MARYLAND B.A.S.S. FEDERATION, INC.
BYLAWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I - INTRODUCTION

Section 1. Code of Rules
Section 2. Purpose and Powers

ARTICLE II - LOCATION OF FEDERATION

Section 1. Geographical
Section 2. Principal Office
Section 3. Regional Boundaries
Section 4. Assignment to Regions

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Definition of Membership
Section 2. Categories of Membership
Section 3. Chapter Affiliation
Section 4. Continuation
Section 5. Withdrawal of Membership
Section 6. Forfeiture of Membership
Section 7. Reinstatement of Membership
Section 8. Rights and Privileges
Section 9. Non-discrimination

ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF PRESIDENTS

Section 1. General
Section 2. Bass Chapter Representation
Section 3. Meetings
Section 4. Special Meetings
Section 5. Region Directors
Section 6. Committees
Section 7. Voting
Section 8. Compensation
Section 9. Books and Accounting Records
Section 10. Exceptions to Authority
Section 11. Quorum
Section 12. Executive Secretary/Director

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

Section 1. General
Section 2. Term of Office
Section 3. Eligibility for Office
Section 4. Removal from Office
Section 5. Voting

ARTICLE VI - RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. President
Section 2. First Vice President
Section 3. Second Vice President
Section 4. Secretary
Section 5. Treasurer
Section 6. Assistant Secretary/Recorder
Section 7. Powers/Duties of Executive Director
Section 8. Returns and Statements

ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS

Section 1. Directors
Section 2. Officers

ARTICLE VIII - COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees
Section 2. Special Committees

ARTICLE IX - CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

Section 1. Rules of Order
Section 2. Parliamentary Procedures

ARTICLE X - AUTHORITY OF REPRESENTATION

Section 1. National President's Conference
Section 2. Divisional Tournament

ARTICLE XI - FEDERATION TOURNAMENT

Section 1. Location and Dates of Execution
Section 2. Tournament Eligibility Requirements
Section 3. Rules and Regulation

ARTICLE XII - MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Contracts on Behalf of Federation
Section 2. Fiscal Year
Section 3. Audits
Section 4. Endorsements for Public Office
Section 5. Conflict of Interest
Section 6. Sources of Federation Income
Section 7. Authorization of Expenditures

ARTICLE XIII - AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Articles of Incorporation
Section 2. Bylaws

ARTICLE XIV - STANDING RULES

Section 1. Amendment of Standing Rules
Section 2. Interpretation of Bylaws and Standing Rules

APPENDIX I - RULES OF ORDER

1. General
2. Call to Order
3. Order of Business
4. Assumption of Office
5. Presentation of Awards, Presentation and Swearing In of New Officials
6. Amendments of Rules of Order

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ARTICLE I - INTRODUCTION

Section 1. Code of Rules. These Bylaws supersede the Maryland B.A.S.S. Chapter State Federation, Inc. Bylaws, as amended September 15, 1994 and constitute the code of rules adopted by the Maryland B.A.S.S. Chapter State Federation, Inc. for the regulation and management of its affairs.

Section 2. Purpose and Powers. The Maryland B.A.S.S. Chapter State Federation, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Federation, consisting of affiliated chapters of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Inc. shall have the purposes and powers as may be stated in its Articles of Incorporation, and such powers as are now or may be granted by law. Additional purposes and objectives are:

a.       To promote and support approved conservation policies, practices and measures, preservation of aquatic resources and improvements of ecological and environmental conditions on regional, state and local levels.

b.       Promote the practice of high standards of sportsmanship and conservation measures among the membership.

c.       Provide the state Department of Natural Resources moral, political, material support and encouragement.

d.       Promote improvement of bass angling skills in the membership through fellowship, the friendly exchange of techniques and ideas and the conduct of Federation-sponsored bass fishing events.

e.       Encourage youth fishing, promote and conduct youth fishing activities by the Federation's bass chapters (clubs) and, within budgetary allocations, provide funding and material assistance in the implementation of approved youth activities.

f.        To conduct bass fishing tournaments to determine the members who will make up the Federation's Team and represent the Federation during Bass Anglers Sportsman Society-sponsored tournaments.

g.       Within funding limitations, provide funding for the Federation Team's participation in B.A.S.S.-sponsored regional and national tournaments as may be required.

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ARTICLE II - LOCATION OF FEDERATION

Section 1. Geographical. This Federation shall consist of those qualified Bass Chapters (clubs) whose office of record and majority of members are domiciled in the state of Maryland and bordering States where membership in that bordering State's Federation is geographically infeasible.

Section 2. Principal Office. The principal office and business address of this organization shall be the same as that of the Federation's President.

Section 3. Regional Boundaries. The Federation shall be divided into Regions as follows.

a. Northern Region - Shall consist of the counties and cities of:

1.       Baltimore

2.       Cecil

3.       Harford

4.       City of Baltimore

5.       Areas of States generally bordering these counties.

b. Central Region - Shall consist of the counties and cities of:

1.       Carroll

2.       Frederick

3.       Howard

4.       Montgomery

5.       Areas of States generally bordering these counties.

c. Western Region - Shall consist of the counties and cities of:

1.       Allegany

2.       Garrett

3.       Washington

4.       Areas of States generally bordering these counties.

d. Southern Region - Shall consist of the counties and cities of:

1.       Anne Arundel

2.       Calvert

3.       Charles

4.       Prince Georges

5.       St. Mary's

6.       Areas of States generally bordering these counties.

e. Eastern Region - Shall consist of the counties and cities of:

1.       Caroline

2.       Dorchester

3.       Kent

4.       Queen Anne's

5.       Somerset

6.       Talbott

7.       Wicomico

8.       Worchester

Section 4. Assignment to Regions

a.       The Executive Board will assign chapters to regions.

b.       A minimum of six (6) active affiliated chapters is required to maintain a region.

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ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Definition of Membership. The members of this Federation are those persons and organizations having membership rights in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws

Section 2. Categories of Membership. This Federation shall have two categories of membership:

a.       Individual - Persons who are members in good standing of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.) and who are also members in good standing of B.A.S.S. chapter affiliates of this Federation.

b.       Organizational - Bass Chapters affiliated with both B.A.S.S. and this Federation.

Section 3. Chapter Affiliation. Only Bass Chapters who meet the following prerequisites shall acquire membership in this Federation:

a.       One hundred percent (100%) of the chapter's individual membership shall be members in good standing of B.A.S.S.

b.       Individual membership in the chapter shall consist of six (6) or more members.

c.       Chapter shall be an affiliate of B.A.S.S.; or, is otherwise qualified and B.A.S.S. confirms that affiliation has been requested and is pending.

d.       Upon application for affiliation, chapter provides the Federation with a current membership roster and any fees (both State and Regional) as may be required within.

e.       Failure to maintain any of these prerequisites will render a chapter not in good standing.

Section 4. Continuation. Chapter affiliation in this Federation shall be on a continuing basis provided:

a.       Chapter maintains current its affiliation with B.A.S.S.

b.       Chapter complies with the requirements for representation at Federation Region meetings and functions.

c.       Chapter's individual membership is maintained at six (6) or more.

d.       Chapter maintains current the names, addresses and phone numbers of its members and officers with the Federation.

e.       Pays any fees due to the Federation and the assigned Region.

Section 5. Withdrawal From Membership. Any Bass Chapter may withdraw from membership, after fulfilling all of its obligations to the Federation, by giving notice, preferably in writing to the Secretary. Chapters that fail to renew membership by the deadlines established herein shall be considered inactive and unless effort is made to notify the Executive Board of an attempt to reorganize, shall be dropped from the rolls.

Section 6. Forfeiture of Membership.

a.       Chapters in violation of Article III, Section 4 may be dropped form membership.

b.       Chapters who absent themselves (fail to have bonafide representation) from 50% of the regional functions without acceptable cause being given, shall be considered at the Executive Board for forfeiture or retention of membership.

c.       Bass Chapters may be removed from membership for reasons stated above and for cause by two-thirds vote, with a quorum present of the Executive Board, and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment, the Board considers such action to be in the best interest of the Federation.

d.       Individual membership in the Federation is forfeited concurrent with cessation of the individual’s bass chapter membership in the Federation.

e.       Individuals may be denied participation in Federation sponsored activities by a two-thirds vote, with a quorum present of the Executive Board for cause, and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment, the Board may consider such action to be in the best interests of the Federation. For flagrant reasons, the Board may recommend removal of the individual from the chapter membership. Affirmation action shall remove the individual from membership in the Federation.

Section 7. Reinstatement of Membership.

a.       Membership in this Federation that was terminated by withdrawal action may be reinstated by showing compliance with the prerequisites set forth in Section 3 of this Article III.

b.       Membership in this Federation that was terminated under Section 6, this Article III, may be reinstated by showing compliance with Section 3, this Article III and by majority vote, with a quorum present of the Executive Board.

Section 8. Rights and Privileges. The Bass Chapters and the chapter's membership comprise this Federation. As members of this Federation they are entitled to all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations to which membership in Bass Anglers Sportsman Society/National B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation implies. Unless otherwise limited by provision:

a.       Individual rights shall include eligibility to seek, if otherwise qualified, any office in this Federation and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the individual membership, and such individual obligations shall include maintaining current their membership in B.A.S.S., membership in an affiliate chapter of this Federation, active participation in Federation activities and a conduct reflecting a favorable image of the Bass Chapter and Federation in the community.

b.       The Bass Chapters shall have representation on the Board of Presidents with the rights and obligations that such representation shall entail, the right to vote at the Board of Presidents meetings and the right to vote through their Region’s Director on all matters before the Executive Board pertaining to the operation of the Federation; the right to participate in Federation sponsored activities for which they are eligible and such other rights as may be conferred by the Board of Presidents. The chapter's obligations are as described Article III, section 3 and 4.

Section 9. Non-discrimination. There shall be no discrimination in membership or participation in the activities of the Federation by reason of race, creed, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender. There shall be no discrimination in membership based on age, with the exception of certain youth activities, which may have age minimums or maximums.

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ARTICLE IV - BOARD OF PRESIDENTS

Section 1. General. The business management and affairs of the Federation shall be under the direction and control of the Board of Presidents who shall have the authority to authorize contracts, incur liabilities, expend funds, approve sale and exchange of organizational property and attend to such other matters connected with the conduct of the Federation, as it may determine. The officers of the Federation, Region Directors and elected representatives of affiliate Bass Chapters shall constitute the Board of Presidents.

Section 2. Bass Chapter Representation

a. Each Bass Chapter, which is in good standing with and maintains active its affiliate status with this Federation, shall have a member who shall serve on the Board of Presidents. Such members shall:

1.       Be an elected or appointed official of the chapter he/she represents. Be an elected or appointed official of the chapter he/she represents.

2.       Represent the membership of their chapter and convey the business of that membership to the Board of Presidents and in turn, relay the business of the Board of Presidents to the chapter members.

3.       Attend a minimum of 50% of the scheduled Region meetings conducted during the calendar year (CY). Compliance with this requirement shall maintain active their chapter's status in the Federation and eligibility for chapter participation in the Federation's state qualifying tournaments.

b. In addition to the chapter representative, bass chapters may appoint alternate representatives who meet the requirements of Article IV, section 2 (a). The chapter's alternate representative may represent the chapter at the Region meeting in the absence of the chapter representative. Alternate chapter representatives may be appointed to fill un-expired terms of office of chapter representative should the position be vacated for any reason.

c. As provided under Article III, section 4, a requirement for continuing affiliation with this Federation is chapter representation in Region meetings.

Section 3. Meetings. A meeting of the Board of Presidents shall be held at least once during the calendar year (CY) on such a date, at such a place, and at such a starting time as shall be coordinated and determined by the Executive Board. Additional and/or special meetings may be held at the discretion of the President. The location, date and starting time for the regular meeting of the Board of Presidents for the succeeding CY shall be announced by the President no later than the last Executive Board meeting for the current CY. Regional meetings shall be held monthly on such a date, at such a place and at such a starting time as shall be determined by the Region Director.

Section 4. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Presidents may be called at anytime by the President or by a majority of the Executive Board or by a majority of Board of Presidents. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Presidents shall be given in writing, personally or by mail, to each chapter president not less than thirty (30) days before such meeting. The notice shall state the time, place and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. If notice of a special meeting is to be mailed, it shall be deemed to have been given ten (10) days after deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the chapter president at his last known post office address.

Section 5. Region Directors. The chapter representatives in each geographical region shall elect a Regional Director to represent them on the Executive Board. In actions that require the vote of the Board of Presidents, the Region Director shall act on behalf of Bass Chapters in his/her region and shall have voting powers for each of the chapters in good standing in that region. Region Director shall have only one vote on matters before the Executive Board that do not require the vote of the chapters. The chapter representatives shall also elect Region officers to handle the day-to-day management of the region and which shall include at least an Assistant Region Director that may act in the Directors absence, a Region Secretary and a Region Treasure. The Region Directors shall:

a.       Preside and maintain order over all meetings of the Region.

b.       Maintain liaison between the Executive Board and the Regions Bass Chapters.

c.       Direct all official business of the Region and assign duties to the Region Officers.

d.       Coordinate all activities assigned to the Region by the Executive Board or the Board of Presidents.

e.       Be a member of the Tournament Eligibility and Nominations Committee.

f.        Vote the wishes of the Region's Chapter Representatives at Executive Board meetings and not vote for chapters that have failed to cast ballots at Regional meetings.

g.       Shall administer penalties imposed by the Region or Executive Board for violations of these bylaws or standing rules of the Region or the Federation.

Section 6. Committees. The Board of Presidents may, by resolution(s), passed by a majority of directors, with a quorum present, designate one or more committees, each consisting of two or more of the directors and any number of individual members of the Federation. The designation of such committee and the delegation of authority shall not to relieve the Board of Presidents, or any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed upon it or him by law. Each committee shall keep minutes of its meetings and report to the Board of Presidents when required.

Section 7. Voting. At all meetings of the Board of Presidents, each chapter shall have one vote. Proxy votes during Board of Presidents meetings are prohibited. At Regional meetings, each chapter shall also have one vote. Region officers may not vote unless they are a chapter representative.

Section 8. Compensation. Chapter Representatives shall not receive compensation from Federation funds for their services as representatives. However, they may be reimbursed for certain expenses incurred on behalf of the Federation, the expenses to be evidenced by receipt or other proper document. Representatives shall not be reimbursed for vehicle expenses phone charges or other charges related to their attendance of meeting. Regions and chapters may reimburse representatives for certain expenses incurred, on behalf of the Federation or their Region, the expense to be evidenced by receipt or other proper document.

Section 9. Books and Accounting Records. As a continuing action, the Board of Presidents shall monitor the procedures for maintaining the books and accounting records of the Federation to assure:

a.       The Federation keeps correct and complete books and records of account.

b.       All Federation funds are properly safeguarded and all receipts of monies and expenditures are properly recorded according to acceptable accounting procedures.

c.       A record of the proceedings of meetings and committees are kept.

d.       A record of the names and addresses of its affiliate Bass Chapters and chapter members on the Board of Presidents are maintained at the principal office of the Federation.

e.       A committee appointed by the President and an outside independent auditor audits the Federation’s financial books and accounts annually.

Section 10. Exceptions to Authority. The Board of Presidents may not:

a.       Make any rule of regulation, not already delegated to the Federation by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws that shall impinge upon the autonomy and authority of the Bass Chapters as separate entities.

b.       Amend or repeal portions of the Articles or these Bylaws that were imposed by vote of the individual membership, inclusive of the following which shall be determined by individual vote:

1.       Withdrawal of the Federation from Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.

2.       Imposition of additional membership fees on the individual members.

3.       Dissolution of the Federation.

Section 11. Quorum. A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings, including Regional meetings, meetings of the Board of Presidents shall be two-thirds of the eligible Bass Chapters.

Section 12. Executive Secretary/Director. If the Executive Board is unable to carry on the management of the Federation, the Board of Presidents may appoint an Executive Secretary/Director, providing that the authority of this office is limited to administrative management of the day-to-day operation of the Federation and that this office in no way becomes involved in determination of Federation policy. It shall be a continuing policy of the Board of Presidents to seek volunteer staff whenever possible.

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ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

Section 1. General. Officers of the Federation shall be elected by the individual members of the Federation. Federation Officers, Region Directors and Standing Committee Chairpersons shall be known as the Executive Board and are empowered to carry out the directives of the Board of Presidents when the Board is not in session. The Board of Presidents shall have the power to overrule or modify the action of the Executive Board or any officer of the Federation.

a.       The Executive Board may act by a majority, with a quorum present; of its members at a meeting or informally without a meeting provided all members sign a document reflecting such informal action

b.       An act or authorization of an act by the Executive Board within the authority delegated shall be as effective for all purposes as the act or authorization of the Board of Presidents.

c.       The Executive Board shall meet monthly at a location determined by the President. Meetings of the Executive Board may be called or canceled at the discretion of at least 50% of the voting officers, with prior notice to all Executive Board members. A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Executive Board shall be six (6) voting members.

d.       The Executive Board shall meet prior to each regular or special meeting of the Board of Presidents to prepare an agenda for the Board of President's meeting, to consider and shape old and new business for presentation to the Board.

e.       During a Board of President's meetings, officers may perform dual functions, i.e., Federation Official and Bass Chapter representative. In the latter case provided they are the chapter delegate and are recognized as such by the chair, they shall be authorized to register attendance and cast their authorized vote under the provisions of Article IV, section 7 in the interests of their respective Bass Chapter.

Section 2. Term of Office. The term of office for Federation Officers and Region Directors shall be for a period of two (2) years. Officers shall take office during the first Executive Board meeting of the calendar year, or, at the first meeting following the meeting in which they were elected. Officers may be elected for consecutive terms for the same position, not to exceed three terms, six (6) years of uninterrupted tenure. Officers may serve beyond their official term should a successor(s) fail to be elected, until such time as successors can be elected and installed.

Section 3. Eligibility for Office. Officers and Region Directors shall be members in good standing of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and of an affiliate Bass Chapter of this Federation.

a.       The President must have served at least on year on the Executive Board, or at least three years on the Board of Presidents and have actively participated in a major Federation project.

b.       All other officers and Region Directors must have served at least one year on the Board of Presidents, or have actively participated in a major Federation project, or have otherwise demonstrated an active interest in the efforts of the Federation.

Section 4. Removal from Office. Any officer may be removed from office for cause by two-thirds vote, with a quorum present, of the Board of Presidents, and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment, the Board considers such action to be in the best interest of the Federation. An officer's absence, without justifiable reasons, from three consecutive meetings of the Executive Board shall be cause for removal.

Section 5 Voting. Only Executive Board Officers, Region Directors, or Assistant Region Directors (in the absence of the Region Director) present will be entitled to vote on matters before the Executive Board. No Proxy votes are allowed and the President will vote only in the case of a tie. Only Executive Board officers and Region Directors or Assistant Region Directors (in the absence of the Region Director) may make and second motions. Any voting member may request secret ballots. At the request of any voting member and with majority approval, a poll of the Board of Presidents may be requested of the Region Directors. The Region Directors shall have until the next regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting to conduct the poll and report the votes.

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ARTICLE VI - RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. President. Shall be the chief executive officer of the Federation, and shall:

  • Preside and maintain order over all meetings of the Executive Board and Board of Presidents of this Federation.
  • Schedule regular and special meetings of the Board of Presidents and of the Executive Board; notify directors and officers of meeting dates.
  • Appoint Standing and Special Committees of this Federation as appropriate, cooperate with chairman thereof to assure proper functioning, reporting of each committee.
  • See that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held.
  • Direct all official business for the Federation.
  • Be the official representative of Maryland B.A.S.S. Chapter State Federation, Inc.
  • Assure adequate supervision of all Federation sponsored activities.
  • Except for the Nominating Committee, be an ex-officio, nonvoting member of all standing and special committees.
  • Maintain liaison with Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and endorsed sponsors and promoters.
  • Initiate disciplinary action in respect to violations of standing regulations and procedures by Federation members.
  • Acquire a working knowledge of parliamentary law and procedures and a thorough understanding of the Articles and Bylaws of this Federation.
  • Submit each calendar year, no later than the first monthly meeting, a statement of Anticipated Revenues and Expenditures (Budget) for approval by the Board of Presidents.
  • Vote only as a tiebreaker in all matters before the Boards.
  • Maintain liaison with Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Section 2. 1st Vice President. If the President is unable to perform the duties of office for any reason, the 1st Vice President shall occupy that position and perform the duties with the same authority as the President. The 1st Vice President shall be the action officer for the Federation in such matters that relate to the natural environment and its protection and to the conservation and protection of aquatic resources. The 1st Vice President shall be a member of the Federation's Tournament Committee and Conservation Committee; and shall:

  • Coordinate tournament planning, keeping the Executive Board current relative to the status of Federation sponsored tournaments.
  • Assist the responsible regions or Bass Chapters in the planning and selection of sites for use during Federation sponsored tournaments.
  • Propose primary and alternate locations for the succeeding year's Federation State Qualifying Tournaments.
  • Monitor preparations for Federation sponsored tournaments; keep the President and members of the Executive Board current relative to the preparatory activities.
  • Maintain current Tournament Rules and Regulations governing conduct of the Federation’s State Qualifying Tournaments; prescribe exceptions to these rules as may be required to meet tournament conditions.
  • Establish rules and procedures to govern all Federation sponsored tournaments to assure their conduct within the spirit and high degree of standards established by B.A.S.S. and the Maryland B.A.S.S. Chapter State Federation, Inc.
  • Determine requirements and request funding allocations required for conduct of the Federation State Qualifying Tournaments and other tournament related activities.
  • Coordinate and supervise the implementation of Federation sponsored environment and conservation related programs.
  • Collect and evaluate reported violations of local, state and federal anti-pollution laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and other regulatory devices; recommend and take actions as directed.
  • Undertake information and educational programs to bring to the members and the public an awareness of threats to the environment.
  • Maintain current information pertaining to legislation at local, state or national levels that will influence environmental or aquatic resources; assure membership awareness of such legislation.
  • Maintain liaison with the Fisheries Division, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and other state and national agencies as appropriate.
  • Assist the President as directed.

Section 3. 2nd Vice President. In event of the President and 1st Vice President, shall be next in rank to occupy the President's position and shall assume and discharge pro tempore the powers and duties of the President. The 2nd Vice President shall be the action officer for the Federation on such matters as relate to Public Relations, Youth and Financial Affairs; and shall:

  • Serve as a member of the Youth, Fund Raising, Audit and Communications committees appointed by the President.
  • Coordinate youth activity related activities for the Federation; ascertain funding requirements and recommend funding allocations for youth projects and events.