Rules & Regulations – As
Adopted August 2005
Stated Objectives and Purpose of
Our club consists of a diverse group of individuals whose purpose is to enjoy, promote, and expand the sport of fishing to our membership and community in general. To foster the spirit of sportsmanship and Christian ideals, helping each member to become more proficient in the sport of Bass Fishing specifically. The sharing of expertise with all members through experience, information and assistance is expected. We wish to promote a healthy spirit of competition without undue emphasis on competitiveness. Our loyalty is to the club membership and the Christian ideals we stand for. We wish to be recognized in the community as a positive influence and asset. Active participation is a standard we expect and require.
Original
To promote recreational fishing as a means of fun, fellowship and sharing, while demonstrating a strong sense of community spirit.
Regarding fun: not allowing the true pleasure and enjoyment of the sport to be taken away by competitiveness.
Regarding fellowship: showing respect for each other's values, ideas and opinions, as well as a respect for our natural resources.
Regarding sharing: our knowledge and experiences; offering help and assistance where needed.
Regarding community: establish a positive presence by being involved in community activities.
Rules Governing Officers and Board
Members
Rules Governing Officers and Board members in good standing of the Gold City Bassmasters (a Georgia Bass Chapter Federation Club):
No one whom has been convicted of any major crime or served time in any penal institution may serve in any official capacity within the club unless such information has been freely presented to the membership prior to any vote or selection to any official capacity. Any member will be subject to Reprimand and/or Expulsion if such information becomes known at any future time.
No member in good standing may serve as an Officer of the club, if they hold membership in another club. If they are serving as an officer and should join another club, they shall volunteer that information and resign at the earliest scheduled meeting possible. This is to prevent any conflict of interest or potential accusations of conflicts.
The officers and Board Members must keep, as their highest priority, the best interest of the club and provide in good faith, their loyalty to the club and its membership.
Elections of Officers and Board Members
The club membership elects officers, a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Tournament Director, a Chaplain and two board members, from the members in good standing, of the Gold City Bassmasters (a Georgia Bass Chapter Federation Club). These elected representatives are to be the governing body of the club. In any vote, the President will not participate, except to cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. Should a club officer resign or no longer be able to participate and perform their duties as required, they may be replaced by proper notification (minimum of 7 days prior to the vote) of the general membership and vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Any member wishing to vote, but unable to attend may cast their ballot in a sealed envelope, given to an officer, with their signature attached to the ballot.
This elected group will review any written request, of any member in good standing and decide on a course of action, which may or may not involve the general membership. If it is decided that the request should be brought before the general membership, sufficient notice and information shall be given prior to any vote or discussion. Any issue which affects the general membership of the club shall be included in the earliest meeting possible. The Board will provide the agenda and the possible remedies/solutions that are applicable.
Any proposed rule changes should be sent to the club secretary who will pass along to the general membership prior to the next scheduled meeting. The proposed changes will be discussed and voted on as new business at that meeting. Rule changes/additions may be voted by absentee ballot if presented to a board member, in a sealed envelope with that members signature attached.
General
1) Absolutely no alcoholic beverages or intoxication will be allowed at any club meeting.
2) All rules, regulations and bylaws of this club are to be followed by every member. If not, disciplinary actions will be taken.
3) Club will meet the 1st
Thursday of each month at
4) Voting for elections, tournament sites, and general club functions/activities shall be considered passed and adopted based on a simple majority of those eligible to vote. The exception(s) to this will only be by specific exclusion or as otherwise stipulated in a specific procedure.
Absentee votes will not be allowed in circumstances where specifics or required details must be introduced before the actual vote is called for, -where any new information could be considered influential in the decision making process. This would be enforced/decided prior to the vote, at the discretion of the board.
5) Candidate members must participate in two (2) tournaments before being voted on for permanent membership. This vote will be by majority rule. The candidate must join/pay the annual Federation dues or, be a TBF member (in good standing) along with a $25 fee for each month. Prior members, who left in good standing, may apply for immediate membership, subject to the vote of the membership.
6) Members must be active for three (3) months before benefiting from the club's extra activities (jackets, etc.).
7) How dues are used (as money allows) - Tournament plaques; end-of-year awards and banquet; Ga. Federation Association fees (currently) $90.00 (ninety) per year; Top Six fees and expenses (lodging, meals, transportation) will be paid as much as possible; administrative costs (notebooks, record books, etc.); other as voted on and approved by the general membership.
8) Participation in all club sponsored events, by all club members, is expected.
9) Each member will provided access to the ‘members only’ page where a copy of all updated rules, regulations, bylaws, club financial data, and membership contact list can be found.
10) Insurance. Each member that will be using their boat must submit a Current Insurance Certificate to the club secretary and he shall keep these on file. This must show proof of Watercraft Liability insurance in the amount of no less than $100,000, with expiration date affixed. It is the member’s responsibility to provide this documentation; otherwise they are in violation of club rules and cannot submit as a boater for any club event. Any member in violation of this requirement will forfeit their weight for any tournament they are deemed in violation, and are subject to club reprimand or expulsion. If a boater member becomes eligible for Top Six, they will be subject to the Ga. Bass Chapter Federation and other sponsor requirements and must comply or give up their boater position. This could mean they would become ineligible to represent the club at Top Six if unable or unwilling to comply with all requirements.
Dues and Fees
1) Club dues will be $25.00 per month and will be paid at the club meeting. Dues can be paid by either the member or by another member on behalf of the member.
2) Club dues more than one month delinquent and member is ineligible to participate in tournament rewards and points.
3) If dues or other fees become two months delinquent, the member will automatically lose his membership in the club.
4) Any money paid at the launch site should be in a sealed envelope with your name on it and what the money is for.
5) All dues will be collected at the scheduled meeting prior to any tournament.
6) Non-boaters fee will be $35.00 to offset the boater's automobile and boat expenses. This $35.00 fee is set for "local" water tournaments. The non-boater's fee for tournaments held on "non-local" waters will be decided on no later than the meeting prior to that tournament.
7) No money will be refunded to any member who leaves the club, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.
8) Any member that leaves the club voluntarily and by their request, with all dues current, shall be considered a former member in good standing, and may return to the club by a simple vote of the membership. If returning in the same year, all statistics will start over, same as any other new member.
Hardship
If a member finds them selves in a “hardship” situation, they can bring it up to an officer who will present it to the other officers and/or board. The status of a Hardship situation will be decided by the officers and/or board. There will only be a club vote if the hardship is to be extended beyond a 6 month period.
Expulsion or Official Club Reprimand
(see Reason and Procedure to
Expel or Reprimand – addendum at bottom)
Tournaments
It is the individual member’s responsibility to contact the Tournament Director or a Club officer to comply with the rules of the club or request any allowable change or exemption.
Safety of anglers and equipment is of primary concern and importance. Regardless of the planned, revised, or actual tournament (or practice) hours for a tournament, unsafe or risky boat operation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In the absence of "safelight", anglers are encouraged to operate boats at speeds no greater than than the boat's minimum on-plane speed. Use of a spotlight is also encouraged to aid in safe navigation. In all cases, the non-boater has RIGHTS in the safe operation of the boat during any event. A safety point of emphasis for all competitors is the non-boater has the right and duty to tell the boater to slow down if he/she is concerned about his/her safety at any time. This is absolute! No exceptions, NONE!
Anglers should exercise their best judgment concerning boat operations under all lighting conditions.
1) Every club
member will be provided a copy of the tournament schedule, which includes
dates, times and launch sites.
2) If a tournament is cancelled, a decision as to what to do will be made at the next club meeting.
3) A draw schedule will be prepared, by the tournament committee, listing which tournaments will be drawn for at which particular meeting. The drawings will be held at the club meeting previous to any or all tournaments that are scheduled between that meeting and the following meeting; or held at the conclusion of the most recent tournament at the launch site.
4) If a member can not attend the scheduled meeting, it is his responsibility to notify the tournament director so he can be included in the drawing.
5) All tournaments will be drawn by non-boaters.
6) The tournament draw will be divided in to two groups:
* Boaters - persons having boats available to fish tournaments.
* Non-boaters - persons not having a boat or those choosing not to use their boat.
7) Example of a Drawing: 17 members for tournament; 10 boaters declared; 7 non-boaters declared. The seven non-boaters will draw seven boaters; of the three remaining boaters, two may fish together or all three may fish if they prefer.
8) Club members can not fish two (2) consecutive tournaments with the same partner, and every attempt will be made for no one to fish with the same partner twice in one year if possible.
9) Partnership is determined by the draw and is final, i.e., no changing of partners is allowed. If a member wishes to be excluded from the draw, he must request to be excluded and state the reason. Members may not be excluded and then “partner” with other members, excepting mechanical failure and then only as approved by the Tournament Director.
10) If for some reason a boater can not make the tournament or has mechanical problems, it is his responsibility to contact his partner and the tournament committee at least 36 hours prior to the scheduled tournament. The committee will split two boaters so that everybody will have a chance to participate.
11) If for some reason a member can not make the tournament it is his responsibility to contact the tournament director and his partner at least 36 hours prior to the scheduled tournament. If this contact is not made, the following rules will apply:
* The club member must present his reason at the next club meeting. If his reason is not accepted, he will be fined $35 and/or restitution to his partner.
* If this occurs twice and the club does not accept his reason, the member may be subject to reprimand or expulsion.
12) Arriving at a tournament late will require the participants to find a member of the committee or an officer of the club to have his boat and live well inspected. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the tournament and forfeiture of any points or awards.
Tournament Weigh-in and Procedures.
13) The weigh–in at any Club sanctioned tournament shall be controlled exclusively by the tournament director. It will be his duty to supervise all participants and procedures and to enforce all club, state, and federation/sponsor rules/regulations. In the event of any discrepancy, violation, or, perceived violation of any kind, he must be advised. If his instructions are not followed, disqualification or other penalties may be applied on site, or after the tournament, at the next regularly scheduled meeting, at the board’s discretion.
Anyone may file a verbal protest, explaining to the tournament director and another club officer the reasons for the protest. This must be done at the time of the perceived infraction and before any action could be taken to prevent proof of a violation. The protest, regardless of the type, must be presented prior to the “closing” of the weigh-in. The “closing” of the weigh-in will be announced by the tournament director and will become official within 1 minute of that announcement.
The tournament director may present any remedy and procedure to create a more efficient, orderly weigh-in. Objections to procedures may be presented at the next regularly scheduled meeting and discussed as new business.
The tournament director and his designated official(s) will be
responsible for the following:
* Measuring of fish -- The shortest fish to be weighed, by each participant, MUST BE MEASURED.
* Weighing of fish
* Releasing of live fish
* Recording data
* Inspection of boats prior to launch for safety devices and empty live wells
Disqualification from
a tournament will be enforced for any violation of rules #14 through #25. The tournament committee has the final
decision as to whether or not a person is in violation of these rules.
14) All boats used in tournaments must be equipped with the following:
* A working aerated live well or approved aerating system
* Life jacket for each boat occupant
* Kill switch - required by
* Throwable cushion
* Sounding device
* Fire extinguisher
15) Absolutely NO alcoholic beverages will be allowed in a boat or consumed until the tournament is declared as over by the tournament director.
16) Any persons who arrive at the tournament deemed “under the influence” will be disqualified.
17) All occupants, any time the gasoline engine is running, must wear life jackets.
18) No participants may start prior to director's signal.
19) Participants must maintain a minimum distance of fifty (50) yards from other participants on the water.
20) Boat operator is expected to provide "equal fishing opportunity" to person in back of boat.
21) No live bait or trolling is allowed.
22) Participants may only use one (1) rod in the water at a time.
23) The creel limit is five (5) fish per participant.
24) Fish must be culled as necessary to maintain the creel limit at all times. Any participant in violation will be disqualified. No dead fish may be culled.
25) Participants may weigh in the following species of bass:
* Largemouth
* Smallmouth
*
* Shoal
* Red Eye
26) All bass weighed in must be 12" minimum or the lake's
regulation if it is larger. Known exceptions are 13"-16" slot on
27) Unless otherwise decided weigh-in will be at
28) Fish must be kept in live wells until the participant is called to weigh-in.
29) A “Courtesy Check” may be requested Prior to any fish being presented to scales, by a participant. If a Courtesy check is requested and the fish is found to be short, it may be returned to the lake with no penalty. The shortest fish in any anglers sack will be measured, as well as any other fish, to determine compliance with all rules, regulations, and laws.
30) Each 'short' fish or any fish, presented for weigh-in, which does not meet any 'slot' regulation will result in the loss of the weight of the remaining largest fish, ranking down by weight for each "short" or "slot" fish that is presented. Should an anglers big fish be disqualified due to a weigh-in infraction, it will still be eligible for big fish pot if angler is participating in the big fish pot.
31) Late Penalty. All fishing must cease at the declared check-in time. There shall be no excuse for tardiness and in no case will a participant be allowed to make up any “lost time”. Participants (each person in boat) coming in late from fishing will be penalized .13 pounds per minute up to ten (10) minutes late. After 10 minutes the participants are automatically disqualified from the tournament.
The Tournament Director or his representative will verify arrivals.
32) The decision of the tournament committee is final in all cases, except as specifically otherwise noted.
33) Angler is to cease fishing for the period of time a partner is out of the boat, except in case of restroom break or other emergency. Violation will result in a loss of all points for the tournament.
Big Bass Pot
The Big Bass pot for each tournament will be collected by a designated person, at the meeting, prior to each tournament. If a member expects a non-member to fish with him he can pay for that person also. If a member or non-member wishes to enter the Big Bass Pot after the meeting, They must advise the secretary, or a specified representative, they intend to participate before the tournament begins, to be eligible/included in. If anyone included in the Big Bass Pot does not pay the announced fee prior to the start of weigh-in, they will not be included or eligible to participate. If anyone announces they are included and does not pay, therefore disqualifying themselves, they may be subject to some type of club reprimand. Big bass will be paid by check an/or cash once the winner has been determined. If there is any discrepancy or any question, it must be raised within 10 minutes of the closing of the tournament, to the tournament Director first or a club officer, should the tournament Director not be present. If any paid-in member is unable participate in the tournament, they will be eligible for a refund.
Point System
Starting the 2008 Season – Oct. 07 thru Sept. 08
Points will be awarded as follows:
Drop Two rule: Every member can “Drop 2“of the lowest scores (attended tournaments or not) per year. This allows for members to be able to miss up to two tournaments and not be penalized in the standings.
Awards
1) Plaques (or tournament “plates” for those with plaques from previous wins) will be awarded to the top three (3) fishermen for each tournament. See #6 below for ties.
2) In the event there are not three winners for the tournament, unclaimed awards will be returned to the club treasury.
3) Awards will be given out at the next club meeting after the tournament.
4) The top six members in points at the end of the year will be eligible to participate in the state Top Six Tournament.
5) Any individual awards or prize money won by any Top Six angler will be kept by that angler. Any club awards or prize money won at Top Six will go back to the club.
6) In the event of a tie, both fishermen will be awarded plaques for that position. Examples:
* Two anglers tie for first place, then both will receive a first place plaque, and the second and third place plaques will also be awarded.
* Two anglers tie for second place, then both will receive a second place plaque, and the first and third place plaques will also be awarded.
* Two anglers tie for third place, then both will receive a third place plaque, and the first and second place plaques will also be awarded.
7) Awards given at the year end banquet will include the following - Angler of the Year, Top Six Awards, Lunker, Big Creel, Sportsmanship Award, and beginning with the 2003 season, the highest finishing non-boater will receive an award ... to qualify for this award the non-boater must have fished a minimum of 8 tournaments as a non-boater.
Sanctioned Events
Any event requiring GCBM to provide representation, involvement, sponsorship, or participation at that event (including “The Top Six Team”) shall be governed by the following rules: [noting that being “Ranked” in the standings, does not automatically include a member as part of the TOP (6) Six Team].
GOLD CITY BASSMASTERS – Addendum to the Club rules and by-laws.
REASONS AND PROCEDURE TO EXPEL OR
REPRIMAND
Reasons to reprimand Club Member(s) For Cause :
A member in good standing in the Gold City Bassmasters (a Georgia Bass Chapter Federation club) may be reprimanded and remain in the club for the following:
Unsportsmanlike conduct, and behavior not consistent with maintaining good relationships with the general membership of the club. Anyone who continually causes undue conflict, and whose actions and/or activities bring major divisiveness and conflict between members or the general membership of the club. This includes any reason listed as Reasons to Expel Club Member(s) For Cause from the club.
If the violation(s) is listed in the Reasons to Expel Club Member(s) For Cause; an Active member in good standing, may request a club Reprimand as a volunteered option. That member must accept the resulting ruling without objection(s) or condition(s). If that acceptance is not acknowledged in front of the attending membership, at the initiation of the stated procedures, the remedy of the Reprimand will not be an option.
The procedure for Reprimand shall
be the same as Procedure described in Reasons
to Expel Club Member(s) For Cause.
Any member that is officially reprimanded will have a choice to remain in the club and participate in all sanctioned club events, unless so excluded as part of the Reprimand. Those members receiving an official reprimand will not be eligible to hold any office, or, officiate in any manner, in Gold City Bassmasters for the current year of Reprimand and the year immediate following the Reprimand, unless otherwise stated in the Reprimand. Participation in any club or club/federation event may be at the discretion of the conditions of the Reprimand.
The Reprimanded member(s) must exhibit and express a willingness to change such behavior (to the general membership) and/or provide a verbal promise that such activities will not be continued and professional help may be enlisted (as deemed appropriate) as part of this procedure. If professional help (including sources of competent counseling) is recommended or considered a condition of Reprimand, proof of such assistance must be provided to a club officer at least monthly, who will report same to the board, until such counseling is completed.
Any member considered under Reprimand, must comply with all of the rules governing a Reprimand and positively refrain from all conduct or activities that contributed to the issuing of the Reprimand. Any proven violation, or non compliance with conditions stipulated, will be submitted to the club officers, which will verify such violation and bring an immediate vote at the next regularly scheduled meeting for the member(s) immediate expulsion. This will take place without any further recourse to/by the club membership in part or as a whole.
Reasons to Expel Club Member(s) For Cause:
A member in good standing in the Gold City Bassmasters (a Georgia Bass Chapter Federation club) may be expelled for the following:
Gross negligence or conduct that result in death or injury to any person or persons or destruction of property.
Violation of law or statute during any Gold City Bassmasters sponsored event.
Flagrant violation of any tournament rule(s), cheating (in any capacity), gross misconduct, operating under the influence (drugs, alcohol, etc) as determined by the governing board of Gold City Bassmasters.
Proven outside conduct (not otherwise connected directly to the club or a club activity) that would be considered extremely detrimental, potentially harmful, or that could cause extreme duress to Gold City Bassmasters club integrity, or, membership in general.
The following procedure must be followed in order to Expel or
Reprimand, a member in good standing, of the
A. Motion to Expel/Reprimand a member may be brought only by an elected club officer. This officer or the club Secretary will prepare a Notice of Intent to Expel/Reprimand the member. This notice of intent must list the name of the member to be Expelled/Reprimanded, the reason for the proposed expulsion/reprimand, and a brief description of the circumstances surrounding the incident(s) or event(s) that occurred.
B. The Notice of Intent to Expel/Reprimand must be mailed to all members and postmarked at least seven (7) days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting if possible. If there is less than seven (7) days between the violation and the next meeting, the club Secretary (or the Vice President if the Secretary initiated the expulsion/reprimand) must attempt to contact each club member via phone and read them the notice.
C. The matter of the expulsion/reprimand will be brought up as the first order of business at the next regularly scheduled meeting
D. The club officer bringing the motion to Expel/Reprimand shall be required to explain the circumstances that brought about the motion to Expel/Reprimand to the membership attending the meeting.
E. The member subject to expulsion/reprimand, if present, shall have an opportunity to defend his membership to those attending the meeting.
F. The general membership shall be allowed to question both the member subject to expulsion/reprimand and the officer who brought the motion to Expel/Reprimand.
G. An orderly debate of the motion will be held under the control of the club President, unless the President initiated the motion to Expel/Reprimand. In that case, then an Officer not directly involved or accused, starting with the Vice President, then the Secretary, then the Tournament Director; shall control the debate.
A vote on the expulsion/reprimand may be held at this meeting, if the subject member agrees to hold the vote at this time. If a vote is held, it shall be by anonymous written ballot. A yes vote indicates the voting member agrees with the expulsion or reprimand and a no vote indicates the member disagrees with the expulsion or reprimand (whatever action is authorized). The ballots will be marked clearly as to the choice(s) available to the membership. All members present must vote. If a member refuses to vote (for any reason), they will not be counted as part of the majority.
The member subject to expulsion/reprimand may request that the vote be postponed by one (1) meeting. The member may then prepare a written statement in his or her defense. A copy of this statement will be mailed to each club member, at club expense, at least seven (7) days prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting following the meeting the motion was first discussed. In order to facilitate this process, the member’s defense statement must be received by the club President (or Vice President if the President initiated the motion to Expel/Reprimand) at least ten (10) days prior to the subsequent meeting.
If the member requests postponement, the matter of the expulsion/reprimand will be brought up as the first order of business at the next regularly scheduled meeting. A vote on the expulsion/reprimand will be held without further debate or discussion at that time.
If any member cannot attend any meeting where a vote may be held, after the proper notifications have been made, they forfeit the right to cast a vote and be counted in (as part of ) the 2/3 majority.
When the vote is held, the club Secretary and President will separately count the ballots in the presence of the membership. The Vice President will be the substitute for the Secretary or President if one of either one of them initiated the motion to Expel/Reprimand, or if either is the subject of the result of the action(s).
A two-thirds (2/3) majority of attending members is required to Expel/Reprimand the member for cause.
Members Expelled/Reprimanded for cause will only receive a refund for his or her membership fees that have been collected for future events (events that have not yet occurred) or, have been paid in advance of actual due date and where the money/fees have not been committed. All other payments are forfeited. Any refund due will be paid (via check from club funds) to the Expelled/Reprimanded member at the earliest convenience of the club secretary, but, not less than 45 days from the date of expulsion/reprimand.
Reinstatement Of Members Expelled/Reprimanded For Cause:
Reinstatement of a member Expelled/Reprimanded for cause can be accomplished by following the same procedure as required for expulsion/reprimand. However, reinstatement requests will not be accepted during the same tournament year as the original expulsion/reprimand.
End.
Verification/acknowledgement of receipt of New
Expulsion/Reprimand procedures of
Member Name(Print):__________________________________________________________________
Member Signature(Required)____________________________________________________________
Date Signed: ___________________________________
last updated Feb. 08, 2007 - GCBM ®
1997