CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
OF THE
TEXAS TORNADO BOOSTER CLUB
Article I : NAME
The name of this organization shall be known as the Texas Tornado Booster Club, hereinafter referred to as "The Club", which is officially recognized by the offices of the NAHL's Texas Tornado.
Article II : PURPOSE
Section I : Function
It shall be the function of "The Club", as a "BOOSTER CLUB", to support the management and players of the Texas Tornado Hockey Club, and to promote the development and growth of hockey in the Tarrant County area.
This organization is NOT a "FAN CLUB".
Section II : Fellowship
"The Club" shall carry out club activities IN A SPIRIT OF FUN AND FELLOWSHIP. Club activities shall have as primary goals, the enjoyment of said activities by not only the members of "The Club", but also the enjoyment of anyone else participating in club activities.
Article III : MEMBERSHIP
Section I : Qualifications
Any person may become a member of "The Club", upon payment of membership dues. Regardless of race, creed, sex, age or national origin. Membership dues to "The Club" shall not be prorated and are non-refundable.
Section II : Membership Term
Membership term will run (1 year ) between the dates of Aug.2nd to Aug.1st.
Section III : Membership Categories
A- Family Membership. Will consist of adults and children under 18 years of age or 21 years of age if a full time student and living in the same household. Family Membership dues will be $25.00.
B-Single Membership. Shall be for any one adult, 18 years of age or older. Single Membership dues will be $15.00.
C-Junior/Student Membership. Shall be for young people 16 to 18 years of age OR full-time college student up to the age of 21 years old. Junior/ Student Membership dues will be $10.00. (Junior Memberships must have parents signature on membership application to join)
Section IV : Membership Classifications
A- Voting Member. All persons who have paid membership dues as
determined by the Board of Directors of "The Club" and are 16 years of age or older as of the date of the membership application shall be a Voting Member of "The Club". All such members shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of the members for any purpose authorized for vote by members.
B- Non-Voting Member. All persons who have paid membership dues as
determined by the Board of Directors of "The Club" and are under 16 years of age as of the date of the membership application shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the members.
C- Honorary Members. Coach's, players, front office staff, owners and any other person so deemed by a vote of the Board of Directors of "The Club" shall be considered Honorary Members. Membership dues shall not be collected from Honorary Members. Honorary Members shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the members.
Section V : Limitations
The Board of Directors of "The Club" shall have the power, from time to time, to set forth general rules and qualifications of membership. They shall have the power to set forth the amount of annual membership dues. They shall also have the power to approve minor club expenditures (less than $150 ) without a vote of the general membership.
Section VI : Conduct
Members are expected to conduct themselves in an adult and civil manner. As a condition of membership, members shall agree to sign and abide by the
rules set forth in the "Code of Conduct
Section VII : Charges of Misconduct
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of "The Club". Written charges detailing the allegations must be submitted to the Board of Directors of "The Club" and forwarded to the Secretary of "The Club" with a deposit of $25.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not substantiated.
A- The charges will be first heard by the Board of Directors of "The Club" in a closed meeting.
B-The accused member will present his/her case to the Board of Directors of "The Club".
1b-The accused member shall receive notice of the accusations and the date, time and location of the hearing. To be mailed at least days before the hearing.
C-Upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors of "The Club", a recommendation shall be presented to the General Membership for a vote on a suspension or termination of membership from "The Club" at the next scheduled meeting.
D-If the allegations are not proven, the complainant shall issue a public apology at the next scheduled General Membership meeting.
Article IV : VOTING
Section I : Eligibility
Any voting member as set forth in Article III, Section IV, Part A, is eligible to vote at any meeting on any issues to be voted upon.
Section II : Absentee Voting
Absentee ballots shall be allowed for election of the Board of Directors of "The Club" upon approval of the current Board of Directors of "The Club". Provided the member requesting an absentee ballot seeks approval two weeks prior to the election, unless a verifiable emergency exists.
Section III: Non-Voting Membership
The non-voting membership shall have the privilege of participating in the selection of player awards that are given by "The Club"
Article V: PECUNIARY GAIN
"The Club" shall not afford pecuniary gain, incidental or otherwise, to its members. No part of the net earnings of "The Club" shall incur to the benefit of, or be distributed to its members, directors, officers, committee chairpersons or other private persons. Except that "The Club" shall be empowered and authorized to pay reasonable compensation of services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in these Articles. No substantial part of the activities of "The Club" shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and "The Club" shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign for public office.
Article VI : GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Section I : General Meetings
During the month of April each year, there will be a General Membership Meeting in which the express purpose is to elect new Officers and Directors for the upcoming term to begin on May 1st. Notification of this and every General Membership Meeting shall be made to the last known address of each member in good standing, as determined by the Board of Directors, no less than ten days prior to the date set forth of said meeting. There shall be at least six General Membership Meetings each year. The Board of Directors may designate the time and place of said meetings.
Section II : Special Meetings
Special Meetings of the members, for any purpose, may be called by the President of "The Club" and shall also be subject to call on the written request of any three other Officers or Directors or at the request of fifteen members in good standing, as determined by the Board of Directors. Written or printed notice, stating the date, time, place and purpose of said Special Meeting shall be mailed not less than ten nor more than thirty days prior to the date of said meeting to each member entitled to vote at such meeting.
Section III : Waiver of Notification
Attendance of a member at any meeting shall constitute waiver of notification of said meeting.
Section IV : Quorum
A quorum shall not be required for General Membership Meetings. A majority vote of those in attendance will be binding for the entire membership.
Section V : Books and Records
The books and records of "The Club" shall be open to inspection upon request.
Article VII : BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section I : Eligibility
In order to fulfill our expressed purpose, as stated in Article II, without conflict, apparent or not, eligibility to hold a position on the Board of Directors is limited.
A- The Board of Directors must be members in good standing of "The Club", both at time of election and during term of office.
B- No more than two members from the same immediate family, whether living in the same household or not, are eligible to serve on the Board of Directors; with only one family member being eligible to serve as an Officer during the same term of office.
Section II : Size and Vacancies
The Board of Directors may create or dissolve additional positions as necessary. These positions may be filled by appointment by the President, to be confirmed by a vote of the Board of Directors and as such, shall be a non-voting member of the Board until confirmation by election at a General Membership Meeting, at which point they will become a voting member of the Board. The presence of any two-thirds of the members of the Board at a called meeting, either General, Special or Board Meeting, will constitute a quorum and their decisions will be binding.
Section III : Definition of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is comprised of Officers and Chairpersons who are empowered to carry forth all official business of "The Club", including, but not limited to, attending Board Meetings and General Membership Meetings.
Section IV : Officers and their Duties
A- President
The President shall:
1-Preside at all meetings of the organization.
2-Appoint all committees not otherwise provided for.
3-Carry out assignments and instructions given him/her by vote of organization.
4-Exercise supervision over the organization and all its activities.
5-Sign letters or documents necessary to carry out the will of the organization.
6-Perform such other duties as customarily pertain to the office of President.
7-Shall not make any motions and vote only in case of a tie vote.
8-Coordinate activities between "The Club", the TX Tornado Hockey Club, the North American Hockey League and other league Booster Clubs.
B- Vice-President
The Vice-President shall:
1-Assume the office and duties of the President in the event of the absence or incapacity of the President.
2-Perform all duties and functions delegated to him/her by the President.
3-Chair the nominating committee.
4-Chair a committee to update the by-laws.
5-Conduct all elections, including the counting of ballots.
C- Recording Secretary
The Recording Secretary shall:
1-Keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings by taking notes as the basis for preparing the minutes of the meetings.
2-Prepare and certify the accuracy of the minutes.
3-Present the minutes of the previous meeting at each General Membership Meeting and each meeting of the Board of Directors for correction and approval unless excused by motion from the floor.
4-Issue notice of meetings of the Board of Directors and agenda after consultation with the President.
5-Conduct the correspondence of the organization.
6-Maintain historical information pertinent to the organization and its decisions.
D- Treasurer
The Treasurer shall:
1-Collect all dues, donations and any monies generated by functions of the organization. Govern and require a complete accounting of all money generated by any committee of the organization. Shall be empowered to appoint a responsible party in each committee to act on behalf of the Treasurer, who is directly responsible to the Treasurer.
2-Maintain a checking account in the name of the organization.
3-Render a written account at each Board and General Membership Meeting of the receipts and disbursements to date. (If the Treasurer is unable to attend these meetings, the President shall appoint someone else to present the financial report).
4-Pay all bills of the organization in a timely manner upon approval of the Board of Directors.
5-Present the final financial report of the year for audit by the present Board or the newly elected Board.
6-Prepare an annual budget for review and approval of the Board.
Section V : Chairpersons and their Duties
A- Membership
The Membership Chairperson shall:
1-Be responsible for the solicitation and recruitment of new members.
2-Maintain the integrity of the membership list.
3-Possess a current membership list at all meetings.
4-Validate the voting members for the Annual Membership Meeting and election of Officers and members of the Board of Directors.
5-Collect all monies submitted with membership applications and immediately turn over said money to the Treasurer (or representative thereof), after validation of membership application.
6-Provide the Newsletter Editor with a current list of members and their mailing addresses.
7-Provide the Board a current list of members interested in serving on committees.
B- Fund Raising
The Fund Raising Chairperson shall:
1-Establish and oversee all fund raising projects, including the purchase and maintenance of the inventory of items for sale.
2-Collect and turn over to the Treasurer all monies generated by fund raising activities, complete with a written substantiating report.
C- Special Events
The Special Events Chairperson shall:
1-Organize and coordinate road trips to out of town games and functions.
2-Coordinate any other special projects not related to other committees, as deemed necessary by the Board (i.e., Christmas and Year End Parties)
3-Organize player awards, including Player of the Month awards
4-Organize player support functions (i.e., Welcome Baskets, player bus activities, etc.).
D- Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator shall:
1-Contact and coordinate volunteers in conjunction with the frontoffice of the TX Tornado Hockey Club.
2-Contact and coordinate volunteers for game day activities, including the staffing and set up of "The Club" table.
E- Newsletter Editor
The Newsletter Editor shall:
1-Supply a monthly newsletter to each member of "The Club" and to all persons who so request such newsletter from around the NAHL.
2-Notify each member of the date, time and location of General Membership Meetings.
Section V : Removal from the Board of Directors
Any person serving as a member of the Board who is not performing the duties of his/her elected position or has violated the guidelines of these bylaws is subject to removal from said position by a majority vote of the Board. A call for a vote on removal by the membership can be initiated by either a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board or by a petition signed by no fewer than two-thirds of the voting members of "The Club". The signed petition must be presented to the Board of Directors at a meeting of the Board. The Board will review the petition and certify the signatures. If a sufficient number of the certified signatures of voting members is present on the petition, the Board will review the list of the items or areas in which the person is being charged with not performing the duties of, or violating the guidelines of these bylaws. The person being petitioned for removal from office shall be allowed to address the Board at this meeting. No other speakers concerning the petition shall be allowed at this meeting.
Section VI : Length of Term
All positions on the Board of Directors are for two years. The term is to commence on May 1st of the current year and to expire on April 30th, two years thereafter. In the month of April, the outgoing Board and the newly elected Board shall meet for the purpose of providing information and a smooth transition of leadership of "The Club".
Section VII : Consecutive Terms
No member of the Board of Directors may serve in the same office for more than two terms.
Section VIII : Resignation
Any member of the Board wishing to resign from office may do so by submitting their resignation in writing to the Board at any time.
Section IX : Elections
The Board of Directors shall be elected by the members of "The Club" from a list of candidates for these offices before the Annual Membership Meeting in March. From the list of certified candidates, the members present at said meeting ( and by approved absentee voting ) will elect, by majority vote, the Board of Directors for the following term. Any Member may be certified as a candidate for office by meeting the following criteria:
1-Eligibility requirements as set forth in Article VII, Section 1.
2-A request in writing supported by the signatures of at least ten voting members as described in Article III, Section 4, Part A, received by the Vice President of "The Club" at least fourteen days in advance of the Annual Membership Meeting.
3-Any member over the age of twenty-one who is in good standing and has been a member of "The Club" for a minimum of thirty days prior to the election date, may seek election to the Board of Directors.
Section X : Eligibility
The cut off date for eligibility to vote in an election shall be set as fourteen days prior to the date of the election. Anyone registering as a member after that date shall not be allowed to vote in that election.
Article VIII : AMENDMENTS
These Bylaws may be proposed for amendments at any meeting by a majority vote of the Board, then in office. Such proposal shall be presented to the voting members of "The Club", in writing, for approval at the next regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting called for such vote, provided that no fewer than twenty-one days shall have elapsed between the formal proposal and membership vote. A majority vote of members present at such meeting shall be required for the approval of any amendment. These Bylaws shall become effective immediately upon the approval of the General Membership.
Bylaws Approved - 8/17/99
Amendment #1-approved 5/26/01- The office of Player Relations is officially removed from the by-laws. The relevant duties are switched to Special Events Chairperson.
