North East Bass Anglers
Club By Laws
1.0 Purpose:
1.1 To improve our skills as bass anglers through a friendly exchange of bass catching techniques and ideas.
1.2 To expose members to tournament type fishing and encourage them into further bass tournament fishing.
1.3 To obtain the above goals in a congenial fun orientated club.
1.4 The club is to be non-working in nature with only working activity being our annual D.A.R.E. benefit tournament and Mass Fed Sportsman booth which includes the casting kids pool.
2.0 Membership:
2.1 All members must be seventeen (17) years old or older at the time of the State Fish Off.
2.2 Members whose children are sixteen (16) or older are eligible to belong to the club.
2.3 All Memberships shall be reviewed by the Executive Board for recommended approval.
2.4 Membership is limited to thirty (30) members with a maximum of twenty-one (21) boaters and nine (9) non-boaters.
2.4.1 Boaters are defined as those members owning boats with the most club seniority. To be considered a boater, a member must own his own boat with a valid registration. Non-boaters that have boats will be allowed to become boaters through attrition based on their club seniority. NOTE: See Article 10.8 for number of boats allowed in tournaments.
2.4.2 Members, who leave the club (i.e. not renewing their membership) and then return, lose all their seniority and will be considered a new member.
2.4.3 If a member joined the club as a boater sells his boat and does not buy a new one within three (3) months of the date of sale, that member will be re-classified as a non-boater. If said member buys another boat after the three (3) month period, he will be subject to the seniority rules previously stated.
2.5 All perspective members must be elected by a majority of members present at the meeting during which the vote is taken.
2.6 All perspective members must attend a meeting and introduce himself to attending club members. He shall give a brief introduction of himself and his reason for application to our club. A vote on his application will follow. A person who has been a previous member requesting to rejoin is not required to be present at the meeting to be voted back in the club as long as the person originally left the club in good standing.
2.7 Our club requires that all members belong to and be officially listed on each roster of the following organizations to participate in club tournaments:
2.7.1 National F.LW.
2.7.2 Massachusetts B.A.S.S.
2.7.3 National FLW Federation
2.7.4 North East Bass Anglers
2.8 No Honorary Memberships are allowed
2.9 Sponsors of new members shall have the responsibility to keep him informed of club procedures.
2.10 All members must present their FLW membership number and expiration date to the club secretary by the March meeting each year. If this information is not submitted by the March meeting, that member is not considered in good standing with the club until the next regularly scheduled meeting after the information is submitted. Further, if a member is not on the MASS BASS roster by April 1st, he will not be eligible to fish the State Fish-offs.top
3.0 Dues:
3.1 The yearly club dues are $135 and are allocated as follows:
3.1.1 National Federation Dues $15
3.1.2 Massachusetts Federation Dues $30
3.1.3 Club Dues $90, Total $135
3.1.4 Eight-Man Team receives $25 per member.
3.1.5 Moneys collected at monthly meetings through a 50/50 raffle are to be allocated to the Eight-Man Team.
3.2 Both the National and State Federation dues are due and payable by the October meeting for the following year.
3.3 The club dues are to be paid in full by the March meeting.
Since club funding and functions are totally dependent on income from dues, they will be required to be kept up to date. If a member's dues is not paid by the March meeting, that member is not considered in good standing with the club and will not be considered an active member until the next regularly scheduled meeting after his dues are paid where as he must be reinstated by a club vote.
3.4 Dues are collected at club meetings or by mail.
3.5 Dues are non-refundable.
3.6 All income from dues will be funded back to the membership through tournament participation or club functions, Allocation of funds are as defined by the Financial Page, Attachment B.
3.7 A minimum balance, decided by the Executive Board, will be maintained.
3.8 Participation in club tournaments, or club functions, will be required to receive benefits.top
4.0 Participation:
4.1 All members should express an interest in the club by attending meetings, tournaments, and club functions.top
5.0 Officers:
5.1 President:
5.1.1 Presides over all meetings and functions.
5.1.2 Serves as spokesman.
5.1.3 Responsible for carrying out and enforcing all club policies approved by the club.
5.1.4 Completes State Fish-off team roster form for MASS BASS.
5.2 Vice President:
5.2.1 Assume all obligations of the President in his absence.
5.2.2 Handle the club flower fund and order any required flowers.
5.2.3 Handles 50/50 raffle.
5.3 Secretary:
5.3.1 Take roll call at all meetings.
5.3.2 Take minutes of all meetings and read minutes of the previous meetings.
5.3.3 Handle all required correspondence.
5.3.4 He shall order all required supplies.
5.3.5 Responsible for keeping club roster current and makes copies available for club members.
5.3.6 Responsible for keeping club By Laws updated.
5.4 Treasurer:
5.4.1 Handle all collection of dues and special funds.
5.4.2 Make all payments of bills and collection of receipts.
5.4.3 Keep records of any business transaction.
5.4.4 Responsible for all bank and checking accounts along with withdrawals and deposits.
5.4.5 Will produce and read a treasurer's report at each meeting.
5.4.6 Will, upon request of any member, make the books and records available.
5.5 Tournament Director:
5.5.1 May check all boats for safety equipment, live wells and aerators.
5.5.2 Conduct partner draw and flight number draw.
5.5.3 Conduct the tournament weigh-in.
5.5.3.1 Measures all fish as required to decide acceptance.
5.5.3.2 The PROFESSIONAL RULE is the official Ruler that shall be used to measure the exact length of the member's catch. Each member is responsible to check their own ruler with the clubs ruler, as it will be used by the weigh-master.
5.5.3.3 Courtesy checks will be given.
5.5.4 Keep records of tournament results and standings of the current year for all club members.
5.5.5 He is responsible for all permits on the sites selected by the club.
5.5.6 He is to review the rules of the selected sites and inform members of any special conditions such as speed limits, off limit areas, etc.
5.6 State Federation Director:
5.6.1 Attend all State Federation meetings.
5.6.2 Record information at these meetings and give an oral report at the next scheduled club meeting.
5.6.3 Represent North East Bass Anglers and vote the clubs wishes at the State Federation meetings.
5.6.4 Compensated for travel expenses at the rate of Thirty-five
Dollars ($35) for each trip. The yearly total is Four Hundred Twenty Dollars ($420).top
6.0 Elections:
6.1 Nominations for office shall be taken at the October meeting.
6.2 Election of officers shall take place at the November meeting.
6.2 The new slate of officers takes office and serves January to start of the next January.
6.3 Elections decided by majority vote of members who are present at the November meeting.
6.4 Elections shall be once a year.
6.5 In case of an elected office being vacant, a special election may be called by the President.
6.6 The President may, at his discretion, appoint an interim officer.top
7.0 Discipline:
7.1 Removal of an officer or member will be handled in the following manner:
7.1.1 Any dispute between members will be brought to the Executive Board before the end of a meeting or function.
7.1.2 The Executive Board will discuss and evaluate the complaint and vote to take disciplinary action or dismiss the matter out if lack of grounds.
7.1.2.1 Any such matter examined per section will not be considered after said meeting or function.
7.1.3 Reasons for dismissal are as follows:
7.1.3.1 Gross misconduct at meetings, tournament or club functions.
7.1.3.2 Knowingly breaking tournament rules developed by FLW that governs our tournaments.
7.1.3.3 Conduct that is harmful to our club and its purpose.
NOTE: See tournament rules that govern tournament discipline.top
8.0 Meetings:
8.1 Regular club meetings are to be held on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 P.M. except for the July meeting which will be held on the second Wednesday to compensate for the 4th of July holiday week.
8.2 Meetings will be held at the West Springfield Fish and Game Club, located on Garden St., Feeding Hills, MA.
8.3 Business matters brought up by the Executive Board require that a 50% acceptance vote by the attending members to approve.
8.4 Each member counts as one (1) vote.
8.5 Meeting Agenda:
8.5.1 Call meeting to order
8.5.2 Roll call, attendance count, and collection of dues or specials funds.
8.5.3 Reading of prior meeting's minutes.
8.5.4 Treasurer's Report.
8.5.5 Federation Report.
8.5.6 Old Business
8.5.7 New Business
8.5.8 Decisions made by the Executive Board not presented for a vote.
8.5.9 Adjournment.top
9.0 General:
9.1 Deleted. See Article 2.4
9.2 Speakers will have the floor only when recognized by the chair.
9.3 Business should be conducted within 30 to 45 minutes.
9.4 Any business, ideas, complaints and/or suggestions, will be presented to the President for review by the Executive Board. The President will present the request with the Executive Boards recommendation. No vote is required, other than, major rule changes.
9.5 Outside requests to address a meeting must be made to the President and approved by the Executive Board.
9.6 If this club should dissolve, all funds and value shall go to an unnamed destination decided at that time.
9.7 The Vice President shall order flowers, cards, etc. as required.
9.7.1 The cost of the flowers, etc. will be paid from the flower fund.
9.7.2 The flower fund shall be replenished by an assessment, time to time, of two dollars ($2) per member.
9.7.3 Recipient of flowers is left to the discretion of the Executive Board.top
10.0 Tournament Rules:
10.1 These rules apply to the six (6) money Qualifiers. Two of which, by member's choice, will be dropped and not counted in the final standings. One of the six tournaments (to be identified) will be to benefit the State Fish-off team. The benefit tournament is not included in the yearly dues and will be funded by a pre-determined fee. Payouts will be based on a 50/50% of the take. Number of payouts will be determined by the number of entries. Optional Lunker pool is a 100% payback. Non-boater fees apply.
10.2 Tournament sites for the following year's schedule will be proposed at the July meeting and voted on at the September meeting.
10.3 Two (2) or more sites can be selected that were not selected the previous year.
10.4 Dates scheduled by the Executive Board are presented to the membership at the December meeting.
10.4.1 Tournament dates and sites will not be reopened for discussion once decided by the Executive Board.
10.5 Officers will choose sites and dates with consideration to historical success.
10.6 Tournaments shall be governed by National FLW rules. Some excerpts are as follows:
10.6.1 Partners are chosen by blind draw at the tournament site.
10.6.2 Only artificial lures are acceptable (NO LIVE OR PREPARED BAITS).
10.6.3 Only casting, spinning or spincasting rigs will be allowed, only one of which may be used at any given time.
10.6.4 Safe boating conduct observed always.
10.6.5 Tournament Director may inspect all boats in a tournament.
10.6.6 Aerated live wells or aerated coolers are required (NO STRINGERS).
10.6.7 Contestants will remain in the boat always except for emergencies.
10.6.8 No fishing allowed within twenty-five (25) yards of another competitor.
10.6.9 Culling by competitors is allowed from a five (5) fish limit.
10.6.10 Tournament hours are Seven (7:00) A.M. to Three (3:00) P.M. Changes to these hours require a vote at the meeting before the tournament.
10.6.11 Legal fish shall be twelve (12) inches long. Both Smallmouth and Largemouth are accepted.
10.6.12 Competitors' fish are measured with closed mouth and fanned tail.
10.6.13 The Final Standings at each tournament shall be decided by the total weight of each competitor or members catch. Each dead fish will result in a four (4) ounce deduction from that competitor's total weight.
10.6.14 In case of ties, the competitor with the most eligible fish shall be the winner. If the competitors have the same number of fish and weight, the largest fish will then be used as the tiebreaker.
10.6.15 Measurement and status (live or dead) of fish are the sole responsibility of the Tournament Director. His decision is final.
10.6.16 Interpretation of these rules is the sole responsibility of the Executive Board.
10.6.17 Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) and Kill Switch must be worn while the gas powered engine is in operation.
10.6.18 a.) Members (boaters and non-boaters) should be at the tournament site no later than 6:30 A.M. or 30 minutes before a revised tournament start time. Upon arrival, members must check in with the Tournament Director. All participating members must be available and present for the partner draw and flight draw which will take place at 6:30 A.M. or 30 minutes before a revised start time. Boaters have the option of designating a member to draw their flight number for them.
Anyone not checking in with the TD before 6:30 is DQ'd. b.) Any member who is not present at 6:30 A.M., or 30 minutes before to a revised start time, will be considered late and disqualified from the tournament. The only exceptions will be if a member should breakdown or be held up while in route to the tournament site. Said member(s) and helping member(s), by approval vote of the board members present, may fish the tournament.
10.6.19 Competitors or members that are not at the official check point area at the end of the tournaments appointed time shall be penalized one (1) pound per minute late and disqualified after being fifteen (15) minutes late off that days catch. All fishing must cease at the appointed time. Exact starting, check in times and check point area(s) will be announced at the tournament briefing.
10.6.20 Tournaments are for members only.
10.6.21 Twenty-five dollars ($25) will be paid by each competing non-boater per tournament. This fee shall be paid to a designated club member responsible for the collection (or Treasurer if said member is absent) when you check in upon arrival at the tournament site. Boaters will receive an equally divided portion of these fees at each tournament. It will be the sole responsibility of each boater to collect his portion. Any boater, who fails to collect his portion by the second meeting following the tournament fished, forfeits his share to the club's General Fund.
10.6.22 A non-boater shall not fish with the same boater more than once during the same calendar year.
10.6.23 Description of tournament points (See Attachment A).
10.6.24 The tournament director will make a decision at the tournament site prior to the start of the tournament as to whether to leave boats in the water or take them out prior to the start of the weigh-in. In either case, contestants will be called up in order of starting number to weigh their fish. If the boats were left in the water, you may remove your boat only after your fish have been weighed. If your boat is taken out of the water prior to weighing your fish, you are disqualified. Contestants with no fish may remove their boats at any time.
10.6.25 All boats must launch from the same ramp as defined by the Tournament Committee / Executive Board
10.7 Discipline:
10.7.1 Disputes and violations during a tournament will be brought to the attention of an Executive Board Officer prior to final weigh-in. Officer's present will decide what course of action, if any, will be taken. Disputes will not be addressed or acted on after the weigh-in.
10.7.2 Discipline for rule # 10.6.17 (PFD) is as follows:
10.7.2.1 First Offense: lose one (1) pound off catch.
10.7.2.2 Second Offense: lose two (2) pounds off catch.
10.7.2.3 Third Offense: disqualified from the tournament.
10.7.2.4 If no fish were caught during that tournament, the penalty carries over to the next tournament. These penalties are for one (1) calendar season.
10.8 Maximum number of boats allowed in club tournaments utilizing state launches is 21 (the purpose for the limit is to avoid permit and parking problems). The first 21 spots in all tournaments are reserved for the club's boaters (as identified defined in Article 2.4 and as listed on the club roster). However, if not all 21 boaters are participating in the tournament, non-boaters with boats and in order of seniority, will be allowed to participate in the tournament using their boats. A designated club member will be assigned the responsibility of determining what boaters will not be participating in those tournaments and coordinating the substitution of the non-boaters in their place. These changes must be reported to the Tournament Director prior to each tournament. For tournaments where private launches are used, the boat limit will depend on the launch owner's restrictions. If there are no restrictions, then all members owning boats (including non-boaters with boats) may take their boats.
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11.0 Financial:
11.1 Allocation of dues is listed on a financial page. (See Attachment B)
11.2 Tournament moneys are to be distributed over five (5) yearly events.
11.3 Club related expenses shall be paid at each regular club meeting.
11.4 Requests for reimbursement require receipts.
11.5 Tournament payouts are made at the tournament site.
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12.0 State Fish-offs
12.1 Qualifications
The top qualifying club members (up to the maximum allowed by MASS BASS), based on the final club standings, will make the club team to go to the State Fish-offs. Two (2) alternates, in order of the club standings, will be named to the team in case a core team member drops out. A team captain will be selected by a team vote.
NOTE: A team member must be able to fish the last day of the designated practice period or he will not be allowed on the team.
12.2 Boaters and Non-boaters
The top qualifying members (up to the maximum allowed by MASS BASS) will be allowed to take their boats. If a boater elects not to take his boat or drops out, the team member next in line will be allowed to take his. If MASS BASS allows the club more than the designated number, the Executive Board will vote to accept or reject this option.
12.3 Responsibilities
12.3.1 The club President is responsible for the following:
a.) Completing the team roster form. The form will be submitted to MASS BASS by either the club's President, Federation Director or a person designated by the President.
b.) Distributing tournament rules to all team members.
12.4 Communications
No member is allowed to take independent actions with MASS BASS for any reason. The club's President or Federation Director, are the only members allowed to discuss the State Fish-offs with MASS BASS unless permission is granted by the President.
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13.0 By Law Changes
By Law changes are allowed at any time during the year. A request for a change will only be allowed with a completed By Law Change form. The proposed By Law change must be presented at a club meeting for discussion and consideration. Voting on the By Law change or addition will occur at the meeting following the By Law submittal. Approved By Laws, not affecting the current calendar year's tournaments will be implemented immediately. Those By Law changes that would affect the current calendar year tournament rules will not be implemented until the end of the calendar season. By Laws changes are valid for one year from the date of implementation unless circumstances arise that warrant an immediate change. If this occurs, the executive board will determine if the By Law can be changed prior to the one year limit.
13.1 It is the responsibility of the requesting member to review and Modify any linking articles when proposing an article change. This will prevent conflicting articles or contradictions. top
ATTACHMENT A
TOURNAMENT POINTS
Starting with first place and to the last competitor with fish, the points start at one hundred (100) and continue down one (1) point per position.
Competitors that did not catch any fish will receive ten (10) points less than the last man who did.
Competitors that failed to fish the tournament receive no points.
Points are totaled as the season advances and are ranked first to last. Reports of current standings will be available at regular club meetings.
| FINISH | POINTS |
|---|---|
| 1 | 100 |
| 2 | 99 |
| 3 | 98 |
| 19 last to catch fish | 82 |
| 20 No fish | 72 |
| 21 No fish | 72 |
| 22 No fish | 72 |
Payouts for the current year is on Attachment B top
ATTACHMENT B
Financial Page
SEPARATE PAGE INSERT
ATTACHMENT C
North East Bass Anglers
By Law Change Form
Section 1: Name:____________________________ Date:________________
Section 2: Deletion:
As It Now Reads: ____________________________________________________________________________
Section 3: Addition:
Change To Read:_____________________________________________________________________________
Section 4: Reason For Suggested Change:_________________________________________________________
Instructions:
A) Section 1: Submitter to fill in name and date.
B) Section 2: Precisely state what language needs to be changed or deleted from the By Laws including the referenced Article and Number.
C) Section 3: Write the exact wording of your proposal. There can be room for interpretation.
D) Section 4: Provide the rationale for the suggested change. Describe the intent of why you believe this change is necessary.
Executive Board Recommendation:
Club Vote: For:_____ Against:_____
Passed: Yes:_____ No:___
(to print change form: highlight attachment C section, right click, select print, selection only)
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ATTACHMENT D
Business Calendar
October
1. Nominate club officers for next year
2. Mass. and National. Fed. Dues are due at October meeting
November
1. Elect new club officers
2. Club roster to be submitted to Nat. Fed. Secretary by Nov. Fed meeting
December
1. Appoint D.A.R.E committee
2. Club party ??? (date to be announced)
January
1. New elected officers take office
2. Recruit Volunteers for Sportsman Show
3. Mass. Fed. Banquet (date to be announced)
February
1. Work Sportsman Show
March
1. Balance of club dues required
April
1. D.A.R.E. Tournament (date to be announced)
May
June
July
August
1. Determine club state fish-off team and submit to Mass Bass
2. List proposed tournament sites for next year
September
1. State Fish-offs
2. Vote in tournament sites for next year
3. Advise dues amount for next year / Deadline for Mass & National. is October. meeting
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BY-LAW CHANGE SUMMARY
Refer to the submitted By-Law Change Form for details of the specific change to the listed articles.
| Date | Submitted By | Article |
|---|---|---|
| 2/2/99 | Al Golfieri | 10.6.18.a & b Changed Tournament Rules |
| 2/2/99 | Bill Penney | 3.1 Dues 3.1, 3.11, 3.13 Changed dues amount |
| 2/2/99 | Gary Lucas | Attachment B Added Tournament Payouts |
| 11/30/99 | Bill Penney | 3.0 Dues 3.1, 3.11, 3.13 Changed dues amount 3.3, 3.4, 3.5 Changed wording |
| 11/30/99 | Bill Penney | Attachment D Added Business Calendar |
| 4/13/01 | Tom Cormier | 2.6.1 Membership change |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 2.10 New Article under Membership |
| 4/13/01 | Ed Kosiol | 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.1.4 Revised Dues |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 (3.7 deleted) Revised Dues Articles |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 5.1.4, 5.2.3, 5.3.5, 5.3.6, 5.5.8 Added these Articles |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 10.6.18 Revised Tournament Rules |
| 4/13/01 | Ed Kosiol | 10.6.20 Revised Paragraph Deleted Last Sentence |
| 4/13/01 | John Pavelcsyk | 10.6.21 Revised Non Boater Payment |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 10.6.22 Revised Article |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 10.6.24 Added New Article |
| 4/13/01 | Bill Penney | 12.0 Added New State Fish-off Article |
| 5/13/02 | Ed Kosiol | 10.1 Revised Number of Club Tournaments to Six |
| 5/13/02 | J. Crochetiere | 10.6.21 Changed Non-boater Fee article |
| 8/7/02 | Bill Penney | 10.2 Revised dates for proposing and Voting on tournament sites for next year. Also revised business Calendar |
| 10/3/02 | Bill Penney | 2.4 Revised number of members allowed to 40 and added seniority wording. |
| 10/3/02 | Bill Penney | 10.8 Add article maximizing the number of boats allowed at tournaments. |
| 10/3/02 | Dennis Prior | 8.1 Revised Club meeting week in July. |
| 12/4/02 | Terry Cabey | 10.6.21 Revised Non-boater payment article. |
| 1/6/03 | Tom Cormier | 3.2 Revised due date for Mass & National dues. |
| 1/6/03 | Bill Penney | Attachment D Revised Business Calendar. |
| 1/6/03 | Erik Kaplan | 10.6.12 Revised fish measurement method. |
| 2/5/03 | Bill Penney | 13.0 Added By Law Change Article |
| 3/27/03 | Bill Penney | 5.6, 10.6.12, 10.6.21 Minor cosmetic revisions to articles (no change request Necessary). |
| 12/10/03 | Stan Mitchkoski | 2.4 - Revised max. no. of members to 30. |
| 1/07/04 | Stan Mitchkoski | 10.6.18a Revised Start Times |
| 1/07/04 | Stan Mitchkoski | 10.6.25 Add new revision to clarify Launch site. |
| 1/23/04 | Todd Brown | 10.6.19 clarified late check in penalties (03-31-2003 original pass date ) |
| 1/23/04 | Todd Brown | 5.5.3.2 Professional Ruler supercedes golden ruler.(03-31-2003 original pass date) |
| 1/23/04 | Todd Brown | 10.6.13 dead fish = 4 oz penalty (was 2 oz) (03-31-2003 original pass date ) |
| 2/04/04 | Rich Ofsuryk | 1.4 adds casting kids and fed booth |
| 2/04/04 | Rich Ofsuryk | 13.1 members responsible to insure all linking articles were reviewed |
| 8/12/04 | Bill Penny | 10.2 tournament sites proposed in July and voted on in September. emergency change per feds request |
| 1/05/05 | Tom Cormier | 2.4 membership decreased from 30 to 25 = 17 boaters and 8 non- boaters |
| 5/7/08 | Skip Bryant | 2.1 All members must be seventeen (17) years old or older at the time of State Fish Off. |
| 5/7/08 | Skip Bryant | 2.4 and 10.8 Increase membership from 25 to 30, 21 boaters and 9 non- boaters top |