Article I - Name & Purpose
Section 1 - Name: This chapter shall be called the Tennessee Christian Bass Anglers.
Section 2- Purpose: To function as dynamic examples of Christians in fishing and the community. To promote bass fishing as a sport for the purpose of enjoyment and for the opportunity to support and encourage our community. To offer our state conservation department our organized moral support and encouragement. To improve our skill as bass anglers through fellowship and kindly exchange of bass catching techniques and ideas. To share our enthusiasm and love of this sport and the great outdoors with others around us, especially the youth.
No cash will be awarded to any member or non-member for tournament winnings.
Article II - Membership
Section 1 - Number of members: This chapter shall begin and maintain at least six members.
Section 2 - Requirement for membership:
To become a chapter member, a person shall:
A. Voluntarily express a genuine interest in membership.
B. Complete a membership application and pay all fees.
C. Be at least 16 years of age.
Section 3 - Membership dues
The membership dues shall be $25 annually, payable upon joining the chapter.
Annual dues must be paid in full prior to the individuals1st tournament.
Section 4 - Meetings of members
The membership shall hold regular meetings at pre-determined times.
Article III - Officers, elections, vacancies and eligibility
Section 1 - Officers and duties
The officers shall consist of:
A. President - Preside over all meetings and direct all official business. Appoint and be an ex officio member of all committees and to supervise all club functions.
B. Vice - President - Act as program chairman, assists the president in his duties and preside in the absence of the president.
C. Secretary - Maintain accurate minutes of all regular and special meetings as called for by the chapter president. Maintain regular communications between the chapter and affiliated organizations.
D. Treasure - Collect and disburse all monies. Maintain accurate financial records and present a current balance report at each regular meeting. Prepare an annual audit for review by the Chapter Board of Directors.
E. Tournament Committee Chairman - Preside over tournament committee meetings and inform membership of tournament activities. Oversee and organize at all tournament events, including weigh-ins and records.
Section 2 - Elections
The election of officers shall be held annually at the regular meeting during the month of September. Election shall be by simple majority of members present.
Election for each officer shall be held separately in order listed in Article III, Section I.
Section 3 - Eligibility of Vote
Each member is entitled to one vote. Proxy votes are not permitted.
Section 4 - Term of Officers
The term of officers is for one year, which shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 or until the successor assumes office.
Section 5 - Vacancies
In the event of an office becoming vacant, nominations shall be asked for and an election held in the next regular club meeting to fill the unexpected term of the individual vacating office. Affiliated organizations shall be notified immediately of any officer changes.
Section 6 - Eligibility for Holding Office
To be eligible for an office a member must:
A. Have been a member for six months.
B. Have shown an interest in all chapter functions and the purpose of the club.
C. Maintain current membership in affiliated organizations.
Article IV - Standing Committees
All standing committees will serve for one year or until a new committee is appointed. The term of the committee members will coincide with that of the president. Each committee shall have a chairman.
A. Board of Directors - The board of directors will consist of 7 members: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Tournament Committee Chairman, immediate past president and 1 member at large who would be elected by a single majority at the annual election meeting.
1. The president will call all meetings of the Board of Directors and preside at such meetings.
2. The secretary will record the minutes of these meetings.
3. The board will be responsible for enforcement and interpretation of by-laws.
4. The board will develop agendas for the monthly meetings.
B. Tournament Committee - The purpose of the tournament committee shall be to plan, organize and operate all chapter tournaments. The tournament committee will draft rules which must then be approved by the general membership. The committee will record tournament results, forward to the club secretary, enforce all tournament rules and investigate all protests concerning tournaments and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. The tournament committee will consist of 7 members elected by chapter membership, including tournament committee chairman. The committee will schedule a specified number of tournaments and an open classic tournament.
C. Charity Committee - The purpose would be to submit suggestion for the general membership to vote on for an annual support of local charity as monies permit. This committee shall consist of 3 elected members or the club at large.
Article V - Removal of Membership
Section 1- Removal of Membership
A. Failure to pay dues.
B. Any action that would reflect dishonor and disgrace on this chapter and affiliated organization.
C. Prior to removal, a member must be notified by the board of directors and an attempt to rectify situation must be made.
Article VI - Affiliation
Section 1 – Requirements
A. TNCBA may choose to be affiliated with the Tennessee Bass Federation, Inc. on an annual basis. TNCBA affiliation for a given year will be determined, as a whole, by majority club member vote in the preceding year at a regularly scheduled club meeting. When TCBA is affiliated with the Tennessee Bass Federation, the following four club regulations apply:
1. Update the Tennessee Bass Federation, Inc. with a chapter membership roster annually and submit necessary roster changes and dues at the beginning of the club year.
2. Names and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the year must be submitted to the Tennessee Bass Federation, Inc. as they occur.
3. Maintain 100% membership in the Tennessee Bass Federation, Inc. and membership in THE BASS FEDERATION, INC./FLW.
4. Must affiliate with State Federation and support its conservation and youth programs. Any additional requirements that the State Federation establishes for chapters, such as membership, dues, attendance at meetings, etc., would be necessary for the chapter to participate in the State Federation qualifying tournament (s) and any other Federation sponsored tournament or events.
Section 2 - Federation State Tournament, Regional Tournament, or TCBA All-Star Tournament
A. The chapter will support a six-man tournament team by paying entry fees, providing monies are available. If TCBA is affiliated with the Tennessee Bass Federation, the tournament team, as a whole, may vote to participate in the State Federation Tournament, a regional tournament (ex. Best-of-the Best), or a TCBA All-Star Tournament. When not affiliated with the Tennessee Bass Federation, the tournament team may participate in a regional tournament or a TCBA All-Star Tournament.
B. Final financial approval will be made by board of directors.
Article VII - Method of Amending the By-Laws.
Section 1 - Amending the By-Laws
The by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting by a 2/3 vote of the members present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at least one regular meeting prior to the vote.
"ROBERT’S RULES of ORDER" shall be used to conduct the meeting and votes on changes or amendments to the Constitution and By Laws.