ARTICLE 1. NAME AND PURPOSE
This Club shall be called the Michigan Bass Anglers
To stimulate the public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport. To offer our State Conservation Department our organizational morale and political support and encouragement. To promote full adherence to all conservation codes and demand adequate water standards and legal enforcement of existing regulatory standards. To detect and report any polluter and call public attention to his crime. To improve our skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass catching techniques and ideas, and to promote and encourage youth fishing, and a love for this great recreation. To function as a dynamic and effective link with other Clubs embracing the principles and purposes of the Bass Angler’s Sportsman’s Society (B.A.S.S.).
ARTICLE 2. MISSION STATEMENT
Teamwork, Education, and Youth Development are the three pillars of The Michigan Bass Anglers. From novice to the experienced, we allow anglers the chance to compete in a rotating team format that focuses upon sharing knowledge while still constantly challenging angling abilities. Fishing only for trophies, our proceeds help fuel our Youth Program, where young adults learn the techniques and leadership skills to succeed in the sport of bass fishing and beyond.
ARTICLE 3. MEMBERSHIP
This Club total general membership shall not be limited.
To become a Club member, a person shall:
- Present proof of membership or an application for membership in B.A.S.S. of America.
- Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership.
- Be recommended by any member, who is in good standing at a regular monthly meeting.
- Be voted on by membership. The vote shall be by a show of hands and affirmation must be by a majority of the members present.
- Full membership shall be then awarded and membership credentials presented.
To remain in good standing a member shall:
- Participate in at least 25% of the Club Tournaments.
- Participate in at least 25% of all Club Meetings.
- New Member and Renewal Dues for a regular yearly membership shall be $20.00 plus applicable National B.A.S.S. Nation and Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation dues.
- Dues for Members who are not considered "In Good Standing" will be $25.00 plus applicable National B.A.S.S. and Michigan B.A.S.S. Nation dues.
- These funds will be paid in one lump sum on or before the regularly scheduled meeting in November.
- Late fees
- If a member, who intends on remaining in the club, fails to pay their club dues on or before the close of the November meeting, a late fee of $5.00 will be assessed beginning the day after the November meeting.
- If their dues are not paid before the MBCF Presidents meeting in December an additional $5.00 late fee will be assessed to pay the MBCF Late charge if applicable.
- Any applicable late fees that have been assessed by Michigan Bass Nation or the B.A.S.S. Nation will be added to the members dues as applicable.
ARTICLE 4. OFFICERS, ELECTIONS, VACANCIES AND ELIGIBILITY
The officers of the Club shall consist of:
- PRESIDENT – Preside over all meetings, direct al official business, appoint all committees, direct all committee functions, and supervise all club functions. The term of office shall be one year for the President.
- VICE PRESIDENT – Assist the President and their duties and preside in the absence of the President.
- The VP shall be charged with arranging the annual awards banquet.
- The VP shall also be charged with establishing an elections committee to facilitate the Officers elections. The elections committee shall be chaired by the VP with two additional club members assisting.
- SECRETARY – Maintain accurate minutes of all meetings and maintain regular liaison between the Club and B.A.S.S. National Headquarters.
- TREASURER – Maintain records and report at each meeting and report in writing.
- TRUSTEES – The Board of Trustees shall consist of either:
- 3 Past Presidents
- 2 Past Presidents and one elected Club member.
- 3 members in good standing, elected to the positions.
- The Trustees shall be informed of all expenditures, which in their judgment would jeopardize the financial stability of this Club.
The term of each office is for one year, and shall begin on the first Wednesday of November and end on the close of the following October meeting.
In the event of an office becoming vacant, nominations shall be asked for, and an election will be held to fill the term of the individual vacating the office.
To be eligible for an office a member must:
- Have been a member in good standing for the past 11 months.
- Have shown an active interest in all Club functions.
Each member is entitled to one vote. Proxy votes are not permitted. A member must be present at the meeting for their vote to be accepted.
- Members of the club may be nominated to run for office if they have completed 11 months of membership as of the October meeting.
- Nominations for offices shall only be approved if the member being nominated accepts the nomination.
- Members need not be present to run for office, but proof that the person accepts the nomination must be provided. Proof may be submitted in written form or verbally to the Elections Committee.
ARTICLE 5. METHODS OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION
The Constitution may be amended at any meeting by a 2/3 vote of the members present, provided that a quorum is 2/3 of the active membership. Amendments shall remain in effect for minimum period of 1 year from their date of implementation. All revisions must be presented at at least two meetings. They can be voted on at the second reading.
- A member shall be dropped from the membership role for the following:
- Failure to pay dues
- Any action, which would reflect dishonor or disgrace on this Club.
- The member is caught cheating during a tournament.
- A member shall be considered "Not in Good Standing" due to the following reasons:
- At the point any member fails to attend 25% of the Club meetings during a 12 month period. This period shall be defined as from the date dues are paid.
- At the point any member fails to participate in at least 25% of the scheduled Club Tournaments.
ARTICLE 7. AUDITS
- An annual audit of all club funds and expenditures shall be done after the October meeting but before the November meeting every year.
- Audit findings shall be reported at the beginning of the November meeting after the Treasurers report.
- The auditing committee shall consist of 3 members in good standing, all of which are not on the Executive Board. A Chair of the audit committee shall be chosen from the 3 members.
- The club Treasurer is expected to provide the Audit Committee copies of all records pertaining to financial statements as well as expenditures and incomes.