RULES & REGULATIONS
AMELIA COUNTY BC BY-LAWS
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Amelia County Beagle Club
Constitution and By-laws
ARTICLE I
The name of the club shall be Amelia County Beagle Club.
ARTICLE II
The object of the club shall be to:
a) Further the advancement of field trial beagles.
b) Advance the interest of field trial beagles and encourage sportsmanlike competition at such
events.
c) Conduct sanctioned and licensed beagle field trials under the Rules and Regulations of The
American Kennel Club.
The club shall not be conducted or operated for profit.
The members of the club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such by-laws as may be required to carry out these objectives.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. Applications for membership to the club must be presented to the Secretary in writing and be signed by at least two (2) members of the club. The prospective member will be interviewed by a committee of at least two (2) board members and presented with:
a) A copy of the Constitution and By-laws.
b) A copy of the rules governing use of the club grounds and running grounds.
c) A copy of the obligations of probationary members.
The membership is then required to vote on the application for membership at the regular meeting at which time it is presented. Membership will be granted based on a simple majority. The proposed new member must attend this meeting.
Section 2. Any new member must pay regular membership dues and remain a probationary member for a period of 12 months. New members applying for membership after start of the clubs fiscal year (August 1st thru July 31st) shall have his/her dues prorated based on the months left in the fiscal year. After 12 months the probationary member may be voted on by the membership by secret ballot to become a regular member. A simple majority vote is required.
Section 3. There shall be four (4) types of membership. The four (4) types of membership are a) Regular Member, b) Probationary Member, c) Honorary Member and Associate Member. Membership is open to all persons eighteen (18) years of age and older who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of the Amelia County Beagle Club.
Section 4. Regular Member: A regular member to all rights stated in these By-laws.
Section 5. Probationary Member: A probationary member shall have all privileges of a regular member except:
Shall not have a vote.
Shall not hold office.
Must attend a minimum of six (6) regular monthly meetings of the club.
Must attend each licensed field trial and be available to work at least two (2) of the four days at each licensed trial if a four (4) day trial or one (1) day at a two (2) day trial.
Work at least fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled work days at the club.
Meet all the obligations of Article IV of the By-laws.
The Board of Directors may recommend waiving the requirements under extenuating circumstances. The Board of Directors shall have the right to terminate any probationary member who has shown little or no interest in meeting the obligations defined in this section and in Article IV prior to completion of the twelve (12) month probationary period.
Section 6. Honorary Member: Honorary members shall be nominated at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on past service to the club. Honorary members shall have all rights and privileges of regular members including running but will not be required to pay dues or fulfill the obligations of Article IV.
Section 6a. Associate Member. An associate member shall have no running rights, no voting rights and must live at least 65 miles from the club property. An associate member shall not hold any office or serve on any committee. Dues for an associate member shall be $50.00 per year and shall be due on the same date as other membership dues. An associate member shall have no other obligation to the club.
Section 7. Dues: Membership dues shall be set at the annual meeting and are payable on or before the last day of July each year. Members whose dues are not paid for the current year will be considered not in good standing and all voting, club house and running rights are suspended as of August 1st of that year.
Section 8. When a person becomes a member, his/her name will be recorded in a book provided for that purpose by the club. The date of his/her membership shall be recorded as well as the date membership ends. A key to the club house and running grounds will be provided to the new member at this time.
Section 9. Membership may be terminated by resignation or expulsion.
Section 10. Any member whose dues remain unpaid after September 1st shall be liable to forfeit his/her membership at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV
Obligations
Section 1. In keeping with the objectives stated in Article II, the following shall be required of the membership:
a) All members in good standing shall be obligated to support the licensed field trials by entering a minimum of two (2) dogs per fiscal year in any licensed trial or make a contribution to the club equal to two (2) entry fees of a licensed trial.
b) All members shall attend each licensed event and make themselves available to help at the event a minimum of two (2) of the four (4) days. Working two (2) full days at the licensed trials can be done in lieu of requirement (a).
c) All members shall attend fifty percent (50%) of scheduled work days.
ARTICLE V
Meetings
Section 1. The annual meeting of the club shall be held in the month of July at the clubhouse. If the time or place of the meeting has been changed, written notice of the annual meeting time and place shall be mailed by the secretary to each member 10 days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 2. The club meetings will be held at 7:30 PM on the 4th Monday of each month except for the months of June and December. The quorum for meeting shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership.
Section 3. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or three (3) members of the board.
Section 4. Each regular member in good standing, whose dues are paid for the current year, shall be entitled to vote at any club meeting or election. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any meeting or election.
ARTICLE VI
Directors and Officers
Section 1. Board of Directors- The board shall be comprised of the officers and four (4) at large club members, all of whom shall be club members in good standing. The officers shall be elected in even numbered years and serve for a term of two (2) years, and the at-large board members elected in odd numbered years and serve for a term of two (2) years (except for the at-large board members elected in 2012 who shall serve one year) and shall serve until their successors are elected. Management of the club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Officers- The club’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Field Trial Chairman and Field Trial Secretary, shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the club and it’s meetings and the board and it’s meetings.
Section 3. Election- All officers and the three at-large members of the board of the club shall be nominated and elected by a simple majority vote by the membership of the club at its annual meeting and shall hold office for the term as designated in Section 1 or until their successors are elected.
Section 4. For any member to hold office he/she must attend fifty percent (50%) of the club meetings in the previous fiscal year.
Section 5. The retiring officers are eligible for re-election.
President
The president shall preside at all meeting of the club and of the board and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President. In addition to those particularly specified in these by-laws-
He/she shall present at each annual meeting of the members and directors a report of the condition of business of the club.
He/she shall cause to be called regular and special meetings of the members and directors in accordance with these by-laws.
He/she shall sign all contracts and agreements in the name of the club.
He/she shall see that the reports and statements required by the statues are properly kept, mad and filled according to law.
He/she shall enforce this constitution and by-laws and perform all the duties incident to the position and office which are required by law.
He/she shall have the power to appoint any member of the club to act as an agent of the club in instances where the club has to enter into contracts or purchase specifically described items for the club.
Vice-President
During the absence or inability of the President to render and perform his duties or exercise his powers as set forth in these by-laws, or in the acts under which the club is organized, the same shall be performed and exercised by the Vice-President and when so acting, shall have all the powers and be subject to all the responsibilities hereby given to or imposed upon such President.
Secretary
The secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the members in appropriate books. He/she shall give and serve all notices of the club. He/she shall be the custodian of the records of the club. He/she shall keep the membership books in the manner prescribed by law, so as to show at all times the members of the club alphabetically arranged, their respective places of residence, their post office address, the date of membership of each and shall keep same at the office of the secretary, subject to the inspection of any members of the club, and permit such members to make extracts from said books to the extent as prescribed by law. He/she shall sign all cards of membership. He/she shall present to the Board of Directors at their stated meetings all communications addressed to him/her officially by the President or any officer or member of the club. He/she shall attend to all correspondence and perform all the duties incident to the office of the secretary.
Treasurer
The treasurer shall have the care and custody of and be responsible for all the funds and securities of the club, and deposit all such funds in the name of the club in such banks, trust company or trust companies, or safe deposit vaults as the Board of Directors may designate. He/she shall sign, make and endorse in the name of the club, all checks, drafts, warrants and orders for payment of money, and pay out and dispose of the same and receipt therefore, under the direction of the President or Board of Directors. He/she shall exhibit at all reasonable times his books and accounts to any director or member of the club upon application at the office of the club during business hours. He/she shall render a statement of the condition of the finances of the club at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors and members and at such times as shall be required of him/her, and a full financial report at the annual meeting of the members. He/she shall keep at the office of the club, correct books of accounts of all it’s business and transactions and such other books of account as the Board of Directors my require. He/she shall do and perform all duties appertaining to the office of Treasurer.
Field Trial Chairman
The Field Trial Chairman shall appoint a field trial committee to assist in conducting field trials and hunts. He/she shall be responsible for every aspect of all field trials and hunts. He/she shall post in the club house a copy of scheduled field trials and hunts. He/she shall contact judges and make arrangements to have them judge field trials and hunts. He/she shall contact and assign members to jobs necessary to conduct such field trial and hunts. He/she shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Field Trial Chairman.
Field Trial Secretary
The Field Trial Secretary shall serve on the field trial committee to assist and advise the Field Trial Chairman and field trial committee. He/she is responsible for taking entries and monies at each event. He/she is responsible for turning monies collected at events over to the club treasurer. He/she shall mail paperwork within seven (7) days after the conclusion of the event to the appropriate party(s). He/she shall perform all the duties incident to the office of the Field Trial Secretary.
Section 6. The office of the President and Treasurer may not be held by the same person.
Section 7. The office of Field Trial Chairman and Field Trial Secretary may not be held by the same person.
Section 8. Elections- The officers and at large members of the board shall be elected at the annual meeting. The nominated candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. The nominated candidates for other positions on the board who received the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected. The vote shall be by secret ballot. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to successor all properties and records relating to that office within thirty days after the election.
Section 9. Vacancies- Any vacancies occurring on the board or among the officers during the year shall be filled until the next annual meeting by a majority vote of all remaining members of the board at it’s first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice-President shall be filled by the board.
Section 10. Removal of officers- The membership of the club may remove an officer by a majority vote of the club membership. Any office of the club may be declared vacant by the Board of Directors should the incumbent thereof persistently neglect the duties of such office, or be found guilty of acts detrimental to the interest of the club.
ARTICLE VII
Discipline
Section 1. American Kennel Club suspension- Any member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club shall be suspended from the privileges of this club alike.
Section 2. Charges- Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with the deposit of ten dollars ($10.00) which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the board following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the board or present them at a board meeting, and the board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date for a hearing not less than three (3) weeks or more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The secretary shall promptly send one (1) copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.
Section 3. Board Hearing- The board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the board may by a majority of those present, suspend the defendant from all privileges of the club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing. If it deems that punishment insufficient, it may recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case the suspension shall not restrict the defendants’ right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing club meeting which considerers the board’s recommendation. Immediately after the board has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn shall notify each of the parties of the board’s decision and penalty, if any.
Section 4. Expulsion- Expulsion of a member from the club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the club following a board hearing and upon the board’s recommendation as provided in Section e of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular meeting of the club to be held within 60 days but nor earlier than 30 days after the date of the board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his/her own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the board’s findings and recommendation, and invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf if he/she wishes. The members shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the board’s suspension shall stand.
ARTICLE VIII
Club House and Running Grounds
The Board of Directors shall establish rules governing the use of the Club House and Running Grounds. A copy of the rules will be given to each member and posted in the Club House. The rules may be modified as circumstances require by the Board of Directors. Violation of these rules may subject members to disciplinary action under Article VII of the constitution and By-laws.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
Section 1. Amendment to the constitution and by-laws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petitions shall be promptly considered by the board of directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
Section 2. The constitution and by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a meeting provided the proposed amendments have been distributed to the membership at least 2 weeks before the meeting.
ARTICLE X
Dissolution
Section 1. The club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members. In the event of dissolution of the club other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the club nor any assets of the club shall be distributed to any members of the club, but after payment of the debts of the club, it’s property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI
Order of business
Section 1. At the meetings of the club and meetings of the Board of Directors the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Amended
September, 2016
Constitution and By-laws
ARTICLE I
The name of the club shall be Amelia County Beagle Club.
ARTICLE II
The object of the club shall be to:
a) Further the advancement of field trial beagles.
b) Advance the interest of field trial beagles and encourage sportsmanlike competition at such
events.
c) Conduct sanctioned and licensed beagle field trials under the Rules and Regulations of The
American Kennel Club.
The club shall not be conducted or operated for profit.
The members of the club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such by-laws as may be required to carry out these objectives.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. Applications for membership to the club must be presented to the Secretary in writing and be signed by at least two (2) members of the club. The prospective member will be interviewed by a committee of at least two (2) board members and presented with:
a) A copy of the Constitution and By-laws.
b) A copy of the rules governing use of the club grounds and running grounds.
c) A copy of the obligations of probationary members.
The membership is then required to vote on the application for membership at the regular meeting at which time it is presented. Membership will be granted based on a simple majority. The proposed new member must attend this meeting.
Section 2. Any new member must pay regular membership dues and remain a probationary member for a period of 12 months. New members applying for membership after start of the clubs fiscal year (August 1st thru July 31st) shall have his/her dues prorated based on the months left in the fiscal year. After 12 months the probationary member may be voted on by the membership by secret ballot to become a regular member. A simple majority vote is required.
Section 3. There shall be four (4) types of membership. The four (4) types of membership are a) Regular Member, b) Probationary Member, c) Honorary Member and Associate Member. Membership is open to all persons eighteen (18) years of age and older who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of the Amelia County Beagle Club.
Section 4. Regular Member: A regular member to all rights stated in these By-laws.
Section 5. Probationary Member: A probationary member shall have all privileges of a regular member except:
Shall not have a vote.
Shall not hold office.
Must attend a minimum of six (6) regular monthly meetings of the club.
Must attend each licensed field trial and be available to work at least two (2) of the four days at each licensed trial if a four (4) day trial or one (1) day at a two (2) day trial.
Work at least fifty percent (50%) of the scheduled work days at the club.
Meet all the obligations of Article IV of the By-laws.
The Board of Directors may recommend waiving the requirements under extenuating circumstances. The Board of Directors shall have the right to terminate any probationary member who has shown little or no interest in meeting the obligations defined in this section and in Article IV prior to completion of the twelve (12) month probationary period.
Section 6. Honorary Member: Honorary members shall be nominated at the discretion of the Board of Directors based on past service to the club. Honorary members shall have all rights and privileges of regular members including running but will not be required to pay dues or fulfill the obligations of Article IV.
Section 6a. Associate Member. An associate member shall have no running rights, no voting rights and must live at least 65 miles from the club property. An associate member shall not hold any office or serve on any committee. Dues for an associate member shall be $50.00 per year and shall be due on the same date as other membership dues. An associate member shall have no other obligation to the club.
Section 7. Dues: Membership dues shall be set at the annual meeting and are payable on or before the last day of July each year. Members whose dues are not paid for the current year will be considered not in good standing and all voting, club house and running rights are suspended as of August 1st of that year.
Section 8. When a person becomes a member, his/her name will be recorded in a book provided for that purpose by the club. The date of his/her membership shall be recorded as well as the date membership ends. A key to the club house and running grounds will be provided to the new member at this time.
Section 9. Membership may be terminated by resignation or expulsion.
Section 10. Any member whose dues remain unpaid after September 1st shall be liable to forfeit his/her membership at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV
Obligations
Section 1. In keeping with the objectives stated in Article II, the following shall be required of the membership:
a) All members in good standing shall be obligated to support the licensed field trials by entering a minimum of two (2) dogs per fiscal year in any licensed trial or make a contribution to the club equal to two (2) entry fees of a licensed trial.
b) All members shall attend each licensed event and make themselves available to help at the event a minimum of two (2) of the four (4) days. Working two (2) full days at the licensed trials can be done in lieu of requirement (a).
c) All members shall attend fifty percent (50%) of scheduled work days.
ARTICLE V
Meetings
Section 1. The annual meeting of the club shall be held in the month of July at the clubhouse. If the time or place of the meeting has been changed, written notice of the annual meeting time and place shall be mailed by the secretary to each member 10 days prior to the date of the meeting.
Section 2. The club meetings will be held at 7:30 PM on the 4th Monday of each month except for the months of June and December. The quorum for meeting shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership.
Section 3. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or three (3) members of the board.
Section 4. Each regular member in good standing, whose dues are paid for the current year, shall be entitled to vote at any club meeting or election. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any meeting or election.
ARTICLE VI
Directors and Officers
Section 1. Board of Directors- The board shall be comprised of the officers and four (4) at large club members, all of whom shall be club members in good standing. The officers shall be elected in even numbered years and serve for a term of two (2) years, and the at-large board members elected in odd numbered years and serve for a term of two (2) years (except for the at-large board members elected in 2012 who shall serve one year) and shall serve until their successors are elected. Management of the club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Officers- The club’s officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Field Trial Chairman and Field Trial Secretary, shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the club and it’s meetings and the board and it’s meetings.
Section 3. Election- All officers and the three at-large members of the board of the club shall be nominated and elected by a simple majority vote by the membership of the club at its annual meeting and shall hold office for the term as designated in Section 1 or until their successors are elected.
Section 4. For any member to hold office he/she must attend fifty percent (50%) of the club meetings in the previous fiscal year.
Section 5. The retiring officers are eligible for re-election.
President
The president shall preside at all meeting of the club and of the board and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President. In addition to those particularly specified in these by-laws-
He/she shall present at each annual meeting of the members and directors a report of the condition of business of the club.
He/she shall cause to be called regular and special meetings of the members and directors in accordance with these by-laws.
He/she shall sign all contracts and agreements in the name of the club.
He/she shall see that the reports and statements required by the statues are properly kept, mad and filled according to law.
He/she shall enforce this constitution and by-laws and perform all the duties incident to the position and office which are required by law.
He/she shall have the power to appoint any member of the club to act as an agent of the club in instances where the club has to enter into contracts or purchase specifically described items for the club.
Vice-President
During the absence or inability of the President to render and perform his duties or exercise his powers as set forth in these by-laws, or in the acts under which the club is organized, the same shall be performed and exercised by the Vice-President and when so acting, shall have all the powers and be subject to all the responsibilities hereby given to or imposed upon such President.
Secretary
The secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the members in appropriate books. He/she shall give and serve all notices of the club. He/she shall be the custodian of the records of the club. He/she shall keep the membership books in the manner prescribed by law, so as to show at all times the members of the club alphabetically arranged, their respective places of residence, their post office address, the date of membership of each and shall keep same at the office of the secretary, subject to the inspection of any members of the club, and permit such members to make extracts from said books to the extent as prescribed by law. He/she shall sign all cards of membership. He/she shall present to the Board of Directors at their stated meetings all communications addressed to him/her officially by the President or any officer or member of the club. He/she shall attend to all correspondence and perform all the duties incident to the office of the secretary.
Treasurer
The treasurer shall have the care and custody of and be responsible for all the funds and securities of the club, and deposit all such funds in the name of the club in such banks, trust company or trust companies, or safe deposit vaults as the Board of Directors may designate. He/she shall sign, make and endorse in the name of the club, all checks, drafts, warrants and orders for payment of money, and pay out and dispose of the same and receipt therefore, under the direction of the President or Board of Directors. He/she shall exhibit at all reasonable times his books and accounts to any director or member of the club upon application at the office of the club during business hours. He/she shall render a statement of the condition of the finances of the club at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors and members and at such times as shall be required of him/her, and a full financial report at the annual meeting of the members. He/she shall keep at the office of the club, correct books of accounts of all it’s business and transactions and such other books of account as the Board of Directors my require. He/she shall do and perform all duties appertaining to the office of Treasurer.
Field Trial Chairman
The Field Trial Chairman shall appoint a field trial committee to assist in conducting field trials and hunts. He/she shall be responsible for every aspect of all field trials and hunts. He/she shall post in the club house a copy of scheduled field trials and hunts. He/she shall contact judges and make arrangements to have them judge field trials and hunts. He/she shall contact and assign members to jobs necessary to conduct such field trial and hunts. He/she shall perform all duties appertaining to the office of Field Trial Chairman.
Field Trial Secretary
The Field Trial Secretary shall serve on the field trial committee to assist and advise the Field Trial Chairman and field trial committee. He/she is responsible for taking entries and monies at each event. He/she is responsible for turning monies collected at events over to the club treasurer. He/she shall mail paperwork within seven (7) days after the conclusion of the event to the appropriate party(s). He/she shall perform all the duties incident to the office of the Field Trial Secretary.
Section 6. The office of the President and Treasurer may not be held by the same person.
Section 7. The office of Field Trial Chairman and Field Trial Secretary may not be held by the same person.
Section 8. Elections- The officers and at large members of the board shall be elected at the annual meeting. The nominated candidates receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. The nominated candidates for other positions on the board who received the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected. The vote shall be by secret ballot. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to successor all properties and records relating to that office within thirty days after the election.
Section 9. Vacancies- Any vacancies occurring on the board or among the officers during the year shall be filled until the next annual meeting by a majority vote of all remaining members of the board at it’s first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice-President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice-President shall be filled by the board.
Section 10. Removal of officers- The membership of the club may remove an officer by a majority vote of the club membership. Any office of the club may be declared vacant by the Board of Directors should the incumbent thereof persistently neglect the duties of such office, or be found guilty of acts detrimental to the interest of the club.
ARTICLE VII
Discipline
Section 1. American Kennel Club suspension- Any member who is suspended from the privileges of The American Kennel Club shall be suspended from the privileges of this club alike.
Section 2. Charges- Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the club. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with the deposit of ten dollars ($10.00) which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the board following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the board or present them at a board meeting, and the board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date for a hearing not less than three (3) weeks or more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The secretary shall promptly send one (1) copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.
Section 3. Board Hearing- The board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the board may by a majority of those present, suspend the defendant from all privileges of the club for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing. If it deems that punishment insufficient, it may recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case the suspension shall not restrict the defendants’ right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing club meeting which considerers the board’s recommendation. Immediately after the board has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn shall notify each of the parties of the board’s decision and penalty, if any.
Section 4. Expulsion- Expulsion of a member from the club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the club following a board hearing and upon the board’s recommendation as provided in Section e of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular meeting of the club to be held within 60 days but nor earlier than 30 days after the date of the board’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his/her own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the board’s findings and recommendation, and invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf if he/she wishes. The members shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the board’s suspension shall stand.
ARTICLE VIII
Club House and Running Grounds
The Board of Directors shall establish rules governing the use of the Club House and Running Grounds. A copy of the rules will be given to each member and posted in the Club House. The rules may be modified as circumstances require by the Board of Directors. Violation of these rules may subject members to disciplinary action under Article VII of the constitution and By-laws.
ARTICLE IX
Amendments
Section 1. Amendment to the constitution and by-laws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petitions shall be promptly considered by the board of directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary.
Section 2. The constitution and by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present and voting at a meeting provided the proposed amendments have been distributed to the membership at least 2 weeks before the meeting.
ARTICLE X
Dissolution
Section 1. The club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members. In the event of dissolution of the club other than for purposes of reorganization whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the club nor any assets of the club shall be distributed to any members of the club, but after payment of the debts of the club, it’s property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XI
Order of business
Section 1. At the meetings of the club and meetings of the Board of Directors the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
Amended
September, 2016