CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
 

ARTICLE I: NAME AND MISSION OF THE CLUB:

Section 1: The official name of the club, as established in October, 1994 shall be the Trailer Hooks Bass Anglers. (T.H.B.A.)

Section 2: MISSION:

 The mission of the club shall be:

 a. To stimulate public interest and awareness in bass fishing as a major sport.
b. To improve bass angling skills through a friendly exchange of bass fishing ideas, techniques and experiences.
c. To improve the relationship between the bass angler and the general public by basing the club’s organizational standards upon honesty, integrity, and the principals of sound morals and good character, as well as, sportsmanship and fellowship.
d. Finally, to unite the common interests and goals of conservation-minded bass anglers by giving total support to all Federal, State and Local Fish and Game Commission programs, while pledging complete loyalty to protect and defend from waste, abuse, and pollution of our country’s natural resources.

(a)The general purpose of the chapter club shall be to facilitate the organized support, protection,education and encouragement of sport-fishing, youth and conservation at all levels and toiopartnerlo with other like minded groups to do the same.(b) More particularly stated, purposes of thecorporation include the following; to establish and maintain an organization for the support of sport fishing, and all related recreational and educational fishing, youth and conservation activities conducted in a safe manner. To stimulate the public awareness of angling as a major sport. To educate the public upon the positive economic impact of angling at the national, state and local levels. To offer our state fish and wildlife agencies our organized, conservation feedback, input, political and legislative support and assistance. To promote full adherence to conservation codes, clean water standards, and industry accepted practices which impact thesport of fishing. To support and demand adequate water quality standards, fisheries habitat and fisheries resource management.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP:

Section 1: NUMBER OF MEMBERS:

 The membership of the club shall be restricted or limited anytime the number of club members without boats exceeds the number of club members with boats available to support the full intent and activities of the club.  Membership shall increase as the number of boaters increase; that is, with each new boater, a new non-boater will be selected from a pre-determined waiting list.  

Section 2: REGULAR MEMBERSHIP:

 Regular membership shall be open to all persons sixteen (16) years of age without regard to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, or religion.  All persons requesting membership into the club shall complete a “new” membership application form accompanied by the current annual dues. In addition, the person(s) must meet the following requirements of membership: 

ARTICLE II: (Continued)

  Section 2: REGULAR MEMBERSHIP:
a. Must be nominated by 2 active club members in good standing and be approved by the general membership.
b. The members of the club recommending a prospective member shall give testimony to the club membership regarding the character, honesty and integrity of individual (s) nominated for membership.  All nominations for membership shall be made and submitted prior to the start of club’s regularly scheduled monthly business meeting.
c. Upon completion of testimony by the club member (s), the nominee (s) shall be excused from the room while attending membership votes to determine whether or not to accept the prospective member (s).
d. The acceptance of prospective members into the club requires a majority vote of the members present at the meeting.
e. Should prospective member (s) fail to be accepted for membership they may, by their own request, be placed on a waiting list to be reconsidered for membership at a later date.  In the interim any monies received for membership dues shall be immediately returned to the individual(s) pending membership reconsideration.  The membership application will be retained by the club for record purposes.
f. The interim period for reconsideration shall not be less than thirty (30) days, nor more than six (6) months.
g. Upon being accepted, failure to complete membership by neglecting to pay “new” membership dues shall automatically disqualify the prospective new member (s) from club membership.  With the consent of the club’s officers, “new” membership dues may be paid at a later date, not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of acceptance.
h. Any regular active member in good standing may request, at any time, to be placed on an in-active status by submitting a written leave of absence request to the Club President.  The leave of absence shall not exceed a period of six (6) months.  All club fees/dues must be paid up to date.

Section 3: HONORARY MEMBERSHIP:

 Honorary memberships are extended to those individuals or organizations voted into the club because of their sponsorship or contributions which amount to Seventy five dollars ($75.00) or more.  These memberships shall not be required to maintain T.H.B.A. club membership, nor pay any regular fees/dues.  Honorary memberships shall be extended on an annual basis only.  All honorary memberships shall receive a plaque in appreciation of their sponsorship and/or their contributions.

Section 4: MEMBERSHIP FEES/DUES:

 All regular club members must maintain an active annual membership in the T.H.B.A.

The assessment of regular membership fees/dues shall be governed by the club membership established prior to the beginning of each new calendar year, and voted into effect by a simple majority of the club members present.
 
 

ARTICLE II: (Continued)

Section 5: MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION/TERMINATION:

 Club membership may be suspended or terminated for any of the following reasons:

 a. Failure to attend three (3) consecutive scheduled club monthly business meetings without good reason.
b. Failure to obey any or all Federal, State or Local Fish and Game Laws.
c. The willful use of firearms or any similar weaponry during any organized club activity.
d. Conduct unbecoming a sportsman that tends to degrade the integrity of the club.
e. Failure to pay any club fees/dues, as may be prescribed, in a timely manner.
f. Failure to participate in club activities designed to promote the public image of the club or it’s members.

Note: All membership suspensions/terminations shall be kept on file, by the Club Secretary, for a period of one (1) year.

Section 6: DEPARTING MEMBER(S):

 Any active member, who has been an active member in good standing for a period of at least one (1) year and is departing the area, shall receive a plaque in token of the club’s appreciation for their support and participation in the club.  The cost of the plaque shall not exceed the sum of fifteen dollars ($15.00).

ARTICLE III: CLUB MEETINGS:

 Regularly conducted business meetings shall be held a minimum of once a month.  With reasonable advance notice, the Club President and/or the Club Vice-President may convene any special purpose meetings at any time.

 a. A regular monthly business meeting is currently scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month.
b. Meetings will commence promptly at 7:30 P.M.
c. The club membership will be duly notified of the date, time and location of any special purpose meetings.

ARTICLE IV: CLUB OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES:

 The Club shall be directed by four (4) Officers:

 1. President
2. Vice President/Tournament Director
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer

Section 1: DUTIES OF THE CLUB PRESIDENT:

 The Club President is an elected office as determined by an annual club membership election.
 

ARTICLE IV: (Continued)

Section 1: DUTIES OF THE CLUB PRESIDENT:

 a. Preside over regular official club meetings or other authorized club activities.
b. Appoint and direct all committees and their functions. (Members may decline appointment with good reason)
c. The supervising of all official club activities.
d. Responsible for the proper management, direction and the assignment of club responsibilities and its officers.
e. Responsible for the timely completion and submission of all required administrative and tournament reports.
f. Assist the Tournament Director with the scheduling of all club sanctioned tournaments.
g. All other items of assignment as may be prescribed.

Section 2: DUTIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT/TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR:

 The Club Vice-President/Tournament Director is an elected office as determined by an annual club membership election.

 a. Preside over regular official meetings or other authorized club activities in the absence of the Club President.
b. Direct all committees and functions coming under his responsibilities.
c. Responsible for determining and scheduling of all club tournaments established by the club membership.
d. Directly responsible to the Club President for the timely and accurate recording of all club tournaments.
e. Directly responsible to the Club President for properly conducting each club tournament which includes, the weighing of all fish and the records of the club.  He shall also have final authority over all rules, regulations and settlement of club tournaments.
f. Responsible to the club membership for providing a “Tournament Information Report” at each regularly scheduled monthly meeting.  The report should include information on tournament area lakes/waterways, weather conditions, directions and other pertinent angling information.
g. All other items of assignment as may be prescribed by the Club President.
 
 

Section 3: DUTIES OF THE CLUB SECRETARY:

 The Club Secretary is an elected office as determined by an annual club membership election.

 a. Directly responsible to the Club’s President and Vice-President for the accurate recording of the minutes of each regularly scheduled business meeting.
b. Responsible for the preparation and mailing of the recorded minutes of each monthly business meeting to all active membership of the club.
c. Responsible for directly all “Public Affairs” and “Advertising” activities on behalf of the T.H.B.A.  The secretary may appoint other club members to assist relative to this matter.
d. Assist the Club President and Vice-President in all T.H.B.A. affairs.
e. All other items of assignment as may be prescribed by the Club’s President and/or Vice President.
 

ARTICLE IV: (Continued)

Section 4: DUTIES OF THE CLUB TREASURER:

 The Club Treasurer is an elected office as determined by an annual club membership election.

 a. Directly responsible to the Club President for the handling all items of business pertaining to membership and financial matters of the club.
b. Responsible for providing an up-to-date financial report, accounting for all club funds and assets of the club.  An oral/written report shall be submitted to the club membership at each regularly scheduled business meeting.
c. Assist the Club President and Vice-President in all T.H.B.A. affairs.
d. All other items of assignment as may be prescribed by the Club’s President and/or Vice President.
e. Responsible for collection of Tournament Fees.

Section 5: ELECTION OF CLUB OFFICERS:

 The election of the club officers will be held annually, in December, during the regularly scheduled business meeting.  The election will be conducted by open nominations and acclamation.  A simple majority of the club members present shall determine the results.  The election of each officer shall be held separately in the order listed in these BYLAWS.

Section 6: ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE:

 All regular active members in good standing shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each elected office.  Proxy or absentee votes are “NOT PERMITTED, NOR ACCEPTED”.

Section 7: ELIGIBILITY FOR HOLDING A CLUB OFFICE:

 Each perspective candidate/nominee for club office should reasonably fill the following criteria:

 a. Must be a regular member in good standing with all fees/dues current within thirty (30) days.
b. Must have attended at least three-fourths (3/4) of the club’s business meetings and activities during the previous calendar year.
c. Posses a better than above-average overall interest in all club activities.
d. Must indicate acceptance of the nomination prior to the actual election and also agree to assume the full responsibilities of the office for which nominated.
e. Must be present at the election meeting to accept of deny the nomination.
f. Agree to serve in the office to the fullest extent possible supporting the primary purpose and the membership of the club.
 

Section 8: TERMS OF OFFICE FOR ELECTED CLUB OFFICERS:

 The term of office for all elected club officers shall be for a period of one (1) year beginning in December and ending in December of the following year.
 
 
 
 

ARTICLE IV: (Continued)

Section 9: VACANCY OF AN ELECTED OFFICE(S):

 In the event an elected club office becomes vacant for any reason during the calendar year, nominations will be requested from the club membership and a “Special” election will be held to fill the unexpired term of the vacated office.

Section 10: SUSPENSION/TERMINATION OF AN ELECTED OFFICER:

 The suspension or termination of an elected club officer shall be for the same reason(s) as for all regular members of the club as stated in ARTICLE II, Section 5 of these BYLAWS, with the exception that any club officer being suspended or terminated from office must be officially notified in writing prior to the next regularly scheduled monthly business meeting or activity.

ARTICLE V: TOURNAMENTS, TOURNAMENT FEES, AND TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS:

Section 1: TOURNAMENTS:

 a. NUMBER OF TOURNAMENTS:
The number of tournaments shall be in accordance with established guidelines set-forth by the club membership with the exception of “no point” and any “special” tournaments.  These tournaments shall be governed and scheduled separately by the Club Tournament Director.
b. SELECTION OF LAKES/WATERWAYS:
The selection of lakes/waterways to be fished shall be determined by a majority vote of the club members present at the regularly scheduled November business meeting.  The selection of tournament dates shall in like manner, with the exception of any “special” tournaments be determined by the club Tournament Director.

Section 2: TOURNAMENT FEES:

 a. AMOUNT OF TOURNAMENT FEES:
All club one-day tournament entry fees shall be thirty dollars ($30.00) and all club two-day tournaments shall be fifty dollars ($50.00).

 b. DISBURSEMENT OF TOURNAMENT FEES:
 1. One Day Tournaments:       $30.00
Prize Money $16.00
Lunker Award $5.00
Classic Money $4.00
Club Treasury $3.00
Annual Trophies $2.00
Total $30.00

 2. Two Day Tournaments:       $50.00
Prize Money $33.00
Lunker Award $8.00
Classic Money $4.00
Club Treasury $3.00
Annual Trophies $2.00
Total $50.00
ARTICLE V: (Continued)

Section 2: TOURNAMENT FEES:

 c. TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE PAYMENT:
All tournament entry fees must be received and paid to the Club Tournament    Director, or his representative, the same day ,to include at the ramp,of the actual scheduled tournament.  Unless for “unusual circumstances” the Tournament Director will make “NO REFUNDS” of monies received.
 

Section 3: TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS:

 The tournament regulations shall be in accordance with those regulations established and set-forth by the Club Tournament Director for T.H.B.A. and shall be published separately from these BYLAWS and distributed to each club member upon joining and being accepted into the T.H.B.A. club.

Section 4: DRAW TEAM TOURNAMENT – SELECTION OR PAIRING OF PARTNERS:

 The selection or pairing of partners shall be accomplished by a random draw held by the Club Tournament Director.  Exceptions: no two (2) club members shall fish together in any two (2) consecutive tournaments.  The club Tournament Director shall be directly responsible to the club membership that participating tournament partners have reasonable and ample time to prepare for the scheduled tournament.

Section 5: INDIVIDUAL TOURNAMENT EXPENSES:

 All individual tournament expenses shall be shared by participating members who are paired as tournament partners.  This may be by any mutual agreement between tournament partners and should be at least a reasonable amount of the expenses incurred.  The key words are “mutual agreement”.

Section 6: AWARDING OF POINTS AND PRIZE MONEY:

 The awarding of all points and prize money shall be in accordance with the established guidelines set-forth within the T.H.B.A. Club Tournament Rules.  A copy of the club tournament rules, point system and pay-off amounts shall be distributed to all T.H.B.A. club members.  All club fees/dues must be current within thirty (30) days for the awarding of any points and receipt of any prize money.  The club will present awards for:  “Angler of the Year” and “Total Points Champion”.

ARTICLE VI: AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSITUTION AND BYLAWS:

 All regular members of the T.H.B.A. Club will receive a copy of the CONSITITUTION AND BYLAWS upon joining and being accepted into the club.  All Members are encouraged to completely read them and to make and submit any recommendations for amending any portion(s) herein.
 a. All proposed amendments to the CONSITITUTION AND BYLAWS shall be submitted in writing and received by the Club Secretary no later than 1 November of each year.  This will allow sufficient notice to the club membership of any proposed amendments prior to the voting and possible adoption at the scheduled business meeting in December of the same year.
b. Voting for and adoption of any amendments to the CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS shall be conducted during the regularly scheduled business meeting in December of each year.
ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS:
(a) Certification of Club Bylaws by TBF, Inc.
(b) Update TBF, Inc. with club membership roster once each year before years end.
c) Names and addresses of new members joining the club during the year must be submitted to the state TBF, Inc. Federation as they occur. (See ARTICLE II, Section 4 for duesrequirements.)
(d) Maintain 100% TBF, Inc. membership.(e) Must affiliate with a TBF affiliated State Federation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for clubs, such as membership, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary for the club to participate in the State TBF, Inc. Federation qualifying tournament(s), and any other TBF, Inc. sponsored tournaments or events.
(e). Trailer Hooks Bass Anglers (T.H.B.A.) will belong to and support the Pennsylvania State Federation.