MONONGAHELA ROWING ASSOCIATION

Morgantown, WV

By-Laws

info@monrowing.org

BY-LAWS

Article I: Name and Address

1.      The name of the corporation is Monongahela Rowing Association, Inc.

2.      The corporation is located at 40 Donley Street, Morgantown WV 26505.

Article II: Purpose and Objectives

1.      The Association is organized:

a.       to promote an educational program devoted to the development of amateur rowing as a means of athletic competition and attainment of physical fitness;

b.      to stimulate active participation in the rowing sport through membership by individuals and organized groups in the Morgantown area, and through sponsorship of affiliate clubs at West Virginia University and local high schools;

c.       to promote further interest in rowing by giving assistance to, and arranging competition with, other clubs and schools and colleges;

d.      to use every reasonable endeavor for the advancement and up-building of amateur rowing in accordance with the best traditions, principles and standards of sportsmanship.

2.      To enable the pursuit of these purposes and objectives, the Association reserves the right:

a.       to loan and borrow money, pledge assets as security, and to do all things necessary to finance the needs of the Association, and to secure, protect, foreclose and enforce any obligations to the Association, and to do all lawful things in furtherance of these purposes;

b.      to establish, maintain and conduct the Association for the accommodation of its members, and to provide buildings, land, equipment and other conveniences, and generally to afford to members all the usual privileges, advantages and accommodations;

c.       to receive and use dues, assessments and fees; and to receive and use gifts of money, property and services which now or hereafter may be authorized by law for purposes of the furtherance of the Association.

Article III: Membership

1.      Membership will be open to all interested persons on a non-discriminatory basis provided that they abide by the objectives, standards and rules of the Association.

2.      Membership classes are as follows:

a.       regular membership for those wishing to participate in, or contribute to, the Association by payment of a regular dues-donation annually

b.      sustaining membership for those donating annually beyond the regular dues-donation

c.       contributing membership for those donating substantial funds or equipment or services to the Association, as determined by the Board of Directors

d.      honorary membership, as determined by the Board of Directors

e.       family membership shall include up to 2 adult primary voting family members and include rowing privileges to dependent minors of primary members, who shall be associate members.

f.       associate member is a dependent of a primary member

1.      is a non voting member

2.      must be accompanied by a primary member for access to facilities and equipment

g.      student member – is reserved for individuals who are duly registered as full time students of a qualified institution of higher learning; the membership period for students is the academic calendar year and goes from June 1 to May 31 of the following year. Students may be undergraduate or graduate. Student members are not eligible to hold office.

3.      Any membership entitles the holder to the reasonable use of the facilities and equipment of the Association, as set forth in the policies established by the Board of Directors.

Article IV: Finances

1.      The terms and levels of membership dues, affiliate club assessments, user fees and rental rates are set annually by the Board of Directors.

2.      The fiscal year of the Association is from January 1 - Dec.31 (Calendar year)

Article V: Board of Directors

1.      The Board of Directors consists of no less than three nor more than fifteen people, as determined annually by the membership meeting. They shall be members in good standing of the Association, and hold office for a term of one year and until their successors nave been elected and qualified and have accepted. They may be re-elected for successive terms. The president of any affiliate club is an ex officio member of the Board and may serve it in an advisory capacity.

2.      The Board of Directors sets the overall policies of the Association, such as major equipment purchases or sales, financial transactions, membership and affiliate applications and rules, public relations and fund-raising.

3.      The Board at its discretion may retain people to act as coach and/or manager who in addition to other functions will be responsible to the Board for the use and care of its facilities and equipment.

4.      The Board reserves the right to deny the use of its equipment and facilities to anyone who fails to abide by the rules of the Association.

5.      The Board shall meet monthly except in December and January. Special meetings may be called by the president or any three members of the Board. A quorum is the majority of the Board in person or by proxy.

6.      Board members are nominated and elected at the annual membership meeting. Vacancies may be filled by the Board for the remainder of the year.

7.      Board members may designate proxies by written notice to the secretary.

8.      Any board member who misses 4 (four) unexcused consecutive regularly scheduled board meeting shall be removed from the board. The board shall decide on validity of an excuse.

Article VI: Officers

1.      The Board of Directors will select the officers from its members. They are president, vice president and secretary-treasurer.

2.      The president is the chief officer of the Association. He will call and chair meetings of the Board of Directors and the Association,-and he - will appoint committees. In his absence, the vice president will substitute.

Article VII: Membership Meetings

1.      There will be at least one membership meeting annually in June, for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors, and to conduct and report the affairs of the Association.

2.      Members will be notified of any meeting two weeks in advance and may submit agenda items and/or nominations before and during the meeting.

3.      Any ten members can request additional membership meetings.

4.      A quorum is constituted by those present at a properly called meeting.

5.      Decisions stand if approved by a majority of those present.

Article VIII: By-Laws

1.      These by-laws can be corrected or amended by a two-thirds majority of the members present at a properly called meeting. Advance notice of the meeting and the proposed changes or amendments shall be given to each member.

2.      No rule or decision can be made that in any way violates the tax-exempt status of the Association under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as affirmed in the amended Articles of Incorporation dated 4/15/77.

Approved by membership on August 7, 2010

John M. Duarte, President, The Monongahela Rowing Association, Inc.