The Delaware
River Fishermen’s Association has only one goal and that goal is its mission.
To provide an organization that promotes enjoyment through fishing and
fishing-related activities; to nurture comradeship through friendly association;
to improve the skills of members through mutual sharing of information, fish
catching techniques and educational programs; to provide a forum for friendly
competition through Club tournaments; to provide an organizational structure
that governs this body. The Delaware River Fishermen’s Association, in this
document, will be also referred to as the Club.
In order to
preserve and protect it's mission, final authority and control of the Club shall
be vested in its Board of Officers. This Board shall consist of five Club
members. The Board of Officers shall meet as often as necessary to conduct
the business of the Club.
Section
1: Number and Age of Members
The
Club shall consist of at least five members. Membership will be open to
all, without regard to race, creed, color or gender. The minimum
age for membership will be sixteen years. Any person under this age can
gain membership through the Family Membership Plan. All members under the age of
sixteen must fish with an adult in all Club tournaments.
Section 2: Membership Plans
The Annual membership to the
Club consists of the following types:
(a) Individual - Any person at least sixteen years old.
(b) Family Plan - Family members will include any member of
the immediate family residing at that home. This plan also includes any
children, up to the age of sixteen years, no matter where they live.
Grandchildren up to the age of sixteen years also qualify, no matter where they
live.
(c) Participating Club – A reciprocal agreement between the Club and
another fishing association, which allows two members from each organization to
participate in the other’s tournaments.
(d) Supporting Business – A sponsorship agreement that allows a
business to associate with the Club for advertising purposes. Two
representatives from that business may enter a Club tournament.
Section
3: Requirements for Membership
To
become a member, a person shall:
(a) Voluntarily express an interest in membership.
(b) Fill out a membership application and commit to the Club’s mission.
(c) Agree to abide by the Constitution, By-Laws and Tournament
Regulations.
Section 4: Continued Membership
Membership in the Club shall continue unless said member:
(a) Fails to pay in full, all dues, assessments or other liabilities.
(b) Fails to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner or acts in a
manner that would reflect dishonor on the Club.
The Board of Officers expressly reserves the right to review circumstances of
any such matter brought to its attention. After appropriate investigation
and/or discussion with the member(s) involved, the Board will determine the
action to be taken, if any, up to and including cancellation of membership.
Section 5: Membership Dues - Annual
The Board of Officers shall fix the annual membership dues. All
member-ship dues shall be used for the benefit of the Club and support of its
mission, not it’s individual members or Officers. Annual dues are
payable by March 1 or upon being admitted to the club.
Section 1: The Five Officers and Their Duties
The
Officers of the Club shall be President, Vice President /Tournament Director,
Membership Secretary, Recording Secretary and Treasurer. The Board of Officers
shall determine the duties of each office. Furthermore, in the event of a
vacancy caused by;
(a) the inability or choice of an Officer not to continue to serve or
(b) upon the determination that the Officer is not serving in the best
interest of the Club or
(c) objectives of the Club are not being met, the vacancy shall be filled
by a vote of the remaining Board of Officers with the advice of the Membership.
Section 2: The Club Treasury
The Treasurer will make available the latest bank statement at least three times
a year;
(a) at the January, May and September regular monthly meeting or
(b) upon request of the Membership.
Section 3:
Nominations and Elections
Any nominations for an elected office will be submitted at the November
membership meeting. Elections will take place at the December meeting.
Section 4: Term of
Office
The term of office for all Officers will be one year, beginning January 1.
Section 5: Vacancies
In the event an office becomes vacant, the Board of Officers, with the
consent of the Membership, will appoint a member to serve the remainder of the
term of said Officer.
Section 6: Fiscal
Year
The Fiscal year shall be the Calendar year beginning January 1 and ending on
December 31.
From time to
time, and upon review of the financial status of the club, the Board of
Officers, with the consent of the membership, may levy a special assessment of
the club members, to meet the goals of the club and to continue such operations
of the Club, as the membership deems necessary.
The Board of
Officers, with the advice and support of the members, may establish such
policies and procedures necessary to fulfill the mission of the Club.
The Board of
Officers, with the advice of the Members, may amend the Constitution, By-Laws or
Tournament Rules. Member initiatives regarding changes in By-Laws or
Tournament Rules will be permitted and must take the following form and
procedure:
(a) All proposals for changes to the By-Laws or Tournament Rules must be
submitted to the Board of Officers at or before the November meeting,
(b) All proposals submitted to the Board will be discussed by the Board
Officers and Membership at the November monthly meeting.
(c) If a proposal for change is acceptable to the Membership, the
proposal will be posted on the Club website and published in the December
newsletter in the form of a final motion, along with any other initiatives
that had been previously considered and approved by the Membership.
(d) All proposals will be voted on by the Membership at the regular
monthly meeting in December.
(e) If the proposed change or addition is accepted by the Membership, it
will become part and parcel of the Club Constitution and By-Laws or Tournament
Rules on January 1 of the next Calendar year