By-Laws
BY – LAWS
of the
WEST SEATTLE SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, INCORPORATED
Adopted October 25, 1935
Amended May 1949, January 1963, June 1966
Amended September 4, 1973, December 1974
Amended Jan 1, 1994, Jan 1, 1995, May 1, 1996
Amended June 5, 1996, May 5, 1997, June 5, 1997,
Amended June 1, 2002, Oct 3, 2007, January 2, 2008
Amended May 7, 2008, September 3, 2008, November 7, 2012
CONTENTS
Article I – Name
Article II – Location
Article III – Objects
Article IV – Membership
Article V – Member’s Dues
Article VI – HONORARY AND OTHER FORMS OF MEMBERSHIP
Article VII – EXPULSION
Article VIII – OFFICERS
Article IX – TERMS OF OFFICE AND MANNER OF ELECTION
Article X – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Article XI – MEETINGS
Article XII – QUORUM
Article XIII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Article XIV – VACANCIES
Article XV – NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Article XVI – RIFLE & PISTOL ACTIVITIES
Article XVII – ROGER DAHL AND FRED BURR MEMORIAL INSPIRATIONAL AWARDS
Article XVIII – FINANCE COMMITTEE
Article XIX – OTHER COMMITTEES
Article XX – DELEGATES
Article XXI – ENDORSEMENT OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES
Article XXII – FINANCES
Article XXIII – RESOLUTIONS
Article XXIV – CONSTRUCTION OF CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
Article XXV – MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR
Article XXVI – AMENDMENTS
Article XXVII – ORDER OF BUSINESS
Article XXVIII – RULES
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this organization shall be the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, Incorporated; and may be referred to, herein as “‘The Club”.
ARTICLE II
LOCATION
The Club’s Mailing Address shall be: West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, Inc., Post Office Box 16258, Seattle, Washington 98116.
ARTICLE III
OBJECTS
The fundamental purposes of this Club are:
To develop opportunities for the enjoyment of outdoor life as an essential part of the character building and the spiritual and physical development of people.
To help inthe conservation of all game and game fish.
To encourage the protection and restoration of the forests and all wild life.
To safeguard the public health and conserve aquatic life by the elimination of pollution of all waters.
To vigorously oppose legislation and laws designed to disarm law abiding citizens.
To promote in every lawful way the interests of rifle and pistol shooting among our members; to raise the general proficiency in the use of these arms to as high a state as possible; and to educationally impart a better knowledge in the safe handling and proper care of firearms, and in improved marksmanship.
ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Any person, 18 years of age or older, who desires to cooperate with the Club in furthering the purposes as set forth in Article III of its By-laws is eligible to apply for membership at any regular club meeting. Membership will be effective when the following conditions have been met:
A. Application must be signed by a sponsoring club member.
B. The sponsoring member shall introduce the applicant to the membership present at the meeting, giving as much of his background, sports activities and/or other attributes as may seem applicable.
C. Membership shall be voted upon by the voting club members in attendance.
D. Voting shall be by show of hands or a verbal “Yes” or “No” vote.
E: A simple majority vote shall be necessary for acceptance.
F. If the applicant is accepted, dues for the current year shall be tendered, and a membership card will be issued.
Section 2
Any person, under the age of 18, who desires to cooperate with the Club in furthering the purposes as set forth in Article III of its By-laws is eligible to apply for junior membership. A junior member does not have voting privileges nor may they hold office, except in the junior division of the Club. The junior membership is not dependent upon meeting the conditions of Section 1 of this Article and will be effective when the following conditions have been met:
-
- All applications and/or waivers, as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, must be filled out and signed by a parent or legal guardian.
- Membership is accepted by the Board of Directors or their appointed Instructors.
- All required dues or fees, as determined by the Board of Directors, have been paid.
Each member of the West Seattle Sportsman’s Club, Junior Division upon becoming eighteen years of age, shall be granted a one year’s Membership, with dues waived and shall be mailed a membership card and monthly bulletins, whether in the Armed Services, at school, or at home.
Section 3
Any person who desires to join the Club only for specific events is eligible to apply for limited membership. A limited member does not have voting privileges nor may they hold office. The limited membership is not dependent upon meeting the conditions of Section 1 of this Article and will be effective when the following conditions have been met:
- All applications and/or waivers, as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors, must be filled out and signed by the applicant or, if under 18 years of age, by their parent or legal guardian.
- Membership is accepted by the Board of Directors or their appointed Instructors or Range Officers.
- All required dues or fees, as determined by the Board of Directors, have been paid.
- A limited membership may be refused or revoked at any time and for any reason, without regard to the provisions of Article VII, by any of the following persons: a Club appointed Range Officer; a Club appointed Instructor; a Club appointed Event Director; or any member of the Board of Directors.
- A person who has already applied for membership per Section 1 of this Article and whose application has not yet been accepted or denied, will be enrolled as a limited member provided they have met the requirements of this Section. Dues listed in Article V, if submitted with their application, will be in lieu of the dues or fees listed in sub section C of this Section.
ARTICLE V
MEMBERS’ DUES
Section 1
The annual dues for each Member shall be established at any Regular Meeting of the Club or at any Special Meeting called for this purpose, by a two-thirds vote of the members ingood standing present and voting, provided notice of the proposed action has been given at the previous regular meeting and a minimum of two weeks has elapsed before such voting takes place, and each member has been provided with a copy of the proposed dues. Dues are payable not later than February 1 of the current year.
Section 2
Any new member affiliating with the Club shall pay the remainder of the first year’s dues pro-rated per the following schedule:
Jan 1 – April 30: 100%
May 1 – June 30: 75%
July 1 – September 30: 50%
October 1 – December 31: 25%
Section 3
A new member is hereby defined as a person who has not previously held a regularly paid membership in the Club. The date the candidate is voted membership shall be considered the date of joining the Club.
Section 4
Any member who becomes arrears in his dues shall be notified in writing of his delinquency and be dropped from the membership at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. Reinstatement ofsaid members will require full payment of all delinquent dues.
ARTICLE VI
HONORARY AND OTHER FORMS OF MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Honorary members may be elected at any regular Club meeting upon recommendations ofthe Board of Directors. Names of individuals proposed for such membership must be submitted to the Board of Directors.
Section 2
Honorary members shall not be required to pay dues, and are not entitled to vote.
Section 3
Other forms of membership and the conditions thereof may be created at any meeting, upon recommendation of the Board of Directors. Names of individuals proposed for such membership must be submitted to the Board of Directors.
Section 4
Names of persons possessing a special membership in the Club shall be carried permanently on the membership roll.
ARTICLE VII
EXPULSION
Section 1
A majority of the Board of Directors shall have the power to expel any member, after proper hearing of the accused, if evidence warrants such action. The member has the right to appeal to either the Board of Directors and/or the members in attendance at any regular meeting at which a quorum is present.
Section 2
Any member being considered for expulsion by the Board of Directors must be notified in writing, of the impending action 30 days in advance of his name being stricken from the membership roll.
ARTICLE VIII
OFFICERS
The Officers of the Club shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Recording Secretary, A Treasurer, and three Trustees.
ARTICLE IX
TERMS OF OFFICE AND MANNER OF ELECTION
Section 1
Officers shall be nominated and elected to serve for a term of one (1) year; except that two (2) Trustees shall be elected each year, one Trustee to be nominated and elected for a term of two years, and one Trustee to be nominated and elected for a term of one year.
Section 2
The President shall not be elected to serve for more than two consecutive terms.
Section 3
Officers shall be elected by written ballot, by members in good standing, at the December Club meeting.
Section 4
After the results of the election have been announced, the ballots shall be turned over to the Board of Directors.
Section 5
Newly elected officers will be installed and take office at the January Club meeting.
ARTICLE X
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1
President: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors. He shall appoint all Committees and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Roger Dahl Memorial Inspirational Award Committee; with the power to vote. He shall countersign with the Treasurer or in the absence of the Treasurer, either the Vice President or the Secretary, all checks properly drawn on the Treasury. He shall perform such other duties which are usually incident to the office, and as may be provided by the Club, and like all other officers, he shall serve without salary.
He shall take no part in any discussion while presiding; shall refrain from expressing a personal opinion on questions before the meeting; and shall avoid all personal bias while giving information to the Club.
He shall call upon the Vice President to preside if he wishes to speak on a motion or to leave the chair; then he has all the privileges of a member, and addresses the presiding officer in the same manner as any other member.
The outgoing President shall instruct the newly elected officers to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the By-laws before the January meeting of the Club.
The President shall have each newly elected member recite after him, “The Sportsman’s Oath” as follows:
“I solemnly swear that I will abide by the Constitution and By-laws of the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club and help in its up-building, and I will not willfully disobey the Game Laws wherever I fish or hunt. I will always be a true sportsman both in the field and to my brother members at all times.”
Section 2
Vice President: The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall preside at all regular or special meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors.
He shall be responsible for the procurement and arrangement of the entertainment portion of the program at all regular meetings.
In the absence of the President, he shall countersign with the Treasurer or Secretary, all checks properly drawn on the Treasury. He shall perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office.
Section 3
Secretary: The Secretary shall keep a full and complete type- written record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors, and shall preserve all records in proper books furnished by and which shall remain the property of the Club. He shall hand such books and records over to his successor in office within ten (10) days after election of such successor. He shall perform such other duties as may be provided in the transaction of the business of the Club and in the absence of any two of the President, Vice President or Secretary, he shall countersign with the remaining one of the three named above, all checks properly drawn on the Treasury.
He shall act as reading clerk. He shall call the meeting to order in the absence of the President and Vice President, and preside until a chairman pro-tem is elected. He provides, for the presiding officer, a statement of the unfinished business to come before each meeting.
He shall assume the duties of a corresponding secretary in that he conducts the correspondence of the Club; sends out the notices of regular and special Club and Board of Director meetings; and furnishes delegates with credentials; and supplies committees with all papers referred to him.
He shall keep current, a properties book listing all of the Club’s physical properties and records. This book shall have recorded in it the location of each item listed.
Section 4
Recording Secretary: The Recording Secretary shall assist in performing all duties incident to the Office of the Secretary, as instructed by the Board of Directors. He shall procure the Past Presidents Pin which is awarded to each President upon leaving office, and shall hand it over to the newly elected President prior to the January Club meeting.
Section 5
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep a roll of all members; collect all dues; provide all paid-up members with their membership cards; shall have custody of all moneys of the Club; and shall pay all bills, claims, or rewards approved by the Club, or by the Board of Directors, as herein provided. He shall countersign with the President, or in the absence of the President, either with the Vice President or Secretary, all checks properly drawn on the Treasury.
He shall keep an accurate account of all receipts and disbursements and shall present a full statement of the financial affairs of the Club at each monthly meeting at which business is transacted, or to the Board of Directors at their request. He shall hand over to his successor in office, within ten (10) days after the election of his successor, a complete and accurate financial statement, together with all funds, books and records pertaining to his office, and he shall perform such other duties as are herein provided.
He shall maintain in the name of the Club, a Checking and/or Savings Account in regularly established banking institutions.
He shall not hold another Club office or chairperson position while serving as Treasurer, but may be a member of any committee.
Section 6
Trustees: The three Trustees shall mentor and provide guidance to other elected officers and the Club concerning Club activities, issues, procedures and policy; perform such duties as may be herein provided; and, with the other elected officers, shall constitute the Board of Directors.
Section 7
Trustee Emeriti: Any club member in good standing, who has previously served for two years as a club officer will automatically become a Trustee Emeritus when they do not hold another officer position. Their duties will be to offer guidance and advice, but they will not be part of the board and therefore will not have a vote on board issues. Attendance at board meetings is desired, but optional.
ARTICLE XI
MEETINGS
Section 1
One Regular Meeting of the Club shall be held each month at such place and at such time as designated by the Board of Directors. Business may be dispensed with at any regular meeting upon approval by a majority of the members in good standing present.
Section 2
The Regular Meeting held in December shall be designated the Annual Meeting.
Section 3
Special Meetings of the Club shall be called by the President or upon the request of four members of the Board of Directors when they deem such meeting for the interest of the Club. Notice of such special meetings must be made to the membership as a whole at least one week in advance of such meetings, and said notice must state the purpose for which they are called and the business to be transacted at any such meetings.
ARTICLE XII
QUORUM
A quorum at any Regular Meeting shall consist of at least fifteen (15) percent of the members in good standing on the Club’s roll.
A majority of such quorum shall decide any question that may come before the meeting.
ARTICLE XIII
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The five (5) elected officers and the three (3) trustees shall constitute the Board of Directors.
Section 2
The Board of .Directors shall have control and management of the properties and affairs of the Club.
Section 3
It shall prescribe rules regulating the affairs and conduct of the Club not inconsistent with these By-laws, for the approval of the Club at its next regular meeting.
Section 4
A majority of the Board shall have the power of expulsion as provided in Article VII, Sections 1 and 2.
Section 5
The Board shall transact necessary business in the intervals between Club meetings, and such other business as may be referred to it by the Club.
Section 6
It shall present a report at each Regular Meeting of the Club.
Section 7
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held once a month, the time to be fixed by the Board at its first meeting of the year. A majority of the Board membership shall constitute a quorum. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the board at any time. Club members are welcome to attend meetings of the Board but they shall not have a vote.
Section 8
The Board shall have the power to authorize payment of all legitimate bills for Club business if such bills are not in excess of two hundred ($200.00) dollars.
Section 9
In addition to the authority vested by Section 8 of this Article, the Board of Directors also shall have the power to authorize advances to committee chairmen, and approve payment of bills which it deems necessary and reasonable for the following items:
A. Past President’s Pin.
B. Expense allowances for delegates to meetings of the King County Sports Council and the Washington State Sportsmen’s Council, or other meetings or functions at which the Board wishes the Club to be represented.
C. Annual Functions and Expenses:
Big Game Dinner HiYu & Kids Fishing Derby
Ladies’ Night Banquet Dues for WSS Council
Clam Feed Dues for King County Sportsmens Council
Salmon Bake Dues for WSR & P Assn.
Freshwater Fishing Party Dues for NRA
Saltwater Fishing Party Property & Liability Insurance &
Property Bond
D. Trophies, Patches, Decals, Emblems, Etc.
E. Office Supplies and Postage
F. Rifle & Pistol Range Supplies
Section 10
The Board shall decide whether or not any officer who has missed three (3) consecutive regular monthly meetings of the Club has had good reason for missing said meetings. If its decision is in the negative, the Board shall so notify the members at the next regular meeting; the officer in question will forfeit his right to hold office, and a new officer shall be chosen to fill the vacancy by popular vote, or as is otherwise provided for herein.
Section 11
The Board of Directors shall have the power to make or amend rules governing its own procedure.
ARTICLE XIV
VACANCIES
Section 1
If, for any reason, the President’s chair should become vacated, it shall be filled by the Vice President for the remainder of the term. At the next regular meeting of the Club, a new VicePresident shall be elected from nominations made from the floor.
Section 2
If, for any reason, the Secretary’s chair should become vacated, it shall be filled by the Recording Secretary. At the next regular meeting of the Club, a new Recording Secretary shall be elected from nominations made from the floor.
Section 3
If, for any reason, there are vacancies in any office other than that of President and/or Secretary, they shall be filled by election from nominations made from the floor at the next regular meeting of the Club.
ARTICLE XV
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Section 1
The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of not less than three (3) members in good standing; prior to or at the October meeting of the Club.
Section 2
The Nominating Committee must have the approval of each candidate before hisname issubmitted to the Club as a nominee.
Section 3
The Nominating Committee shall nominate one or more members ingood standing for each office to be filled. Nominees must be in good standing and those selected to run for Trustee must have a minimum of one year prior service as an elected officer for the Club.
Section 4
The nominations must be placed before the Club at the regular November meeting, at which time nominations for each office to be filled may be made from the floor by members in good standing, to be added to the Nominating Committee’s list of nominees.
Section 5
The votes at an election shall be counted by the Nominating Committee; the results of the election being announced by its Chairman, or in his absence, by one of his committee members.
ARTICLE XVI
RIFLE & PISTOL ACTIVITIES
Section 1
The West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, through its officers, shall appoint annually, a West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club Rifle and Pistol Activities Chairman, and a Committee to accept various duties as a planning-guidance group; said committee to assume the role of helping the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, Junior Division’s activities in our West Seattle community.
Section 2
The West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club hereby grants permission to the Junior Division the adoption of our emblem, with the letters “Junior” added, as the emblem for the Junior Division.
Section 3
The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint any other Chairmen and/or committees for Rifle and/or Pistol activities as may be deemed necessary.
Section 4
The Rifle & Pistol Activities Chairman shall, each month, turn over to the Treasurer any moneys accrued from the Range Operation; and by January 15 of each year shall furnish the Treasurer a financial statement and inventory of supplies and equipment for the previous years operation.
ARTICLE XVII
ROGER DAHL AND FRED BURR MEMORIAL
INSPIRATIONAL AWARDS
Section 1
Composition of Selection Committee:
The Committee shall consist of three (3) members, with the membership selected as follows:
A. The Roger Dahl or Fred Burr Award Winners from the past three years that awards were given shall constitute the committee.
B. The Selection Committee Chairman shall be one of the above three who won the award the farthest back in time. He shall retire as a committee member at the end of the current year, after the committee has selected the new Award Winner, and after he has presented the Award to the newly selected Winner(s) at the Annual Big Game Dinner. Either, neither or both awards may be presented each year as appropriate.
Section 2
Basis of Selection of the Roger Dahl Memorial Award Winner:
A. The recipient shall be a member in good standing of the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, Inc.
B. The Award shall be given on the basis of performance during the past year’s activity.
C. The recipient shall have shown leadership in club activities and furthered the purposes of the Junior program; as well as:
1. Promoted conservation at the local, State or national level.
2. Promoted the cause of “safe conduct” in all fields ofoutdoor sports.
3. Displayed sportsmanship and good character at all times, and has been an inspiration to many sportsmen of this state.
Section 3
Basis of Selection of the Fred Burr Memorial Award Winner:
A. The recipient shall be a member in good standing of the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, Inc.
B. The Award shall be given on the basis of performance during the past year’s activity.
C. The recipient shall have been an inspiration to many and made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following:
1. Leadership within the Club.
2. Promoted conservation at the local, State or national level.
3. Mentored others in Club, Shooting or Sportsmen activities.
4. Provided outstanding coordination and/or service for Club activities and events.
ARTICLE XVIII
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Section 1
Not less than two weeks prior to the Annual Meeting in December, the President shall appoint a Finance Committee, consisting of not less than two members.
Section 2
The Finance Committee shall annually audit the Treasurer’s books as soon after the end of the year as practical, and shall then report its findings to the Board ofDirectors and the Membership.
Section 3
The Committee shall present to the Board of Directors at the beginning of the year, for its approval, a budget for that year that shall include the necessary expenditures of the Club; necessary expenses of the officers, committees, and any sections formed within the Club.
ARTICLE XIX
OTHER COMMITTEES
To facilitate the work ofthe Club, the President shall, after taking office, appoint the following Other Committees; and/or such additional committees as may be considered advisable; to serve until a similar date the following year or untiltheir successors shall be appointed and qualified:
Big Game Dinner Boys and GirlsCamp
Ladies’ Night Banquet Saltwater Fishing Party
Freshwater Fishing Party Salmon Bake
Clam Feed Okanogan Work Party
HiYu & KidsFishing Derby Fish & Game Trophies
ARTICLE XX
DELEGATES
Section l
One delegate shall be appointed by the President to attend each Quarterly Meeting of the Washington State Sportsmen’s Council. He may also appoint an associate to accompany the delegate. An allowance of up to $50.00 for each meeting will be provided for his expenses. If an associate accompanies him, an additional sum of up to $25.00 will be provided for expenses.
Section 2
One delegate shall be appointed by the President to attend each Monthly Meeting of the King County Sports Council. An allowance of $5.00 will be provided for his expenses for each meeting.
Section 3
The delegate shall report at the next meeting of the Board of Directors, concerning the committees participated in,the committee meetings attended, the results of the voting on resolutions, and the activities conducted at the General Meeting of the WSSCattended; and he shall be instructed by the Board of Directors regarding a report to the membership.
ARTICLE XXI
ENDORSEMENT OF POLITICAL CANDIDATES
Section 1
No Political candidate shall be permitted to address the membership for the purpose of soliciting votes.
Section 2
No Club member or other persons shall be permitted to address the membership in behalf of any political candidate for the purpose of soliciting votes.
Section 3
The name of the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club will not be used in connection with any verbal or written endorsement of a political candidate.
ARTICLE XXII
FINANCES
Section 1
Before a motion to withdraw money from Savings Accounts can be placed before the membership for a vote, the proposed motion, together with a full explanation of its purpose must be announced at the previous regular meeting, and in addition, each member must be provided with a copy of the proposed motion at least one week before the motion is voted upon.
Section 2
All activities will be self supporting.
Section 3
Any interest earned by the building fund is spendable.
ARTICLE XXIII
RESOLUTIONS
Section 1
Before a Motion to sponsor a resolution to the King County Sports Council or the Washington State Sportsmen’s Council can be placed before the membership for a vote, the proposed resolution, together with a full explanation of its purpose, must be announced at the previous regular meeting, and inaddition, each member must be provided with a copy of the proposed motion at least one week before the motion is voted on.
Section 2
A Resolution may be passed by a 2/3 vote of the voting members present at any regular meeting of the Club.
ARTICLE XXIV
CONSTRUCTION OF CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
Any question as to the meaning or construction of the Constitution or these By-laws shall be decided by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XXV
MATTERS NOT PROVIDED FOR
All matters not particularly provided for in these By-laws shall be decided by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XXVI
AMENDMENTS
The Constitution and these By-laws may be amended, repealed, or altered inwhole or in part, at any Regular Meeting of the Club or at any Special Meeting called for this purpose, by a two-thirds vote of the members ingood standing present and voting, provided notice of the proposed action has been given at the previous regular meeting and a minimum of two weeks has elapsed before such voting takes place, and each member has been provided with a copy of the proposed amendment.
ARTICLE XXVII
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1
The Order of Business at any Regular or Special meeting of the Club shall be:
1. Ro1l Call of Officers 6. Reports of Officers
2. Introduction of Guests 7. Reports of Committees
3. Election & Introduction 8. Unfinished Business
of New Members 9. New Business
4. Reading & Approval of minutes 10. Election of Officers
5. Communications 11. Adjournment of previous meeting of Club & Board of
Directors.
Section 2
As provided for inArticle X, Section 2, there may be an entertainment portion of the Regular Meeting program. It shall normally be held after “New Business”, and shall be of a nature that isin the general interest of the membership.
ARTICLE XXVIII
RULES
“Robert’s Rules of Order” shall govern the deliberations of all meetings of the Members and of the Board of Directors when not in conflict with special rules of the Club.