Northern Ohio Division By Laws Web Page 1

By Laws accepted June 1982.

Last update of Webpage : September 13, 2000 by Tom Nagy

I Name    II Status    III Offices    IV Objectives    V Membership    VI Fees and Dues    VII General Membership Meetings    VIII Executive Committee    IX Officers    X Duties of Officers    XI Additional Officers    XII Committees    XIII Directors Classification    XIV Ways and Means    XV Elections    XVI Non Discrimination    XVII Fiscal Year    XVIII Contracts    XIX Books and Records    XX Parlaimentary Conduct    XXI Order of Business    XXII Amendments    XXIII Irregularities    Back to Northern Ohio Web Page

Article I Name

The name of this organization shall be "The Northern Ohio Division of the United States Fencing Association", hereinafter referred to as "this Division" or "the Division".

[ back to Top ]

Article II Status

The Division shall operate as a non profit organization and shall wield such power and operate within such territory as specified by the charter granted to it by the United States Fencing Association (USFA).

[ back to Top ]

Article III Offices

The principal offices of this Division shall be located within the territorial limits of jurisdiction as specified by the charter granted to it by the USFA.

[ back to Top ]

The objectives of the Division shall be :

• A. To further individual self discipline, build character and promote sportsmanship by providing regular supervised training, instruction and competition in the art and sport of fencing;
• B. To aid in the improvement and development of the powers or analysis, thinking, decision making and self discipline of the individual through training in the art and sport of fencing;
• C. To instruct the public and provide general information with respect to the art and sport of fencing and the benefits to be derived from participation therein through lectures and other programs on the subject useful to the individual and beneficial to the community;
• D. To disseminate knowledge and basic factual material about the art and sport of fencing;
• E. To promote the social welfare by advancing physical fitness through the establishment, maintenance and promotion of regular programs of athletic activity, physical conditioning and training in the art and sport of fencing;
• F. To combat juvenile delinquency by providing for children and youths regular supervised programs of wholesome athletic activity and training in the art and sport of fencing;
• G. To establish a Division program of fencing competitions; and
• H. To pursue any other objectives set forth for the Division as an affiliate of the USFA.

[ back to Top ]

Article V Membership

• Section 1. Membership is open to all persons who :
  1. Have an interest in the sport of fencing, and
  2. Reside in or belong to a fencing club located within the territorial limits of the Division, and
  3. Who are not members of another Division.

• Section 2. Members in Good Standing

  Only persons who have paid their dues for the current year as prescribed by the By Laws of the USFA shall be considered "Members in Good Standing".

• Section 3. Voting Members

  All members in Good Standing who have met the specified age requirement as set forth in the USFA By Laws, shall have the right to vote.

• Section 4. Transfer of Membership

  Membership in this Division is not transferable or assignable.

• Section 5. Termination of Membership

  The Division cannot suspend or expel a member for cause. Such procedures are reserved for the USFA Board of Directors.

[ back to Top ]

Article VI Fees and Dues

• Section 1. Initiation Fees

  Initiation fees will be as set forth in the USFA By Laws.

• Section 2. Dues

  Dues will be as specified in the USFA By Laws.

[ back to Top ]

Article VII General Membership Meetings

• Section 1. Location of Meetings

  All meetings of the general membership shall be held within the geographical confines of the Division at any location deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee of the Division.

• Section 2. Annual Meeting

  The Annual Meeting of the Division shall be held in either June or July of each year at the discretion of the Executive Committee for the purpose of electing a new Executive Committee and for the transaction of such business as may come before the meeting.

• Section 3. Special Meetings

  A Special Meeting of the general membership may be held at any time at the request of the Chairman, pending approval by the Executive Committee, or as the result of a written request submitted by a majority of the Executive Committee. Business other than that specified in the notice for such a meeting may NOT be acted upon at a Special Meeting.

• Section 4. Notice of Meetings

  Formal written notice of the Annual or Special Meeting shall be sent to all Members in Good Standing indicating the date, place and time of the meeting, and, in the case of a Special Meeting, the purpose for which it is being called. All meeting notices shall be sent out no more than sixty (60) and at least fifteen (15) business days prior to the date of the meeting.

• Section 5. Quorum

  A quorum for any meeting of the Division covered in this article shall conform to the Division quorum set forth in the USFA By Laws.

[ back to Top ]

Article VIII Executive Committee

• Section 1. Purpose

  The management of the Division shall be vested in the Executive Committee in accordance with the USFA By Laws.

• Section 2. Members

  All Division Officers, Standing Committee Chairmen, Additional Directors, and Members At Large shall serve as Executive Committee members during their terms of office. No persons related by consanguinity or marriage shall constitute a majority of the Executive Committee.

• Section 3. General Powers and Duties

  Specifically the Executive Committee shall :

  1. Establish and regularly review Division policies concerning its operation, and
  2. Provide general supervision over and charge of the property, affairs, and finances of the Division.

• Section 4. Regular Meetings

  The regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held once a month at a time and place specified by the Chairman pending approval by a majority of the Executive Committee. These meetings shall be open to any Member in Good Standing of the Division who should want to attend.

• Section 5. Special Meetings

  Special Meetings of the Executive Committee may be held at any time at the request of the Chairman or as the result of a written request submitted by a majority of all its members. Business other than that specified in the notice (except for appropriations) may NOT be acted upon at a Special Meeting.

• Section 6. Location of Meetings

  All meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held within the geographical confines of the Division at any location deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee.

• Section 7. Notice of Meetings

  Formal written notice of all Executive Committee meetings shall be sent to all Committee Members indicating the date, place, and time of the meeting, and, in the case of a Special Meeting, the purpose for which it is being called. Such notices shall be sent out not less than five (5) working days prior to the date of the meeting, unless notice provision is waived by a majority of all members of the Executive Committee.

• Section 8. Voting Rights

  Each member of the Executive Committee shall be entitled to only one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the Executive Committee. Special Committee Chairmen have no vote unless they are entitled to such by being a member of the Executive Committee.

• Section 9. Quorum

  A quorum of five (5) Executive Committee members must be present to conduct business at an Executive Committee meeting.

[ back to Top ]

Article IX Officers and Other Members of the Executive Committee

• Section 1. Division Officers

  The officers of the Division shall be Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Armorer, and Awards Coordinator.

• Section 2. Other Members

  Other members of the Executive Committee shall be the Chairmen of all Standing Committees, three (3) or more Members at Large, and such Additional Directors as the Division is entitled to in accordance with the USFA By Laws.

• Section 3. Terms of Office

  The term of office for all members of the Executive Committee shall be one (1) calendar year starting and ending at the beginning and end of the fiscal year as set down in the USFA By Laws. Additional Directors shall serve for one (1) calendar year, as specified above, except when the Division's entitlement to a given Additional Director lapses.

• Section 4. Requirements
  • A. No Member of the Executive Committe shall :
    1. Be younger than the age specified in the USFA By Laws for voting and holding office.
    2. Hold more than one elected position on this Division's Executive Committee at any one time.
  • B. All Members of the Executive Committee shall be voting members of this Division.

• Section 5. Compensation of Members of the Executive Committee
  • A. No Member of the Executive Committee, except the Armorer, shall receive any direct compensation for his or her services as a member of the Executive Committee.
  • B. The Armorer shall be paid for time spent repairing and travel delivering equipment to competition sites.
  • C. Reimbursement for travel, phone, and other expenses incurred by a member of the Executive Committee in the performance of his or her duties is subject to the approval of the Executive Committee.

• Section 6. Vacancies
  • A. If a member of the Executive Committee misses three (3) consecutive regular meetings of the Executive Committee without sufficient cause, he or she shall be considered automatically removed from office. The Executive Commitee shall, as soon as possible thereafter, elect a replacement to serve in that position for the remainder of its unexpired term in accordance with parts B and C of this section.
  • B. Upon resignation, death, or removal of the Chairman, the Vice Chairman shall succeed to that office and the Executive Commitee shall elect a replacement to serve out the remainder of the Vice Chairman's term.
  • C. Upon resignation, death, or removal of any member of the Executive Committee other than the Chairman, the Executive Committee shall elect a replacement to serve out the remainder of the term in that position.

• Section 7. Removal

  Any member of the Executive Committee may be removed from office either (1) under the provisions of Section 6, part A, automatically, or (2) after impeachment for cause by an affirmative vote of three quarters (3/4) of all the Executive Committee members at a meeting called for that purpose and upon an affirmative vote of three quarters (3/4) of the Voting Members present at a Special Meeting of the general membership called for that purpose. Notification of any meeting calling for Impeachment or removal proceedings shall be sent to that member of the Executive Committee via Certified Mail not less than fifteen (15) business days prior to said meeting. After impeachment and until a final decision is rendered by the membership, the member of the Executive Committee in question shall be suspended from all duties and authority.

[ back to Top ]

Article X Duties of Members of the Executive Committee

• Section 1. The Chairman

  The Chairman shall :

  • A. Preside at meetings of the general membership and the Executive Committee;
  • B. See that all orders and resolutions of the Executive Committee or the general membership are carried out;
  • C. Represent the Division in its dealings with other organizations and agencies;
  • D. Coordinate the work of all other members of the Executive Committee;
  • E. Administer and be responsible for the overall management of the business affairs of the Division subject to the control vested in the Executive Committee by statute, USFA By Laws, or by these By Laws;
  • F. Be an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee;
  • G. Represent the Division at meetings of the USFA;
  • H. Appoint all Chairman of Special Committees; and
  • I. Not less than twenty (20) days prior to the Annual Meeting of the USFA, file with the Secretary of the USFA a complete report of membership, finances, and activities of the Division for the current year.

• Section 2. The Vice Chairman

  The Vice Chairman shall :

  • A. Assist the Chairman;
  • B. Perform all duties of the Chairman in his or her absence;
  • C. Coordinate the work of all committees; and
  • D. Serve as an ex officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.

• Section 3. The Secretary

  The Secretary shall :

  • A. Record the minutes of the Annual Meeting, any Special Meetings, and the meetings of the Executive Committee;
  • B. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with these By Laws, the USFA By Laws, or as required by law.
  • C. Maintain a current file of the official records of this Division, such as, the By Laws, membership roster, minutes of all meetings, standing rules, number of competitions, associated competitors, competition results, etc.;
  • D. Submit such reports to the USFA Secretary as may be required by USFA regulation;
  • E. Certify the eligibility of Division members to compete in local, interdivisional, Sectional, and National fencing competitions;
  • F. Be and ex officio member of the Public Relations /Newsletter Committee; and
  • G. Perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.

• Section 4. The Treasurer

  The Treasurer shall :

  • A. Collect and deposit all funds and securities of the Division as per Article XVIII, Section 3 of these By Laws;
  • B. Disburse or supervise the disbursement of all funds with the approval of the Executive Committee;
  • C. Keep an accurate account of all monies received and disbursed;
  • D. Prepare an annual operating budget for the Division;
  • E. Coordinate the work of the Ways and Means Committee;
  • F. Be an ex officio member of the Ways and Means Committee;
  • G. Submit such reports and fees to the USFA Treasurer as may be required by USFA regulations; and
  • H. Perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.

• Section 5. The Corresponding Secretary

  The Corresponding Secretary shall :

  • A. Gather all pertinent information concerning fencing competitions outside the Division and make this information available to the membership;
  • B. Forward to the official USFA magazine the results of Division competitions and such other items of interest which might warrant publication;
  • C. Provide assistance to Division members travelling to outside competitions by assisting them in booking transportation or lodging, and sending in entries as necessary;
  • D. Be an ex officio member of the Public Relations /Newsletter Committee; and
  • E. Perform all duties incident to the office of Corresponding Secretary and such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.

• Section 6. The Armorer

  The Armorer shall :

  • A. Have charge of and maintain all Division strips, electrical apparatus, and rental equipment;
  • B. Coordinate with the Bout Committee Chairman to insure that all equipment needed to conduct a scheduled competition shall be available and in good repair;
  • C. Make such equipment as necessary available to demonstrations and exhibitions approved by the Executive Committee;
  • D. Maintain a complete inventory of all Division owned equipment;
  • E. Be a member of the Bout Committee; and
  • F. Perform all duties incident to the office of Armorer and such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.

• Section 7. Members at Large

  Members at Large shall :

  • A. Be responsible for seeing that the financial records of the Division are audited annually prior to the Annual Meeting;
  • B. Insure that all property and money is managed in accordance with these By Laws and as specified by law;
  • C. Be members of the Ways and Means Committee; and
  • D. Perform other duties as are assigned by the Chairman and the Executive Committee.

• Section 8. Standing Committee Chairmen

  All Standing Committee Chairmen shall :

  • A. Coordinate the activity of their respective committees (see Article XII); and
  • B. Perform all duties incident to their duties as committee chairmen and such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman and the Executive Committee.

• Section 9. Awards Coordinator

  The Awards Coordinator shall :

  • A. Be responsible for obtaining awards for all Division competitions;
  • B. Be responsible for obtaining special awards for such as Fencer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Novice Fencer of the Year, etc.;
  • C. Be a member of the Bout and Junior Olympic Commitees; and
  • D. Perform all duties incident to office of Awards Coordinator and such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.

[ back to Top ]

Article XI Additional Directors

Each Division of the USFA is entitled to a specified number of Additional Directors (as per USFA By Laws) who shall represent the Division at USFA meetings.

• Section 1. Excessive Number of Additional Directors

  At no time shall the number of Additional Directors become a majority of the total Executive Committee membership. Additional Members at Large shall be elected as necessary to prevent Additional Directors from obtaining such a majority.

• Section 2. Additional Entitlement
  • A. If the number of Additional Directors to which the Division is entitled is increased after the Division's Annual Meeting, the Executive Committee shall elect such individual to serve the remainder of the term; otherwise,
  • B. All Additional Directors shall be elected in accordance with USFA By Laws at the Division's Annual Meeting.

• Section 3. Other Duties

  In addition to representing the Division at USFA meetings, Additional Directors shall perform such other duties as are assigned by the Chairman or the Executive Committee.

[ back to Top ]

Article XII Committees

There shall be three Standing Committees. In addition, the Chairman shall have the power to create any Special Committee deemed necessary with the approval of the Executive Committee. The three Standing Committees are as follows :

1. Bout
2. Junior Olympic
3. Public Relations / Newsletter

• Section 1. The Bout Committee

  The Bout Committee shall :

  • A. Develop a schedule of Division competitions including competitions to qualify local fencers for Sectional and National Championships;
  • B. Solicit sites and obtain necessary officials for all competitions hosted and sponsored by the Division;
  • C. Organize and run all competitions hosted and sponsored by the Division; and
  • D. Collect any entry fees at competitions hosted and sponsored by the Division and transfer such funds to the Treasurer.

• Section 2. The Junior Olympic Committee

  The Junior Olympic Committee shall :

  • A. Coordinate and develop the Junior Olympic Fencing Program within the Division; and
  • B. Set up a schedule of demonstrations, exhibitions, and junior high and high school competitions.

• Section 3. The Public Relations/ Newsletter Committee

  The Public Relations/ Newsletter Committee shall :

  • A. Publish and mail out a newsletter at least twice a year to the membership of the Division;
  • B. Arrange for advance publicity of Division competitions via newspapers, radio and TV as feasible;
  • C. Arrange for the publication of competition results via newspapers, radio and TV as feasible; and
  • D. Handle all external media promotion of the sport of fencing.

• Section 4. Committee Rules

  Each committee may adopt rules for its government consistent with these ByLaws or with Standing Rules adopted by the general membership or the Executive Committee.

[ back to Top ]

Article XIII Directors Classification Commission

A Directors (Referees) Classification Commission shall be established by the Executive Committee. Members of this Commission shall be designated by the Executive Committee at the first Executive Committee meeting of its term of office each year. The purpose of this Commission shall be to set up objective criteria for the classification of Directors (Referees) and to administer whatever procedures are necessary for an individual to meet these criteria. All members of this Commission must be Class II or Class III Directors (Referees). All Class II or Class III Directors (Referees) within this Division, whether they are members of the Commission or not shall be bound by the decisions and procedures of the Commission.

[ back to Top ]

Article XIV Ways and Means Committee

A Ways and Means Committee shall be established by the Executive Committee. Members of this Committee shall be designated by the Executive Committee at the first Executive Committee meeting of its term of office each year.

The purpose of this Committee shall be :

• A. To aid the Treasurer in the development of an annual budget; and
• B. To develop and implement programs for securing of funds necessary for the successful operation of this Division.

[ back to Top ]

Tom Nagy Webmaster 440 327 0808