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BRAGG BASS BUSTERS
Fort Bragg, North Carolina 28314
Final Feb, 2008
ARTICLE I
Name and Purpose
SECTION 1: NAME
This chapter shall be called the Bragg Bass Busters
SECTION 2: PURPOSE
The purpose of the Bragg Bass Buster Club is to stimulate the
awareness of bass fishing within the military and local community. To
educate the military and local community in phases of conservation. To
improve catching techniques through actual fishing, movies, and
seminars. To generate and maintain the highest caliber of fellowship
while fishing and teaching. To, whenever possible, promote family
activities, increase the “whole family” concept of fishing. Further,
we will neither propagate extremist activities nor advocate violence
against or other violent overthrow of the Government. We will not seek
to deprive individuals of their civil rights.
ARTICLE II
Affiliation
SECTION 1: REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFILIATION
A. Approval of Chapter Charter by B.A.S.S.
B. Update B.A.S.S. with chapter membership roster once a year at the
mandatory Federation annual meeting.
C. Names and addresses of new members joining the chapter during the
year must be submitted to B.A.S.S. membership.
D. Maintain 100% B.A.S.S. membership.
E. Belong to and support state B.A.S.S. Federation Nation and
conservation youth programs. Any additional requirements that the
State Federation Nation establishes for chapters, such as membership
dues, attendance at meetings, etc., are necessary in order for the
chapter to participate in the state federation qualifying tournaments,
and any other federation sponsored tournaments or events.
ARTICLE III
Membership
SECTION 1: NUMBER OF MEMBERS
The chapter shall begin with and maintain at least six members.
SECTION 2: REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
A. Voluntarily expresses a genuine interest in membership and attend
at least 1 club meeting annually.
B. Open to all Military (active duty, retirees, family members and
friends) and non-Military personnel.
C. Memberships shall be open to all eligible personnel regardless of
race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or creed.
D. Be a current member of B.A.S.S. with a card expiration date through
the year you will be joining. (Example: If you join in Jan 08 for the
2008 season, your card must be good through Dec 08.)
E. Membership dues for full membership and rights are $3 per month
payable in 6 month increments.
F. A Xeroxed copy of your valid B.A.S.S. card (front and back) is
required when turning in membership paperwork. Payment and paperwork
cannot be processed without this.
G. Individuals that sign up during the year will be entitled to full
membership into the Federation.
H. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian in the
club as an active full member.
SECTION 3: REMOVAL OF MEMBERSHIP
A. Any action that would reflect dishonor and disgrace on the chapter.
B. Failure to abide by the rules and by-laws of the chapter.
C. By a 2/3 majority vote of those present at the next meeting after
the motion has been made to remove a member and seconded.
ARTICLE IV
Officers, Elections, and Eligibility
SECTION 1: OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
The officers of the chapter shall consist of:
A. PRESIDENT: The primary function of the president is to assure
proper and fair enforcement of the club’s constitution. Presides over
all meetings and directs all official business. Appoints all committee
members and becomes an ex officio member of all committees. Supervises
all club functions. Ensures that each club function is run properly.
The president is governing official over any situation that may occur
that is not covered by the club constitution. Runs meetings according
to parliamentary procedures so that business can be accomplished in as
short a time as possible. Must attend or appoint a member to be
present at each regional meeting. Maintains regular liaison between
the chapter and B.A.S.S. The President is responsible for ensuring
that all tournaments are carried out according to tournament rules and
club by-laws. Breaks any tie votes for lakes, etc.
B. VICE PRESIDENT: The primary function of the vice president is to
assist the president in any function. Acts as program chairperson and
presides in the absence of the president. The Vice President is
responsible to maintain the points for all members of the club to
include Angler of the Year (AOY) points.
C. SECRETARY: The secretary is an elected official whose primary duty
will be to assure that complete and legible minutes are kept of all
meetings. Maintains and keeps accurate minutes of all regular and
special meetings as called for by the chapter president. The prior
meeting’s minutes will be read at each meeting for the club’s
approval. The secretary will also handle all correspondence with
B.A.S.S. assuring that all rosters are up-to-date, keep up-to-date the
constitution with amendments and keep the president abreast of all
regional news as they come through the mail. Although not required, it
is advisable for the secretary to attend regional meetings to take
minutes of their proceedings. This will be a requirement if the
president and vice president are unable to attend. Only one
representative from a club is allowed a vote, but the secretary can
voice his/her opinion if accompanied by the president or vice
president. The secretary will maintain a current and previous year
score sheet standing of all members. The Secretary is also responsible
for ensuring that all funds are collected and deposited in a bank
account established by the club. The secretary will keep a record of
all income and expenses in a legible and easy to read ledger with a
current total balance. The secretary will report all financial
transactions that have occurred from the last report and the ending
account balance. The secretary will be responsible for the purchasing
of all tournament and award trophies either personally or through an
appointed assistant. Trophies and plaques will be purchased from club
sponsors if applicable.
SECTION 2: TERM OF OFFICE
The term of office for all officers and committees is for one year and
shall begin at the January meeting and conclude at the following
December meeting.
SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY FOR HOLDING OFFICE
A. Has been a member for at least six months.
B. Have attended a majority of the chapter meeting and a majority of
all chapter functions.
C. Have shown an active interest in all chapter functions.
SECTION 4: ELECTIONS
The elections of officers will be held at the December meeting of each
year. Elections shall be by simple majority of eligible members
present. Nomination for Officers will be done at the November meeting.
SECTION 5: ELIGIBILITY OF VOTE
Each full member is entitled to one vote. Proxy votes are not
permitted.
SECTION 6: OTHER
A. To prevent the appearance of an official sanction or support by the
Department of Defense (DoD), United States Army or Fort Bragg, this
private organization may not use the seals, logos, or insignia of any
DoD component, organizational unit, or abbreviation of DoD components
or installation may not mislead members of the public to assume this
association incorporates names or abbreviations of DoD components,
organizational units or installations it must receive prior written
approval for such use by the Installation commander.
B. That programs and activities conducted do not in any way prejudice
or discredit the DoD Components, the military services or other
agencies of the United States Government.
C. That the nature, function and objectives of this organization,
together with provisions for membership eligibility, management,
responsibilities, financial management, proper disposition of residual
assets and liabilities upon dissolution, will be established in this
constitution.
D. That this organization shall not compete with the authorized
activities of appropriated or non-appropriated fund instrumentalities
as defined in AR 215-1, but may supplement those activities when
specifically authorized in the approval document.
E. That this organization will be self-sustaining and receive no
support, assistance, or facilities from the army or from
non-appropriated fund instrumentalities defined in AR 215-1, except as
provided in DoDI 1000.15, AR 210-22 and DoDD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethic
Regulation August 30, 1993.
F. That this organization may receive logistical support from DoD
components with appropriated Federal Government resources in
accordance with regulations. Non-appropriated fund instrumentality
funds or assets shall not directly or indirectly be transferred to
this organization.
G. That neither an appropriated fund activity nor a non-appropriated
fund instrumentality will assert any claim to the assets of this
organization, or incur or assume any obligation of any private
organization, except as may arise out of contractual relationships.
H. Adequate insurance, as deigned by the service concerned shall be
secured by this organization to protect against pubic liability and
property damage claims or other legal actions that may arise as a
result of activities of the organization or one or more of its members
acting on its behalf.
I. That the organization shall be responsible for ensuring applicable
fire and safety regulations environmental laws, local, state and
Federal tax codes, and any other applicable statutes and regulations
are complied with in the operation of the organization.
J. That this organization is not established to provide morale,
welfare and recreational services essential to the operation of the
organization.
K. That this organization, if conducting special events on Fort Bragg
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the United States of America,
the Department of the Army, and the XVIII Airborne Corps, and their
agents, events, and employees, from any liability for any and all
claims, demands, rights, liens, and causes of action whatsoever kind
and nature arising out of the organization’s operation or activities
on Fort Bragg.
L. That neither this installation nor the Government will have any
liability for the organization’s actions or debts.
M. That the Installation commander or delegated representative has
authority to enforce compliance by this organization with the
conditions detailed herein, to inquire into the organization’s
activities, and to withdraw his consent for the existence of this
organization, on the installation, at any time.
N. This organization understands Fidelity bonding will be purchased
for members or employees handling monthly cash flow exceeding $500.00.
Bonding will be equal to the normal maximum amount of cash handled.
ARTICLE V
Tournament Rules
SECTION 1: TOURNAMENT RULES
The elected officials set forth the following rules and regulations
and will be responsible for their interpretation:
A. Observe all boating Federal, State and local safety rules.
B. A US Coast Guard Type III or Type IV Flotation device will be worn,
with the kill switch attached, when your main engine is running and
the vessel is in a forward motion.
C. No Alcoholic or non-prescription drugs will be permitted in the
vessel. Alcohol may be consumed in moderate degrees after official
weigh-in. Cans and trash will be disposed of in appropriate
containers.
D. Only artificial lures may be used for fishing. No trolling, live
bait, or prepared bait permitted; pork rinds may be used as a trailer.
Only one casting, spin casting or spinning rod and reel may be used at
any one time. Other rigs may be prepared and ready for use in the
boat, however, only one will be permitted in use at any given time.
All bass must be caught live, and in a sporting manner.
E. Boat Operations and Expense: When fishing with a partner, a full
discussion will be held between the two parties prior to launch time.
It is recommended that the person not owning the boat assist in the
cost of fuel. The non-boater is entitled to fish his or her desired
locations for at least half of the tournament day. Example, if launch
time is 6:00 AM and weigh-in is at 3:00 PM, the non-boater is allowed
four and one-half (4½) hours at his or her choice of locations.
Failure on the part of the boater to comply with this rule, will
result in disqualification. The club officers will have the final
decision on such rulings. Contestants may leave the vessel, however,
no fishing will be permitted outside of the vessel.
F. Scoring: Only largemouth, spotted, red and small mouth bass will be
weighed in. Any bass that appears to be mashed or mauled will be
measured and credited only at the discretion of the weigh-in
officials. Their decision will be final and not open for discussion.
All fish will be measured on a flat surface, inch marked board with
mouth closed and tail laid on the board in a natural manner, not
opened, closed or fanned. Any person who weighs in, or attempts to
weigh in a fish that is not of legal size (12/14/16 inches in most
cases) will be penalized the rate of one pound (16 points) for each
short fish presented at weigh-in. A courtesy measurement may be
requested, however, you must identify the fish prior to the fish being
measured. All weighins must be conducted by the contestant who
actually caught the fish. To allow a partner to weigh in your fish for
the purpose of him or her winning the tournament will result in both
contestants being disqualified. The exact creel limit will be
announced prior to launch time.
G. Release of fish: All live fish will be released immediately after
weigh-in. Upon request, a “lunker” fish may be retained by the person
who caught the fish for mounting purposes. Bonus points will be
awarded at the rate of two (2) points per live fish released. Two (2)
points will be deducted for each dead fish weighed in. Dead fish
become the property of Bragg Bass Busters, and will be disposed of by
the elected officials and distributed to members upon request.
H. LATE PENALTY: Any contestant who is not at the official weigh-in
station at the announced weigh-in time will be penalized one pound (16
points) per minute late which will be deducted from his or her
official weigh-in points. In the event of motor failure, another boat
may tow the disabled boat to the ramp, and no penalty points will be
assessed either boat. The disabled boat will be examined by a
tournament official to verify that the boat was in fact disabled. In
the event that the boat problem cannot be verified, both occupants of
the disabled vessel will be disqualified.
I. Protest: All protests must be made to club officials (President,
Vice President, or Secretary) verbally or in writing, within fifteen
(15) minutes after the last fish is weighed in to be acted upon.
J. On board equipment: Each vessel will be equipped with Coast Guard
approved lighting, sound device, throw cushion and aerated live wells.
Lights will be displayed at all times during non-safe light hours.
Safe light is defined as being able to maneuver and be observed for a
quarter of a mile without the aid of navigation lights.
K. The first boat at ooze-off will be the official check in boat, and
boaters returning to the dock must insure that the check in boat
acknowledges that he has returned to the dock.
L. Live wells will be checked by a club official prior to ooze-off. If
you arrive late, find the first boat belonging to a club member and
have your live well checked. Failure to do so may result in
disqualification.
M. PARTICIPATION: Requirement for participation in the club’s
tournament season is for the new member to attend at least one meeting
prior to actual tournament participation. Previous members from the
prior season are exempt from the meeting requirement; however, they
must turn in all membership paperwork when paying their membership
dues. Tournaments are open to Bragg Bass Busters Club members only,
except during open tournaments.
N. TOURNAMENT CATEGORIES: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Spotted
Bass.
O. TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE: Tournaments will normally be held regardless
of weather conditions. The President reserves the right to change
starting times, dates, and/or locations due to unforeseen
circumstances that are beyond the control of the club. If possible,
when voting for an alternative lake due to unforeseen circumstances,
the club will round table where they would like to fish. The president
will then call for a vote on all the places selected. The top 2 vote
getters will be voted on again to get a majority vote by the club.
Club tournament dates will be changed if they fall on the same date as
the Southern Regional or State tournament.
P. SCORING: The scoring year will begin at the first regular monthly
club meeting held in January. Tournament scores will be based on the
total weight in accordance with state laws. Each participant will
automatically receive 20 points for each meeting and 50 points for
each tournament towards AOY. Club members will receive points for
attending the monthly meeting if they are TDY or deployed on military
duty. Only bass will be weighed. Where legal, Two (2) bass can be a
minimum of ten inches (12 inches??); the remainder must be a minimum
of 14 inches. Only legal fish will be weighed. Any angler bringing in
more than five fish to the weigh-in site will be disqualified. Angler
will receive points IAW the following system: Club Championship points
will be awarded based on weight of fish. 1 point per ounce with an
additional two points for each live fish released. 2 points will be
deducted for each dead fish weighed in. Chapter AOY points will be
awarded IAW the following system: 1st place for the tournament will
receive 100 points, 2nd place will receive 99 points, 3rd place will
receive 98 points and so on until the first angler which didn’t weigh
in any fish is reached and that angler receives 50 participation
points towards the AOY. It is the responsibility of the member to
ensure posted website score/weight is accurate. Member has 30 days
from the time of website posting to contact the elected officials to
contest inaccurate scores.
Q. PENALTY: Violation of any rules may be cause for disqualification
for the tournament and/or expulsion from the club.
R. ADVANCE FEES: If any member pays tournament fees in advance and
fails to show up, they forfeit their fees to the club. The only
exception to this rule would be in personal or family emergencies or
any unforeseen circumstances, in which case the president decides the
validity of the emergency.
S. BLAST OFF: Blast off will be by numbers drawn at the meeting prior
to the tournament.
T. PAIRINGS: Non-boaters will be paired at the monthly meeting with
boaters using a draw system. A new member may fish his first
tournament in the club with the member who brought him into the club.
A non-boater may not fish with the same boater for two tournaments in
a row.
U. FEES: Tournament fees will be $40.00 per tournament (are we raising
the entry fee this year??) and the member must indicate that he is in
the “Big Bass Pot” (Optional - $5). 20% of all fees for the tournament
will be placed into the club bank account. 80% of the fees will be
paid back to the anglers, 1 place for every three anglers. There is a
$10 “Option Pot”. Each angler must pay an additional $2 which will be
paid to the club AOY at the end of the year.
V. SHARING INFORMATION: To help improve the bass angling skills of our
club members, the top three from each tournament will describe their
tactics and pattern of catching their winning bag. Specific location
does not need to be mentioned, but type of structure, general location
(i.e. road bed, points, up river, lower lake, etc…) and most
productive lure/color will be shared with the rest of the club members
at the following meeting.
ARTICLE VI
Awards Presented
A. END OF YEAR PLAQUES: The club presents trophies to the top six
anglers based on club championship points at the year-end Banquet. The
top six finishers will all receive a check from the club’s account.
B. BIG BASS AWARD: A plaque will be given to the member who caught the
biggest bass during the tournament year.
C. Angler of the Year: The Angler of the Year will receive a plaque
and monetary award from the club.
ARTICLE VII
Interpretation, Protests, and Disagreements
All interpretations, protests, and disagreements will be brought
before the executive committee for a ruling, whose decision is final.
This executive body will handle all the above.
ARTICLE VIII
By-Law Changes
All By-Law change proposals will be brought before the club during the
February meeting for discussion and voted on during the February
meeting. This will ensure new By-Law changes adopted will be in effect
for the coming season. This is the only time that the club By-Laws can
be changed.
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