Devils Brigade Horseshoe Club

Devils’ Brigade Horseshoe Club  

 

Constitution and Bylaws

 

Mission Statement

The Devils’ Brigade is dedicated to expanding participation in the game of horseshoes to as many individuals as possible. Through fundraising functions to benefit national/local charities, the Devils’ Brigade encourages all people, regardless of age, race, gender or skill level, to embrace the game of horseshoes. Our fundamental stand is to build from the bottom up, nurturing the beginner horseshoe pitcher with an accepting environment in which to improve their game.  Helping national and local charities raise funds, gives all members a sense of purpose and a goal oriented drive which can be translated into any avenue of one’s life.

 

Trademark

The trademark consisting of the name “Devils‘ Brigade Horseshoe Club” and the various designs including the horseshoe shaped D will be referred to as “The Brand”.

 

Club Name

The organization shall be known as the “Devils’ Brigade Horseshoe Club” and henceforth referred to as “DBHC” in this document.

The executive board of DBHC Officers shall henceforth be referred to as the Board in this document. 

Article 1. Club Composition

Section A. Framework

1. The DBHC was founded in January of 2006.

2. “DBHC” will do business as the “Devils‘ Brigade Horseshoe Club”.

3. This DBHC Constitution and Bylaws shall be the fundamental law of DBHC.

Section B. National Makeup

1. Chapters are the separate states with Devils’ Brigade presence.

2. Rules set forth herein the Constitution and Bylaws will be a foundation for all chapters/charters to build from.

3. Charters? Dens? are the individual sects within a state. 

a. Each charter elects it’s own board of officers.

b. Each charter is self-sufficient in the sense that all of its members have a say in the charter’s decisions, internal disciplinary measures against members and recreational activities of the charter with regard to its territory.  

c. All charters members will pay National dues which will be separate from local dues.

d. All charters will be responsible to set aside funds to send one delegate to our national tournament “The Redneck Olympix” in Picture Rocks AZ in October.  In the event that your charter is unable to send a delegate contact the National governing board for alternate instruction. 

 

Article 2. Club Membership

Section A. Requirements for Membership

1. Membership of DBHC is open to all horseshoe enthusiast whom agree to follow the DBHC constitution and bylaws and promote a positive impact to the game of horseshoes.

2. All DBHC members, including devilings and maggots, must possess a pair of horseshoes.

4. Individual club members must pay yearly dues as designated by the Officers of the club and are subject to change annually.

Section B. Duration of Membership

1. DBHC membership will continue as long as a person maintains membership in good standing.

Section C. Requirements for Membership in Good Standing

1. A member in good standing must have one year in the NHPA or ADHPA.

2. All club members, devilings and maggots will be required to comply with the DBHC Constitution and Bylaws and all US and State legislations.

3. DBHC members are NOT prohibited from commencing or being a member of any horseshoe club other than the DBHC. DBHC encourages members to join all horseshoe promotion clubs and associations.

4. All DBHC members will be supportive of other clubs activities and events.

5. Members will ensure that the Secretary/Treasurer of the club has their current address, telephone number, email and notify the Secretary/Treasurer of any changes.

Section D. Resignation of Membership

1. The membership of any member of the DBHC will terminate after the member has submitted a written request, on website or in person, for such termination to the Board. The President or Vice President will respond in writing, on website, through email or on paper, and/or in verbal form to said request.

Section E. Fines/Penalties

1. Fines/Penalties will be minimal and stand as a deterrent to undesired behavior.

2. Fines/Penalties will be handed out for the following reasons:

a. Fighting will result in fines/penalties being levied, due to probable damage to the DBHC brand and good name, at a fair rate to be determined by the board. 

b. Destruction of DBHC property will result in fines/penalties being levied at a fair rate to be determined by the board.

c. Failure to arrive at scheduled bus departure on time will result in fines/penalties being levied, due to trip expenses, at a fair rate to be determined by the board.

Section F. Maggot/Deviling

1. An entry level member is considered a maggot until beginning a season in the NHPA or ADHPA as a deviling.

2. A completed new member information card with all the contact information and birth date will be filled out immediately once dues are paid by maggot/deviling.

4. Maggots will not have voting privileges in the DBHC until they become a deviling.

5. Maggots will be responsible for any lawful, horseshoe related, task assigned to them by the Board or other optional officers.

6. Probationary period and maggot/deviling limitations:

a. The term of the probation period shall be one year as a deviling in NHPA or ADHPA unless waived by a unanimous vote by the Board.

b. Members entering with more than one year in the NHPA will have a six month probation period as a deviling unless waived by a unanimous vote by the Board. 

b. Maggots/devilings will have a nickname or handle which may or may not change once they have completed the deviling process and become a full member or brigader.

Section G. Acceptance of Full Membership

1. Once a deviling produces NHPA or ADHPA cards for two consecutive years and has verbal agreement from Secretary Treasurer upon reviewing information card he/she is considered a full member or “Brigader”

Section H. Friends, Associates and honorary members

1. Friends, Associates and honorary members will enter into the horseshoe environment through devilings, maggots and full members. 

2. The friends, family and honorary members do not have to be horseshoe pitchers and can stay below a maggot ranking indefinitely.

4. Friends, associates and honorary members:

a. Will pay dues at a rate determined by the board  only if honorary membership is desired.

b. Are not authorized to vote on DBHC issues or hold any office.

c. Will give general support and help with events just as all other members.

d. May attend general meetings and horseshoe outing as they choose.

e. Must maintain the integrity of the DBHC Constitution and Bylaws.

Section I. Lifetime Membership

1. Any Full member is eligible to become a life member

2. Lifetime membership can be used as a reward for exemplary service or advancment of the DBHC brand

3. A price for life membership will be set by executive board.  The price structure will break down as follows:

a. Age 18-28

b. Age 29-38

c. Age 39-49

d. Age 50-59

e. Age 60- 69

f. Age 70 and above

Section J.Number of Members

1. DBHC will not limit the maximum number of members for their club.

Section K. Suspension and Expulsion Procedures

1. Any member of the club’s Board will have the authority to suspend or expel any member of the club for reasons in this section.

2. Fines and the duration of a suspension will be defined and explained to the suspended/expelled member

3. The suspended or expelled member will be advised that he/she may appeal this action and may request a hearing with the club membership to be held at the first scheduled club meeting following such action. The suspension or expulsion will remain in effect pending the results of the hearing.

4. Reasons for Suspension or Expulsion:

a. For conduct which, in the opinion of the Board or President disturbs the order, dignity, business, welfare, interest, and harmony or impairs the good name or popularity of DBHC Brand.

b. Failure to pay a duly levied fine or annual dues.

5. Appeal of a Suspension or Expulsion:

a. Upon request for a hearing, through a General, the member will be given the opportunity to state his/her point of view. A discussion will take place between the member, his/her Board and his/her club members.

b. Upon the completion of the hearing the member will be asked to leave the room. The general membership must approve any action taken by the Board or President with a two thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at a general or special membership meeting. If the club membership does not support their Board or President then the member will be reinstated with full privileges.

6. Rights Upon Suspension or Expulsion:

a. Membership will cease upon suspension or expulsion from DBHC.  The member will have no right, title, interest or claim in any asset of DBHC. Upon expulsion, any rights to a refund of dues, fees or contributions by the member made to DBHC are forfeited.

Section L. Reinstatement from Suspension

1. A suspended member wishing to be reinstated must submit a written request, through a General or any other board member, to the Board.

2. The suspended member must pay any fines specified as part of the suspension or monies owed to his club before reinstatement.

Section M. Non-Transferable Membership

1. Membership in DBHC may not be transferred or reassigned to another person. 

Section N. Membership Meetings

1. DBHC shall have meetings of the general membership twice a year, the first Wednesday in January and the first Wednesday in June unless rescheduled by the Board.

2. Special meetings of club members can be called by the President or by any two Board members and will be held at such times and places as may be ordered by the Board or President.

2. Notice of special meetings will be given as far in advance as possible.

3. A meeting will be conducted by the board once per month on the third Sunday of the month unless rescheduled by the Board.

Article 3. Charter Board of Officers

Section A. All DBHC activities will be governed by the Charter Board of Officers

Section B. Composition DBHC’s Board.

1. President

2. Vice President

3. Secretary/Treasurer

4. Sergeant at Arms

5. Road Captain or Ombudsman

Section C. Election to an Office of the Board

1. Board of Officers shall be elected from the club membership. Positions will be nominated and seconded to be eligible to run.

2. A candidate for a Board office must be a DBHC member in good standing.

3. The offices of President,  Vice President and Sec/Treas will be limited to full members.

4. The offices of Sergeant at Arms, Road Captain and Ombudsman will be limited  Deviling member or above

5. Elections shall be held at the first scheduled club meeting each year for Board positions unless a special election is needed to fill a vacancy.

6. All club members present at the January meeting and in good standing shall have one vote.

Section D. Term of Office for Chapter Board Members

1. The club Board of Officers shall be elected for a term of 2 years commencing on February 1  following the January election.

2. There is no limit to the number of terms a member may serve on the club Board of Officers.

3. The first election meeting in January/february 2010 will elect all charter board members. 

4. President, Sergeant at arms and Vice President will serve a full two year term starting February ^1st.

5. Secretary/Treasurer and Road captain or Ombudsman will serve one year and be up for reelection once again in January 2011.

6. All officers will serve their two year terms out from then on in a staggered two year election cycle.

Section E. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chapter Board of Officers

1. Oversee the management of property owned by the club and report to their membership at meeting.

2. Maintain control over the individual club’s usage of the trademarked merchandise.

3. Maintain the integrity of DBHC Constitution and Bylaws.

4. Sign and date the Club Operating Policy when it is initially created. Thereafter they will sign and date the Club Operating Policy when the new Board members are elected.

5. Be responsible for maintenance and control all individual club records, fees and functions therein.

6. Appoint or dismiss Optional Officers.

7. Notify the club members when a new Officer of the Board is elected.

Section F. Club Board Officer Duties 

1. Under the chapter/charter power structure, the “President” is the  leader and has limited veto power over decisions made by members. If the membership vote a more than 3/4 majority the President loses veto power. The President also will:

a. Preside at the general membership and Board of Officer meetings.

b. Maintain order and require strict compliance with the DBHC Constitution and Bylaws and his Club Operating Policy and such rules and regulations that may be adopted pursuant therein.

c. Nominate, and with the advice and consent of the other members of the Board, appoint the chairmen and members of all standing and special committees, and serve as an ex-officio member thereof.

d. Sign all contracts and other official documents authorized by the Board of Officers or general club membership, in partnership with the Secretary/Treasurer.

e. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or club membership

f. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to the club and the office of President.

2. Vice President shall:

a. In the absence of the President, discharge the duties of the President.

b. Preside at the club and Board of Officer meetings at the request of the President.

c. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or the club membership.

d. Be responsible for updating and maintaining his Club’s Operating Policy.

e. Be in charge of all birthday and personal celebration planning.

f. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Vice President.

3. Secretary/Treasurer shall:

a. Maintain all books, documents, papers, and records of DBHC not otherwise entrusted, temporarily or permanently to other officers or to standing or special committees.

b. Transcribe all minutes of the general and Board meetings, and submit them for approval or amendment at the next meeting.

c. Maintain a roster of all DBHC members and share with webmaster.

d. When so required, will conduct the general correspondence of DBHC.

e.  With the President, attest and sign all duly authorized and approved contracts of DBHC and keep copies thereof.

f. Be the custodian of all funds and property of DBHC.

g. Issue all checks authorized by the Board for disbursement of funds.

h. Keep an itemized record of DBHC receipts and disbursements.

i. Deposit the Club’s funds collected in a bank or institution approved by the Board.

j. Execute all other such assignments as may be ordered by the Board.

k. Oversee financial books and report to the club membership monthly.

l. Annually conduct DBHC financial review and report the completion of the review to the Board.

m. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Secretary/Treasurer.

4. Sergeant at Arms shall:

a. In the absence of the President or V.P., discharge the duties of the President.

b. Preside at the club and Board of Officer meetings at the request of the President and V.P.

c. Perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or the club membership.

d. Be responsible for discipline and safety at club meetings, funerals and special events. 

e. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Sergeant at Arms.

5. Road Captain shall:

a. Drive the bus if charter owns one.

b. Coordinate horseshoe outings and map routes to mandatory club functions, including motel specifics and stops for food and gas.

c. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Road Captain.

6. Ombudsman shall:

a. Educate and inspire the maggots and devilings. 

b. Sit in on board meetings and cast the deciding vote in charters without a Road Captain, but only in the event of a locked vote.

c. Have no term limit and must be removed by a majority vote of the board. There is no appeal procedure once removed.

d. The primary duty of the ombudsman is to supply professional advice in the conduct of the club’s business or to procure proper counsel. He or she is the guardian of the constitutional form of government. Your ombudsman can supply valuable assistance to other committees and officers. That officer should be available for legal advice on matters relating to the interpretation of the constitution and by-laws.

e. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of General of the Brigade.

Section G. Board of Officer Meetings

1. The DBHC Board of Officers will meet monthly. Additional meetings can be called upon by any member of the Board.

Section H. Removal of a Board member from Office

1. Any member of the Board of Officers who is absent without an acceptable excuse from two (2) consecutive Board meetings and/or regular membership meetings may be replaced at the discretion of the club membership.

2. A hearing shall be held at regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting for a decision to replace the Board member. This hearing is open to all of DBHC members in good standing. A two thirds (2/3) vote of the total DBHC membership is required to remove an officer from the Board.

Article 4. Optional Club Officers

Section A. Optional Club Officers include, but are not limited to:

1. Chaplin

2. Tournament Director

3. Webmaster

4. General

5. General of the Brigade

Section B. Appointment to Office

1. Optional Officers are appointed by the board of officers with a majority vote.

Section C. Removal from Office

1. The Board can remove any of their Optional Officers from office with a majority vote.

2. There is no appeal procedure for Optional Officers once removed.

1. Chaplin shall:

a. Deliver a prayer at special events and funerals.

b. Visit members in the hospital.

c. Write eulogies in case of death.

d. Be a full member of the DBHC.

e. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Chaplin.

2. Tournament Director shall:

a. MC all tournaments and activities produced by the DBHC.

b. Appoint a co director to help with duties such as sorting chips and fully prepare in advance of tournament.

c. Take responsibility for brackets and monies collected until transferred to Sec/Treas.

d. Decide payout for all places.

e.  At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Tournament Director.

3. Webmaster shall:

a. Maintain a roster of all DBHC members.

b. Post all upcoming events.

c. Post and congratulate all new charters.

d. List all national statistics of ADHPA.

e. Post pictures of past events and merchandise.

f. Be a full member.

g. At the expiration of his/her term of office, deliver to his successor all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of Webmaster.

4. Generals Shall:

a. Be responsible for hearing complaints and concerns of club members.

b. Record and compile the information needed to present the complaint or concern to the executive board.

c. Present case to executive board at scheduled monthly board meeting to be accessed.

d. Be a full member.

e. Be multiple in numbers and serve without limit.

f. In the event of removal by the board, Generals shall deliver to board all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of General.

4. General of the Brigade Shall:

a. Be an honorary position of an elder member.

b. Be allowed to attend all meetings of the Board and given a chance for input if desired.

c. Be a full member.

d.  Serve without limit.

f. In the event of removal by the board, Generals shall deliver to board all tools, documents, materials and pertinent information in his/her possession pertaining to DBHC and the office of General.

 

Copyright (c)2009 The Devils’ Brigade Horseshoe Club’s

 

Jon Molden

Vice President

Devils’ Brigade

December 11, 2009

 

 

　 

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