Constitution
INDIANA UNIVERSITY BASS FISHING CLUB CONSTITUTION WRITTEN: 2006-2007
ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE
SECTION 1:NAME The club shall be called “Indiana University Bass Fishing Club”
SECTION 2: PURPOSE The purpose of this club shall be: • To invite anyone to partake in the pastime of any type of fishing. • To hold discussions about new and old fishing techniques and as well as teaching, sharing, and learning fishing methods. • To participate in competitive Bass Fishing Tournaments. • To uphold the mission of the Recreational Sports which states: “To promote active, healthy lifestyles of our students, faculty and staff, and foster a sense of community through sport and fitness programs and services. We achieve this by offering a diverse array of recreational sports opportunities, distinctive facilities and equipment; student development opportunities; and professional excellence and leadership.” • To represent Indiana University in a fair and competitive manor. • To abide by all rules and regulations set by Indiana University and Recreational Sports.
ARTICLE II – COMPLIANCE
This organization shall comply with all Indiana University regulations, and local, state, and federal laws.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB Participation in the proposed organization must be without regard to arbitrary consideration of such characteristics as age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Membership in the Indiana University Bass Fishing Club is open to all IU students, faculty, staff, and community members without regard to skill level. IU students must comprise at least 51% of the club's members. ONLY CURRENT FULL-TIME STUDENT MEMBERS may vote on club matters.
SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND PRIVILEGES 1. Be a regularly enrolled student at Indiana University which will be entitled to one vote, to be used for their own intentions and not to be influenced by other members’ or other persons’ intentions, in each club meeting. Alumni, faculty, and staff shall be considered as non-voting members of the club. 2. Members of the club who are currently registered students of the university are entitled to be nominated and elected to any official position of the club. Alumni, faculty, and staff may not hold an official position of the club. 3. The right of each member of the club to fully enjoy and participate in opportunities shall not be abridged unless it is in violation of the rules set by the university, Recreational Sports, or Indiana University Bass Fishing Club. 4. All members and officers are responsible for their own actions and will receive the consequences of their actions.
SECTION 3: MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Members shall pay all dues, fees, and assessments to the treasurer within thirty days after notification that the member has incurred the obligation. 2. Members are responsible for their personal conduct so as to bring no discredit to Indiana University, Recreational Sports, and to the Indiana University Bass Fishing Club. 3. Members shall make every reasonable effort to attend all club functions and meetings. 4. Members are responsible to notify the club President or Secretary of changes of address, phone, or status that may affect their eligibility to hold office, vote, or participate in club matters or activities. 5. Members are responsible for being informed on club policies which include the policies of Indiana University and its subordinate departments and offices.
SECTION 4: ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP 1. The club shall be on an annual basis and shall be for one (1) period beginning with the academic school year and ending with the start of the succeeding academic school year.
SECTION 5: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP Termination of membership will occur... 1. On the third (3rd) absence of a meeting, event, or tournament unless notification to an officer anytime before a meeting, twenty four (24) hours before an event, and one (1) week before a tournament. 2. When a member fails to abide by the rules and regulations set by Indiana University, Recreational Sports, or Indiana University Bass Fishing Club. 3. When a returning Member fails to pay membership dues within thirty (30) days of the notice or will be put on Membership probation for thirty (30) days. If the dues are not paid within the probation period, their Membership will be terminated. Termination requires a simple majority vote of all active members. Vote will be taken by way of a secret ballot. Terminable offenses should be submitted to any officer in writing for review by the board. Terminated members will be given no refund of club dues.
ARTICLE IV: DUES, BUDGET, FINANCE
SECTION 1: DUES Each Member will be charged dues in the amount set by the Executive Council for membership in the club. 1. Dues will be paid by the Member to the Treasurer within thirty (30) days after the beginning of the school year or within thirty (30) days after becoming a member of the club. 2. The Treasurer will maintain a roster of Members and their standings with respect to payment of dues. 3. Dues may be increased or decreased by majority vote decided by the Executive Council.
SECTION 2: BUDGET The Treasurer is responsible to maintain and update the club’s budget after all changes have been voted on by the club’s members.
SECTION 3: FINANCE 1. The Treasurer is responsible for handling all financial affairs. 2. Abide by all SOA office policies and procedures. 3. If the club disperses all funds left in the in the SOA account will be donated to the Monroe County Parks and Recreation department. http://www.co.monroe.in.us/parksandrecreation/index.htm
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS, OFFICERS, ELECTIONS
SECTION 1: MEETINGS 1. Meetings shall be conducted by the President of the club and be run in the order set by the President or by the appropriate substitute. 2. The number of meetings may vary depending on necessary topics to discuss, events, and any schooling priority (ex. Finals Week) that might conflict. 3. Notification of meetings will be announced at the prior meeting and via email, phone, or posted on the website.
SECTION 2: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THEIR DUTIES Club Officers will be appointed as follows: PRESIDENT The President shall: 1. Preside over all club meetings. 2. Direct and supervise all club meetings. 3. Organize all committees. 4. Break ties on voting matters. 5. Preside over University matters. 6. Prepare all club correspondence including emailing members about upcoming meetings. 7. Make the final decisions with regards to matters of debate or alleged tournament violations. If the President is involved in the violation or feels he/she should abstain, then this duty is passed to the Vice President. If the Vice President is also involved then the duty is passed to the Treasurer. If the Treasurer is involved then the decisions should be made by the Members with a majority vote. VICE PRESIDENT The Vice President shall: 1. Assist the President in all his/her duties. 2. Preside over all functions in the Presidents absence. 3. Make safety inspections prior to the start of any event. SECRETARY The Secretary shall: 1. Maintain the official club constitution. 2. Maintain accurate minutes of all club meetings and submit minutes to officers for approval. 3. Maintain records of Tournament results and Team Points. 4. Maintain files for the club. 5. Perform all functions associated with President and Vice President in their absence in accordance with existing regulations and policies. 6. Maintain records of attendance at club meetings. 7. Notify members of upcoming election information. TREASURER The Treasurer shall: 1. Maintain accurate records of all club financial transactions. 2. Maintain all Member dues and fees. 3. Provide accurate financial reports to any member who requests them. 4. Maintain all club financial accounts in conjunction with the club Advisor. 5. Report to club the status of accounts as necessary. 6. Must attend financial training meeting with the SOA Office. TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR The Tournament Coordinator shall: 1. Make arrangements for the tournament sites, reservations, lodging recommendations, time schedules, and tournament announcements. 2. Coordinate and control group movement to the lake and boat launching. 3. Participate in making final decisions with regard to matters of debate or alleged tournament violations. 4. Keep records of incoming school contacts and welcoming groups. 5. Approve all tournament conditions, scheduling, and other plans with the President. 6. Approve and Record all length and weight of each legal fish caught in all tournaments. 7. Present results at tournament and submits the report to the secretary for recording and to the opposing schools. 8. Maintain Official Registered Fishing scales for the club. MEDIA RELATIONS The Media Relations Officer shall: 1. Actively contact local media with press releases about future events and results of past events. 2. Collect necessary information for accurate press releases. 3. Develop a club brochure, and keep it updated. 4. Work with the Web designer to make sure information is consistent. 5. Contact new sponsors. WEB DEVELOPER The Web Developer shall: 1. Actively manage the club website with regular updates. 2. Take pictures at club events, meetings, and tournaments for the website and brochure.
SECTION 3: VOTING ELIGIBILITY 1. Any member in good standing can nominate a candidate for office. 2. Nominations must be submitted prior to the second to last meeting of the school year. 3. Elections will occur on the second to last meeting of the school year. 4. Elections should TRY to be conducted in such a way that an unsuccessful candidate has the opportunity to run for unfilled offices in the same election. Offices will be filled in the following order: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Tournament Coordinator, and Web Developer. 5. Candidates will be elected by the general membership by simple majority. 6. All votes will be made by secret written ballot.
SECTION 4: VOTING ELIGIBILITY Only members in good standing are entitled to vote. Absentee voting is permitted. Absentee votes must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and/or President or by email, twelve (12) hours in advance of the meeting at which the issue is presented to the general membership for consideration.
SECTION 5: TERM OF OFFICE Term of office shall be for one membership year, unless said officer resigns, moves, or is removed from office.
SECTION 7: ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE To be eligible for elected office, a member must: 1. Be a member in good standing. 2. Anticipate that he/she will remain in the Bloomington location for the term of office. 3. Regularly attend club meetings. 4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at time of election.
SECTION 8: REMOVAL FROM ELECTED OFFICE Any elected official of the club may be removed from office by the general membership for violation of the club constitution or for other reasons which would justify termination of membership of any member. A member who desires to initiate action to remove an elected official shall enter a motion in writing which clearly cites the reason for the motion. Removal from office will require a simple majority of the total general membership. Removal from office will not constitute automatic termination of membership.
ARTICLE VI: ADVISOR Responsibilities of the Club Advisor are as followed: 1. Be a mentor to the Club Members. 2. Help the Club make decisions that may concern an Officer or any other Member. 3. Attend Club meetings and help with Club events when available. 4. Assist with the administration of the club’s SOA account.
ARTICLE VII: NON-HAZING Hazing is strictly prohibited. Hazing shall be defined as any conduct which subjects another person, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or psychologically, to anything that may engender abuse, degrade, or intimidate the person as a condition of association with a group or organization, regardless of the person’s consent or lack of consent.
ARTICLE VIII: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Any proposed amendments or changes must be submitted to the Secretary in writing in enough time for the Secretary to distribute to current members before the meeting when the vote will occur. The proposal shall be announced under new business of the meeting. Members in good standing will vote upon the proposal. Once amendment is approved by the Club it must be sent to the Assistant Director of Club Sports and Intramural Sports for approval.