United States Bowling Congress (USBC)

Local Association Bylaws

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA

Introduction

The following document is the mandatory form of bylaws to be adopted by each BA (men and Women), WBA (women only) or Youth local association and to be used in conjunction with the USBC Association Policy Manual. Options for each are italicized. Delete those options not applicable to the association. Complete all blanks where indicated.

The association must abide by state corporate laws and may adopt additional provisions provided they do not conflict with the mandatory bylaws or state laws. The appropriate provision of state law takes precedence over the bylaws.

Notes and footnotes appear only to provide clarification and examples. Parenthetical statements are for information only.

Article I

Name

The association is chartered by the United States Bowling Congress. The name of the organization is the: Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA

Article II

Nonprofit Corporation and Charter

Section A. Nonprofit Corporation

The association is organized as a nonprofit corporation and operates consistent with the requirements of an organization classified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

Section B. Charter

The association shall be chartered by USBC and subject to its authority. To maintain its charter, the association must:

1. Provide services for the: Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA

2. Adopt bylaws approved by USBC.

3. Not enact any bylaws or rules inconsistent with USBC’s bylaws.

4. Adhere to Performance Standards and stated requirements as set forth in the USBC Association Policy Manual.

5. Apply for renewal of its charter every five years.

(See the Chapter 1 of the USBC Association Policy Manual for renewal, revocation and appeal.)

Article III

Purpose

The purposes of the association as stated in the Articles of Incorporation, include, but are not limited to:

1. Providing equal opportunity for all in the sport of bowling without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, or national origin.

2. Promoting the game of American Tenpins.

3. Conducting and supporting bowling competition.

4. Engaging in any other activities permitted by an organization classified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

Article IV

Membership and Dues

Membership is composed of individuals who pay dues to the association and is in effect from August 1 through July 31.

An individual joining a summer league after March 15 shall pay the dues that are known to be, or become, effective for the next current season. On payment of the dues, the individual shall become a member for the balance of the current season and the next season.

Each individual shall pay national, state (where applicable) and local dues, except as provided in Rule 100C, Traveling League and 100J, Mail-o-Graphic League. Associations will use one of the following dues structures as applicable to its membership.

The Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA members, by two-thirds voice, determine and adopt local adult dues.

Local $ 4.00

State $ 1.00 (cannot exceed $5.00)**

USBC$ $10.00

**Upon adoption of USBC bylaws, the state dues will change to $1.00 but will be $1.50 until that takes place.

The Board may waive all or part of local dues for:

1. Members of other USBC associations having a reciprocal agreement with the association.

2. Other groups, such as seniors, etc., as determined by the Board.

The association cannot charge additional non-dues assessments.

Article V

Board of Directors - Management

Section A. Board Composition, Authority and Duties

The management and governance of the association is vested in the Board of Directors. The number of directors is determined by:

The Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA members. The maximum number of directors is 10.

The board shall not engage in any acts constituting a conflict of interest. The board’s duties include but are not limited to:

1. Enforcing the bylaws.

2. Complying with the USBC Association Policy Manual

3. Insuring adherence to all USBC Performance Standards.

4. Conducting championship level competition for the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership constituency.

5. Providing education, training, evaluations, recognition and other services as determined by USBC.

6. Implementing USBC programs.

7. Selecting/appointing and evaluating the performance of the Association Manager.

8. Approving use of membership records.

9. Re-rating the league average of an association member when there is evidence the bowler’s average does not represent the bowler’s true ability.

10. Conducting suspension and reinstatement hearings.

(See the Suspension and Reinstatement Chapter for re-rate, suspension, reinstatement and appeal procedures.)

Section B. Eligibility

A candidate for the board must be:

1. A USBC member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term. At time of election she must be a member of a sanctioned league during the current season and must not be bowling in any unsanctioned leagues at time of election.

2. Elected or appointed without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, or age, other than the minimum age of 14, unless state laws mandate a specific age, and be reasonably representative of the membership. (Gender does not apply to WBA).

a. Any member of the board authorized to sign contracts or acting as a signatory on association accounts must be a minimum age of 18.

b. A maximum of three bowling Center proprietors may serve on the board at one time. A proprietor is an individual who is the owner, partner, or corporate officer of a bowling Center or group of bowling centers. Excluded from the definition of proprietor is an individual who owns 25% or less of the equity shares, or who is inactive in the management of the bowling Center and remains so during a term as an officer or director.

Additional eligibility requirements, if any, will be developed by the nominating committee to be approved by:

1. Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership.

2. A candidate for the Board of Directors must be a member of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA at the time of election and sanctioned throughout her term of office. She must also be a regular bowling member of a sanctioned league.

Section C. Election of Directors

Directors are elected by a majority vote* of Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership, present and voting, from:

1. A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.

2. Nominations from the floor. Qualifications must be submitted to the

Nominating Committee.

3, Voting will be by ballot if there is more than one nominee for each position.

Section D. Term

The term for directors is three (3) years. The number of years in a term, the number of terms allowed and a stagger system are determined by:

1. Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership.

2. The directors shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting of the association and shall hold their respective offices for a term of three (3) years or until their successors take office. Each term of office starts August 1^st following election.

3. For three-year terms, the association shall establish a stagger system so that all directors are not elected at the same time. The stagger system adopted by the association is as follows:

GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C_______

President 1^st Vice President Sergeant-at-Arms

2^nd Vice President

Directors 1, 2, 3 Directors 4, 5, 6 Directors 7, 8, 9, 10

4. Directors shall be elected by majority vote*. The election shall be by ballot, except that a voice vote may be taken when the number of candidates does not exceed the number of positions to be filled.

SeSection E. Election Protest

1. Resignation. A board member may resign from the board of directors by providing written notice of resignation to the president or, in the case of the president, to the board.

*If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest vote total is dropped and balloting continues until a candidate receives a majority vote. A majority vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate. The candidate(s) receiving the most votes is(are) elected.

2. Removal for Ineligibility. A board member who is no longer eligible to serve on the board may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the board when a quorum is present

3. Removal for Cause. When a board member is accused, in writing, of failure to properly perform the duties of their office or otherwise engaging in improper or unfair activities or conduct, the board may conduct a hearing following the Removal Procedures in the Suspension and Reinstatement Chapter. An appeal may be filed with USBC within 15 days of the removal. Two-thirds written consent of the full board is required to seek re-election and/or re-appointment to the board.

4. Vacancies. Vacancies in positions on the board are filled for the un-expired portion of each term as follows:

a) The president, with board approval shall fill vacancies in director positions.

b) The board fills vacancies in officer positions.

Article VI

Officers

Section A. President, Vice Presidents and Sergeant-at-Arms

The officers of this association shall include a president, two vice presidents and a sergeant-at-arms.

Section B. Election

Officers are elected by a majority vote* of Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership present and voting, from:

1. A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.

2. Nominations from the floor. Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee.

3. Voting will be by ballot if there is more than one nominee for each position.

Section C. Term

The term for elected officers is three (3) years, not to exceed three years.

The number of years in a term, the number of terms allowed and a stagger system are determined by:

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership.

Any officer or director of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA may accept nomination and run for election for another office on the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA Board of Directors without resigning her present office. If she is defeated, she automatically remains in her present office on the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA Board of Directors until her term expires. president, to the board.

Section D. Authority and Duties

1. President

a. Presides at all meetings.

b. Acts as spokesperson for the association.

c. Appoints members of committees, except nominating, with board approval. (Note: All committees should be composed of both board and non-board members.)

2. Vice Presidents

a. Presides at all meetings when the president is absent.

b. Performs other duties as prescribed by the board or requested by the president.

3. Association Manager

a. Selected/appointed by and accountable to the board.

b. Responsible for implementation of USBC’s Performance Standards.

c. Acts as the ex-officio non-voting secretary/treasurer of the board or such other officer designation as required by law and determined by the board.

d. Responsible for other duties as prescribed by the board and in the USBC Association Policy Manual.

Article VII

Meetings

Section A. Annual Meeting

An Annual Meeting of:

1. Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership shall be held at a time and place approved by the Board of Directors. Attendance is open to all members

Voting members, officers and directors. Must be at least 14 years of age unless state laws mandate otherwise.

2. Voice and Vote

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership, voting officers and directors of this association, at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age, have voice and vote.

Members not meeting the above stated criteria may attend with voice only.

Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

3. Responsibilities

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA members shall:

1) Adopt bylaws, including local adult dues amount, up to the established maximum.

2) Elect officers and directors to the board.

3) Elect delegates and alternates for the USBC and state annual meetings.

4. Meeting Notice

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA - written notice of the meeting shall be forwarded to the Board and league secretaries, which should be at least 15 days prior to the annual meeting.

Special meetings may be called by the president or upon written request of at least three board members.

5. Quorum

Eight members of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA present constitute a quorum. The members present determine the number.

6. Action

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA. A majority vote* of those members, officers and directors present and voting, at a properly noticed meeting, when a quorum has been established, is required to take action, unless otherwise provided by law or these bylaws. Election of officers and directors requires a majority vote*. Election of delegates and alternates requires a plurality vote*. Absentee and proxy voting is not allowed.

Section B. Board Meeting

The board shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be held upon the request of any board member if a majority of the board approves.

1. Notice. Written notice for all regular and special meetings shall be forwarded to the board, which should be at least 15 days prior to the meeting.

2. Quorum. Eight board members constitute a quorum. The members of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA determine the number.

3. Action. A majority vote of the officers and directors, present and voting, at a properly noticed meeting, when a quorum has been established, is required to take action, unless otherwise provided by law or these bylaws. Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

Section C. Parliamentary Procedure

The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, governs all meetings

If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest vote total is dropped and balloting continues until a candidate receives a majority vote. A majority vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate. The candidate(s) receiving the most votes is/are elected.

*A plurality vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate. The candidate(s) receiving the most votes is/are elected

Article VIII

Committees

Section A. Standing Committees

The association shall have the following Standing Committees: Nominating and Finance.

1. Nominating Committee. The committee reviews candidates, prepares slates and publicizes criteria and procedures for the elected positions for the board and the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA delegates/alternates to state and USBC annual meetings.

2. Finance Committee. The committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the annual budget and other financial matters.

Section B. Other Committees

The President may establish other committees, with board approval.

Article IX

Delegates, Alternates

Section A. USBC Annual Meeting

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA. Delegates and alternates to the USBC Annual Meeting are elected by plurality vote* by those members present and voting. (See Article VI, Section A of the national bylaws for representation).

Section B. State Annual Meeting

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA. Delegates and alternates to the state annual meeting are elected by plurality vote* by those members, officers and directors present and voting.

Section C. Eligibility

1. USBC Annual Meeting. Delegates and Alternates must be:

a. Elected by the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA members, officers and directors.

b. At least 18 years of age.

c. A USBC member in good standing of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA at the time of election and throughout their term.

2. State Annual Meeting. Nominees must be:

a. Elected by the:

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA members, officers and directors.

b. A USBC member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term.

Article X

Amendments

Section A. Procedure

Any member of the association may submit proposed amendments to these bylaws. The local association bylaws may be amended at any membership meeting, by a two-thirds voce of the officers and directors and the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA membership present and voting. The amendment must be:

1. Submitted in writing to the Association Manager or President.

2. Submitted at least thirty (30) days to be set by the:

a. Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA members, officers and directors, prior to the meeting when the association is considering the proposal.

Section B. Change in Dues

Forward a notice at least 15 days prior to the meeting at which the proposed change is considered to the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA – League Secretaries.

The notice must:

1. Be in writing

2. Specify the amount of the change.

3. Specify the reason for the change..

Notification of any Adopted change in dues, and the reason for the change, will be forwarded, in writing to:

Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA – League Secretaries

Section C. Effective Date

All amendments are effective August 1, following adoption, unless otherwise specified when adopted.

Section D. Election

a. Delegates and alternates must be an active member of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA.

b. Must be a USBC member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term.

c. Must be at least 14 years of age, serve for one year, beginning August 1, and are elected by:

1. Nominations from the floor. Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee.

2. Plurality vote*. The election shall be by ballot, except that a voice vote may be taken when the number of candidates does not exceed the number of positions to be filled.

3. Alternates shall serve in order of their election.

A plurality vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate. The candidate(s) receiving the most votes is(are) elected.

The election is to be held in compliance with the USBC Annual Meeting.

Section E. Vacancies

Vacancies are filled for the un-expired portion of each term as follows:

If elected by the members of the Charlottesville-Albemarle USBC WBA, vacancies are filled by the alternates in the order in which they were elected. If a vacancy still exists, the President fills the vacant position by appointment.

The appointee must also meet the same eligibility requirements as elected positions.

Article XI

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of this association is August 1 through July 31.

Article XII

Indemnification

Directors, officers, and other authorized volunteers, employees or agents shall be indemnified against claims for personal and individual liability arising in connection with their positions or service on behalf of the association to the full extent permitted by law.

These bylaws were adopted by the membership on May 4, 2005.