present at a regularly scheduled meeting.