ARTICLE 1 –
Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
This chapter shall be called the: Columbia River Bass Masters, of Vancouver, Washington
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 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. To function as a dynamic and effective link with other chapters of the State B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation embracing the principles and purposes of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.
ARTICLE II – Membership
Section 1: Number of Members
The chapter shall begin with and maintain at least six charter members.
Section 2: Requirement for Membership
One of the goals of the Columbia River Bassmasters is for all members to feel welcome and enjoy the time we spend together. A significant part of achieving that goal involves sharing compatible values. It is important for prospective members to understand what those values are so that they can decide if they share them. It is also important for existing members to feel comfortable with new members.
We have developed some guidelines to create the best opportunity for prospective members to learn about our club before deciding if they want to commit to membership. These are outlined below. If you have any questions about these guidelines or anything else about the club, please talk to any member of the board.
To become a chapter member, a person shall:
(A)
Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership.
(B)
Be a member of B.A.S.S. (See ARTICLE VI for affiliation requirements).
(C)
Be 18 years of age or older.
(D)
Attend two club meetings.
(E)
Arrange and complete one bass fishing trip with a board member. This fishing trip will not be a club tournament.
Exceptions to the above requirements are granted when an angler seeking membership proves or is known to be an experienced bass angler, is a good citizen, and can immediately contribute to the club. Attendance at one meeting remains mandatory. A unanimous vote of club officers is required to grant the exception.
Section 3: Membership Dues
The membership dues shall be $40.00 annually, initially payable upon being voted into the chapter. $20.00 of which shall be for National Federation dues. $10.00 of which shall be for chapter / club dues. $10.00 of which shall be for state affiliation dues.
Note: Each member shall individually responsible for maintaining a current membership in B.A.S.S.
ARTICLE
III: Officers, 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 be an ex officio member of all committees. Supervise all club functions.
(B)
Vice President:
Act as program chairman, assists the President in his duties and presides in the absence of the President.
(C)
Secretary:
The Secretary shall be the secretary of the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall have charge of all books and records of the Club. He will also publish the Club monthly newsletter and will also inform the general membership of all voting requirements and monthly meetings.
(D)
Treasurer:
The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of and be responsible for all funds, securities, evidences of indebt ness and other valuable documents in regards to the financial dealings of the Club. He shall sign, make and endorse in the name of the Columbia River BassMasters all checks, drafts, bills of exchange and other instruments for payment of money, as well as disbursement of monies under the direction of the President or the Board of Directors.
(E)
Tournament Director(s):
The purpose of the Tournament Director(s) shall be to plan, organize and operate all chapter tournaments. The Tournament Director(s) will draft tournament rules, which must then be approved by the general membership. The Tournament Director(s) will keep tournament records, enforce all tournament rules and investigate protests concerning tournaments. All decisions made by the Tournament Director(s) concerning rule violations will be final.
(F)
Youth Director(s):
The purpose of the Youth Director(s) shall be to organize and coordinate all youth projects and activities for the chapter. The Youth Director(s) will plan programs that will introduce local youth to fishing. Gather information regarding chapter programs and submit them to B.A.S.S outstanding achievement awards program on annual basis. Conduct yearly Casting Kids event for chapter. Act as liaison for chapter regarding all state federation meetings and hearings on youth programs. Report progress at monthly chapter meetings.
(G)
Conservation Director(s):
The purpose of the Conservation Director(s) shall be to plan chapter conservation projects. Attend local, state and national meetings and hearings which deal with conservation/environmental issues that affect bass fishing as a sport. Submits chapter conservation efforts and projects to B.A.S.S. Times Federation Editor. Submits current conservation activities for entrance into B.A.S.S. annual outstanding achievement awards program. Report progress at monthly chapter meetings.
(H)
Board of Directors:
The board of directors will consist of : President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tournament Director(s), Youth Director(s), Conservation Director(s) and no less than 3 elected Board members. The board of Directors shall constitute the advisory board and grievance committee of the club. The board will decide all protests and rule on all violations of the tournament rules and by-laws of the Chapter. The board of directors will be entrusted with all powers of the club when not in session. Vested matters pertaining to policy, management
and administration of the affairs of the club shall be referred to the directors before being acted upon by the general club members.
ARTICLE IV:
Conflict Resolution
Section 1: Conflict Resolution
One of the goals of the club is to create and maintain an environment of harmony and camaraderie. On the other hand, we recognize that it is difficult to make everyone happy all of the time. When issues do come up, we want to handle them in a manner that is fair and effective for the people involved. It is also important to minimize any negative impact on other people in the club. We will utilize the following process to handle any complaints, problems or disagreements.
A)
Using club gatherings (meetings or tournaments) as a forum for complaining or "gripe sessions" is almost always counterproductive. It creates a negative atmosphere and seldom ends in a positive outcome. If you have an issue, do not use our club gatherings as a place to try to handle it.
B)
The appropriate method for handling an issue is to bring it to the attention of a member of the board of directors. This can be done "offline" at a club meeting or tournament or via phone or email. Explain your issue along with a suggested means of resolution. The board member that you consult with will then share this information with the other members of the board. If the issue involves another club member, the board will contact that member and discuss the situation. The means of resolution will depend on the situation, but the Board will have the responsibility to come up with a solution that it feels is in the best interest of all members of the club. In any event, the board will contact you for further communication regarding any means of resolution and or decisions regarding the issue.
C)
Any resolution of an issue that requires a change to the Bylaws or tournament regulations of the club will be brought to the club by the board for discussion and vote.
D)
The Bylaws of the club authorize the Board of Directors to be responsible for matters of dispute resolution. Decisions of the Board are final and binding, up to and including dismissal of members.
ARTICLE V:
Removal of Membership
Section 1: Removal of Membership
A member shall be dropped from membership roll for the following:
A)
Failure to pay dues.
B)
Any action that would reflect dishonor and disgrace on this chapter and / or B.A.S.S.
C)
Disqualification for any reason from participating in B.A.S.S. sponsored events including disqualification for use of drugs or alcohol.
D)
Any actions or behaviors determined by the Board of Directors to be detrimental to the overall wellbeing of the club.
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 a 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% National B.A.S.S. membership
E)
E) Must affiliate with State Federation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for chapter such as membership, number of members, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary in order for the chapter to participate in the State Federation qualifying tournament(s), and any other Federation sponsored tournaments or events. Affiliation shall be with the Oregon State Federation.
ARTICLE
VII: Method of Amending the Bylaws
Section 1: Amending the Bylaws
The bylaws or tournament rules may be amended at any regular meeting by a 2/3 vote of the members present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at least one regular meeting prior to the vote.
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