CONSTITUTION OF THE WOMEN S METROPOLITAN GOLF ASSOCIATION, INC.

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF THE WOMEN S METROPOLITAN GOLF ASSOCIATION, INC. ARTICLE I NAME The name of this Association is Women s Metropolitan Golf Association, Inc. ARTICLE II OBJECTS The objects of this Association are to: 1. Further the advancement of the game of golf. 2. Recognize and develop skilled amateur women golfers. 3. Promote good fellowship and friendly rivalry among women golfers of the Association, specifically through team play and individual competition. 4. Encourage and promote the participation of junior girls in the game of golf. 5. Foster the best traditions of the game of golf. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP The following classifications of membership shall comprise the members of the Association: 1. Club Membership 2. Regular Membership 3. Junior Membership 4. Honorary Membership 5. Inactive Membership 6. Independent Membership ARTICLE IV MEETINGS The Annual Meeting of the Association shall be held once a year at such time and place as the Board of Directors shall determine. ARTICLE V BOARD OF DIRECTORS The management of the Association is entrusted to a Board of Directors, composed of seventeen members: five Officers and twelve Directors elected as specified in Bylaw IV. ARTICLE VI OFFICERS The Officers of the Association are President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer. ARTICLE VII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY The current edition of Robert s Rules of order shall be the parliamentary authority of this Association. Revised

2 BYLAWS BYLAW I DEFINITIONS 1. The Association is the Women s Metropolitan Golf Association, Inc. 2. A Regularly Organized Club is a permanent club consisting of individual dues-paying members. 3. A Member Club is a Regularly Organized Club which has been accepted to Club Membership in the Association. 4. A Member of a Member Club is an amateur woman golfer who, under the rules of that Member Club, is entitled to the privileges of the course for a minimum of four days per week. Any woman who is entitled to the privileges of the course solely by virtue of her employment at the Member Club shall be deemed to not be a Member of a Member Club. 5. An Accredited Delegate is a Member of a Member Club who has been appointed or elected by that Member Club to represent it in such business as may be transacted at a meeting of the Association. 6. A District is the geographical area in which a Member Club is situated. Member Clubs shall be assigned to one of the three Districts as follows: LOCATION OF CLUB DISTRICT New York (except Long Island and Staten Island) and Connecticut. Westchester New Jersey and Staten Island. New Jersey Long Island...Long Island BYLAW II MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1. Club Membership 1. A Regularly Organized Club consisting of eighteen holes or more, which owns or controls property for the use of its members, and which is located in New York, Connecticut or New Jersey, within a 60 mile radius of Columbus Circle, New York City, or anywhere on Long Island, is eligible to apply for Club Membership in the Association. 2. Application for Club Membership shall be made in writing to the Association, on forms provided by the Association and accompanied by such information as the Board may require. 3. An eligible Regularly Organized Club may become a Member Club by a two-thirds vote of the Board. 4. Annual dues, payable by December 1of the preceding year or by such later date as may be set by the Board, shall be fixed by the Board and shall not be prorated for any part of a year. 5. Each Member Club is entitled to be represented by one Accredited Delegate who shall have the privilege of voting at meetings of the Association. 6. Member Clubs delinquent in payment of dues shall be denied representation at any meeting of the Association and their members shall be ineligible to enter any event sponsored by the Association. SECTION 2. Regular Membership 1. A Member of a Member Club may be granted a Regular Membership under terms and conditions prescribed by the Board. 2. An applicant for a new or reinstated Regular Membership shall have a USGA Handicap Index which conforms to the requirements set forth by the Board. 3. Regular Membership shall be renewed annually upon payment of such annual dues by November 15 of the preceding year or by such date as may be set by the Board and dues shall not be prorated for any part of the year. SECTION 3. Junior Membership 1. A girl who has not reached her 19th birthday may be granted a Junior Membership subject to the requirements set forth by the Board in the Standing Rules. 2. Junior Members shall not have the privileges of voting or holding office. SECTION 4. Honorary Membership 1. The Board may elect as an Honorary Member any person who, in the opinion of the Board, by reason of her interest in or services to the game of golf, may be entitled to such recognition. Revised

3 2. Honorary Members shall not have the privileges of voting or holding office, shall not be required to pay dues, and shall otherwise have all the privileges of Regular Membership. 3. An Honorary Membership may be rescinded at the discretion of the Board. SECTION 5. Inactive Membership 1. A Regular Member currently in good standing who is no longer a Member of a Member Club may become an Inactive Member. 2. An Inactive Member MAY NOT PLAY OR COMPETE in any Association events. 3. Upon return to being a Member of a Member Club, an Inactive Member may be reinstated as a Regular Member. SECTION 6. Independent Membership 1. An amateur woman golfer who is not a Member of a Member Club may be granted an Independent Membership under terms set and conditions prescribed by the Board. 2. An applicant for a new or reinstated Independent Membership shall have a USGA Handicap Index which conforms to the requirements set forth by the Board. 3. Independent Membership shall be renewed annually upon payment of such annual dues by November 15th of the previous year or by such date as may be set by the Board and dues shall not be prorated for any part of the year. SECTION 7. Suspension or Expulsion 1. A member of the Association shall not be disqualified or deprived of any privileges in the Association unless due notice has been given, formal charges with specification have been made, and the Association has provided an opportunity for a hearing. 2. The Board, after notice and hearing, may expel or suspend any member of the Association for refusal or neglect to comply strictly with the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules of the Association or with decisions of the Board, by a two-thirds vote of the Board. BYLAW III MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION SECTION 1. Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting for the election of Directors and Officers, and such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held as set forth in the Constitution. Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be given to all Accredited Delegates and Board Members, and to all members; notice given personally or by first class mail shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 50 days before the meeting; if mailed by any other class of mail, not less than 30 nor more than 60. SECTION 2. Special Meetings Special Meetings of the Association may be called by the President, or shall be called by her at the request of a majority of the Board, or at the written request of five Member Clubs, stating the business that is proposed. At least fourteen days notice of a Special Meeting shall be mailed by first class mail or personally given to all Accredited Delegates and Board Members, and to all members at the discretion of the Board. Only business as is specified in such notice may come before the Association at a Special Meeting for legal and binding action of the Association. SECTION 3. Voting Privileges Meetings of the Association are open to all members of the Association, but the privileges of making motions and voting shall be limited to the Board and to the Accredited Delegates or their substitutes, who shall collectively be the members of the Association entitled to vote. Unless a greater vote is specified in these Bylaws or required by law, action to be taken by the members shall be authorized by a majority of the votes cast by members entitled to vote thereon at a meeting of members duly called and held. SECTION 4. Quorum 1. A quorum shall be constituted by not less than the members entitled to cast one hundred votes or onetenth of the total number of votes entitled to be cast, whichever is lesser. 2. The members present may adjourn the meeting despite the absence of a quorum. Revised

4 BYLAW IV BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS SECTION 1. Organization 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the five Officers and twelve Directors. 2. Each Board Member shall be a Member of a Member Club and shall serve without remuneration. 3. Of the twelve Directors, four shall be Members of four different Member Clubs in Each District. 4. Of the five Officers, two shall be Members of different Member Clubs in each of two Districts and one shall be a Member of a Member Club from the third District. 5. Each Board Member shall assume her duties, including any office, at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at which she is elected, and each shall turn over to her successor all books and properties pertaining to her office upon expiration of her term. 6. No Officer shall hold more than one office. 7. No Officer shall serve more than two consecutive full terms in the same office. SECTION 2. Election 1. Nominations for Board Members shall be made by the Nominating Committee, and shall be included in the notice of the Annual Meeting. Independent nominations may be made by five Accredited Delegates, in writing, to the Secretary of the Association at least twenty days before the Annual Meeting. Nominations so made shall be given to Accredited Delegates and Board Members at least ten days prior to the Annual Meeting. 2. Each Director and Officer shall be elected for a term of two years, or until a successor is elected. 3. At each Annual Meeting, two Directors who are Members of two different Member Clubs (and different Member Clubs from sitting Directors) in each of the three Districts shall be elected. 4. At Annual Meetings in even numbered years, a President, the Vice President of Competitions and Secretary shall be elected, and in the odd numbered years, the Vice President of Outreach, Marketing and Initiatives and Treasurer shall be elected, in compliance with Bylaw IV, Section Election for Directors and Officers shall be by majority of the votes cast by members entitled to vote thereon at the Annual Meeting, by viva voce vote unless a candidate is opposed, in which case election shall be by ballot. 6. The Board shall fill any vacancy in a Director s position or an Officer s position until the next Annual Meeting by a majority ballot vote, provided that only a Vice President can be elected by the Board as interim President. If such term is not expired by the next Annual Meeting, an interim successor shall be elected for a term of one year. SECTION 3. Meetings 1. Regular meetings of the Board may be held without further notice if the time and place of such meeting is fixed by the Board. The Board shall otherwise meet at the call of the President or any five Board Members, and the Secretary shall give at least ten days notice of such Board meeting to each Board Member. 2. Nine Members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. All business shall be transacted at a meeting duly called and held. The vote of a majority, or such greater vote as may be specified in these Bylaws, of the votes cast at such meeting shall be the action of the Board. Where these Bylaws call for a vote of the Board, such vote shall be the vote required out of the votes cast at a meeting of the Board duly called and held. 3. Any action to be taken by the Board or by any committee may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or the committee consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing such action. The resolution and the consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings. 4. As authorized by the President in circumstances she deems exigent, any one or more members of the Board or a committee may participate in a meeting of the Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting for all purposes. Revised

5 SECTION 4. Powers and Duties The Board shall have all power to: a. Conduct the affairs of the Association. b. Interpret and enforce the Constitution and Bylaws and in every way safeguard the best interests of the game of golf. c. Fix and determine the qualifications and annual dues for all memberships in the Association. d. Fix and determine the qualifications, privilege and entry fees of contestants in tournaments, and to determine the system of handicapping. e. Create, combine or discontinue any committee as it deems necessary. f. Hear any protests by members of the Association. However, no Board Member who is a Member of a club which is involved in any dispute shall vote in the hearing of such dispute. g. Expel or suspend an individual Member or a Member Club for refusal or neglect to comply strictly with the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules of the Association or with decisions of the Board, after notice and hearing, and by two-thirds of the votes cast. h. Hire, retain or remove such employees, agents, independent contractors and professionals as it deems necessary and to fix their duties and compensations. i. Supervise the financial functions of the Association, including approving depositories for deposit of the Association s funds, approving a budget and making such special appropriations as it deems appropriate and directing disbursement of funds in accordance therewith, reviewing financial statements, and approving an independent accountant. BYLAW V OFFICERS SECTION 1. President The duties of the President shall be to: a. Preside at all meetings of the Association and of the Board and to perform the duties incident to the office. b. Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee, without the right to vote. c. Make an Annual Report to the Association. SECTION 2. Vice President of Competitions The duties of the Vice President of Competitions shall be to: a. Perform the duties of the President at the request of the President, or in the absence of the President if the President has not otherwise requested in accordance with Section 3 below. b. Serve as Chairman of the Competitions Committee. c. Serve as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. d. Oversee the Interclub Team Committee. e. Oversee the Team Competitions Committee. f. Oversee the Junior Girls Committee. g. Oversee the Site & Club Relations Committee. SECTION 3. Vice President of Outreach, Marketing and Initiatives The duties of the Vice President of Public Relations and Outreach Services shall be to: a. Perform the duties of the President at the request of the President. b. Serve as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. c. Oversee the Membership Committee. d. Oversee the Course Rating Committee. e. Oversee the Communication and Branding Committee. f. Oversee the Foundation Committee. g. Oversee the Initiatives Committee. SECTION 4. Secretary The duties of the Secretary shall be to: a. Keep correct records of all meetings of the Association and of the Board and to distribute the minutes of the meetings of the Board to each Board Member. Revised

6 b. Give notices in accordance with these Bylaws. c. Include notice of nominations by the Nominating Committee with notice of the Annual Meeting to all Accredited Delegates and Board Members, and to all members, and to give at least ten days notice of any independent nominations properly presented. d. Keep the records of the Association, except such as pertain to the office of Treasurer. e. Present to the Nominating Committee a list of positions to be filled on the Board, including the expiration date of each term and the Districts from which candidates for each position shall be nominated as determined by Bylaw IV. f. Coordinate the production of the tournament schedule book. g. Present at each Annual Meeting a full report of all matters relating to the affairs of the Association, including a summary of all action taken during the year by the Board. h. Perform such other duties as may be delegated to her by the Board. i. Collect and maintain historical data. SECTION 5. Treasurer The duties of the Treasurer shall be to: a. Serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee. b. Keep full and accurate account of all monies received and to deposit same in the name and to the credit of the Association in depositories approved by the Board. c. Disburse funds only as directed by the Board in accordance with the budget approved by the Board, or pursuant to a special appropriation made by the Board. d. Purchase required insurance. e. Present a written report at each Annual Meeting of all receipts and expenditures during the fiscal year and to make a financial statement at each meeting of the Board; to arrange for the accounts to be audited by an accountant approved by the Board. f. Conduct a. through e. as stated above on behalf of the Women's Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation. BYLAW VI COMMITTEES SECTION 1. General 1. The Chairman of each committee, with the exception of the Nominating Committee, shall be a Board Member, and shall, unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, be designated by the Board. 2. All committee members shall be Members of a Member Club and shall be appointed by the Board. 3. Rules and schedules for play formulated by each committee shall be subject to the approval of the Board. 4. Each Chairman shall turn over to her successor all books and properties pertaining to her office upon expiration of her term. 5. The Board may create such additional committees, including standing or special committees of the Board, as the Board by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board, shall determine. SECTION 2. Executive Committee 1. The Executive Committee shall consist of the Officers. 2. The Committee shall be called upon for consultation and emergency action. Any action by the Executive Committee must be ratified by the Board. SECTION 3. Competitions Committee 1. The Competitions Committee shall consist of the Vice President of Competitions, who shall act as Chairman, and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Competitions Committee to: a. Arrange and conduct all tournaments. b. Determine the conditions of play for each competition. SECTION 4. Finance Committee 1. The Finance Committee shall consist of the Treasurer, who shall act as Chairman, the President, the two Vice Presidents, and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to: Revised

7 a. Formulate the financial policies of the Association. b. Have general supervision of the financial affairs of the Association. c. Prepare a budget for approval by the Board. SECTION 5. Nominating Committee 1. The Nominating Committee shall consist of a Chairman and two members from different Member Clubs in each of the three Districts. 2. It shall be the duty of the Nominating Committee to nominate a candidate for each Board position to be elected at the next Annual Meeting. 3. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee shall be a former Board Member selected by the President and presented to the Board for approval. 4. The remaining members of the Nominating Committee shall be selected by the Chairman of the Nominating Committee based upon the lists of candidates provided by the Board and additional candidates selected by the Chairman. Once the Nominating Committee members have been selected, the Chairman will submit their names to the President for Board approval. The Board shall reach its decision as promptly as is practicable. SECTION 6. Membership Committee 1. The Membership Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to: a. Consider and present to the Board applications for new Member Clubs. b. Maintain complete lists of current members of the Association. c. Prepare the list of Accredited Delegates for election and voting purposes. d. Arrange for the Annual Meeting. e. Organize the Met Rep meetings and seminars. f. Propose all changes to membership requirements. SECTION 7. Course Rating Committee 1. The Course Rating Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Course Rating Committee to: a. Rate all courses within the area of its jurisdiction in accordance with the United States Golf Association Course Rating System for Women. b. Plan Course Rating seminars. c. Recruit and train new Course Raters. SECTION 8. Interclub Team Committee 1. The Interclub Team Committee shall consist of at least one Board Member from each District and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Interclub Team Committee to: a. Arrange and conduct Interclub Team Matches. b. Adopt such rules and regulations as deemed necessary. SECTION 9. Team Competitions Committee 1. The Team Competitions Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Team Competitions Committee to: a. Conduct all Interdistrict, Intercity and International Team Matches. b. Submit to the Board a list of eligible players from which Intercity and International teams shall be selected. c. Calculate Player of the Year points. d. Recommend any changes to the Player of the Year point system. SECTION 10. Communications and Branding Committee Revised

8 1. The Communication and Branding Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Communications and Branding Committee to: a. Prepare and oversee the publication of the newsletter, Tee Talk. b. Oversee the website. c. Oversee publicity of all events of the Association in the three Districts. d. Provide communication to representatives of the Media. e. Oversee all marketing and branding materials distributed to the membership and general public. SECTION 11. Junior Girls Committee 1. The Junior Girls Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Junior Girls Committee to: a. Arrange and conduct Junior Girls tournaments and events. SECTION 12. Foundation Committee 1. The Foundation Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Foundation Committee to: a. Act as the liaison between the WMGA and the WMGA Foundation Board of Trustees. SECTION 13. Initiatives Committee 1. The Initiatives Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Initiatives Committee to: a. Provide support on all special projects. b. Oversee the critical needs of the association. c. Promote volunteerism. SECTION 14. Site and Club Relations Committee 1. The Site and Club Relations Committee shall consist of one or more Board Members and as many other members as deemed necessary by the Board. 2. It shall be the duty of the Site and Club Relations Committee to: a. Schedule tournament sites. b. Determine the rotation calendar with other women s golf associations in the three districts. c. Maintain relationships with our member clubs. BYLAW VII REVENUE AND FINANCE 1. The revenue of the Association shall be derived from membership dues, tournament fees and such other sources as may be prescribed by the Board. 2. The fiscal year shall end September 30 th. BYLAW VIII RULES OF COMPETITION Rules of Competition shall be detailed in the Standing Rules. BYLAW IX AMENDMENTS SECTION 1. Constitution The Constitution may be amended or revised by two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Association duly noticed and held, provided written notice of any proposed amendment or revision shall have been given to all Accredited Delegates and Board Members at least thirty days prior to the meeting, or, without such notice, by unanimous consent of the Accredited Delegates and Board Members present. Revised

9 SECTION 2. Bylaws These Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed by: a. The Board, by two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Board duly noticed and held. b. The members of the Association, by two-thirds of the votes cast by the Accredited Delegates and Board Members at a meeting duly noticed and held, provided that such notice includes in writing that such action on a proposed amendment will be taken. BYLAW X NOTICE When notice is required under these Bylaws, notice shall be deemed given when delivered personally or when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the address specified in the records of the Association. Personal notice shall be deemed to include notice by , facsimile or other technological means provided receipt thereof is confirmed by the intended recipient. Revised