Constitution and By-Laws of the Triangle Bass Anglers
Constitution of the Triangle Bass Anglers
Revision Date: 11.19.05 LF
ARTICLE I: Name and Purpose
Section 1: Name
Triangle Bass Anglers
Section 2: Purpose
To improve our skill as anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of fishing techniques and ideas, and to promote and encourage youth fishing along with a love for this great form of recreation. In order to facilitate this, we will meet on a regular basis, discuss club business, tournaments and any other activities pertinent to fishing; during which we will foster an environment in which anglers of all levels and ages can learn to become better anglers. We will promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to demand adequate water standards. Detect and report any polluter and call public and political attention to his crime. Therefore we will be good stewards of our environment.
ARTICLE II: Membership
Section 1: Total Membership and Boater/Non-Boater Mix
Membership can not exceed 25 total members, with the total number of non-boaters not exceeding the total number of boaters.
A boater is defined as a member who owns a boat that is tournament ready as defined by the by-laws.
Section 2: Requirement for Membership
To become an active member, a person shall voluntarily express a genuine interest in becoming a member and be recommended by a member in good standing at a regular monthly meeting. Prior to affirmation of membership, a prospective member must fish at least one club tournament and attend at least one meeting.
Youth Participation
Youth Membership
To become a Youth member, a person shall be seventeen (17) years of age or younger and be sponsored by a member in good standing that is a boater.
Youth as Full & Active Members
Youth can also choose to join TBA as a full & active TBA member, provided that they are always accompanied by their parent/guardian at all events at all times. TBA youth under 18 years of age can never operate the engine/motor of the boat, with or without the parent present. Youth are allowed to operate the trolling motor of the boat, at the parent's/guardian's discretion. Youth must pay their dues and comply with all other rules as a full member of TBA. If an adult member allows a youth member to operate the watercraft during a tournament, both fishermen will be disqualified from that tournament without refund of entry fees. The TBA membership of all fishermen involved with an incident may be revoked by the TBA board of officers. If the violation is reckless and dangerous, the proper authorities will be contacted. All safety rules of the state and TBA must be complied with at all times.
Parents and/or guardians are solely responsible for the youth who they bring to the events.
If a parent breaks any TBA rules while participating with youth, their membership can be revoked, pending a review by the board.
If any state or federal laws are broken while participating in a TBA event, the membership may be revoked by the board and the proper authorities will be notified if appropriate.
Section 3: Membership Dues
Membership dues shall be thirty-five dollars ($35) annually, due the first January event, or upon acceptance of membership, annual club dues will be payable by the next regular club meeting. Failure to do so will result in loss of membership in the club. In the event of a hardship, a member in good standing may make a written request (or via email) for a temporary deferment of their annual dues. All requests must be made to the President or Treasurer. Any request will be treated confidentially.
Section 4: Affiliated Members
An Affiliated Member of Triangle Bass Anglers is an active member of any organization sponsored by or affiliated with Triangle Bass Anglers. Affiliated Members have rights and privileges as approved by Active Members.
Affiliated organizations of Triangle Bass Anglers:
There are no affiliated organizations at this time.
Section 5: Auxiliary Members
Auxiliary members will be permitted in the club. They will not be active members. They will not be able to vote on issues presented to the active membership. They include “distant” members and “hardship” members. “Distant” members are former active members who are still interested in keeping their relationship with the Triangle Bass Anglers in tact via the web-site, but not living close enough to attend meetings or many tournaments. “Hardship” members will be those former active members who can not for personal or family reasons attend many of the club functions during the course of a year to so.
The return of an auxiliary member to active status will be voted on by the Board of Directors via a simple majority vote, even if the member’s return will break the 25 member limit rule.
ARTICLE III: Officers
Section 1: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will be responsible as a whole, for the daily operations of the club. The duties and responsibilities for each member of the Board of Directors may be added, as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors by a majority vote. The duties and responsibilities of any additional Director will be added to the by-laws through a majority vote by the Board.
At a minimum, the Board of Directors will consist of a
ü President
ü Vice-President
ü Secretary
ü Treasurer
ü Tournament Director.
ARTICLE IV: Voting Requirements
Section 1: Entitlement to Vote
Each member in good standing is entitled to one vote on any matter brought before the general membership. The use of a proxy vote is permitted by active members via email to a Board member.
The Board of Directors will determine if an item is to be presented for vote by the general membership.
Section 2: Legality of Vote
In order for a vote to be deemed legal and binding, a quorum is established as a majority of active members. Adjustments to the constitution and by-laws must be done by a “yes” vote by two thirds (2/3) of the quorum of active members, in good standing, that are duly assembled.
Section 3: Board Veto
Board members can veto amendments presented by other Board members by a simple majority vote amongst the Board members.
ARTICLE V: Assemblage
Section 1: General Membership
The club will assemble as a whole on the third (3rd) Thursday of each month at seven (7) PM to discuss club business and activities. In the event that day falls on a holiday, the meeting will be held on the second (2nd) Thursday of each month. A meeting will be deemed as official if it consists of at least three (3) members of the Board of Directors, one of which must be either the President of Vice-President, and a majority of the active members are present.
ARTICLE VI: Review and Amendment Procedures
Section 1: Review Procedures
This constitution will be reviewed annually, in the month of October by the Board of Directors and recommendations, if any, will be brought before the membership for amendment consideration.
Section 2: Amendment Procedures
This constitution may be amended by vote per the procedures defined in Article IV, Section 2.
Bylaws of the Triangle Bass Anglers
Revision Date: 11.19.05 LF
ARTICLE I: Officers, Elections, Vacancies, and Eligibility
Section 1: Officers and their Duties
All terms are one year, with optional re-election.
The Board of Directors shall consist of:
President:
Preside over all meetings, prepare the agenda, appoint all committees, execute all agreements and instruments requiring an official signature, and direct all official business.
Vice President:
Shall discharge the duties of the President should the President not be able, assist the President in all matters, succeed to the office if for some reason it should become vacant within that year.
Secretary:
Shall keep accurate records and be familiar with club rules, by-laws and membership. Handle correspondence and/or newsletter duties, and perform all clerical tasks. Maintains the TBA web site documentation and administrative needs (such as fees, web site backups, etc).
Treasurer:
Shall maintain the funds paid to the club and disburse funds as directed. Keep accurate account of said moneys; give reports at meetings on financial status of club account.
Tournament Director:
Shall implement the provisions of the rules of the tournament, plan and conduct weigh-in, and act as the presiding officer or judge. Must also select weigh-in site, launch site, or any other needs for the event, and keep accurate records of the tournaments.
Section 2: Elections
Elections will be held annually and decided at the meeting in October.
Section 3: Voting
Each active member, as defined in Constitution, is entitled to one (1) vote. Proxy votes are permitted via an email to a member of the Board of Directors.
The Secretary, via email, will solicit nominations for each officer. The top three nominees and ties will be on the ballot. Votes will be sent via email to the Secretary, who will tally them and post the results.
If a candidate wins two offices, the candidate will choose which office they want to fulfill, and the second place finisher in the other office will fulfill the duties of that office.
All votes undertaken by the general membership will occur via show of hands at meetings.
Elections, By-law or Constitution changes require a quorum of active members be present at a meeting. Furthermore, a two-thirds (2/3) margin of that quorum is necessary to “pass” the amendment to either document.
Section 4: 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. The office of President shall be an exception. In which case, the Vice-President will fill it, and that office will be considered vacant.
Section 6: Eligibility for Holding Office
In order to be eligible for an office a member must be “active”, and in good standing for a minimum of six (6) months. Have shown an active interest in all club functions, and express a genuine interest in holding an office.
ARTICLE II: Standing Committees
Section 1: Appointments and Conduct
All standing committee members are appointed by the President and will serve for one year or until a new committee is appointed by the current President. The Tournament Director will act as the chairperson for his committee and call meetings. Special committees will appoint a chairperson and that person will call all meetings. Meetings will be held at the discretion of the committee chairperson, but as a minimum will be conducted at least once every three (3) months. The chairperson will file a report with the Board of Directors at their next regular meeting. Each committee will appoint a Secretary for the committee. The Secretary will record the minutes of the committee meetings and present those minutes to the membership.
Section 2: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors will consist of five (5) members: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Tournament Director. A quorum shall be four (4). The President will call all meetings of the Board of Directors and preside at such meetings. The Secretary will record the minutes of these meetings and present those minutes to the membership. Special meetings can be called by the President and the minutes of such meetings will be announced at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the membership. The Board will decide on all violations of the Constitution and bylaws of the club when appropriately received.
Section 3: Tournament Committee
Shall plan, organize and operate all club tournaments. The committee will keep tournament records, enforce all tournament rules and investigate all protests concerning tournaments and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III: Expenditures
Normal club operational cost under fifty dollars ($50) need not be voted on by general membership, however must be approved by at least three (3) members of the Board of Directors. All other expenditures must be voted on by general membership, regardless of cost. Expenditures may be voted on at any club function provided two (2) members of the Board of Directors are present. Emergency expenditures may be voted on by the Board of Directors and presented to the general members at the next regular meeting.
ARTICLE IV: Use of Website
The website, Triangle Bass Anglers (http://www.larrynet.com/tba) Forum, is to be accessed and utilized by members only. The website can be used in the place of a meeting for voting purposes on emergency expenditures and other issues as determined by the Board of Directors. The use of profanity will not be tolerated on the website. Misuse of the website can be grounds for termination of membership.
ARTICLE V: Competition Rules
Section 1: Rule Changes
The Tournament Director sets rules. The Board of Directors per procedures described in the Constitution Article IV, Section 3, can veto rules set by the Tournament Director.
Section 2: Participants and Eligibility
Participation is open to members of the Triangle Bass Anglers (hereby referred to as TBA), their families and member’s guests.
Section 3: Pre-tournament Practice
There is no official practice period or off-limits period prior to any tournament, unless specifically mentioned by the Tournament Director.
Section 4: Registration
Each member must register in person at the designated site no later than fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled tournament start time. If a member is late to the tournament, that person must locate another club member prior to fishing to have his/her livewells checked and to pay the entry fee, including the “big fish” pot if desired. Failure to do so will result in disqualification for that tournament. Entry fees are twenty dollars ($20) each with an optional big fish pot of five dollars ($5) of members and guests. Youth Member’s entry fee is five dollars ($5). 10% of the fees will be placed into the club account.
Section 5: Guests
A member’s guest must fish from a member’s boat and is only allowed to enter and fish for the optional big fish pot. A guest may only fish two (2) tournaments without becoming a member.
Section 6: Safety
Safe boating conduct will be observed at all times. Each member must wear a serviceable US> Coast Guard approved chest-type life preserver (PFD). This preserver must be worn, strapped, snapped, or zipped any time the combustion engine is operating and until the combustion engine is shut off. The boat operator must have a safety-stop switch attached to his/her person when the combustion engine is running. Violation of either PFD of safety-stop switch portion of this rule will result in disqualification for that tournament.
Section 7: Sportsmanship
All contestants are expected to follow high standards of sportsmanship, courtesy, safety, and conservation. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are allowed in the boat at any time. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed until after a member’s fish have been weighted and released. Each member must keep the waters clean and bring trash back to the dock for disposal. Violation of this rule, or any federal, state, or local law shall be reason for disqualification of that tournament and membership status will be reviewed by the Board of Directors
Section 8: Tackle and Equipment
Only artificial lures with the exception of pork rind may be used. Only one rod and reel combination may be used at one time. Trolling as a method of fishing is prohibited. All bass must be caught live and in a conventional sporting manner.
Section 9: Boat and Motor
All boats enter4ed in the tournament must have an operating safety-stop switch. Each boat must have properly aerated or re-circulating livewell to maintain a live limit catch of bass by all persons on board. Motor must not exceed the maximum rated horsepower, as it reads on the data plate. Boats must have all safely equipment of-board as stated in the federal, state and local laws.
Section 10: Permitted Fishing Waters
Members may fish anywhere accessible by boat, except areas designated by federal, state, or local laws or within fifty (50) yards of another competitor’s boat. Members involving the fifty (50) yard rule must have their boat anchored and trolling motor in the “stowed” position. Any member that allows any other member to fish within fifty (50) yards of his/her boat has suspended the fifty (5) yard rule and opened the water to all members.
Section 11: Official Checkpoint
There will be only one official point for blast-off and weigh-in as designated by the Tournament Director. Starting position is determined by order of registration. Members not at the checkpoint at the designated time for weigh-in will be penalized at the rate of one (1) pound per minutes, deducted from his/her total weight for that tournament. Any member more than fifteen (15) minutes late for weigh-in will be disqualified from that tournament. No trailering of boats is permitted during tournament hours.
Section 12: Tournament Hours
The official start time for every tournament is safe light, with the exception of “night” tournaments. The tournament duration will be announced at the pre-launch briefing, conducted fifteen (15) minutes prior to tournament start.
Section 13: Scoring
Tournament standings will be determined by each member’s total weight for the day as measured by the official scales. The creel limit shall be five (5) fish. At no time shall a member have in his/her possession more than the tournament limit. Culling must be done immediately. Minimum length will be in accordance with state regulations (as measured on a “Golden Rule” by the Tournament Director),. Short fish will not be weighed and a penalty of .5 lbs. will be deducted for each such fish. A penalty of .25 lbs. will be deducted for each dead fish. If a member’s big bass is dead, the .25 lbs. penalty will be deducted from the scale weight for that fish. All fish must be brought to the official scales in a “weigh-in bag”. At no time will fish be brought to the scales in a net or hand-held. Mangled, mashed, mauled or \otherwise altered fish will be grounds for tournament disqualification and/or membership privileges will be reviewed by the Board. All fish must be returned to the water alive. The Tournament Director will give any fish that does not survive away. Monetary prizes will be awarded to the top three (3) anglers in the Adult Division. Points will be awarded to each angler based on finishing place in the tournament. Distant members are not eligible for points.
Additional awards: Largest stringer of the year will be recognized at the end of the year. The largest fish of the year will be recognized. The person contributing the most to the club will be recognized.
Improperly sized fish are solely the responsibility of the individual fisherman. Once the fish has been handed to the tournament official, penalties will be added if the fish do not comply with NC State Regulations and/or the regulations for that body of water.
Section 14: Ties
In case of a tie, the member’s largest fish, in descending order, will determine positions. If still tied, any prizes will be combined and split.
Section 15: Point System
Member’s score will accumulate throughout the tournament season and the member with the highest point total will earn the title of “Angler of the year”. In case of a tie, those members will share the title. A fish must be weighed to accumulate points via tournament placement. Points are awarded as follows:
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1st place: 60 pts 2nd place: 50 pts 3rd place: 40 pts 4th place: 35 pts 5th place: 33 pts 6th place: 31 pts 7th place: 29 pts 8th place: 27 pts 9th place: 25 pts 10th place: 23 pts 11th place: 21 pts
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12th place: 19 pts 13th place: 17 pts 14th place: 15 pts 15th place: 13 pts 16th place: 11 pts 17th place: 9 pts 18th place: 7 points All Others: 5 points ü 5 pts total for tournament attendance, i.e. by fishermen who do not weigh in a fish. ü Add 5 pts to any place for weighing in the largest fish of the tournament. |
Monthly meetings
Meetings count as events. You need to attend 50% of our events to qualify for the Classic in October.
No points for Angler of the Year are awarded for attending the monthly meetings.
Youth Member’s score will accumulate throughout the tournament season and the Youth member with the highest point total will earn the title of “Youth Angler of the Year”. In case of a tie, those Youth members will share the title. Points are awarded as follows:
Section 16: Decisions
The Tournament Director shall be solely responsible for any decision that has to be made during a tournament and that decision is final.
ARTICLE VI: Revocation of Membership
Section 1:
A member shall be dropped, have his/her status as a member revoked, if…
1. Dues are not paid before the 3rd tournament of that year
2. If he/she does not attend at least two (2) tournaments during the course of the year
3. For any action that reflects dishonor and/or disgraces the club (as determined by the Board of Directors).
All cases of revocation of membership will be brought before the Board of Directors for determination and any recommendations will be placed before the club for a vote.
ARTICLE VII: Method of Amending the Bylaws
Section 1: Review Procedures
The Board of Directors will review the by-laws annually, and recommendations, if any, will be brought before the membership for amendment consideration.
Section 2: Amendment Procedures
The by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting by following procedures described in Article IV, Section 2 of the Constitution.