CLUB CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
(Amended Date:
December 2005)
ARTICLE I - Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
This
club shall be known as “The Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club” of
Section 2: Purpose
Its purpose shall be to stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport; to promote full adherence to all conservation codes; to improve our skill as bass anglers through fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass catching techniques and ideas; to promote and encourage youth fishing and a love for this great recreation; to promote education, communication and brotherhood; to function as a dynamic and an effective link with other chapters embracing the principles and purposes of The Bass Federation (TBF).
ARTICLE
II – Membership
Section 1: Number of Members
The chapter will start with and maintain at least six (6) members. Membership will be limited to thirty (30) members. After full membership has established, the club will begin a waiting list. If at any time the club has a vacancy, such vacancy will be filled from the waiting list in the order that it was made. A boat owner may be given priority in filling the vacancy if the need arises to maintain the adequate number of boats needed to conduct tournaments.
Section 2: Qualifications for Membership.
Any person (male or female), who is interested in the objectives of the Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club shall be considered a candidate for membership provided that he (or she):
a. Is of good moral character.
b. Voluntarily expressed a genuine interest in membership.
c. Be a member of the (TBF) The Bass Federation and FLW Outdoors.
d. Is recommended by a member at a regular monthly meeting.
e. Receives and reads the chapter bylaws and understands club purpose.
f. Files a written application and shall if approved by the required vote, becomes a member of The Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club, upon the completion of following:
g. Any new member must show an understanding of these bi-laws before membership is granted (i.e. via test, open questioning at meeting or whatever means the club deems to be appropriate). If this prospective member cannot show somewhat of an understanding for the bi-laws, membership can be denied. (Amended Dec 2004)
1. Going through the orientation program (Article II, Section 5).
2. Signing the Constitution and Bylaws.
3. Paying $125.00 initiation fee and the current dues of $20.00 per month. All fees are to be paid in full 30 days after receiving acceptance letter.
Section 3: Manner of Election of Membership
a. Election to membership shall be by closed ballot.
b. Unanimous vote shall be required to elect an applicant for membership.
Section 4: Duties of Members
All members, under the penalty of suspension or dismissal, shall commit themselves to the accomplishments, goals, and endeavors of the Club; adhere, support and practice brotherhood, sportsmanship, fellowship, and the exchange of angling ideas and information.
Section 4A: Inactive Membership
A member who desires to become inactive must be in good standing and shall notify the club in writing of his intentions. Membership is kept intact by paying reduced dues of $5.00 per month or $60.00 annually.
Section 4B: Resignation
A member who resigns from the club must do so in good standing. If he or she elects to return to the Club, he or she will do so as a new member.
Section 5: Membership Orientation
a. Candidate shall come before the club and state why he desires membership in The Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club.
b. Prospective member shall attend three monthly club meetings.
c. Candidate shall fish three monthly tournaments.
d. Candidate shall fish with three members in good standing. The three club members shall give a report on the prospective member at the fourth monthly meeting which shall include attitude, sportsmanship, reception to new ideas, bass fishing skills, teamwork, and willingness to share knowledge of fishing to all members without reservation.
e. If prospective member is voted into the membership, he will receive his Club uniform, Robert Rules of Order and be recognized by the Chair to take the floor or vote.
f. Adhere to the Organization's code of conduct.
Section 6: Code of Conduct
a. No alcoholic beverages during club functions.
b. Illegal drug use is prohibited.
c. Use of profanity during club functions is prohibited.
d. Only spouses and family are allowed on club functions (single members may invite his/her guest).
e. No verbal or physical threats to any member.
f. No arguing or disorderly conduct in public.
g. During club tournaments, each member will travel in the Lunker Train Convoy, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
h. Club members traveling in the convoy must have an operational CB in their vehicle and must observe the laws of the FCC and of the state.
i. No member shall deny another member access of his boat for the purpose of fishing during club tournaments.
j. A member who damages the equipment of another member shall accept the liability for such damaged equipment.
k. Members shall aid and assist fellow members during the launching and loading of boats.
1. Members shall demonstrate courtesy, respect, and sportsmanship at all times, i.e., cheating, etc.
m. During club functions, all members shall participate in all organizational functions which includes, but not limited to; eating breakfast and dinner together, taking pit stops together, traveling together to and from the tournament site, and lodging together.
n. Safety and protection of members and equipment should take precedent over club functions. (If a member is late due to safety reasons, which includes helping individuals in trouble or assisting on breakdowns on the lake, the late penalty will be waived).
o. Members shall not sow discord and/or division, but in everything, we promote brotherhood, fellowship, and sportsmanship.
p. The Club’s official or regulation uniform must be worn at all club functions that include monthly meetings, tournaments, outings, and all related Club functions. The uniform includes the hat, a white shirt or tee shirt, maroon vest, khaki pants and Robert Rules or Order.
q. No club events shall be
scheduled in conjunction with a holiday weekend.
ARTICLE III - Meetings
Section 1: Time and Place
One regular meeting shall be held the first Sunday of each month from January to December inclusive; however no meeting will be schedule in conjunction with a holiday weekend. The club shall determine the place and the hour.
Section 2: Nature of Meeting
Each meeting shall consist of business; the purpose of which shall be as follows:
a. To transact the business of the club.
b. To bear program reports.
c. To discuss important issues.
d. To receive reports from committees.
e. To share fishing knowledge and techniques.
Section 2A: Procedural Rules For Meetings
The rules set fourth in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the Club in all meetings in which they are applicable and not in conflict with the provisions of the Constitution Bylaws.
Section 2B: Regular Meetings
a.
A
regular meeting of the Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club shall be held the first Sunday
of each month at a time and place to be determined by the Club. However, no meeting will be
scheduled in conjunction with a holiday weekend.
b. All regular meetings will last no longer than two (2) hour. Amend 12-2001
c. A Quorum, consisting of at least three (3) Amended 12/2003 active members in good standing, will be
required for the transaction of the club's official business.
d. Active members in good standing are required to attend all regular meetings as a continual requirement for membership. Absences from a regular meeting must be relayed to the Secretary by advance notification to a club official or active member. A $5.00 penalty will be assessed and payable with current dues, if not forwarded in accordance with Article III, Section 4(a).
e. Notification of an absence by an active member in good standings shall constitute a waiver of voting rights on club business conducted during that meeting. The absent member's vote shall be tallied as abstained.
f. Additionally, the vote of members present at the beginning of a regular meeting, but departed at the time of voting on club business, will be tallied as abstained.
g. Any member that arrives five (5) or more minutes late for a regular meeting
forfeits his right to speak or participate in the meeting.
h. All members are required to have in their possession a copy of the Bylaws and a
copy of Robert’s Rules of Order in order to participate in the meetings.
Section 3: Special
Meetings
a. Special meetings shall be called by the President (upon request) by six members in good standings.
b. Three members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the club’s business; i.e. at least three (3) active members must be present.
c. Any member (desiring to resign from the club) shall present the resignation in writing.
Section 4: Membership Dues
a. The membership dues shall be $20.00 per month, due on the first Sunday of each month.
b. Any member, who is delinquent in the payment of his/her dues, if not current within 24 hours of the club’s monthly tournament, shall be ineligible for participation.
c. Once a member reaches 30 days past due we will only send one letter that explains the member is 30 days late. The letter will also state future dates and penalties if dues are still unpaid. (Amended December 2004)
d. If his/her dues are unpaid 45 days after they are due, he/she shall be declared
suspended.
e. If he/she remains delinquent after 60 days, his/her name is removed from the roll of members.
g. If member is reinstated, a reinstatement fee of $25.00 will be charged and he shall be placed on probation for 60 days before he can vote, take the floor, or speak at any meetings.
ARTICLE IV - DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
Section 1: Reprimand
Any member who is in violation of the below listed articles and sections will be issued a warning by the Executive Committee.
a. Violation of Article II, Section 6c.
b. Violation of Article II, Section 6d.
c. Violation of Article II, Section 6f.
d. Violation of Article II, Section 6g.
e. Violation of Article II, Section 6h.
f. Violation of Article II, Section 6j.
g. Violation of Article II, Section 6k.
h. Violation of Article II, Section 6l.
i. Violation of Article II, Section 6m.
j. Violation of Article II, Section 6o.
k. Violation of Article II, Section 6p.
Section 2: Suspension
Any member who is suspended shall forfeit membership for 60 days and pay a fine of $25.00 upon reinstatement. The suspended member will not be allowed to participate in club functions, i.e., tournaments, meetings, nor any other activity. Violations of the below listed Articles and Sections will be reason for suspension.
a. Violation of Article II, Section 6a.
b. Violation of Article III, Section 4c.
Section 3: Automatic Suspension
Any member who is in violation of the below listed Articles and Sections shall not be entitled to an appeal.
a. Violation of Article II, Section 6e.
Section 4: Expulsion
Any member who is in violation of the following will be expelled from the Club without reinstatement. The expulsion is subject to appeal.
a. Fighting.
b. Delinquent dues of (60) sixty days.
c. Failure to comply with progressive discipline
d. Guilty of cheating in tournaments.
e.
Stealing
f.
Use of illegal drugs. (Amended December 2004)
Section 5: Appeal
If a member disagrees with the ruling of the Chair or the Executive Committee affecting any substantial question or issue he or she should not hesitate to appeal. A member in good standing must second appeal.
Section
6: Punishment
Punishment of members for violation of the provisions of the Constitution bylaws and other rules and regulations of the club shall be determined and imposed by the Executive Committee as outlined in Article IV.
Any
member in violation of club Bi-Laws, rules, regulations and tournament
infractions requiring disciplinary action must be placed on notice immediately.
Amend 12-2001
Section
7: Charges
Any member may present to the Executive Committee a charge against any member of a violation or infraction as set fourth in the Constitution Bylaws. All charges shall be set fourth to the Executive Committee in writing. The Executive Committee prior to consideration shall conduct a reasonable investigation concerning the charges. Prior to consideration of such charge against a member by the Executive Committee, an opportunity shall be given to the charged party in question to be present at the meeting of the Executive Committee at which such charges against the party are considered. The charged party may submit written consideration in lieu of appearing. Prior to the vote of the charges by the Executive Committee, the charged Party may make such defense against the charges as he desires provided it is lawful and reasonable.
ARTICLE
V - OFFICERS
Section
1: Titles
The officers of this Corporation shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Tournament Director.
Section
I A. Executive Committee
The Executive Committee includes the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and the Tournament Director. All Executive Members are either appointed or elected to office. The Executive Committee shall function as the directive body which guides and supervises the general membership. The Executive Committee discusses and decides items, which require decisions and do not require a vote of the general membership by the Constitution By-laws. Decisions of the Executive Committee are presented to the membership and are final unless challenged by a member. If challenged, a vote of the membership decides the issue. Use of the Executive Committee avoids long, heated membership arguments during regular meetings, thus allowing more time for pleasurable things like movies, guest speakers, etc.
The Executive Committee shall determine punishment of members, (in accordance with the disciplinary procedure in Article IV) who violate the provisions of the Constitution Bylaws and other rules, regulations, and codes of conduct of the Tight Lines Bass Club. The President may call an Executive Meeting at any time.
Section 2: Election and Tenure
All officers with the exception of Tournament Director, Club Reporter and Fishing Education Secretary (to be chosen by the elected president), shall be nominated from the floor, and elected by secret ballot at the first regular meeting in December. A majority vote shall be necessary to elect. When there is only one nominee for an office, he shall be elected by voice. All officers shall take office immediately at the close of the session in which they are elected.
Section
3: Eligibility
Any member of the club shall be eligible for election to any office provided that he:
a. Is in good standing.
b. Has been a member of the club for at least four (4) months except for the presidency which is six (6) months, Amended 12/2003.
c. Has shown and taken an active interest in all club functions.
d. Has participated in at least 75% of club functions i.e. tournaments, meetings and fundraisers, etc.
Section 4: Vacancies
In the event an office becomes vacant, nomination shall be required, and an election held to fill
the non expired term of the individual vacating the office. The member thus elected shall immediately assume responsibility for these duties and shall hold office until the next regular election.
Section 5: Duties of Officers
The Atlanta Tight Line Bass Club, shall elect/appoint the following officers who shall perform the general duties listed.
a. The President shall:
1. Preside at and supervise all meetings and official functions.
2. Call special meetings at his discretion as in Article III, Section 3(a).
3. Appoint all committees not otherwise provided for.
4. Make provisions for the discharge (members and their duties).
5. Sign all warrants on the treasury of the club.
6. See that the rules, regulations, and By-laws of the club are enforced.
7. Carry out assignments and instructions given to him by vote of the club.
8. To act as a tiebreaker on proposals that are split.
9. Perform other such duties that customarily pertain to the office of President.
a. The Vice President shall:
1. Assist the President in all matters and in his absence or disability, he shall assume the duties of the President.
2. Chair the conservation committee.
c. The Secretary shall:
1. Keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings.
2. Issue notices of meetings and agenda, after consultation with the President.
3. Maintain a current roster.
4. Conduct general correspondence of the club.
d. The Treasurer shall:
1. Collect all fees and dues.
2. Render an account each month (or as required) of receipts and expenditures.
3. Pay the bills of the club, and upon/warrants signed by the President.
e. The Tournament Director shall:
1. Chair the Fish-Off Committee.
2. Establish general rules and regulations for all tournaments.
3. Oversee and make final decisions in tournaments
4. Maintain tournament records.
5. Propose and present awards.
6. Levy and collect fines and penalties in the amounts authorized by the club for infringement of tournament rules, unless acceptable excuses are presented.
7. Interpret "tournament" rules.
f. Club Reporter:
1. Be provided a camera.
2. Be responsible for developing, securing and
maintain a historically log (ie : scrap book) of all club events, including tournaments,
fundraisers, kid day, awards dinners, spouse’s dinners and picnics.
g. Fishing Education Secretary.
1. Responsible for developing a training schedule
for the year.
2. Work in conjunction with the officers to
coordinate with tournaments and
scheduled meetings.
3. To provide in advance the training schedule
(preferable 3 to 4 months in
advance), for guest speakers, seminars, etc.
ARTICLE VI - Committees
Section 1: Standing Committees
These are specifically named in the Bylaws and regularly elected (or appointed) for defined terms to perform particular assignments of a permanent nature. Such are the banquet committee, entertainment committee, etc.
Section 2: Special Committees
a. Those which are elected (or appointed) in accordance with the vote of an assembly to render a particular service of temporary character. If a committee gives an unsatisfactory report the question may be recommitted for further study, or referred to a new committee.
b. A committee that is intended to carry out some course of action shall be composed of persons favorable to the proposed action. On the other hand, if the committee is selected for deliberation on the investigation factions (or interest groups) in the organization, it is desirable that a committee consists of odd numbers (members) in order to prevent a tie vote.
Section
3: Chairmen and Meetings
A committee shall assemble at the call of the chairman, or at the summons of the assist, or any two members, if the Chairman is unable to perform his duty.
Section
4: Procedure in Committee Meetings
The procedure in committee meetings shall be more informal than the meeting of the entire body. However, rules of courtesy shall be observed.
ARTICLE
VII- Programs
Section 1: General Topics
All speeches, on regular programs, shall be directly (or indirectly) related to The Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club and their purpose as in Article 1, Section 2.
Section 2: Special Programs
From time to time, on dates to be determined by the club, there may be special programs with invited speakers.
ARTICLE
VIII – AFFILIATION
Section 1: REQUIREMENTS for Affiliation
a. Approval of chapter charter by TBF.
b. Update TBF with chapter membership roster once each year upon receipt of current TBF roster at year’s end.
c. Names and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the year must be submitted to TBF as they occur.
d. Maintain 100% TBF and FLW 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 IX - Amendments
Section
1: Method of Amending the Constitution Bylaws
Any member may recommend an amendment to the Constitution Bylaws. All amendments shall be presented to the President in writing at any regular meeting between January and September. The President will then read the proposal to the members present and must be seconded by another member as a motion. A list of the proposed changes, in chronological order, will be passed out to each member in attendance at the October meeting. Beginning at the November meeting, the proposals shall be read, discussed, and voted on, one at a time until the list is exhausted. This may be continued at the December meeting if necessary. A quorum, Article III, Section 3(b), or 2/3 vote of the membership present shall amend the Constitution Bylaws.
September,
October , November & December dates were amend in
the 12-2001 meeting.
Section
2: Adoption
The Constitution Bylaws of the club shall become effective upon adoption by 2/3 vote of those members present.
ARTICLE
X - Boat/Car and Travel Expenses
Section 1: No Shows
The necessary preparation shall be made so that we start our trips and tournaments on time. Without a justifiable reason, a member shall have 24 hours prior to date of tournament to inform a member of the Fish-off Committee, and if at all possible, his partner, that he will not fish the scheduled tournament. Otherwise, a member will be fined as described in Article IX, Section 2, Paragraph 1c.
Section
2: Travel Fees
1 . Non-boat owners are required to travel in the Lunker Train convoy with their assigned partner unless unforeseen circumstances prevent this arrangement. Guidelines for exclusions to the group travel requirement are as follows:
a. Boat owners that elect to meet the Lunker Train at the club fishing lake for reasons of convenience (reside or will be located nearby), availability, or due to pre-fishing, win waive the non-boat owner's travel fees for the arrival and return portion of the trip. The non-boat owner's travel fees will be split in half, 50% will be given to the individual that transports the non-boat owner to the club function, and 50% is given to their assigned boat owner to cover actual boating expenses. The assigned boat owner will not be obligated to return his assigned partner to the meeting point, but can provide this service as a courtesy.
b. Co-Anglers
will take care of his travel fee to the Angler at the beginning of the outing
or tournament. (Amended December 2004)
c. Non-boat owners can meet their partner at
the fishing site due to their geographical location to the site, ie: Non-boat owner
lives closer to the lake than the meeting site, will only owe the Boat owner
50% of the required trip fee. It is the
responsibility of the non-boat owner to raise this issue to the Tournament
Director prior to 48 hours before the blast off of that tournament. The Tournament Director will make a ruling
that is binding and final. The
Tournament Director will relay his/her decision to both the Co-Angler and the
Angler of the required fee for that Tournament.
The changes does not take precedence over a Co-Angler not meeting his
partner for convenience for him/herself, ie: passing
the meeting site for whatever reason or driving his/her vehicle so that they
can leave the fishing event early, etc.
In that case the Co-Angler is still required to pay the full trip fee. (Amended December 2004)
d. Club members that are no-shows for club functions will be assessed a 20- Point fish penalty in addition to the full cost of the trip to his assigned partner and $20.00 that is to be deposited in the club’s treasury.
2. The non-boat owner/passenger(s) will be required to pay the boat launch fee during club functions.
3.
The non-boaters’ fee
is $50 per club function, and an additional $10.00 for each additional day to
help cover assigned boater’s expense for gas, oil, etc. (Amended December 2005)
ARTICLE XI - Tournament Rule
Great effort, study, and research have gone into the formulation of these rules. The following rules of the Monthly Fish-Off will remain unchanged. Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the Fish-Off Committee. The decision of the Fish-Off Committee shall be final in all matters).
1. Eligibility: To be eligible for the Monthly Fish-Off, a member's dues must be
paid and current. Cases may arise when non-club members will be selected by
club officers to participate in a Fish-Off. The non-member may fish as a guest of
The Tight Lines Bass Club.
2. TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT: Only artificial lures may be used. No "live bait" will be permitted, with the exception of pork strips, rinds, etc. Only one casting, spin-casting or spinning rod and reel may be used at any one time. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner.
3. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS: Fishing is permitted anywhere, except within 50 yards of another competitor's boat, which was anchored first.
4. OFFICIAL CHECK POINT: There shall be only one official point for checkout in the morning, and check-in in the afternoon, and this point shall be designated at the club meeting by the Fish-Off Committee. The Fish-Off Committee will determine the start and finish time.
5. SAFETY: Safe boating conduct must be observed at all times by all tournament competitors. Each competitor is required to wear a Coast Guard approved, chest-type preserver. This preserver must be worn anytime the combustion engine is operating. The preserver must be strapped, snapped (or zippered) securely, and maintained in that condition until the competitor reaches his fishing location and the combustion engine is shut off. Violation of this rule shall be reason for immediate disqualification. All boats must have fire extinguishers mounted.
6. SCORING: Tournament standings, auxiliary award, and final winner shall be determined by the pound and ounce weight of each competitor. Only largemouth, spotted, red eye or small mouth bass will be weighed. All competitors are bound by the prevailing statutes and regulations of the various states within which they fish. At each tournament or Club fish-off sanctioned by the Tournament Committee, the scoring is as follows:
When fishing as partners on a boat, the total amount of pounds will be divided equally among each partner, ounces for ounces, pounds for pounds. When one member fishes a Club Tournament or Club fish-off his or her fish will be counted singularly, ounce for ounces and pounds for pounds. Points will be distributed with 30 points going to 1st place, 25 to 2nd place, 15 to 3rd place, 14 to 4th, and so on with “0” points going to an angler with no “0” fish. In addition, (5) five points will be awarded for big fish of the day (5) five points for a (5) five fish limit and (1) one point for each fish caught. Dead fish penalty will extend to 8oz. plus a loss of one point. No culling of dead fish. (Amended December 2004)
7. CHECKPOINT PENALTY - DISQUALIFICATION: Competitors who are not in the official checkpoint area as described at the appointed time shall loose all credit for his catch, i.e. "0" points.
8. PAIRINGS: The pairing of contestants will be done by the Fish-Off Committee. All lakes will be chosen by the entire Fish-Off Committee.
ARTICLE
XII - General
Section
1: Scoring
We will operate on a point system to determine the standing of all competitors. Points determined by tournament finishes, as described in Article 10, Section 6. Additionally, 10 points will be awarded for each meeting and tournament attended and 5 points for every other club function attended.
Section 2: Awards
There will be awards given to the top (3) fishermen at the end of each three-month period.
Period 1: January 1 through March 31
Period 2: April 1 through June 30
Period 3: July 1 through September 30
Period 4: October 1 through December 31
The three (3) top finishers by weight at the end of the year will be awarded plaques for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes. Amended 12/2003.
Section 3: Late Penalty
Any competitor who is late for our fish-off will be penalized ten (10) points and $20.00, which goes to the club’s treasury.
Section 4: No-show Penalty
Any competitor who fails to show up for a fish-off (A NO SHOW), without giving prior notice of twenty-four (24) hours, will be reprimanded and fined as stated in Article 9, Section 2, Paragraph Ic. Any unavoidable problems will be reviewed by the Fish-Off Committee.
Section 5: Unpaid fine / Club Assessment
Any
fine / club assessment that has not been paid within that required time of
30/45/60 days (similar to unpaid dues), that member will be deemed unfinancial and will be issued a letter after 30 days
unpaid. If he or she fails to comply,
that member will be removed from the roll at 60 days. (Amended December 2004)
Section 6: Prayer
A prayer will be used to start each fish-off and to start each meeting.
Section 7: Frequency
of Tournaments
The
Club will fish at least one (1) fish-off per month, starting in January unless
a majority of the members at a regular meeting decide otherwise. No tournament
will be scheduled in conjunction with a holiday weekend.
Section 8: Conflict between Fish-Off Program and Bylaws
Any aspect of the Fish-Off Committee Chairman's program that conflicts with the Bylaws shall prevail over such Bylaws.
I hereby agree to abide by the attached Bylaws and in accordance with Article II, Section 1, No. e (2), I also agree to sign the Constitution Bylaws of the Atlanta Tight Lines Bass Club.