BYLAWS
OF
DELMARVA SPORTSMAN ASSOCIATION, INC.
(finalized and approved by the National Rifle Association ~ 29 APR 04)
816 Sudlersville Cemetery Road
Sudlersville, MD 21668
ARTICLE ONE - ORGANIZATION
1. The name of this Organization shall be DELMARVA SPORTSMAN ASSOCIATION, INC, a Maryland Corporation.
2. The Organization shall have a seal which shall be in the following form: (see Membership Card)
3. The Organization may at its pleasure by a two-thirds (2/3rds) affirmative vote of the Board of Directors or of the Membership in attendance change its name.
ARTICLE TWO - OBJECT AND PURPOSES
The object of this Organization shall be the encouragement of organized rifle and pistol shooting among citizens of the United States resident in our community with a view toward better knowledge on the part of such citizens of the safe handling and proper care of firearms as well as improved marksmanship. It shall be the further object and purpose to forward the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self discipline, team play and self reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship and the foundation of true patriotism. To accomplish the object set forth in our corporate charter as recited herein, the Membership of this Organization shall, both individually and collectively, strive to accomplish the following:
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Do all of those things within its power to protect and defend the Constitution of the State of Maryland and the Constitution of the United States, especially with reference to the inalienable right of the individual American citizen to acquire, possess, collect, exhibit, transport, carry, transfer ownership of and enjoy the right to use arms, in order to exercise their legitimate individual right of self-preservation and defense of family, person and property;
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To promote public safety, law and order and the national defense;
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To support the training of members of law enforcement agencies, the armed forces of the United States and citizens of good repute in marksmanship and the safe handling and efficient use of small arms;
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To foster and promote the shooting sports, including the advancement of amateur competitions in marksmanship at the club, state, regional and nation levels;
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To promote hunter safety and to promote and defend hunting as a shooting sport and as a viable and necessary method of fostering the propagation, growth and conservation and wise use of renewable wildlife resources.
ARTICLE THREE - MEMBERSHIP
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I. Eligibility
Membership in this Organization shall be open to all
citizens of the United States of America who are of
good reputation, good moral character, who have not
been adjudicated to be insane or alcoholic, have not
been convicted of any crime which would make them ineligible
by operation of Maryland or United States law to own
or possess a firearm, who subscribe to the purposes
and objectives of this Organization as set forth herein
and meet the additional requirements for the type of
Membership for which he or she has made application
and who meet all other administrative requirements as
may be established by resolution from time to time by
the Board of Directors or the Membership.
(a) Membership shall not be denied to any person otherwise qualified based upon that person’s color, race, religion, gender, disability or national origin.
(b) All applicants shall fully complete an Application Form, pay such dues and costs as may be required and subscribe to the NRA Pledge set forth below, fully support the Objectives and Purposes set forth above and adhere to all rules and regulations promulgated for the regulation of conduct of Members and their guests.
The NRA Pledge
“I certify that I am a citizen of the United States of America and that I am not a member of any Organization or group which has any part of its program the attempt to overthrow the government of the United States of any of its political subdivisions by force or violence; that I have never been convicted of a crime of violence, and if admitted to membership I will faithfully endeavor to fulfill the obligations of good sportsmanship and good citizenship.”
In addition to the NRA Pledge, each Member shall also pledge as follows:
“I hereby certify that I will never engage in any act or conduct which is designed to or which may by its very nature result in the disenfranchisement of United States citizens from their right to keep and bear arms or interfere with their rights to hunt in the United States.”
II. Membership Dues and Fees
Dues and other fees for Membership shall be as established by the Board of Directors and may be increased or decreased by the Board of Directors as the Board may from time to time see fit.
III. Classes and Types of Membership
The Board of Directors may establish and/or discontinue various classes of Membership based upon the needs of the Organization, so long as no Member is in any way disenfranchised as the result of such action. The classes of Membership authorized as being permanent under these Bylaws shall be as set forth in the following paragraphs:
(a) Regular Membership – Shall be open to any person twenty-one years of age meeting all other requirements. Regular Members shall be entitled to all of the rights, privileges and shall assume all of the responsibilities of Membership including, but not necessarily limited to, voting, holding office, receipt of all publications of the Organization and such right and privileges as may accrue from time to time for the benefit of such “Regular Members”.
(b) Associate Membership – Shall be open to all persons
who are members of a Regular Member’s family who permanently
reside within such Member’s household, who otherwise
qualify
for Membership in the prescribed manner. Such Membership
shall entitle the Associate Member to all privileges
and rights of a Regular Member, except that an Associate
Member may not vote nor may he/she hold office. Temporary
absence from the household for school or military service
shall not disqualify a person from Associate Membership.
An Associate Member in good standing may automatically
up-grade to a Regular Membership by paying all dues
and other fees required for Regular Membership
and who shall make application.
(c) Senior Membership – Any Regular Member in good standing who has achieved 65 years of age and at least 5 years of continuous Membership in this Organization shall automatically become a Senior Member with all of the privileges and rights of a Regular Member with credit for work or other obligations.
IV. Membership Certification
Each New Member shall receive instruction in range safety, Club Rules and the proper handling of firearms by a committee or experienced Member appointed by the President for that purpose. No New Member shall be granted unattended access to Club facilities until such training has been accomplished.
V. Expulsion and Discipline of Members
The Board of Directors, upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors present at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for the specific purpose, may expel any Member who engages in any form of conduct which is contrary to the Objectives or Purposes of this Organization, or which singly or cumulatively causes substantial financial or reputational harm to the Organization. A material breach of the pledges set forth above shall be grounds for suspension or termination of Membership. Any member who may be subject to such disciplinary action shall be notified of such pending action and shall be given ample opportunity to explain his/her actions. Any Member may appeal any such disciplinary action to the Membership at the next Annual Meeting of Members following such action by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE FOUR - MEETINGS
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The Annual Meeting of Members of this Organization shall be held during the Third Quarter of each year, the day date, place and time to be set by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall cause to be mailed to every Member in good standing at his or her address as it appears in the Membership roll book of this Organization the first day of the month immediately preceding the month in which said meeting is to be held, a notice telling the time and place of such Annual Meeting.
The presence of not less than five percent (5 %) of the total number of Members in good standing shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary to conduct the business of this Organization; but a lesser number may adjourn the Meeting for a period of not more than six (6) weeks from the date scheduled by these Bylaws and the Secretary shall cause a notice of this scheduled Meeting to be sent to all Members who were not present at the Meeting originally called. A quorum as here-in-before set forth shall be required at any adjourned Meeting.
The President may call Special Meetings of this Organization when he deems it for the best interest of the Organization. Notices of such Meeting shall be mailed to all Members at their addresses as they appear in the Membership roll book at least ten (10), but not more than thirty (30), days before the scheduled date set for such Special Meeting. Such notice shall state the reasons that such Meeting has been called, the business to be transacted at such Meeting and by whom called.
At the request of a majority of the Members of the whole Board of Directors or twenty percent (20 %) of the Members of the Organization the President shall cause a Special Meeting to be called, but such request must be made in writing at lease thirty (30) days before the scheduled date.
No other business but that specified in the notice of the Special Meeting may be transacted at such Special Meeting without unanimous consent of all present at such Meeting.
All Meetings of the Board of Directors and of the various Committees may be held via telephone, email, internet “chat room” or in person at the discretion of the President or Committee Chairperson except, however, for the Annual Meeting of Members and the Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, both of which shall be held in person and, whenever possible.
Regular monthly Meetings of the Board shall be held on the last Thursday of each month at the Range Club House or at such other location as may be so designated by the President with due notice to the Members. Members of the Association shall be welcome at such Meeting and shall be given voice and participation during such Meetings.
ARTICLE FIVE -VOTING
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At all Meetings, except for the election of Officers and Directors, all votes shall be viva voce, except that for election of Officers ballots shall be provided and there shall not appear any place on such ballot any mark or marking that might tend to indicate the person who cast such ballot.
At any Regular Meeting or Special Meeting, if a majority so requires, any question may be voted upon in the manner and style provided for election of Officers.
At all votes by ballot the Chairman of such Meeting shall immediately prior to the commencement of balloting appoint a Committee of three (3) who shall act as “Inspectors of Election” and who shall at the conclusion of such balloting certify in writing to the Chairperson the results and the certified copy shall be physically affixed in the Minutes of that Meeting.
No “Inspector of Election” shall be a Candidate for Office or shall be personally interested in the question voted upon.
ARTICLE SIX - ORDER OF BUSINESS
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Roll Call.
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Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of Silence in memory of all of those who have fought and died for America.
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Reading of Minutes of the preceding Meeting.
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Reports of Officers.
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Reports of Committees.
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Old and unfinished business.
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New business.
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Good and welfare of the Organization.
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Adjournment.
ARTICLE SEVEN -BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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The business of this Organization shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of seven (7) Members together who shall also constitute the Officers of this Organization.
The Officers and Directors shall be chosen at the Annual Meeting of this Organization. Directors chosen to serve as the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Instructor, Executive Officer and Member-ship Officer shall each serve for one year or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The Board of Directors shall also serve as the Executive Committee for the Association.
The Board of Directors shall have the control and management of the affairs of this Organization. Such Board of Directors shall only act in the name of the Organization when it shall be regularly convened by its Chairman, the President, after due notice to all Directors of such Meeting.
A majority of the whole Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum and the Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at least once during each month of the year as set forth above, either telephonically, electronically or in person, as required.
Each Director shall have one (1) vote and such voting shall not be done by proxy.
The Board of Directors may make such rules and regulations covering its meetings as it may in its discretion determine necessary.
Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of the majority of the remaining Members of the Board of Directors for the balance of the term or until the next annual meeting of the Membership.
The President of the Organization by virtue of the Office shall be Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The Secretary of the Corporation shall serve as Secretary to the Board of Directors unless the Board of Directors designates another person as “Secretary of the Meeting” for a specific Meeting.
A Director may be removed when sufficient cause exists
for such removal. The Board of Directors may entertain
charges against any Director. A Director may be represented
by counsel upon any removal hearing. The Board of Directors
shall adopt such rules as it may in its discretion consider
necessary for the best interests of the Organization,
for this hearing.
ARTICLE EIGHT - OFFICERS
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The Officers of the Organization shall be as follows:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Chief Instructor
Executive Officer
Membership Officer
President: The Commander shall preside at all Membership Meetings and by virtue of the Office be Chair-person of the Board of Directors, present at each Annual Meeting of the Organization a report of the work of the Organization, appoint all Committees, temporary or permanent, see that all books, reports and certificates as required by law are properly kept or filed, be one of the Officers who may sign checks or drafts of the Organization, and have such powers as may be reasonably construed as belonging to the President of such an Organization. The President shall be chosen by the Membership concomitant with his election to the Board of Directors from among the Members.
Vice President: The Vice President shall in the event of the absence or inability of the President to exercise his or her Office become Acting President of the Organization with all the rights, privileges and powers as if he had been duly elected President. In addition, the Vice President shall advise the President of matters of interest to the Association and any matter requiring action by the Board of Directors and carry out additional duties as may be assigned by the President. The Vice President shall be chosen by the Membership concomitant with his election to the Board of Directors from among the Members.
Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the Minutes and Records of the Organization in appropriate books, file any certificates required by any statute, federal or state, give and serve all notices to Members of the Organization, be the official custodian of the Records and Seal of the organization, may be assigned as one of the Officers required to sign checks and drafts of the organization, present to the Membership at any Meetings any communications addressed to the Secretary of the Organization, submit to the Board of Directors any communications which shall be addressed to the Secretary of the Organization, attend to all correspondence of the Organization, maintain the Membership roles, and exercise all duties incident to the Office of Secretary. The Secretary shall be chosen by the Membership from among their number concomitant with his/her election to the Board of Directors.
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of all moneys belonging to the Organization, be solely responsible for such moneys or securities of the Organization and be one of the Officers who shall sign checks or drafts of the Organization. No special fund may be set aside that shall make it unnecessary for the Treasurer to sign the checks issued upon it.
The Treasurer shall render at such stated periods as the Board of Directors shall determine a written account of the finances of the Organization and such report shall be physically affixed to the Minutes of the Board of Directors of such Meeting and shall exercise all duties incident to the Office of Treasurer. In any event, the Treasurer shall provide a current financial statement to the general Membership at each Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall be chosen by the Membership from among their number concomitant with hi/her election to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall be bonded.
Chief Instructor: The Chief Instructor shall have charge of all small arms instruction with authority to appoint his/her assistants. He/she shall contract no bills without authorization of the Executive Committee.
Executive
Officer: The Executive Officer shall have charge
of the Ranges of the Club, the printing of score cards,
the arranging of competitive events and all other like
matters not otherwise assigned. He/she shall contract
no bills without the authorization of the Executive
Committee.
Membership Officer: The Membership Office shall keep and maintain all required Membership records and rolls and shall perform such other and additional duties as may reasonably be expected of a person in this position.
No Officer or Director shall for reason of the Office
be entitled to receive any salary or compensation. Nothing
contained herein shall be interpreted as preventing
or proscribing the reimbursement of Officers and Directors
for expenses rightfully authorized and incurred on behalf
of the Corporation.
ARTICLE NINE - SALARIES AND EXPENSES
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The Board of Directors shall hire and fix the compensation of any and all employees which they in their discretion may determine to be necessary in the conduct of the business of this Organization. However, no Officer or Member of the Association shall be a salaried employee of the Association.
Expense reimbursement will not be made to any Member for personal time, travel, local telephone calls or in the preparation of written correspondence for record keeping. Reimbursements will be paid for actual cost of supplies, stamps and other items of a similar nature required to conduct the business of the Association.
Receipts will be required for the Treasurer to make payment for reimbursement of expenses incurred on behalf of the Association. The layout of personal funds are at the person’s own risk unless prior approval is obtained from the Treasurer or the President.
ARTICLE TEN - COMMITTEES
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The President shall appoint all Committees of this Organization and which shall serve at his pleasure except as may otherwise be provided herein. Special Committees may be appointed and serve as needed. A majority of the Members of a Committee shall constitute a quorum of that Committee. The President and Vice President shall serve, by virtue of their Offices as ex-officio Members of all Committees with voice and vote. The permanent (standing) Committees shall be:
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The Executive Committee to be made up of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Instructor, Executive Officer and Membership Officer.
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Membership Committee.
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Range Committee which shall be chaired by the Executive Officer.
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Special Events Committee.
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Competitions Committee which shall be chaired by the Executive Officer.
ARTICLE ELEVEN - AMENDMENTS
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These Bylaws may be altered, amended, repealed or added to by an affirmative vote of a majority of the whole Board of Directors or by an affirmative vote of not less than two thirds (2/3rds) of the Members present, qualified and eligible to vote. Any proposed Amendment to these Bylaws may be introduced by any Member of the Association at any Regular Meeting or any Special Meeting called for that purpose. All such Amendments shall be consistent with the purposes set forth above and shall be consistent with this Association’s status as an NRA Affiliated Club. A copy of these Bylaws and any Amendments thereto shall be forwarded to the National Rifle Association of America for approval and filing.
ARTICLE TWELVE -MATCH RULES
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All competitive events conducted or hosted by the Association shall be conducted pursuant to the then obtaining Rules set forth for such events by the National Rifle Association of America or the Civilian Marksmanship Program, as appropriate. Those events for which neither of those Organizations has adopted Rules shall be governed by the Rules of the National Organization within whose jurisdiction such competitions may fall and if none, then those Rules adopted by this Association for those special types of local Matches shall apply. Nothing contained herein shall be construed so as to deny this Organization the authority to promulgate local Range Rules, local Safety Rules or Special Rules for local “Club” Matches and for competitive events for which no other Rules currently exist.
ARTICLE THIRTEEN - CORPORATE ASSETS
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The Corporation shall not permit any part of its net earnings to inure to the benefit of its Members, Directors, Trustees, Officers or other private individuals or entities, except that the Corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and which are not inconsistent with these Bylaws. Upon dissolution of this Association, and after all obligations are paid, the remaining assets will be disbursed as directed by the Membership and in a manner which is not inconsistent with its purposes and objectives.
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