BASS FISHING CLUB at INDIANA UNIVERSITY CONSTITUTION
DATE LAST UPDATED: 8/18/2022

ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1:  NAME

The club shall be called “Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University”

SECTION 2: PURPOSE

The purpose of this club shall be:
  • To invite anyone to partake in the pastime of any type of fishing.
  • To hold discussions about new and old fishing techniques as well as teaching, sharing, and learning fishing methods.
  • To participate in competitive Bass Fishing Tournaments.
  • To represent Indiana University in a fair and competitive manner.
  • To abide by all rules and regulations set by Indiana University.

ARTICLE II – COMPLIANCE



  • This organization shall comply with all Indiana University regulations, and local, state, and federal laws
  • This organization shall comply with all Indiana state fishing and boating regulations outlined by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
  • This organization shall comply with all federal and state fishing and boating laws and regulations when attending tournaments around the country
  • This organization shall comply with all rules and regulations set forth by bass fishing tournament organizations, chairmen, and directors
  • At all activities and tournaments, members are expected to act in compliance of  the IU student code of conduct and not place others at risk.
  • The Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University will comply with the personal gain policy and winnings from a tournament. According to the personal gain clause, members who win $501 or more in cash scholarships will not be reimbursed by the club for that specific tournament.
 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP OF THE CLUB



  • Statement of Non-Discrimination: Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University allows any interested student to participate in, become a member of, and seek leadership positions in the organization without regard to arbitrary consideration of such characteristics as age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
  • Membership in the Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University is open to all IU students, faculty, staff, and community members without regard to skill level.  IU students must comprise at least 51% of the club's members.
  • ONLY CURRENT FULL-TIME STUDENT MEMBERS may vote on club matters.

SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND PRIVILEGES



  1. Be a regularly enrolled student at Indiana University which will be entitled to one vote, to be used for their own intentions and not to be influenced by other members’ or other persons’ intentions, in each club meeting.  Alumni, faculty, and staff shall be considered as non-voting members of the club.
  2. Members of the club who are currently registered students of the university are entitled to be nominated and elected to any official position of the club.  Alumni, faculty, and staff may not hold an official position of the club.
  3. The right of each member of the club to fully enjoy and participate in opportunities shall not be abridged unless it is in violation of the rules set by the university, or the Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University.
  4. All members and officers are responsible for their own actions and will receive the consequences of their actions including removal from the organization, removal from office, or if necessary they will be held accountable by the student code of conduct.



SECTION 3:  MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES



  1. Members shall pay all dues, fees, and assessments to the treasurer within thirty days after notification that the member has incurred the obligation.
  2. Members are responsible for their personal conduct so as to bring no discredit to Indiana University, and to the Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University.
  3. Members shall make every reasonable effort to attend all club functions and meetings.
  4. Members are responsible to notify the club President or Secretary of changes of address, phone, or status that may affect their eligibility to hold office, vote, or participate in club matters or activities.
  5. Members are responsible for being informed on club policies, which include the policies of Indiana University and its subordinate departments and offices.
  6. At all activities and tournaments, members are expected to act in accordance with the IU student code of conduct and not place others at risk
  7. Members are expected to have valid boating/drivers licenses and ensure that their boats are properly insured and in working order

SECTION 4:  ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP



  1. The club shall be on an annual basis and shall be for one (1) period beginning with the academic school year and ending with the start of the succeeding academic school year.

SECTION 5: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Termination of membership will occur...



  1. On the third (3rd) absence of a meeting, event, or tournament unless notification to an officer anytime before a meeting, twenty four (24) hours before an event, and one (1) week before a tournament.
  2. When a member fails to abide by the rules and regulations set by Indiana University, or the Bass Fishing Club at Indiana University.
  3. When a returning Member fails to pay membership dues within thirty (30) days of the notice or will be put on Membership probation for thirty (30) days.  If the dues are not paid within the probation period, their Membership will be terminated.

Termination requires a simple majority vote of all active members.  Vote will be taken by way of a secret ballot.  Terminable offenses should be submitted to any officer in writing for review by the board.  Terminated members will be given no refund of club dues.

ARTICLE IV: DUES, BUDGET, FINANCE

SECTION 1: DUES

Each Member will be charged dues in the amount set by the Executive Council for membership in the club.  
  1. Dues will be paid by the Member to the Treasurer within thirty (30) days after the beginning of the school year or within thirty (30) days after becoming a member of the club.
  2. The Treasurer will maintain a roster of Members and their standings with respect to payment of dues.
  3. Dues may be increased or decreased by majority vote decided by the Executive Council.

SECTION 2: BUDGET

The Treasurer is responsible to maintain and update the club’s budget after all changes have been voted on by the club’s members.

SECTION 3: FINANCE



  1. The Treasurer is responsible for handling all financial affairs.
  2. Abide by all CSF policies and procedures.
  3. If the club disperses all funds left in the CSF account will be donated to the Monroe County Parks and Recreation department.
http://www.co.monroe.in.us/parksandrecreation/index.htm

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS, OFFICERS, ELECTIONS

SECTION 1: MEETINGS



  1. Meetings shall be conducted by the President of the club and be run in the order set by the President or by the appropriate substitute.
  2. The number of meetings may vary depending on necessary topics to discuss, events, and any schooling priority (ex. Finals Week) that might conflict.
  3. Notification of meetings will be announced at the prior meeting and via email, phone, or posted on the website.

SECTION 2: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THEIR DUTIES
Club Officers will be appointed as follows:

PRESIDENT

The President shall:
  1. Preside over all club meetings.
  2. Direct and supervise all club meetings.
  3. Organize all committees.
  4. Break ties on voting matters.
  5. Preside over University matters.
  6. Prepare all club correspondence including emailing members about upcoming meetings.
  7. Make the final decisions with regards to matters of debate or alleged tournament violations.  If the President is involved in the violation or feels he/she should abstain, then this duty is passed to the Vice President.  If the Vice President is also involved then the duty is passed to the Treasurer.  If the Treasurer is involved then the decisions should be made by the Members with a majority vote.
  8. Attend all CSF monthly meetings. If the President is unable to attend, the Vice President must take his/her place. If neither can attend, another elected officer will take their place at the meeting.

VICE PRESIDENT

The Vice President shall:
  1. Assist the President in all his/her duties.
  2. Preside over all functions in the Presidents absence.
  3. Make safety inspections prior to the start of any event.
  4. Preside over correspondence with team sponsors.
  5. Update Club website with current articles and information.

TREASURER

The Treasurer shall:
  1. Maintain accurate records of all club financial transactions.
  2. Maintain all Member dues and fees.
  3. Provide accurate financial reports to any member who requests them.
  4. Maintain all club financial accounts in conjunction with the club faculty Advisor.
  5. Report to club the status of accounts as necessary.


SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR
 
The Sponsorship Coordinator shall:
  1. Be in charge of all things sponsorship-related – building a relationship with sponsor representatives.
  2. Reach out to current sponsors on a regular basis
  3. Responsible for keeping all sponsorship information organized and easily accessible.
  4. Responsible for coordinating with the Director of Social Media with social media requirements set forth by sponsors.
 
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA
 
The Director of Marketing and Social Media shall:
  1. Be in charge of all IU Bass Fishing related social media accounts.
  2. Be responsible for reaching a post criteria and limit set by the board and current sponsors.
  3. Reach out to potential members and advocating students to join the IU Bass Fishing Club.
  4. Make and publish different forms of advertisement to promote club activities and events. 

TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

The Tournament Board of Directors shall:
  1. Make arrangements for the tournament sites, reservations, lodging recommendations, time schedules, and tournament announcements.
  2. Coordinate and control group movement to the lake and boat launching.
  3. Participate in making final decisions with regard to matters of debate or alleged tournament violations.
  4. Keep records of incoming school contacts and welcoming groups.
  5. Approve all tournament conditions, scheduling, and other plans with the President.
  6. Approve and Record all length and weight of each legal fish caught in all tournaments.
  7. Present results at tournament and submits the report to the secretary for recording and to the opposing schools.
  8. Maintain Official Registered Fishing scales for the club.

SECTION 3: VOTING ELIGIBILITY



  1. Any member in good standing can nominate a candidate for office.
  2. Nominations must be submitted prior to the second to last meeting of the school year.
  3. Elections will occur on the second to last meeting of the school year.
  4. Elections should TRY to be conducted in such a way that an unsuccessful candidate has the opportunity to run for unfilled offices in the same election.  Offices will be filled in the following order: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Tournament Director, and Director of Marketing and Social Media.
  5. Candidates will be elected by the general membership by simple majority.
  6. All votes will be made by secret written ballot.


SECTION 4: VOTING ELIGIBILITY

Only members in good standing are entitled to vote.  Absentee voting is permitted.  Absentee votes must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and/or President or by email, twelve (12) hours in advance of the meeting at which the issue is presented to the general membership for consideration.

SECTION 5: TERM OF OFFICE

Term of office shall be for one membership year, unless said officer resigns, moves, or is removed from office.

SECTION 7: ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

To be eligible for elected office, a member must:
  1. Be a member in good standing.
  2. Anticipate that he/she will remain in the Bloomington location for the term of office.
  3. Regularly attend club meetings.
  4. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at time of election.

SECTION 8: REMOVAL FROM ELECTED OFFICE

Any elected official of the club may be removed from office by the general membership for violation of the club constitution or for other reasons which would justify termination of membership of any member.  A member who desires to initiate action to remove an elected official shall enter a motion in writing which clearly cites the reason for the motion.  Removal from office will require a simple majority of the total general membership.  Removal from office will not constitute automatic termination of membership.


ARTICLE VI: ADVISOR

Responsibilities of the Club Advisor are as followed:
  1. Be a mentor to the Club Members.
  2. Help the Club make decisions that may concern an Officer or any other Member.
  3. Attend Club meetings and help with Club events when available.
  4. Assist with the administration of the club’s BeInvolved account.


ARTICLE VII: NON-HAZING

Hazing is strictly prohibited. Hazing shall be defined as any conduct which subjects another person, whether physically, mentally, emotionally, or psychologically, to anything that may endanger, abuse, degrade, or intimidate the person as a condition of association with a group or organization, regardless of the person's consent or lack of consent.


ARTICLE VIII: PERSONAL GAIN CLAUSE

This organization, if raising funds, shall ethically raise and distribute profits from organizational functions to either the organization or to members who provide a service that directly benefits the organization. If a club member speaks with an individual/company regarding a new sponsorship opportunity, he/she must receive approval from the sponsorship coordinator before accepting the sponsorship. Individual members may not receive compensation directly from for-profit companies if acting as a representative of a student organization.

ARTICLE IX: PROGRAMS INVOLVING CHILDREN CLAUSE

This organization, when working with children, will be aware of and abide by the University's Programs Involving Children (PIC) Policy.


ARTICLE X: SAFETY PROTOCOL/ EMERGENCY ACTION



  1. Liability waiver will be utilized and maintained to protect club individuals, the organization, and the university from liability in the occurrence of property damage or individual harm
    1. All members and volunteers participating in any club function will have to have a signed waiver on file
    2. Club president will ensure all participating have signed the liability waiver and will have them on file at each club function
  2. Safety Protocol
    1. All members will have emergency contact information on file at each club function
    2. 2 active club members will be first aid trained/CPR certified at all times, and at least one of the first aid trained/CPR certified members will be required at each club function
    3. Club members will be required to have a cell phone on them at each fishing tournament
  3. Emergency Action
    1. Situation will be assessed and team members will be contacted by cell phone to help in any way possible
    2. If injury occurs to an individual, the First Aid/CPR certified individual will assess the situation and contact emergency personnel depending on the severity of the situation
    3. If need be individual will be transported to the nearest health care facility by other members or by emergency personnel
    4. Emergency contact will be notified of the situation

ARTICLE XI: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Any proposed amendments or changes must be submitted to the Secretary in writing in enough time for the Secretary to distribute to current members before the meeting when the vote will occur.  The proposal shall be announced under the new business of the meeting.  Members in good standing will vote upon the proposal.
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“Although this organization has members who are Indiana University students and may have University employees associated or engaged in its activities and affairs, the organization is not a part of or an agency of the University. It is a separate and independent organization which is responsible for and manages its own activities and affairs. The University does not direct, supervise or control the organization and is not responsible for the organization’s contracts, acts or omissions.”