We basically adhere to Robert�s Rules of Order. Our current structure is a relaxed version, the rules should be tightened if meetings become scattered or difficult to conduct.
1. Call to order. 2. Roll call of members present. 3. Reading of minutes from last meeting/recap of last meeting. 4. Officer�s reports. 5. Committees reports 6. Special Business (items singled out for attention at this meeting) 7. Old Business (items ongoing from previous meetings) 8. New Business (anything previously not addressed) At this time members may take the floor, and present new ideas or suggestions. 9. Announcements 10. Adjournment
In order for an issue to be considered for a vote by the membership it must be presented by making a motion.
All motions must be seconded in order for them to be heard.
Only ONE person speaks at a time. Anyone speaking should address their comments to the President/Chair at all times. This helps prevent things from breaking down. The speaker gets 5 minutes to present their position, then, the floor is opened to the other members to respond. Each member gets up to 5 minutes if they wish to address the subject. The bringer of the motion will get a final 5 minutes after the other members have been heard. When this is done, members vote to �table� the issue, or vote on it at the next meeting.
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Chapter By-Laws:
ARTICLE I - Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name 1ST BASSMASTERS OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW YORK, INC 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 and encouragement. To promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to demand adequate water standards. To detect and report any polluter and call public and political attention to his/her crime. To improve our skill as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass-catching techniques and ideas, and to promote and encourage youth fishing and a love for this great recreation.
ARTICLE II - Membership
Section 1: Number of Members The chapter shall begin with and maintain at least six members. Membership is not to exceed 40 members. Ideal ratio is 3:1 Boaters to Non-Boaters. Non- Boaters should not exceed 40% of total membership. Section 2: Requirement for Regular Membership To become a chapter member, a person shall: a. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership. b. Be 16 years of age for Non-Boaters, 18 years of age for Boaters. c. Be a member of B.A.S.S. (See ARTICLE VI for affiliation requirements.) d. Be recommended by an active member at a regular monthly meeting, and submit a completed club application. e. Be voted on by membership present. Vote by a show of hands, and affirmation by majority of members voting. f. Applicant must pay dues at that meeting if accepted. If not present, at the first possible opportunity. g. First year members must be re-affirmed by a 2/3rd majority vote at the first meeting of the following year.
Section 3: Requirements for Boater Status
Boaters must be 18 years old. The boat must be at least 14ft long, with a minimum 12HP motor, trolling motor, and a divided, aerated, live-well capable of supporting 2 angler's daily limits. Boat must have an operating "kill" switch, and 1 personal floatation device per angler. Boater must carry a minimum of $300,000 liability insurance. Section 4: Requirements for Junior Membership * �Junior Anglers� age 16-17 may opt to join the Adult Division* instead of the Junior Division. To become a junior member of the Adult Division, a person shall: a. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership. b. Be at least 16 years of age. * Junior Members in the Adult Division can not participate as Boaters, and may not hold any office. All anglers under the age of 16 must participate as members of the Junior Division. Section 5: Membership Dues The membership dues shall be $100.00 annually $30 National Federation dues, $20 NYSBCF, and $50 Chapter dues. (See ARTICLE VI, Section 1 for state affiliation requirements.) Dues must be paid at the last meeting of the year for returning members, otherwise due at the first meeting the following year. *Members in arrears will not be eligible to participate in any chapter tournaments, activities, or meetings until dues are current. Section 6: Meetings of Members a. The membership shall hold regular meetings on the 1st Thursday of each month unless determined otherwise. b. Tournament draw shall take place at the monthly meeting for all tournaments scheduled later that month. Boater names will drawn blind, and then matched to non-boaters names also drawn blind.
ARTICLE III - Officers, Elections, Vacancies, and Eligibility
Section 1: Officers and their Duties
a. President: Preside over all meetings and direct all official business. Appoint and direct all committees. Supervise all club functions. Member of Board of Directors. Act as tie breaker on votes. b. Vice President: Assist the president in his/her duties and preside in the absence of the president. Member of the Board of Directors. c. Secretary: Maintain accurate minutes of all regular and special meetings as called for by the chapter president. Maintain regular liaison between the chapter and the B.A.S.S Federation and the NYS B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation. Member of the Board of Directors. Submit updated rosters, dues and additions to B.A.S.S Federation and NYSBCF. d. Treasurer: Collect and disburse all monies. Maintain accurate financial records and present a current balance report at each regular meeting. Prepare an annual audit for review by the Chapter Board of Directors. The chapter may vote that the treasurer and any other officer handling chapter funds must be bonded. e. Tournament Director: Work with the Tournament committee to arrive at dates and places for upcoming schedule, and present tentative schedule to Board of Directors. Once the tentative schedule is approved, Tournament Director is responsible for securing all permits and launch clearances. Tournament sites and dates must be presented to general membership no later than the March meeting each year. f. Conservation Chairman: Serve as liaison between the chapter and state and national conservation/environmental agencies. Plan chapter conservation projects and attend all local and state conservation meetings/hearings. g. Youth Chairman: Organize all youth activities and programs, including coordinating matters between the Adult and Junior Divisions of the Club. Oversee and coordinate BASSMASTER CASTINGKIDS� events. Assist Junior Division officers with any matters requiring Adult Division participation.
Section 2: Elections a. Nominations shall take place at the next to last meeting of each year. b. The election of officers shall be held at the final regular meeting of each year. Election shall be by majority of members present. Election for each officer shall be held separately in order listed in ARTICLE III, Section 1.
Section 3: Eligibility of Vote Each member is entitled to one vote. Proxy votes are permitted, but must be in writing. (email is acceptable)
Section 4: Term of Office The term of office is for one year, which shall begin on January 1st, and end on the last day of the year, or until the successor assumes office.
Section 5: Vacancies In the event of an office becoming vacant, nominations shall be asked for and an election held to fill the unexpired term of the individual vacating the office. National B.A.S.S. Headquarters shall be notified immediately of the change of any officers.
Section 6: Eligibility for Holding Office To be eligible for an office a member must: a. Have been a member for six months. b. Have attended at least 75% of chapter functions during a 12-month period. c. Have shown an active interest in all chapter functions. d. Maintain current B.A.S.S. membership. e. Must be 21 years of age or older.
ARTICLE IV - Standing Committees
All Standing Committees will serve for one year or until a new committee is appointed. The terms of the committee members will coincide with that of the president. Each committee shall elect a chairman. a. Board of Directors: The Board of Directors will consist of seven (7) members: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate Past- President and two (2) members elected at large by majority vote of the members present at the December regular meetings. 1. The president will call all meetings of the Board of Directors and preside at such meetings. 2. The secretary will record the minutes of these meetings. 3. The board will decide all protests and rule on all violations of the tournament rules and bylaws of the chapter when appropriately received. 4. The board will develop agendas for the monthly meetings. b. Youth Committee: The purpose of this committee shall be to plan, organize and implement a Chapter Youth Project; to introduce young people to the goals of B.A.S.S.; to give them a basis for respect of our national heritage, an appreciation of the basic rules for honesty, integrity, fair play and good sportsmanship; and to give them an introduction to the sheer joy of fishing. c. Conservation Committee: The purpose of this committee shall be to protect our natural environment from harmful change; to document and report to the proper authorities violations of local, state and federal anti-pollution laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and other regulatory devices; to take legal action where appropriate; to undertake informational and educational programs to bring public awareness of threats to our environment; and to take a leadership role in repairing the harm that has already been done to the life-giving waters of America. d. Tournament Committee: The purpose of the tournament committee shall be to plan, organize and operate all Chapter tournaments. The tournament committee will draft tournament rules, which must then be approved by the general membership. The committee will keep tournament records, enforce all tournament rules, investigate all protests concerning tournaments, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE V - Removal of Membership
Section 1: Removal of Membership
A member can be dropped from the membership roll for the following reasons: a. Failure to pay dues. b. Any action which would reflect dishonor and disgrace on the chapter and/or B.A.S.S. c. Behavior that is deemed �detrimental� to the club as a whole. d. Failure to attend 50% of the chapter meetings and 50% of chapter functions during a 12-month period. e. Disqualification for any reason from participating in B.A.S.S.� f. First year members can be removed by two-third majority at re-affirmation vote, to be held at first meeting of the new year.
ARTICLE VI - Affiliation
Section 1: Requirements for Affiliation a. Approval of Chapter Charter by B.A.S.S. b. Update B.A.S.S. with chapter membership roster once each year upon receipt of current B.A.S.S. roster at year's end. c. Names and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the year must be submitted to B.A.S.S. as they occur. (See ARTICLE II, Section 3 for dues requirements.) d. Maintain 100% B.A.S.S. membership. e. Must affiliate with State Federation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for chapters, such as membership, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary for the chapter to participate in the State Federation qualifying tournament(s), and any other Federation-sponsored tournaments or events.
ARTICLE VII - Method of Amending the Bylaws
Section 1: Amending the Bylaws The bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-third vote of the members present, provided notice of the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at least one regular meeting prior to the vote.
These bylaws have last been amended and approved at a meeting of the general membership on June 2nd 2005.
