By-laws of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club, Inc.

 

By-laws of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club, Inc., Bemidji, Minnesota adopted the 24th day of September, 1968, pursuant to Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State, August 9, 1968, in book P30 of Incorporations, on Page 52, and pursuant to Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Secretary of State on the 9th day of August, 1968:

Article I

Offices

Section 1. The registered office of the corporation shall be 14150 Irvine Ave. NW in the City of Bemidji, County of Beltrami and State of Minnesota.

Article II

Officers

Section 1. - The officers of the corporation shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.  The office of Secretary and Treasurer may be held by one person.

Article III

Duties of the Officers

Section 1. Duties of President.  It shall be the duty of the President to take charge of the corporation; to preside at all regular and special meetings of the Board of Governors.  He/she shall have the entire supervision and management of the corporation and its property pending the action of the Board of Governors; the power to suspend any member for violating the By-Laws or Regulations of the corporation, pending the approval of the board; to call special board meetings and corporation meetings.

 

The President, together with the Secretary, shall sign all agreements and contracts made by the corporation, upon the approval of the Board of Governors

 

Section 2. Duties of Vice-President.  It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties and in his/her absence to assume his/her duties and officiate in his/her stead.

 

Section 3. Duties of the Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the corporation and shall keep a record of all receipts and disbursements and shall render a written report when requested by the President of the Board of Governors.  The Board of Governors shall have the power whenever they deem it necessary to appoint an acting Treasurer.  Disbursements will be made only upon expenses approved by the Board of Governors.  The funds shall be deposited in the name of the corporation in a bank approved by the Board of Governors or in securities approved by the Board of Governors.  All disbursements by check shall be signed by person(s) appointed by the Board of Governors of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club, Inc.

 

Section 4. Duties of the Secretary.  It shall be the duties of the Secretary to keep the minutes of the meetings of the corporation and of the Board of Governors and to supervise all report and documents connected with the business of the corporation; to supervise keeping of a roll of memberships together with dates of their election and a record of all members elected, deceased, suspended, or expelled.  He/she shall receive all applications for membership and shall notify the applicant of his election or rejections and shall furnish him with the By-Laws and Rules of the Corporation if elected.

  Supervise the correspondence of the corporation, prepare and issue notices of all meetings of the corporation and the Board of Governors.

Article IV

Board of Governors

Section 1. Number of Members.  There shall be a Board of Governors composed of a minimum of eight, but no more than twelve regular adult voting members of the corporation. At no time shall the board of governors have more than two members who are also BFSC contracted coaches.

 

Section 2. Term of Office.  Members shall be elected each year at the regular meeting of the membership, and they shall serve for a period of three years.  No more than one member of a family may serve on the Board of Governors simultaneously.

 

Section 3. Method of Election.

1.  Officers.  The President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be selected from the Board of Governors during the annual meeting of the corporation and shall hold office for one year or until their successors are selected.

2.  Board of Governors.  The original Board of Governors are named in the Articles of Incorporation to hold office until the first annual meeting of the corporation to be held on the first Tuesday of November, 1968; at that time three members shall be elected for one year, three members for two years and three members for three years and thereafter three members shall be elected at each annual meeting for three year terms or until their successors are duly elected.

3.  Method of Voting.  All members on the Board of Governors shall have one vote; voting shall be by ballot unless the vote shall be by unanimous acclamation; and where there are more than two nominations for any office, the nominee receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected.

4.  Incapacitated Board Members.  If any member of the Board of Governors becomes incapacitated and unable to fulfill the remainder of his/her term, the Board of Governors has the power to appoint another member (in good standing) of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club, Inc., to stand in until the next annual meeting.  The stand in member is eligible to formally run and be elected to the position for a full term.

 

Article V

Powers and Duties of Board of Governors

Section 1. Meetings.  The Board of Governors shall meet at least once in every month.  The date of such meetings shall be stated by the President, or in his/her absence by the Vice-president.  Any four members of the board may call a board meeting upon notice to all the members of the Board of Governors at least three days prior to the meeting.  The notice shall state the date of the meeting, purpose for which the meeting is called, and the names of the four members requesting the meeting.

 

Section 2. Quorum. [the number (as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business] Fifty percent (50%) of the Board members shall constitute a quorum.

 

Section 3. Authority.  They shall have the entire authority in the management of affairs and finances of the corporation and shall have general control of its property.  All rights and powers connected therein shall be vested in them.

 

Section 4. Rules.  They shall make such rules as they deem proper respecting the use of the corporation's property; prescribe rules for the admission of membership; fix penalties for offenses against the rules, and make rules for their own government and for the government of the committees appointed by them.

 

Section 5. Appropriations.  All appropriations from the funds of the corporation shall be made by the Board of Governors.

 

Section 6. Indebtedness.  They shall have the power to limit the indebtedness of a member to the corporation or any of its professional representatives.

 

Section 7. Candidates for Membership.  They shall elect to membership in the corporation as hereinafter provided, such candidates as they consider desirable.  Such election must be by ballot at a regular monthly meeting of the Board.  If a proposed member receives two or more negative votes, discussion on this proposed member shall be re-opened.  After this discussion, a ballot for rejection will be cast requiring a majority vote of a quorum for passage.  If this rejection does not pass the proposed member shall be accepted.  If this rejection is passed said proposed member shall by eligible again for membership not sooner than six months after rejection date.

 

Section 8. Suspend or Expel.  They shall have the power to suspend or expel any member for violations of the constitution and By-laws or for conduct which they shall deem improper, but no member shall be expelled or suspended for longer than thirty days without a hearing.

 

Section 9. Re-admit to Membership.  They may at a regular meeting, re-admit to membership, without the payment of second initiation fee, any former member whose resignation has been fully accepted.  No rejected candidate shall be again proposed for reinstatement within six months after rejection.

 

Section 10.  Drop and Reinstate to Membership.  They may as hereinafter provided, drop from the roll any delinquent member and also may reinstate such members as hereinafter provided.

 

Section 11. Standing Committees.  They shall appoint all standing committees with full authority over them and shall appoint such other committees as shall seem to them necessary.

 

Section 12.  USFSA Delegate.  They shall elect a delegate to the United States Figure Skating Association.  The corporation Secretary shall inform the Association's Secretary, in writing, of the name and address of the delegate elected.  Said delegate shall be the sole representative between the corporation and the Association and shall attend the Association's meetings, either in person or by proxy.  The Board may, as it sees fit, pay the traveling expenses of the delegate to the Association meetings.

 

Section 13.  Clerical Assistance.  They shall have authority to make, at their discretion, appropriations for clerical assistance to the Secretary.

 

Section 14.  Expenditures and Revenue.  They shall prepare and submit to the Annual Meeting a program of anticipated expenditures for the coming year together with proposals of sources of revenue to meet same.

 

Section 15.  Board Member Limitation.  The office of a Board member shall be ipso facto vacated:

1.If he/she is found to be of unsound mind.

2.If he/she is convicted of a criminal offense.

3.If by notice in writing to the corporation he/she resigns his/her office.

4.If he/she is no longer a member of the corporation.

              5.Should any Board member miss two consecutive meetings, they will be brought before  

                 the Board for review.

         6. If he/she has been placed under disciplinary action by the Board.

Section 16.  If a Board member violates the Home Club Policies or the Bylaws, or Independent Contractor                 

                    Agreement, he/she is not eligible to participate in discussions or final vote regarding their own                       

                    disciplinary action.

 

Section 17.  Member Time for Items Not on Agenda.  Bemidji Figure Skating Club members will have a maximum of 5 minutes to address the Board of Governors at it's regular monthly meetings.  The President reserves the right to determine whether the Board will issue an immediate response to speaker.  Further, the President reserves the right to immediately terminate the speaker if remarks are deemed derogatory or the speaker engages in personal attacks of any member of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club, for any reason whatsoever and the President has the authority to ask the person to leave the meeting immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article VI

Standing Committees

Section 1. Names.  The Standing Committees shall be:

1. Membership Committee

2. Music Committee

3. Rules Committee

4. Test and Competitions

5. Dance Committee

6. Synchro Committee

7. Carnival Committee

8. Sanctions Committee

9. Entertainment Committee

                     10. Nominating Committee

                      11. Publicity Committee

                      12. Fundraising Committee

                      13. Hiring Committee

                      14. Basic Skills Representative

                      15. Ice

                      16. Document Review Committee

17. Grievance, and other such committees as the Board of Governors may deem necessary.     

      They shall be appointed annually by the Board of Governors at their regular meeting after the  

      annual election

Section 1. Membership Committee.  The Membership Committee shall consist of three or more members.  They shall investigate and pass on the qualifications of all candidates for membership and report their conclusions to the Board of Governors.

 

Section 2. Music Committee.  The Music Committee shall consist of three or more members.  They shall select and make arrangements for the playing of all music at the corporation sessions, entertainment, carnivals, etc.

 

Section 3. Rules Committee.  The Rules Committee shall consist of three or more members.  They shall make rules and arrangements for the conduct of the corporation members during the regular skating sessions. Those rules and regulations shall be approved by the Board of Governors and then posted on the corporation bulletin board.

 

Section 4. Tests and Competitions.  The Tests and Competitions Committee shall consist of three or more members who shall have charge of giving USFSA tests and setting dates and obtaining approved USFSA judges for the tests.  They shall have charge of all corporation and inter-club competitions.  The decisions shall rest with this committee as to persons eligible to enter any tests and competitions-

 

Section 5. Dance Committee.  The Dance Committee shall consist of three or more members who shall have charge of dance periods scheduled during corporation sessions. They will arrange for time with the Rules and Ice Committee and for music with the Music Committee.  They shall make up a complete program of dance routines to fit in the time allotted for dance by the Rules and Ice Committee.

 

Section 6.  Synchro Committee.  The Synchro Committee shall consist of three or more members who shall have charge of the synchro group session.  They shall make rules and regulations governing membership, conduct on the ice, and division of the ice time for all synchror group sessions, pending approval of the Board of Governors.  They may ask for and receive help and advice from the other standing committees of the corporation.

 

Section 7.  Carnival Committee.  The Carnival Committee shall consist of 3 or more members who will act as chairpersons of such sub committees as the Board of Governors may designate.  The members of the subcommittees should be appointed by the chairperson of the subcommittee but approved by the Board of Governors.

 

Section 8.  Sanctions Committee.  The Sanctions Committee shall consist of three or more members who shall be in charge of applying for USFSA sanctions for all activities of club members for which sanctions are necessary in order to maintain amateur status.

 

Section 9.  Entertainment Committee.  The Entertainment Committee shall consist of three or more members.  They shall provide and take charge of social entertainment given by the corporation.

 

Section 10.  Nominating Committee.  The President shall appoint three members in good standing (one to serve as chairperson) to serve on the Nominating Committee, its function being to search out members to fill Board vacancies.

 

Section 11.  Publicity Committee.  The Publicity Committee shall consist of three members who perform duties as set up in policies as of October 13, 1986.

 

Section 12.  Fundraising Committee.  The Fund-raising Committee shall organize and execute special events

that are designed to generate extra revenue for the Corporation.  They are to be done in such a manner as to not jeopardize the safety and well being of the participants.  The Fund Raising Committee shall consist of the Treasurer and two other members.  The Treasurer shall deposit the proceeds of the event in the account designated by the Board of Governors.

 

Section 13.  Hiring Committee.  The Hiring Committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.  If a conflict of interest develops with one member of this committee, alternates will be sought. Their duty shall be to review and determine the suitability of applicants for the position to which they are applying.  The Hiring Committee will review all coaches evaluations collected by the Basic Skills Representative, and make a recommendation as to who will be hired for the subsequent Basic Skills session. The Hiring Committee shall contact references and interview new candidates.  The Hiring Committee will then report their recommendation to the Board of Governors.

 

Section 14.  Basic Skills Representative.  The Basic Skills Representative a/k/a the Basic Skills Coordinator is hired by the Board of Governors to manage the Basic Skills program.  He/she is responsible for receiving registrations, preparation of student rosters, assignment of Board approved coaches to the various levels, and oversight of teaching and testing activities.  He/she is to be the direct supervisor of the Basic Skills coaches.  Basic Skills Representative/Basic Skills Coordinator is responsible to report directly to the Grievance Committee any Independent Contractor found in violation of any terms of the Independent Contractor Agreement and Attachments.

 

Section 15.  Ice Committee: The Ice Committee shall consist of 3 or more members and shall divide ice into sections corresponding to the requirements of the corporation.

 

Section 16.  Document Review Committee.  The Document Review Committee shall review, at least annually, the Home Club Policies, Bylaws, and Independent Contractor Agreements and revise as necessary.  The Document Review Committee will also review any other document the Board of Governors deems necessary.  The Document Review Committee shall consist of three members of the club.

 

Section 17.  Grievance Committee:  The Grievance Committee shall receive all formal complaints made to the Board of Governors.  The Grievance Committee will review the information, gather written statements from the parties involved and gather any physical evidence, if available.  Upon completion of investigation the Committee will make a formal recommendation to the Board of Governors.  The review and recommended action must be complete within 10 days of receiving the complaint.  The Grievance Committee must present it's findings and recommendation at a special meeting, or a regular meeting, of the Board of Governors, which ever is sooner.  If the Grievance Committee receives a formal complaint involving a member of the Grievance Committee, the Board of Governors may appoint another Board member to stand in for resolution of that complaint.

 

 

Article VII

Membership

 

Section 1.  Geographical Scope.  Home club members shall include Bemidji and the vicinity.

 

Section 2.  Classes for Membership.  Members shall be classified as: Adults, Juniors, Associates, and Honorary.

 

Section 3.  Applications for Membership.  Each candidate, for active and inactive membership, mush be proposed, in writing, by two members.  Applications for membership must be subscribed by the candidate, must state his name, occupation, and address, and include agreement to comply with the Constitution and By-laws.  All applications must be given to the Secretary prior to or at the meeting of the Board of Governors, at which action is taken thereon.  Skating professionals may be board members and may vote, but may not hold office.

 

Section 4.  Arrears for Dues.   Any member in arrears for dues, or other indebtedness to the corporation or any of its professional representatives will be notified in writing that they are delinquent.  If the amount reported is not paid in full within one month there after, the name of the delinquent shall be reported by the Secretary to the Board of Governors at their next meeting.  The Board of Governors may drop from the roll any name of such delinquent members. Delinquent members shall not be refunded any portion of fees or dues already paid.  A member may, upon payment of same, at the discretion of the Board of Governors, be reinstated to full membership.

 

Section 5.  Arrears for Dues Restriction.  No member in arrears for dues or other indebtedness to the corporation or any of its professional representatives shall be eligible to hold office, or entitled to vote, or to enter in any corporation tests or competitions.

 

Section 6. Resignation.  Any member not in arrears for dues or other indebtedness may tender a written resignation of his membership to the Secretary, who shall report the same to the Board of Governors at the next meeting for their action.

 

Section 7. Honorary Members.  Honorary members may be elected at any meeting of the corporation after recommendation by the Board of Governors, but three negative votes shall reject.  An honorary member shall be free from initiation fees, dues and/or assessments.  He/she may represent the corporation in exhibitions and attend ice skating sessions under the same rules governing active members.  Honorary members have no vote unless otherwise provided.  They shall have no claim on the assets or property of the corporation.

 

Section 8. Adult Members.  Home club members 18 years of age and older.

 

Section 9. Minor Members.  Home club members 17 years of age and younger.

 

Section 10.  Associate Members.  Non-home club members of any age.

 

Section 11. Responsibilities for Guests.  Members shall be responsible for the conduct and indebtedness of all persons admitted to the corporation's property at their request.

 

Section 12, Board Approval for Competition or Exhibition.  No member or members of the corporation shall make entry in the name of the corporation in any competition or exhibition except with the written approval of the Board of Governors, or someone given this authority by them.

 

Article VIII

Corporation Meetings

Section 1. Time.  The annual meeting of the corporation shall be held on the third Monday of September each year.

 

Section 2. Special Meetings.  The Secretary shall call special meetings at the direction of the President or upon the request of four corporation members in good standing.

 

Section 3. Quorum.  Fifty percent (50%) of the active membership in attendance shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

 

Section 4. Notices.  Notices of the annual meeting shall be mailed by the Secretary to every member at least ten days in advance thereof, or posted by the Secretary for the same length of time on the corporation bulletin board.

 

Section 5. Special Meeting Limitation.  No business shall be transacted at a special meeting except that of which notice is given for the infraction of any law or rule, other than skating rules, as for conduct injurious to the welfare of the corporation, may report the same in writing to the Board of Governors.  Such complaints shall set forth the facts of the case, together with the names of witnesses, if any.  After receiving such a complaint, a meeting of the Board of Governors shall be held as soon as practical to receiving such a complaint to investigate same.  The complainant or complainants and the member complained of shall receive at lease seven days notice of such meeting and may be heard with their witnesses.   The statements and evidence shall be reduced to writing and filed with the Secretary, and shall mail copies there of to the complainant or complaints and to the member complained of.  An appeal from the decision of the Board of Governors may be taken to the corporation within seven days thereafter by serving upon the Secretary a written notice of such appeal.  A special meeting shall thereupon be called for consideration of the case, and a two-thirds vote shall be necessary to reverse the decision of the Board of Governors.

 

Section 6. Method of Voting, Each adult home club member of the Bemidji Figure Skating Club,

Inc. shall have one vote at its corporation meeting.

Article IX

Discipline

Section I - Method of Procedure.  Any, member or members having a complaint against another member for the infraction of any law or rule, other than skating rules or those outlined in the Independent Contractor Agreement, as for conduct injurious to the welfare of the corporation, may report the same in writing to the Board of Governors.  Such complaints shall set forth the facts of the case, together with the names of witnesses, if any.  After receiving such a complaint, a meeting of the Board of Governors Grievance Committee as outlined in Article VI, Section 18, shall be held.  The complainant or complainants shall be notified by the Grievance Committee of the complaint and the member complained of shall receive at least four days notice of such meeting and may be heard with their witnesses.  The complaintant or member complained of is not permitted to bring any individual not directly involved as a witness to such meeting.  After the Grievance Committee has issued its report and recommendation to the Board of Governors, the statements and evidence shall be reduced to writing and filed with the Secretary, and shall mail copies thereof to the complainant or complainants and to the member complained of. An appeal from the decision of the Board of Governors may be taken to the corporation within seven days thereafter by serving upon the Secretary a written notice of such appeal.  Any fines or disciplinary action imposed by the Board of Governors remains in effect while the appeal is being heard.  A special meeting shall thereupon be called for consideration of the case, and a two-thirds vote shall be necessary to reverse the decision of the Board of Governors.

 

 

Article X

Fees, Dues and Assessments

Section 1. Dues to be determined by the Board of Governors

Article XI

Corporate Seal

Section 1. The corporate seal shall be in the form shown on the imprint hereon.

Article XII

Robert's Rules of  Order

Section 1, Robert's Rules of Order, All questions of parliamentary practice not herein provided for shall be determined in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

                                                                                       Revised: September, 2008