Constitution
Of the
West Shore Sportsmen’s
Association, Inc
PREAMBLE
In order to promote better hunting and fishing, by conserving, protecting, propagating and increasing game and fish,
AND
In order to inculcate and encourage a spirit of sportsmanship and fair play, not only among the members, but also in relation to the farmers and landowners on whose land and in whose streams the members of the Association hunt and fish,
AND
In order to promote the responsible and competent use of firearms through study, practice and competition, including helping to promote the competency of the Peace Officers serving our local community,
AND
In order to observe all conservation laws of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to assist in punishing all who violate said laws,
The West Shore Sportsmen’s Association, Inc. declare theses to be its PURPOSE, PRINCIPLES, AND POLICIES.
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Article I
The name of this Association shall be “WEST SHORE SPORTSMEN’S ASSOCIATION, INC.”
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Article II
Section 1. The Active membership of the Association shall consist of
citizens, male and female, who are legally qualified to hunt and fish and who
are in good standing during the calendar year. Section
1. The active membership of the Association shall consist of any person not
prohibited legally from possessing and/or owning a firearm, so long as they are
in good standing during the calendar year.
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Article III
Section 1. The Officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Assistant Membership Secretary, and three (3) Directors-At-Large. Together these officers shall constitute the Board of Directors.
It shall be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to maintain the schedule Association events and set range rental fees as applicable.
It shall be the duty of all officers who have communications relating to the business of or on behalf of WSSA to provide a copy of such communications to the Secretary commensurate in time as the communication occurs. The Secretary shall maintain all communications relating to the business of WSSA. They must be made available to the inspection of any interested member in good standing within one week of a written request by the member at a location and time that is convenient to the Secretary and the requester. The Membership roster and personal information is confidential to the Board of Directors only.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the Association and to enforce a due observance of the Constitution and By-Laws. He/she shall be a member ex officio of all committees. He shall be chairperson of the Board of Directors and shall attend to all other matters which fall under his/her jurisdiction.
It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to perform all the duties of the President, in the absence of the President, and, at all times, he/she shall assist the President when and as requested.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep an accurate and complete record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Association; to keep records of the reports of the Treasurer, the Membership Secretary, the Auditors, the Committees and all else deemed to be of interest or importance to the Association. He/she shall conduct all correspondence of the Association except that which relates to the work assigned to committees or the other Officers. To prepare and release all press notices or other forms of publicity. To notify Officers, committees and others of their election or appointment by the President, to prepare, and issue advance notices of meetings and other events of the Association. To prepare and convey invitation to guests or other participants in the meetings and affairs of the Association.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to do all banking, and when
approved by a two-third vote of the members present
and voting at any regular meeting, to make all investments of the
Association in the name of and for the account of the Association.
To enter into the minutes a written and complete and
itemized record of all income, expenses, and financial account (including all
cash accounts) balances at each regular meeting. To keep an
accurate and complete record of the finances of the Association. To accept
and deposit, in a banking institution approved by the Board of Directors, all
receipts of funds. To pay all bills, by check, upon approval by a
majority vote of the members present. To submit a statement of receipts and
expenditures, receipted bills, vouchers, bills payable, account books and
financial records to the Auditing Committee at least once each year or at any
time upon demand of the Association. To forecast
monthly and annual income and expenses, and to inform the membership about any
proposed expenditures that jeopardize Association finances. The Treasurer shall
be duty bound to see that all funds are expended within the provision of
Constitution & Bylaws.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to verify the assertions associated with any transaction made in the name of the Association that could affect the asset value of the Association. The Treasurer shall report the results of such inquiry to the membership at a regular monthly meeting and prepare a written report for distribution through the Association newsletter.
All financial accounts of the Association shall be joint accounts with only the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer empowered to access the accounts.
It shall be the duty of the Membership Secretary to keep a register of the names and addresses of all present members of the Association, and past members dating back 2 years. Members are responsible for providing their current mailing address and phone number to the Membership Secretary.
It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to attend to the affairs of the Association during the interim between meetings of the Association but the acts of the Board of Directors shall not conflict with action taken by the Association nor with the duties and responsibilities of the several committees. The Board shall hold executive meetings quarterly, or on call of the President. Board of Directors meetings may be announced by telephone, e-mail, or verbal communication of the time and place of the meeting to each Board Member at least five days prior to the meeting
In the absence of the Secretary, Treasurer or Membership Secretary
the persons elected or appointed as assistants to the above mentioned Officers
shall carry out the duties of the office to which they have been elected or
appointed. as set forth in Section 2, Article III of the Constitution.
In addition, the assistants are to aid the above
mentioned Officers as requested by their respective Officer. The
Assistant Treasurer shall be empowered to sign checks for payment of the
Association indebtedness in the absence of the Treasurer.
The Bank Account(s) of the Association shall be Joint Account(s)
with either the Treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer empowered to issue checks.
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Article IV
Section 1. The regular meetings of the Association shall be held on the last TUESDAY of each month except as altered by the vote of the membership at a previous, regular meeting.
Section 2. Special meetings may be called by order of the President or on demand by ten (10) members of the Association provided that said demand be presented in writing to any member of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. A quorum to do business shall consist of eight (8) Officers and Members present at any regular or special meeting of the Association.
Section 4. The requirement for written notice of the regular meetings of the Association shall be satisfied by announcement in the Association’s quarterly newsletter. Dates of meetings convened to discuss fundamental changes shall be satisfied by announcement in the quarterly newsletter. Announcements may also be made by bulk mail at least 10 days prior to the meeting if the need to vote on a fundamental change is determined after the quarterly newsletter was mailed. Dates of meetings, meeting minutes, proposed Constitutional Amendments, and other important business affecting the organization shall also be posted on the Association bulletin board at the Clubhouse.
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Article V
Section 1. A copy of this Constitution will be deposited and kept at all times in the safe deposit box of the Association and keys to same will be kept by the President and the Secretary.
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Article VI
Section 1. Every proposed amendment to the Constitution or Bylaws of the
Association shall be submitted in writing and read at a regular meeting. A copy
of the proposed amendment, together with notice of date of the next regular
meeting on which final action will be taken, shall be posted on bulletin board
in the club house. The proposed amendment may then be adopted by a two-thirds
vote of the members present.
This Constitution shall become effective on
January 1, 2004
and the Constitution and Amendments previously adopted are hereby repealed.
The Constitution and Bylaws of the Association shall be reviewed and
updated every five years.
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Article VI
Section 1. Except in cases of emergency, the Association’s Constitution and By-laws may only be amended one time per year, concurrent with the October nomination and November election meetings.
a. Emergencies are characterized as events or circumstances that arise during the year that, if left unaddressed, would do irreparable harm to the Association or threaten its ability to remain in operation.
Section 2. Except in cases of emergency, the proposed amendment must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors no less than 30 days before October’s regular meeting of the membership. The proposed amendment will be put before the membership during October’s regular meeting. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be posted on the club house bulletin board, together with the date of the next regular meeting on which final action will be taken. Unless the amendment was put back into Committee for rework, vote on the amendment shall take place in the November regular meeting, concurrent with Officer elections.
Section 3. In cases of emergency, the proposed amendment shall be submitted in writing and will be put before the membership in a regular meeting. A copy of the proposed amendment shall be posted on the club house bulletin board, together with the date of the next regular meeting on which final action will be taken.
Section 4. Amendments approved by a two-thirds majority of the membership present and voting are adopted, and become effective the first day of the month following its passage.
Section 5. The Constitution and Bylaws of the Association shall be reviewed and updated every five years.
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Article VII
Section 1. Dissolution of the Association: In the event that The West Shore Sportsmen’s Association, Incorporated, should at any time be dissolved either voluntarily or involuntarily, all remaining assets, after payment of all debts and liabilities, shall be turned over to a nonprofit shooting sports organization, or shall be used to establish a shooting sports trust or endowment, as determined by the General Membership or the Board of Directors, in that order of precedence, depending on the ability to call a meeting thereof. The membership shall specifically waive any right to receive a distribution of any remaining assets following the dissolution of the corporation. This article shall supersede the quorum requirements of Article IV, section 3.
Bylaws
Of the
West Shore Sportsmen’s
Association, Inc.
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Article I
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The election of Officers and Directors listed in Article III,
Section 1 of the Constitution shall be held annually at the
November last regular meeting of
the calendar year. The term of each Officer and Director-elect shall begin
on the first day of the following year and shall continue until the last day of
said following year, except that in the event of an election by the invoking of
Article V II of these By-Laws, the
term of an Officer so elected shall begin immediately upon his/her election and
shall continue until the last day of the year in which he/she was elected. All
election of Officers shall be by ballot.
Section 2. Nominations for the annual election at the
November last regular meeting of
the calendar year and for an election as provided in Article
II of these By-Laws shall be made by a
Nominating Committee and from the floor during the meetings in which the
election is held. A Nominating Committee of three (3) members shall be
appointed and announced by the President at the regular OCTOBER
September meeting preceding the meeting
of the election. No nomination shall be made by the Committee unless the
Committee has ascertained that the nominee is willing and able to serve if
elected. Nominees of the Committee will be put
before the membership at the October meeting. Nominations from the floor will be
accepted at both the October and November meetings. The President
shall appoint three members to serve as tellers, none of whom shall be a member
of the Nominating Committee, to tally the ballots and announce the results of
the election.
Section 3. The nominee who receives more votes for an office than any other nominee, for the same office, shall be declared to be the Officer-elect.
a. Ballots shall contain the names of all nominees for the Directors-At-Large. Members shall vote for no more than three (3), casting only one vote per nominee. Any ballot containing more than three votes for the Directors-At-Large shall be invalid for that portion of the vote tally. The three nominees with the most votes shall be declared the three Directors-At-Large-elect.
Section 4. A vacancy occurring in an office shall be filled as follows:
a. In case of a vacancy in the Office of President, the Vice-President shall automatically become President, and the vacancy in the office of Vice-President thereby created shall be filled by appointment by the President not later than the next regular meetings. In case of vacancies in both the Offices of President and Vice-President, the 3 Directors-At-Large shall fulfill the duties of the Office of President. They shall hold and preside over the election of the Office of President at the next regular meeting.
b. In case of a vacancy in the Office of the Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Assistant Membership Secretary, or Director-At-Large, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the President not later than the next regular meeting.
c. Should any member object, for reasons other than personal, to any appointment made by the President in accordance with the foregoing, and such objection is sustained by a majority of the members present and voting, the Association shall enter into an immediate election on nominations from the floor of the meeting.
d. An Officer or Director appointed or elected in accordance with the foregoing shall take office immediately upon his/her appointment or election and shall serve for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor.
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Article II
Recall
REMOVAL OF AN OFFICER
OR MISCONDUCT
Section 1. If a written request urging the Recall
Removal of an Officer be signed by a
majority of the Board of Directors and filed with the Secretary stating the
reasons therefore, prior to any regular meeting of the Association, the
Secretary shall notify the Officer in question of such charges having been filed
and the Officer shall be given an opportunity to appear and defend himself
against such charges. The President or the Vice-President shall present said
request to the Association for vote, and if, by a two-thirds vote of the members
present and voting it is concurred upon,
the office shall be declared vacant and the Association shall enter into an
immediate election, to fill the vacancy, on nominations from the floor.
Any Officer serving a position on the Board of Directors or as an Officer of the Association who is removed from office by the vote of the membership is not eligible for appointment to an office or the Board during the term for which the recalled member stood.
Section 2. Should any one or combination of Officers or Directors engage in activity described as malfeasance, or activity contrary to the good of the Association, any Officer or Director has the option to refer the matter directly to the Association Attorney/Counsel. Association Counsel shall have the authority to investigate the matter, arbitrate conflict among members of the Board, and suggest remedies to the Board. If necessary, Association Counsel is empowered to send out notification to the membership at large to inform the Association of concerns which may require such action.
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Article III
COMMITTEES
Section 1. All standing and special Committees shall be appointed and dissolved by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors. The first named to a Committee shall be its Chairperson. Each Committee shall consist of an odd number of members, not less than three nor more than nine.
Section 2. Standing Committees:
a.
Shoots Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to do all necessary to
provide facilities and equipment for and to conduct shooting matches.
b.
Ways and Means Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to consider
and advise the Association regarding the conduct and improvement of it’s
financial affairs.
c.
Social Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to do all necessary to
provide facilities, equipment, provisions, etc., as required for entertainments,
amusements and other social events.
d.
Junior Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to conduct a full
program for the enlightenment of youth desiring training and education as
sportsmen.
e.
Raffle Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to procure the
material offered as prizes and any raffle conducted by and for the Association,
as provided in Article VII, Section 3, to have the necessary tickets printed and
have said tickets distributed to Association members and such other persons and
places they deem advisable.
f.
Membership Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to conduct
campaigns for the new and renewal memberships.
g.
Fish & Game Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to contact the
Pennsylvania State Game and Fish Commission for information relative to the
release of game and fish in the various areas of
Pennsylvania.
h.
Kitchen Committee: It shall be the duty of this Committee to provide
refreshments at regular meetings and scheduled events of the Association.
Section 2. Each committee shall hold
meetings on call by the Chairperson to enable it to adequately and fully perform
its duties and responsibilities. Each committee shall act independently, except
as otherwise directed by the President or the Association, to perform all of the
functions normally expected and required of the Committee and to meet its
physical, material and financial needs. excepting further that The
Chairperson shall make periodical detailed reports
to the Secretary of the activities of the Committee and shall submit
periodically detailed statements of its progress, receipts, expenditures and pay
its net proceeds to the Association.
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Article IV
Association Sponsored Clubs
Section 1. An Association Sponsored Club is defined as a group of Association Members assembled together to pursue a sporting activity which takes place at Association property. Association Sponsored Clubs may reserve ranges from time to time and use Association assets to conduct their activities, at the pleasure of the Association Membership. Except for youth activities, Sponsored Clubs are expected to be self-sufficient. The Club shall designate a Chairperson to manage its affairs and deliver periodic reports to the Secretary. Sponsored Clubs are expected to support the Association’s mission, uphold the Constitution and By Laws, and not act to contravene any Association policy. A range may only be closed to the exclusive use of a Sponsored Club if it has been placed on the Association calendar of events maintained by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Any group of Association Members may request formal recognition as an Association Sponsored Club by submitting a written application to the Secretary. The written request shall include:
a. The Club’s Chairperson;
b. The Club’s mission and sporting interests;
c. A plan detailing how the Club will fund its activities;
d. If appropriate, an outline discussing how it will satisfy range safety practices;
e. Dates and Ranges it desires to reserve for exclusive use to be placed on the Association calendar.
Section 3. The Board of Directors shall review the application. If approved by a majority of the Board of Directors, the President shall present the request before the Membership at the next scheduled regular meeting. Unless any member should object, for any reasons other than personal, and such objection is sustained by a majority of the members present and voting, the Club shall be declared formally recognized at the next regular meeting.
Section 4. If a written request urging the dissolution of an Association Sponsored Club be signed by a majority of the Board of Directors and presented to the Secretary stating the reasons therefore, prior to any regular meeting of the Association, the Secretary shall notify the Club Chairperson in question of such charges having been filed and the Club shall have the opportunity to appear and defend itself against such charges. The President shall present said request to the Association for vote, and if, by a majority vote by ballot of the members present and voting it is concurred upon, the Association Sponsored Club shall be declared to have immediately lost Association sponsorship, including all the benefits thereof.
Section 5. Any Association Sponsored Club that denies ready access to all the Association’s live fire ranges to the General Membership shall be subject to the current range rental fee as defined by the Board of Directors.
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Article V
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Any person qualified for Adult Membership (over the age of 17 years), within the provision of the Constitution, shall be admitted to membership upon the payment of the initiation fee and the payment of the annual dues and upon approval of a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of the Association.
Section 2. Any family qualified for Family Membership,
(up to 2 adults living in the same household with or
without children up to the age of 17) (2 adults) or (husband and
wife) or (spouses/significant other) and all children under the age of 16)
within the provision of the Constitution, shall be admitted to membership upon
the payment of the initiation fee and the payment of the annual dues and upon
arrival of a two-thirds vote of the members present
and voting at any meeting of the Association.
Section 3. Any person qualified for Senior Membership (age 65
62 or older), within the provisions of the
Constitution, shall be admitted to membership upon the payment of the initiation
fee and the payment of the annual dues and upon approval of a two-thirds vote of
the members present and voting at any
meeting of the Association.
Section 4. Any person qualified for Junior Membership (ages 12 to 16
17) within the provisions of the
Constitution shall be admitted to membership upon the payment of the annual dues
and upon approval of a two-thirds vote of the members present
and voting at any meeting of the
Association. Junior Members MUST be accompanied by an Adult Member of the
Association when using Association facilities. and carry a Hunters Safety
Card.
Section 5. An Honorary Membership may be awarded by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any regular meeting of the Association to a person who has rendered special or meritorious service to the Association. An award of Honorary membership shall expire at the end of the calendar year in which the award was made but the Association may renew the award during succeeding years. Honorary Membership has no vote or participation in business transactions of the Association and precludes the payment of dues.
a. Honorary Membership shall be extended annually to all full time, salaried, Sworn Officers employed by Fairview Township Police Department, York County, PA, unless objected, for reasons other than personal, by two-thirds of the membership present and voting.
Section 6. Life Membership may be awarded by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any regular meeting of the association to a person who has rendered long, outstanding meritorious service to the Association. Life Members will have a vote in all business transactions of the Association and precludes the payment of annual dues.
Life Memberships will be available to members who have been an Association member, in good standing, for over 24 months or two consecutive years. Life members will be limited to 12% of the total of the previous year’s membership. When the Life Membership quota has been filled a “waiting list” will be kept by the Membership Secretary. When Life Memberships become available, applications will go to the first person on the “waiting list”. The price of the Life Memberships will be available at current rate, set by a two-thirds vote of the Association Members present at any regular meeting. A deferred payment plan is available at $25.00 down and the balance payable within the next twelve (12) months. Current year’s dues will be applicable.
Section 7. Each adult member of the Association in good standing shall have one (1) vote in person only.
Section 8. A
Guest Membership (an option available to anyone
residing outside the area of
York,
Cumberland
and Dauphin counties)
(card) within the provisions of the Constitution, shall be issued to a
person upon the payment of annual dues and upon the approval of a two-thirds
vote of the members present and voting at
any meeting of the Association. Guest Members are
not required to pay initiation fees and are not entitled to a vote or
participation in Association business.
Section 9: Any person qualified to be a Temporary Member, within the provisions of the Constitution, shall be admitted to Temporary Membership upon payment of the Temporary Membership dues and upon sponsorship of either an active: Adult Member, Family Member (adult sponsor), Senior Member, or Life Member; or a Professional Trainer who has rented Association property for an Association sponsored Training Activity or Class. Temporary Members MUST be accompanied by their Sponsor when using Association property. Temporary Membership has no vote or participation in business transactions of the Association. Temporary Membership is regulated by the following provisions:
Section 10. Dependent children under age twelve (12) shall be permitted to use Association facilities under direct supervision of an Adult Member (PARENT).
Section 11. Members of the Association are reminded that we are a voluntary association, and any member has the right to announce a ceasefire at any range for temporary and incidental circumstances. We encourage any person witnessed acting recklessly with a firearm, bow, or airgun on Association property be receptive to any appeal from a fellow member to cease any reckless behavior. In the event the member or guest is undeterred, the matter shall be handled by the Board of Directors. Association Sponsored Clubs have the right to determine matters of skill required to conduct activities at their events. Preference shall be given to the organizers of Association Sponsored Events to handle questionable behavior by persons at their events.
Any act or offense by a member or a guest of the Association requiring a response which falls short of expulsion shall be heard and tried by the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall notify the person in question of such charges having been filed, and be notified to appear before the Board at a reasonable time and place for the purpose of an investigation or hearing where the individual shall have the opportunity to appear and defend himself against such charges. It may impose no penalty, including financial penalty for actual damages or any loss of privileges, without the two-thirds approval of the Board of Directors, except as detailed in the following section. The member or guest has the right to appeal the decision to the membership at the next regular meeting of the Association. The Board reserves the right to refer any unlawful act to local law enforcement for investigation immediately.
Any member or guest who engages in behavior witnessed and attested by the signed testimony of no less than two members of the Association which is:
a. an act of wanton destruction of property located on or adjacent to Association grounds, regardless of whether it belongs to the Association; or
b. behavior characterized as a reckless disregard for the physical well being of others;
may be immediately escorted off Association property by any Officer or member of the Board of Directors. The initial request to leave will be for the remainder of that day, plus one additional full day. If that person is a member of the Association, he shall surrender his membership card to the Officer or Board Member escorting him from the property, and must contact the Secretary to arrange to have it returned. The individual may only return to Association property during that time period for the purposes of a public Association meeting or an appearance before the Board of Directors.
Under no circumstances may an act of the Board of Directors be construed to deprive a member of the right to participation in an election of the Association, or participation in public business. If as a result of an investigation or hearing, the Board determines the offense warrants expulsion, that penalty shall be referred to the membership at a public meeting. The membership reserves the right to expel a member.
Unsportsmanlike activities.
Expulsion of a Member. A two-thirds vote
of the members present and voting at any
regular meeting or other properly called meeting shall be necessary to
expel an active member. An expelled member forfeits his dues, rights and
privileges until restored to good standing by a two-thirds vote of the members
present and voting at a subsequent
regular meeting.
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Article VI
ANNUAL DUES
Section 1. The annual dues for Adult members shall be the sum as designated by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at any meeting of the Association. The period of which a member will be credited for the payment of annual dues shall be from the date on which payment was made to the end of the calendar year, except when payment is made and intended as annual dues for the ensuing year.
Section 2. The annual dues for Senior members shall be the sum as designated by a two-third vote of members present and voting at any meeting of the Association. The period for which member will be credited for the payment of annual dues shall be from the date of which payment was made to the end of the calendar year, except when payment is made and intended as annual dues for the ensuing year.
Section 3. The annual dues for Junior
Membership dues shall be the sum as designated by a two-thirds vote of
the Association members present and voting
at any regular meeting. The period for which
member will be credited for the payment of annual dues shall be from the date of
which payment was made to the end of the calendar year, except when payment is
made and intended as annual dues for the ensuing year.
Section 4. The annual dues for Family Membership shall be the sum as designated by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at any meeting of the Association. The period for which a member will be credited for the payment of annual dues shall be from the date on which payment was made to the end of the calendar year, except when payment is made and intended as annual dues for ensuing year.
Section 5. The annual dues for Guest membership shall be the sum as designated by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at any meeting of the Association. The period for which a member will be credited for the payment of annual dues shall be from the date on which payment was made to the end of the calendar year, except when payment is made and intended as annual dues for the ensuing year.
Section 6: The dues for Temporary Membership shall be the sum as designated by a two-thirds vote of members present and voting at any meeting of the Association. Temporary Membership Applicants are not required to pay the initiation fee.
Section 7. All new Adult, Family, Senior, and Junior members shall pay an initiation fee in addition to the regular membership fee for the first year.
Section 8. All members in arrears in dues by January 1st of the calendar year shall be dropped from the rolls of the Association and upon renewal thereafter shall be considered a new member.
Section 9. Dues are subject to change by a two-thirds vote of the members present and voting at any meeting of the Association.
Section 10. Annual dues shall be payable after October 1st thru December 31st.
Section 11. Membership year shall run January 1st to December 31st inclusive. Access to Association property and all facilities will be changed January 1st (Lock combinations, keys, etc.).
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Article VII
VISITORS
Section 1. Association Members can bring a visitor from outside the
Association area to use facilities ONE time without joining the Association.
Association Members can bring a Visitor to use the
facilities for a Trial Visit three times under the Temporary Membership
provision.
Section 2. Nonmembers are permitted use of Association facilities only at
Association sponsored events. Non-members are
permitted only non-sporting use of Association facilities.
Section 3: Individuals present on Association property who do not possess a current, valid Membership are considered trespassing, with the exception of: visitors attending a public Association meeting, visitors present for non-sporting use of the facilities, contractors or vendors conducting Association business, and government officials while in the performance of their official duty.
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Article VIII
ANNUAL AUDIT
Section 1. The Auditing Committee appointed by the President, shall consist of One Director and two Members of the Association who are not Officers.
Section 2. This Committee shall audit the books of the Treasurer at least once each calendar year or at any time upon demand of the Association. When possible the audit should be conducted during the first month following the close of the calendar year.
Section 3. The Treasurer will submit to the Auditing Committee all receipted bills, bills payable, vouchers, account books and financial records.
Section 4. At the next regular meeting following the audit, the Auditing Committee will present to the Association a report of their findings relative to the accounts and records of the Treasurer.
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Article IX
FINANCIAL CONTROL
Section 1. At all times a balance of not less than Five Hundred Dollars
($500.00) shall be maintained in the bank account(s)
general operating fund of the Association.
Section 2. All outstanding indebtedness of the Association will be read to the membership at any regular or special meeting and paid as set forth in Article III, Section 2, of the Constitution, upon approval of a majority of the members present and voting.
Section 3. No Officer or combination of Officers
of the Association shall expend more than $1,000.00
of Association assets during any month for general and operating expenses,
contract for any material or services the Association in an amount greater
than Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) except in an extreme emergency, without
prior approval of a majority of the members present at any regular or special
meeting of the Association.
Section 4. A separate account or accounts shall be maintained by the Association and known as the “Land Fund”. The purpose of the Land Fund shall be to set aside funds for the acquisition of land to expand the Association property. The Land Fund may be used for expenses directly related to the acquisition (surveying, legal expense, etc.) of land if approved by a majority of members present and voting at any regular meeting. Any other use of the Land Fund requires two-thirds approval of any members present and voting at any regular meeting and may only be so used in the event of extreme emergency, that if left unaddressed, would do irreparable harm to the Association or threaten its ability to remain in operation. The Land Fund shall be increased by will of the membership as expressed by majority vote. The Board of Directors shall respect the desires of the membership to increase the land fund with revenue from whatever source generated.
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Article X
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/NARCOTICS
Section 1. Nonprescribed drugs/narcotics
or controlled substances in any form are absolutely forbidden on Association
premises. Therefore, no Officer or Member
person shall bring onto the Association grounds or buildings any
nonprescribed drugs/narcotics or
controlled substances in any form.
Section 2. When the Association premises are loaned or rented to another
organization, special permission, by a two-thirds vote of the members present at
a preceding regular or special meeting, may be granted to the renting or loaning
organization to have alcoholic beverages for consumption, by their personnel, on
the Association premises.
Section 3. When Association grounds are used for Association activities,
special permission, by the Board of Directors, may be granted for such
Association activities to have alcoholic beverages for consumption, by members
on the Association premises.
Section 2. NO consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed on Association grounds during any shooting events.
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Article XI
RANGE RULES
Article X of the Constitution and Bylaws of the West Shore Sportsmen’s
Association, Inc.
(as approved by the membership on March 27, 2007)
General Range Rules Applying to
All Ranges
Section 1. Use of range facilities restricted to members only, except as
provided for in Article IX.
Section 2. Shooters under 16 years of age MUST be accompanied by an Adult
member.
Section 3. Members must display (wear) their current, paid up, membership card
when on club grounds.
Section 4. Shooters will not unduly monopolize any range.
Section 5. No fully automatic firearm is allowed on ANY range, except by Law
Enforcement, or with special permission from the Board of Directors.
Section 6. When not at a shooting station, guns will be unloaded, action open,
barrel pointed down range. This rule applies to any and all ranges.
Section 7. All shooters are responsible to clean ranges of targets and trash.
Section 8. Deliberate destruction of facilities or Association property is
absolutely prohibited. The individuals involved will be responsible for all
financial damages to the facilities or Association property. The Association may
also bring Civil or Criminal Charges against the individuals.
Section 9. At Association sponsored events, any range conflicting with sponsored
events will be CLOSED.
Section 10. Use of 25 and 50 yard outdoor range limited to rimfire .22 caliber
rifles, all pistols and muzzleloaders.
Section 11. The Wildcat Trap and 16 yard Trap are limited to shotguns only.
Section 12. On 100 yard range only single projectile firearms will be allowed to
shoot at NON BREAKABLE targets.
Section 13. Only approved targets will be used on all ranges. NO Tin Cans or
Glass Bottles.
Section 14. ALL OUTDOOR RANGES will be closed the First Monday after
Thanksgiving for regular Buck Season and the First Monday of Doe Season. For
hunting on club property by members.
Section 15. The wearing of eye and hearing protection is MANDATORY for all
members and guests at all times while on the ranges.
Section 16. Any violation of these rules observed by any Association Member
should be reported to any Association Officer.
Range Rules Applying to the Indoor Range
(Including and in addition to those above)
Section 1. Indoor Range hours are 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.
Section 2. Only hand guns, Rim-fire .22 caliber rifles, pellet guns, BB-guns,
and archery are allowed on the indoor range. Pellet guns and BB-guns must be
shot into trap targets designed for those activities.
Section 3. Ventilation fan must be running at all times when anyone is engaged
in firing powder propelled lead projectiles.
Section 4. Targets: Paper targets attached to target stands/hangers only!
Shooting at aluminum cans or other such objects is prohibited. Metallic
silhouettes may not be used! Exception: Manikins may be used in competitions,
and when shooting archery.
Section 5. Rules Pertaining to firearms, and ammunition loads are as follows:
A. No center-fire
rifles are allowed on the indoor range.
B. No shotguns are
allowed on the indoor range.
C. Handguns are
controlled by the following ammunition constraints:
1. Projectiles
of less than 180 grains must not exceed a maximum velocity of 1250 fps.
2. Projectiles
of 180 grains to 250 grains must not exceed a maximum velocity of 1000 fps.
3. Projectile
size must not exceed a maximum of .45 caliber.
4. Maximum
projectile weight allowable is 250 grains.
D. No hardened or
armor piercing rounds are allowed.
E. No hollow point
projectiles are allowed.
Section 6. Hand guns must be holstered or laid on the tables provided. Handguns
and .22 caliber rifles not directly on the person of the member using the indoor
range, and laying on the tables at the rear of the indoor range must be unloaded
with the action open when not being directly attended by the association member
in possession of the handgun or .22 caliber rifle.
Section 7. Any handgun over .22 rim-fire caliber used on the indoor range must
follow the rules for ammunition constraint outlined in Section 2,
Para
4, Part D shown above. Projectiles may be made entirely of lead, may have a
copper wash, may be a non-lead composite frangible or may be copper jacketed. No
ammunition designed to defeat armor of any kind may be used on the indoor range.
No hollow point ammunition may be used on the indoor range.
Section 8. No police combat or fast draw shooting allowed; Exception: Trained
members of committees that regularly practice and execute such techniques. eg.
ATSA/SIGHTS
Section 9. Cleanup all brass expended at end of session.
Section 10. Any violation of these Range Rules observed by any Association
member should be reported to any member of the Board of Director’s.
Section 11. All shots fired on the indoor range must strike the black rubber
splatter barrier and the metal backstop. Pellet and BB-gun will be shot into a
target trap. All deliberate violations and accidental rounds outside the
backstop MUST be reported to the Board of Directors
The Association’s By Laws were amended to include Range Rules in July 1979, introduced and adopted as Amendment X (10). In the interest of allowing for necessary and urgent changes as may be needed to preserve safety, promote study, and protect the spirit of sportsmanship at the Association, we do hereby declare that the Range Rules be removed from the By Laws, and placed under the stewardship of a permanent Range Rules Committee..
Section 1. The Range Rules Committee shall consist of one Representative from:
a. Each Association Sponsored Club;
b. No less than one and no more than three Representatives from the Membership-at-large.
c. Committee members are selected by their respective Sponsored Clubs, and approved by the Board of Directors; the President shall select the unaffiliated Representative(s) with the approval of the Board of Directors. The Committee may exceed 9 members if necessary to have each Sponsored Club represented on the Committee
Section 2. Range rule policy for the Association shall originate in the Committee. All range rules previously approved and adopted into the By Laws of the Association as of November 2007 are preserved and transferred into the Committee, unaltered, as existing range rule policy.
Section 3. The Committee may move to alter range rule policy from time to time as necessary, under the following provisions:
Section 4. Urgent Changes - Upon two-thirds vote of the Committee, it may enact an immediate policy to address any circumstance that demonstrates objective evidence of a hazardous condition. Urgent Changes are temporary and only enforceable until the next regular meeting of the Association.
a. Any Urgent Change shall be reported at once to the President. In his absence the Committee shall report it to the Vice President or Secretary. Should any one Board Member object to the change, the President shall convene an Executive Meeting of the Board within 72 hours. Should such objection be sustained by half of the Board of Directors, the Urgent Change is rejected. Any Urgent Change shall be enforceable immediately once the Board approves of such change.
b. The Committee shall deliver any Urgent Change in writing to the Secretary at the next regular meeting of the Association, including the circumstances surrounding the decision and record of the vote. The Committee shall also deliver recommendations to rectify the condition.
c. The President shall then present the issue before the Membership for action at that regular meeting. Actions include either: plans for rectifying the conditions such that the policy may be repealed; or move to adopt the temporary policy as permanent, as detailed under Section 5. In the absence of either action, the Urgent Change expires after that meeting.
Section 5. Permanent Changes – Upon majority vote of the Committee, it may recommend a range rule policy for approval by the Board of Directors. Proposed range rule policies shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary before any regular meeting of the Association.
a. The Board of Directors shall review the proposed policy, and upon majority vote by half of the Board, the proposed shall be presented before the Membership at the next regular meeting of the Association.
b. Upon approval by a majority of the Membership present and voting at any regular meeting of the Association, the Permanent Change to the range rules are adopted.
Section 6. Every effort shall be made to ensure that any change in range rule policy is not arbitrary, capricious, or malicious in nature. In considering changes to policy, the Range Rule Committee is duty bound to evaluate any adverse impact to current activities at the Association. The Committee shall also consider standard, industry accepted practices as guidance for determining policy governing activities at the Association. Nothing in the Association’s policies shall be construed to prevent an Association Sponsored Club from voluntarily holding themselves to more restrictive rules for their sponsored events, but they may not extend those rules to other Members not participating in their event.
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Article XII
Section 1. A copy of these By-Laws will be deposited, and kept at all times, in the safe deposit box of the Association.
Section 2. These By-Laws shall become effective on 1st day of
January 2004 December 2007, and the
By-Laws and Amendments previously adopted are hereby repealed.
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Members are again reminded that the Association and its facilities are for the use of MEMBERS ONLY.
Members are asked to check cards of others using the facilities. You pay your dues – why shouldn’t they?
Trespassers will be prosecuted. The Board of Directors has the right to press charges against any violator.