Michigan By-Laws

MICHIGAN TRAPSHOOTING ASSOCIATION  

INDEX

Article     I            Name ………………………………………………………… (Page   1) 

Article    II            Membership ………………………………………………….. (Page   2) 

Article   III            Financial Administration …………………………………….. (Page   3)

Article   IV            Meetings ………………………………………………………(Page   4)

Article    V            Board of Directors …………………………………………… (Page    6)

Article  VI            Officers ………………………………………………………. (Page    8) 

Article VII            ATA Delegate and Alternate …………………………………. (Page   9)

Article VIII            Handicap Committee ………………………………………… (Page  10)

Article    IX            Groundskeeper.……………………………………………….. (Page  11)

Article    X            Fiscal Year and Seal …………………………………………. (Page  12)

Article   XI            Amendments …………………………………………………. (Page  13)

ARTICLE I

NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1.  NAME. The name of this corporation shall be The Michigan Trapshooting Association (hereinafter referred to as the MTA), a Michigan Non-Profit Corporation. This Association shall be an affiliate of the Amateur Trapshooting Association of America (hereinafter referred to as the ATA), and subject to its rules and regulations.

Section 2.  PURPOSES.  The purposes of the MTA are: to promote the sport of trapshooting in the State of Michigan in accordance with rules established by the ATA; to promote and have jurisdiction over the holding of registered trapshooting tournaments in Michigan by member clubs; to schedule and have jurisdiction over the awarding and conduct of a state trapshooting tournament to be held each year; and other trapshooting events.

Section 3.  PRONOUNS.  In all cases where “he”, “him”, or “his” appears in these By-Laws, it shall be understood to include “she”, “her”, “hers”, “they”, “them”, and “theirs”,

ARTICLE II

MEMBERSHIP  

Section  1. TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP.  The membership of this Association shall be composed of  Club Membership, Individual Membership, Individual Life Membership and Honorary Life Membership.

(a)    CLUB MEMBERSHIP.  Any organized gun club in the State of Michigan may become a member of the MTA by making application, accompanied by the proper fee to the Secretary-Treasurer, setting forth their qualifications and facilities for holding registered tournaments. The Secretary-Treasurer will issue a club membership if qualifications are satisfactory. Such membership will entitle the club to one voting delegate to the Annual or Special Meetings of the Members.

(b)   INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP.  Any Michigan resident who has a Life or Annual Membership in the ATA automatically becomes a member of the MTA.

(c)    INDIVIDUAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP.  Individual Life Membership into the MTA shall be issued by the Board of Directors upon payment of the fee required by said Board. Individual Life Members will be excluded from the payment of any additional membership fees to the MTA. Individual Life Membership shall not exclude the holder of such membership from paying ordinary daily MTA and/or ATA shooting fees.  All Individual Life Members who reside outside of the state of Michigan will be considered Honorary Life Members until they reestablish residency in the state of Michigan as defined in these By-laws.

 (d)  HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Honorary Life Membership into the MTA shall be issued by the Board of Directors. Honorary Life Members may or may not be individual members and this Honorary membership shall not in any way affect individual membership; nor does it exclude the holder of such a Honorary Life membership from paying ordinary daily MTA and/or ATA shooting fees.

Section 2.  CONDUCT AND REMOVAL OF MEMBERS.  The Board of Directors shall have the right, by majority vote, to revoke or suspend the membership of any club who in their opinion is disregarding the rules of the ATA and/or MTA, or who are not properly conducting their registered tournaments, thirty days after written notice of the charges to the member club. The member club will have the right to a hearing before the Board of Directors by filing written notice with the Secretary-Treasurer within fifteen days of the notice of the charges against the club.

ARTICILE  III

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

Section 1.  INCOME AND FUNDS.  The Board of Directors shall have the right to levy and collect such fees, dues or tariffs as it deems necessary for the operation of the MTA and all its facilities. This needed income and funds may be derived from, but not limited to, the follows:

(a)   Annual club membership fees in an amount established annually by the Board of Directors.

(b)  A daily fee in an amount established annually by the Board of Directors from any member club holding a registered tournament in Michigan.

(c)   A daily shooting fee in an amount established by the ATA will be charged each member of the ATA who is participating in a registered tournament in the State Michigan.

(d)  Refunds from the ATA on memberships and shooting fees collected by them.

(e)   Sale of  Life Memberships in an amount set by the Board of Directors

(f)    Donations from individual, groups, member clubs, business and other organizations.

(g)   Issuance of non-interest bearing bonds by the MTA.

Section 2. DISPOSAL OF FUNDS AND PROPERTY IN EVENT OF LIQUIDATION.  In the event of liquidation of the MTA, all of its remaining assets, after payment or provision for all liabilities, shall be distributed to or for the benefit of one or more organizations whose purposes are similar to or in conformance with those of the MTA, as determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE IV

ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE MEMBER CLUB DELEGATES

Section 1.  ANNUAL MEETING.  The Annual Meeting of the member club delegates and individual members will be during the Michigan State Trapshooting Tournament on the grounds of the MTA. Such meeting date and time to be published in the Program of the State Shoot. 

Section 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. There may be special meetings of the member clubs provided a majority of the Board of Directors or a majority of the member club delegates request it. Time and place shall be determined by the Board of Directors and notification must be sent by the President or the Secretary-Treasurer to all member clubs and Board members at least five (5) days in advance unless such meeting should be called during the Michigan State Trapshooting  tournament, and then the usual manner and time of notification shall be waived providing a notice of said meeting is posted on the bulletin board not later than 1 p.m. of the day of said meeting by the Secretary-Treasurer or the President and provided such meeting is held after the days shooting event. Notices of special meeting shall designate the time, place and purposes for which the special meeting is called and no business may be transacted other than specified in the notice unless it is the will of the majority of those present and voting.

Section 3.  VOTING.

(a)   Each member club of the MTA will be entitled to one delegate who will have one vote in person. In the absence of the President or Secretary or private owner of member club, no delegate shall be allowed to vote at any meeting of the association unless he presents a certificate of his election signed by the President, Secretary or private owner of the club he may represent. There shall be no proxy voting. 

(b)  Individual members of the MTA may vote for the ATA delegate and alternate delegate but are not entitled to any other voting privilege; however, they may attend the annual and special meetings and express their opinion provided they conduct themselves with decorum.

(c)   Individual Life Members of the MTA who reside in the State of Michigan will have one vote in person. There shall be no proxy voting.

(d)  Honorary Life Members of the MTA shall not be entitled to voting privileges but may be guests at meetings and express an opinion if requested by the President or a Board member.

ARTICLE IV - ANNUAL AND SPECIAL MEETINGS

OF THE MEMBER CLUB DELEGATES - Continued

Section 4. ORDER OF BUSINESS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING.  The following shall be the order of business of the annual meeting.

(a)   Roll Call

(b)  Minutes of the previous Annual Meeting

(c)   Annual Financial Statement

(d)  Report of Committees

(e)   Report of Custodian

(f)    President’s Annual Report

(g)   Introduction of Special Guests

(h)   Unfinished Business

(i)     Elections

(j)     New Business

(k)  Announcements

(l)     Adjournment

Section  5.  NOMINATIONS.

(a)  Nominations for the Board of Directors shall be presented after the shoot-off two days preceding the Annual Meeting and election.

(b)  All nominees must be present at the nomination meeting to except or reject their nomination.

(c)   All proposed by-laws changes setting the qualifications, classification and terms of office of the Board of Directors, and all proposed by-laws affecting membership, after July 4, 1999 must be posted prior to the start of the last multiple day shoot at the MTA home grounds preceding the state shoot.

(d)  Said By-Laws changes are to be posted in the scoreboard area and must remain posted for the duration of said preceding shoot and also the State Shoot.

Section  6.  ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER.  Roberts Rules of Order shall be used as the parliamentary guide for all meetings of the MTA.

ARTICLE V

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. NUMBER, MANNER OF SELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE. The Board of Directors of the MTA shall consist of seven (7) Life members of the MTA,  and shall be Annual and/or Life members in good standing of the ATA. Terms of Office for the Board of Directors shall be from the day after the state shoot through the state shoot the following year.  

(a)   Two (2) members shall be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates in 1999 for a term of three (3) years and two (2) members shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, every third year thereafter. By a vote of the member club delegates and life members of the MTA.

(b)  Three (3) members shall be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates in 2000 for a term of three (3) years and three (3) members shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, every third year thereafter. By a vote of the member club delegates and life members of the MTA.

(c)   Two (2) members shall be elected to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates in 2001 for a term of three (3) years and two (2) members shall be elected for a term of three (3) years, every third year thereafter. By a vote of the member club delegates and life members of the MTA.

Section 2.  QUALIFICATION AND VACANCIES.  No person shall be eligible for election to the Board of Directors unless they are a resident of Michigan for a period of at least six (6) months, they are over 21 years of age, and they are a life member in good standing of the MTA and a Annual and/or Life members in good standing the ATA.  No two members may be from the same member club. Any vacancy occurring on the Board by reasons of resignation, death or disqualification may be filled until the term expires by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board. A total of three (3) consecutive absences from Board meetings without a valid reason shall be deemed a resignation. The Board of Directors shall have the right by majority vote to remove a member who in their opinion is not properly performing his duties. The Board member shall be notified in writing by certified mail by the Secretary-Treasurer of such action and will have the right to a hearing before the Board by filing written notice with the Secretary-Treasurer within fifteen (15) days after notice of charges. After said hearing the Board may either reinstate the member or replace him.

Section 3.  DUTIES.

(a)   The Board of Directors shall have the duty to outline and put in force the general policy of the ATA in the state of Michigan. It shall designate the time, place, and rules of the Michigan State Trapshooting Tournament and prescribe all championship requirements, allot, donate and distribute the trophies, and cash contributions under such conditions and at such times as it in its judgment may deem best for the sport.

(b)  The Board of Directors shall have the duty, specifically, to see that the property, business, and assets of the MTA are efficiently managed to the best interest of this corporation between annual meetings of the member club delegates and in doing exercise the judgment and discretion that they individually would exercise in the management of their own affairs, taking into consideration at all times the best interests of this corporation and the will of the Annual Meeting of the delegates.

ARTICLE V - BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Continued

Section 3.  DUTIES.

© The Board of Directors shall require the Groundskeeper and the Secretary-Treasurer to be bonded in an amount not less than one hundred thousand $100,000.00 dollars and one hundred thousand $100,000.00 dollars respectively.

Section 4. POWERS. The Board of Directors shall have the power to do any and all things in behalf of this corporation not specifically denied them by the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates or these by-laws. It shall have the power to conduct, manage and control the affairs and business of the corporation and to make rules and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of the United States or the State of Michigan. It shall have the power to appoint and remove at pleasure all officers, agents, and employees of the corporation, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation and require from them security for faithful performance.

Section 5. ANNUAL MEETING.  There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors immediately following the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates to be presided over by the retiring President. The new officers for the ensuing year shall be elected at said meeting from and by the Board members.  At each annual meeting, all prior actions of the Board of Directors, President, Vice-President and/or Secretary-Treasurer shall be ratified and confirmed, and said officers shall be held harmless and indemnified by the MTA against any legal or civil action resulting from his good faith efforts to perform his duties on behalf of the MTA.

Section 6. BOARD MEETINGS. The Board of Directors shall hold regular meetings on the day preceding each shoot, at such time and place as determined by the President.

Section 7.  SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President or Secretary-Treasurer by notifying all Board members at least five (5) days prior to such meeting by telegram or mail. Meeting may be held at any time without notice if all the directors are present or if those not present waive notice of the time, place and purpose of such meeting.

Section 8.  QUORUM.  A majority of the Board of Directors present shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If at any meeting of the Board of Directors there shall be less than a quorum present, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall have been obtained.

Section 9.  RENUMERATION.  Members of the Board of Directors shall serve without compensation however, they may be reimbursed for all actual and necessary expenses incurred while traveling on business of this corporation at the direction of the President. Such expenses incurred prior to July 1 of any fiscal year shall be reported promptly to the Secretary-Treasurer for inclusion in his report to the Annual Meeting of club delegates.

ARTICILE VI  

OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of the corporation shall consist of a president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer, elected by a majority vote of the Board of Directors from its membership at the Annual Meeting. The officers shall hold office for a period of one year or until their successors are duly elected and qualified. They will all serve without compensation except for expenses incurred in attending meetings.

Section 2. THE PRESIDENT. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all member club delegate meetings, and Board of Directors meetings and to call any special meetings of the member club delegates or Board of Directors as he deems necessary to the conduct of the affairs of the corporation; to appoint any special committees as he deems necessary; to sign any documents required in behalf of the corporation; and  to carry out the policies adopted by the Board of Directors. The President may, in the absence or disability of the Secretary-Treasurer, sign or endorse checks, drafts, and notes. He shall be, ex-officio, a member of  all committees and shall have such usual powers of  supervision and management as may pertain to the office of President.

Section 3. THE VICE-PRESIDENT.  The vice-president shall, in the absence of the President, perform all duties of that office and shall have all the powers in connection therewith.

Section 4.  THE SECRETARY-TREASURER.  The Secretary-Treasurer duties will be as follows.

(a)   Receive all payments due the Association and keep an accurate record thereof; to deposit funds in an approved bank and sign instrument of payment from the account.

(b)  Pay all bills of the Association as approved by the Board of Directors.

(c)   To render to the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates a Financial Report for the previous fiscal year and to render a Treasurer’s Report to the Annual Board meeting and to all other meetings of the Board of Directors at the request of the President.

(d)  To receive applications from the member clubs for holding registered tournaments; to collect all fees and tariffs for said tournaments and register said tournaments with the ATA; to schedule said registered tournaments and mail such a schedule to all individual members and member clubs.

(e)   To collect from member clubs all daily fees and tariffs required for each member of the ATA participating in any registered tournament held in the lower or upper peninsula of Michigan.

(f)    To notify the members of the Board of Directors of  the time, date and place of all meetings of the Board of Directors.

(g)   To notify the member clubs as to the time, date and place of the Annual Meeting of the member club delegates.

(h)   To record the minutes of all membership and Board of Directors meetings and to keep same in a permanent record book.

(i)     To receive applications for club membership in the MTA and to issue club memberships if the qualifications are satisfactory.

ARTICLE VII

DELEGATE TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMATEUR TRAPSHOOTING ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Section 1.  MANNER OF SELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE.  The Michigan delegate and alternate delegate to the Annual Meeting of the ATA held during the Grand American tournament, shall be elected at the annual meeting of the MTA by the life members and individual members of the ATA and MTA The term of office for the Michigan delegate and alternate delegate shall be for a period of one year or until their successors are duly qualified and elected. In the event the delegate is unable to attend the annual meeting of the ATA or is in any way unable to perform his duties then the alternate will assume his full powers.

Section 2.  QUALIFICATION AND DUTIES.  The Michigan delegate and alternate shall be residents of Michigan for a period to exceed six months and shall be life members in good standing of the MTA and ATA. The Michigan delegate or his alternate shall attend the Annual Meeting of the ATA and shall serve as chairman of the Michigan Handicap Committee. 

ARTICLE VIII

HANDICAP COMMITTEE

The delegate to the annual meeting of the ATA, will act as chairman of the Michigan Handicap Committee for a term of one year or until his successor is duly elected and qualified. In the event the delegate is unable to continue his duties, because of illness or resignation, the alternate will have full powers to assume the duties of the delegate. All member of the Board of Directors will automatically become members of the Michigan Handicap Committee. A minimum of two additional members of the Michigan Handicap Committee may be appointed by the president to cover areas where Board members do not reside.

ARTICLE IX

Groundskeeper OF MTA HOME GROUNDS  

Section 1.  AUTHORITY.  The groundskeeper of the MTA Home Grounds shall have and exercise such authority as may be designated to him by the President from time to time.

Section  2.  DUTIES.  It shall be the duty of the groundskeeper to do those things directed to by the President. He shall keep the President at all times acquainted with all matters which may arise pertaining to this corporation, and of all actions taken by him in its behalf.  In turn, it shall be the duty of the President to keep the Board of Directors fully informed as to the aforementioned.

ARTICLE X

FISCAL YEAR AND SEAL

Section 1.  The fiscal year of the corporation will begin of the first day of January of each year and end the thirty-first day of  December each year.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall provide a suitable seal for use by the club.

ARTICLE XI

AMENDMENTS

Section 1.  The by-laws of the corporation may be amended, added to or repealed or other new by-laws may be adopted in lieu thereof by a majority vote of the Board of Directors, subject to the following exceptions the Board of Directors shall not make or alter any by-laws fixing their qualifications, classification, term of office, and further that the Board of Directors shall not make or alter any by-laws affecting membership.

Section 2.  The by-laws of the corporation setting the qualifications, classification and terms of office of the Board of Directors and all by-laws affecting membership may be amended  added to or repealed at the annual meeting by a vote of the member club delegates and life members of the MTA.

##