CONSTITUTION OF THE

BENNING BASS CLUB 

 

ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE

 

Section 1:  This Chapter is called the Benning Bass Club (BBC).

 

Section 2:  The BBC is established as a private organization (PO).

 

     a.  Programs and activities will not prejudice or discredit the military service or other agencies of the United States Government.

 

      b. The nature and authorized function of the BBC, together with provisions for proper disposition of residual assets and liabilities upon dissolution, are established in the Constitution and Bylaws, charter, or articles of agreement.

   

Section 3:  The objective of the BBC is to establish an organization that fosters a sense of fraternity among members and former members.  Improve our skills 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 link with other chapters embracing the principles and purpose of Georgia Bass Chapter Federation (GBCF).

 

Section 4:  This constitution supersedes all previous constitutions effective 8 January 2008

 

ARTICLE II - GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1:  The BBC is self-sustaining and will receive no financial assistance from a non-appropriated fund instrumentality in the form of contributions, repairs, services, dividends, or other donations of money or other assets. 

 

Section 2:  The BBC is a financially self-sustaining non-governmental organization, established and operated by individuals acting exclusively outside the scope of any official capacity as officers, employees, or agents of the Government. 

 

Section 3:  The property of the BBC shall consist of such articles as may properly come into its possession. The Treasurer will account for all non-expendable property.

 

Section 4:  The Recording Secretary will maintain a historical file consisting of the following permanent records. 

 

     a.  Original Constitution with all current revisions.

 

     b.  Original Bylaws with all current revisions.

 

     c.  Records of approval of Constitution and Bylaws and all amendments thereto.

 

     d.  Current list of members.

 

     e.  A copy of the last audit if required

 

Section 5:  All records of the BBC, excluding permanent files and the uncompleted checkbook, will be kept on a calendar year basis, and held at least three (3) years after which time they may be destroyed.    The checkbook is kept with related records when it is completed.

 

Section 6:  The Chapter will neither propagate extremist activities nor advocate violence against other or the violent overthrow of the Government.

 

Section 7:   The Chapter will not seek to deprive an individual from their civil rights.

 

 

ARTICLE III - OFFICERS AND GOVERNING BODY

 

Section 1:  Elected officers of BBC are the President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer.  

 

Section 2:  The President will appoint chairpersons of each standing committee. 

 

Section 3:  Nominations, elections, terms of office and duties are outlined in the Bylaws.

 

Section 4:  The BBC will be administered in accordance with this approved Constitution and Bylaws and other applicable government and state directives under the supervision of the Executive Committee.

 

Section 5:  The Executive Committee will consist of the elected officers and the Tournament Director.  The Executive Committee shall carry out the purpose and objectives of the BBC by approving the transaction of its routine business in accordance with the approved Constitution and established policies and shall make and enforce such Bylaws as are necessary for the government of the BBC. The supervision and administration of the affairs of the BBC shall be vested in an Executive Committee.  They will discuss and decide the club’s courses of action on all business and other items that require decisions and do not require a vote of the general membership by the Constitution and 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 shall decide the issue. The President appoints the Tournament Director.

 

Section 6:  Only elected officers and the Tournament Director are voting members of the Executive Committee.

 

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1:  Membership in the BBC is voluntary.  The BBC shall begin with at least 10 but no more than 25 charter members.  Membership shall not be limited except as determined by the general membership. Membership in the BBC shall be divided between the following two classes:

 

      a.            Charter Membership:  Charter membership shall be limited to those individuals designated in the records of the club and who have been a member since the clubs inception and no other member shall receive such a title of designation.  Charter membership shall entitle the holder thereof to the title “Charter Member” and to the same rights and privileges as a General Member.

 

      b.  General Membership:  General membership shall entitle the holder thereof to the right to attend all general and special meetings, the right to hold office, the right to participate in all club functions and activities.

 

Section 2: There is no membership discrimination based on race, color, gender, sex, religion, disability or national origin.   The use of male pronouns in this document is a matter of convenience and in no way implies intent to discriminate against women.

 

Section 3:  All members are required to read the Constitution and Bylaws as a condition for membership.

 

Section 4:  General Membership shall be eligible to.

 

      a.  Active duty and Retired military

 

      b.  Active and retired DOD civilians

 

      c. Discharged veterans with an honorable characterization of service (DD 214 required).   

 

      d. Family members of the above.

 

Section 5:  To become a general member, a person must be a minimum of 16 years of age and voluntarily express an interest in membership.  Be recommended by a member at a meeting, have high character, and be willing to ACCEPT and PROMOTE the purpose of the club, described in Article I.  Participate in an orientation fishing trip where the goals and objectives of the club are explained and affirmed by the membership at the meeting following the application for membership.  Purchase a club cap and shirt.  All members in good standing must maintain a current membership in FLW Outdoors and have paid both the current yearly dues of the BBC, and The Bass Federation Inc (TBF). 

 

Section 6:  Members may resign by merely notifying (orally) one of the elected officers.  It is requested that the member provide to the President, in writing, their reason(s) for resigning.  This will be presented to the Executive Committee for consideration of club procedures and or possible disciplinary action against other members.

 

Section 7:  A member that was in good standing will be reinstated without further qualifications, i.e., members who depart and are reassigned to Fort Benning; a member whose status of active duty military or family member changes.

 

ARTICLE V - METHOD OF FINANCING

 

Section 1:  The revenue necessary to pursue the objectives described in Article I shall be derived from revenue-producing activities when required, approved, and conducted under the guidance and supervision of the Executive Committee, dues, and from voluntary contributions. Dues, profits from the sales of club packets, and profits from the monthly tournaments will be the primary source of income for the club operations.  The Treasurer will inform the members of the BBC annually on the funding scheme and breakdown of tournament entry fee funds.

 

Section 2:  The club shall operate on a calendar year, 1 January ‑ 31 December.  Personnel desiring to continue membership will ensure their dues are paid to the Treasurer no later than 31 January of each year.  Dues for becoming a member of the club after 1 February will be assessed at the rate of 1/12th the annual dues for each month thereafter through December.

 

ARTICLE VI - ACTIVITIES

 

Section 1:  In order to accomplish the objectives in Article I, the activities of the BBC will include:

 

     a. Monthly tournaments.

 

     b. Awards banquet.

 

     c. Family Day fish fry.

 

      d. Youth and Environmental functions.

 

    e. Suitable publications to maintain interest in BBC activities.

 

f. Presentation of mementoes to visitors and members of the BBC and to promote        friendship and continued interest in the BBC.

 

      g. Correspondence, publicity, and activities to promote awareness of the BBC.

 

      h. The Georgia BASS Chapter Federation Harry Hall Memorial Top Six Tournament.

 

       i. Other activities as are appropriate to the objectives of the BBC.

 

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

 

Section 1:  Membership Meetings will be conducted twice monthly at a time and place designated by the President.   A quorum of at least 51 percent of the active, dues paying members, are required for any issue called to a vote.  A motion will remain chaired until the member retracts his motion or until there is a quorum of at least 40% of active members at a regular or special meeting; at which time a vote will be conducted.

 

Section 2:  Executive Committee Meetings will meet as required as designated by the President.  A quorum is a majority of the voting members of the Committee.  The vote of the majority of the quorum present will govern.  Any board member can call a special meeting of the Executive Committee, with the approval of the President.

 

Section 3:  Before the closing of each meeting, the time and place of the next meeting shall be designated by the President.  In the event of an emergency, or otherwise, a special meeting may be called by the President.  The Secretary shall notify all members of the special meeting.

 

Section 4:  Wherever the term “members” is used throughout the Constitution and By Laws in connection with voting at membership meetings, the term shall refer to Charter and General members.

 

Section 5:  Each member of the club in good standing shall be entitled to vote at all meetings of the club.  The President may vote only in case of a tied ballot.

 

Section 6:  Robert Rules of Order (Revised Edition) will act as a guideline for all meetings and club operations. The President has the final authority to decide points of order.

 

ARTICLE VIII - ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1:  This Constitution is effective upon adoption in a duly constituted regular or special meeting of the General Membership and a majority vote of the voting members present. This Constitution then supersedes all previous constitutions and amendments except that it shall not affect officers elected nor a specific agreements and contracts entered into under the terms of previous constitutions until such terms of agreement or contracts have reached their expiration date.

 

Section 2:  Notice of amendments to the Constitution must be made at the regular meeting prior to presentation for a vote at a regular or special meeting of the general membership.

 

Section 3:  Amendments to the Constitution must be approved by a majority of the members present and voting in a duly constituted regular or special meeting of the General Membership

 

Section 4:  Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Committee present and voting in a duly constituted meeting.  A member desiring to propose an amendment shall present the same in writing with his signature to the Executive Committee.  The Executive Committee shall consider the amendment at its next meeting.

ARTICLE IX - INSURANCE

 

Section 1:  The insurance underwriters via membership in TBF insure the BBC.  Members may also be held personally liable for claims and legal actions that arise as a result of the activities of the organization or one or more of its members acting on its behalf. The Chapter shall ensure all State and jurisdictional laws are met.  All members are required to sign a statement acknowledging their individual personal liability in the event BBC assets are insufficient to discharge all BBC liabilities.  Additionally, members that use a boat during any club tournament are required to sign a statement acknowledging they maintain a minimum of $300,000 of watercraft liability insurance or  a $100,000 with a $1,000,000 umbrella insurance clause which is required by the GBCF, and maybe required to produce documentation attesting to same.

 

ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION

 

Section 1:  Upon dissolution of the BBC by an affirmative vote of a majority of the General Membership present, without any provision to meet again in the future, the funds in the treasury at the time will be used to meet any outstanding debts, liabilities, or obligations.  The balance will be disposed of as determined by the membership.  This liquidation may result in a personal liability on the part of individual members.  In the event that BBC liabilities exceed assets, individual members will be personally liable for his pro rata shares of the outstanding liabilities.

 

 

 

  This Constitution was approved by the Membership at a regular meeting held on 

8 Jan 2008.      In witness whereof the following officers affix their signatures.

 

                                       President:  Original Signed

 

                                       Vice President:  Original Signed

 

                                       Secretary:  Original Signed

 

                                       Treasurer:  Original Signed

 

 

President:                  Randy Duncan

                                   

Vice President:         George Schurr

                       

Secretary:                  Tony Winterfeld

                                   

Treasurer:                  Randy Blake