By-Laws

T.B.F of CT. 2009 By-Laws (Click Here)

ARTICLE 1

LOCATION OF THE ORGANIZATION

A. The address of the organization shall be the same as the address of the President of the organization.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION

A. To improve the quality and knowledge of bass fishing and bass fishermen in the state of Connecticut.

B. To provide a means of communication to T.B.F. of Ct. members via a monthly newsletter and board meetings.

C. To promote and support approved conservation agencies, policies, and practices as approved by the Board Of Directors.

D. To contribute both monetarily and physically to worthy charitable affairs and activities brought to the attention of the T.B.F. of Ct. membership.

E. To encourage youth fishing and youth activities by the T.B.F. of Ct. clubs along with both funding and material assistance for approved youth activities, as approved by the Board of Directors.

F. Within funding limitations provide for the T.B.F. of Ct. team participation in the National T.B.F. annual Divisional Tournament.

ARTICLE III

AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

A. Bylaw proposals must be submitted to the Executive Board by the September Federation meeting. The proposals will then be brought by the Executive Committee to the Bylaw Committee to eliminate redundancies and for clarification (with author's approval). The proposals will then be brought to the Board of Directors at the October meeting (copies given to each board member), so that the Directors can bring them back to their respective clubs for discussion. The Board of Directors will then discuss the proposals at the November meeting and vote on them in December, with the approved Bylaws taking effect in January. In the event that an emergency is declared (as determined by 2/3 of the FULL BOARD OF DIRECTORS), this Bylaw will not apply to the situation, and the affected Bylaw will be subject to change in compliance with the following: All by-laws will be submitted in writing at least 60 days prior to a vote by the Board of Directors. With the exception of the by-laws listed in Article IV - all by-law changes and additions will require a 2/3 majority vote of the Board of Directors with a quorum present. The minutes posted in the newsletter and on the website will reflect any additions or changes to the By-Laws within 60 days of the passing of the changes. Any copies of the By-Laws circulated after the changes have been made will reflect those changes.

ARTICLE IV

SPECIAL BYLAWS

A. The following by-laws will require an 80% vote (in the affirmative) of the total membership of the organization to be changed.

1. The tournament trail shall consist of two divisions (A&B). Anglers in both divisions will fish as equals at all times with equal responsibilities and equal fishing privileges.

2. To insure good relations with the D.E.P., and the public and make tournaments a pleasant experience without lines in the morning and long waits on the water in the afternoon the organization shall endeavor to do as follows. When the number of boats on the trail exceeds seventy five on a regular basis, the trail shall split (probably geographically) to create two smaller trails which will compete on the same tournament dates, but different locations. (This split will occur during the period between tournament seasons to ease the transition.)

3. The tournament trail shall be self-sustaining. All prizes, plaques, trophies and awards shall be subsidized with tournament entry fees. (Exceptions for any donated awards, prizes etc.). Excess tournament entry fees shall be utilized for the trail or the fishermen, with none of these monies going to the General Fund, or elsewhere within the organization.

4. State team financing: No more than 20% of the general dues ($5.00 per member) shall be used to subsidize the State team. The balance of the monies ($20.00 per member) shall remain with the organization to benefit the overall membership (youth, conservation, newsletter etc.).(numbers used above reflect amounts with yearly dues of $25.00)

5. The organization will publish a monthly newsletter which shall include minutes of the Monthly Board of Directors meeting and a brief synopsis of the Treasurers Report. This newsletter will be offered on the web site, but will be available on hard-copy through the mail for all members who request it.

6. All Officers, Directors (Tournament, Youth, Environmental) and Chairs of committees shall be elected by the Board of Directors at regular monthly meetings. There shall be no positions appointed, other than as stated above, by the Board of Directors.

7. Any member in good standing within the organization may serve on any committee without limitation. There shall be no limit on the number of members on any committee.

8. In the event that a member of the State Team chooses to leave the team to fish another tournament on the same dates as the divisional tournament, that person shall be required to notify the T.B.F. of CT of his intentions within 96 hours (4 days) of finding that either:

A. He has qualified for the other tournament or

B. The dates of the other tournament are announced (the later of the two shall apply). Any member who fails to comply with this By-Law shall be ineligible to fish to qualify for the State Team for a period of 3 years.

9. Any member who deliberately alters the wording or meaning of any of the By-Laws or standing rules of this organization shall forfeit any rights to serve as officers, committee heads, or committee members for five years.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

A. Officers of the Federation shall be elected by the Board of Directors. Federation Officers, as a group, shall be known as the Executive Committee and are empowered to carry out the directives of the Board of Directors.

1. Executive Committee members may perform dual functions, with the exception that the President or presiding officer may not also serve as club representative at a Board of Directors meeting.

B. Term of Office

Any officer shall be allowed to hold office for an unspecified number of terms in succession.

1. For the year 2006, the officers of the T.B.F. of Ct. will be elected by the Board of Directors when they feel that it is appropriate to do so.

2. Officers of the T.B.F. of Ct. will be elected by the Board of Directors in December and will begin their term of office at the January meeting.

3. The term of office for President shall be two ears. The term of office for Vice President shall be two ;years. The term of Treasurer and Secretary shall be one year, respectively. The office of President and Vice President will be elected in alternating years. The president will be elected to serve starting on even years. The Vice President will be elected to serve starting on odd years.

C. Eligibility for Office

Candidates for officers of the T.B.F. of Ct, shall be members of the T.B.F. of Ct. in good standing.

D. Removal from Office

An officer's absence, without justifiable reasons, (as determined by the Board of Directors) for more than two (2) meetings of the Board of Directors shall be cause for removal.

1. Any officer may be removed from office for cause (as defined by the legal system or these by- laws) by a two-thirds vote, with a quorum present, of the Board of Directors, and after all parties have the opportunity to be heard, whenever in its judgment, the Board of Directors considers removal to be in the best interest of the Federation.

2. Any officer who willfully ignores and causes these by-laws of the T.B.F. of Ct. to be violated shall be removed from office as a violation of the by-laws (cause) as stated above.

ARTICLE VI

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF OFFICERS

A. President

He shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation, he shall:

1. Preside and maintain order over all meetings of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of this Federation.

2. Schedule regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee, notify Directors and Officers of meeting dates.

3. Assure that appropriate committees are formed as needed for specific purposes with approval of the Board of Directors.

4. Assure that meetings scheduled for the individual membership are noticed and held.

5. See that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held.

6. Direct all official business for the Federation as instructed by the Board of Directors.

7. Be the official representative of T.B.F. of Ct.

8. Assure adequate supervision of all Federation sponsored activities.

9. Except for Nominating Committee is ex-officio, nonvoting member of all standing and special committees.

10. Maintain liaison with National T.B.F. and endorsed sponsors and promoters.

11. Initiate disciplinary action in respect to violations of standing rules and By-Laws by Federation members.

12. Acquire a working knowledge of parliamentary law and procedures and a thorough understanding of the Articles and Bylaws of this Federation.

B. Vice President

If the President is unable to perform the duties of his office for any reason, the Vice President shall occupy his position and perform his duties with the same authority as the President. He shall:

1. Assist the President as directed.

2. Oversee the functioning of such committees of this organization, as the Board of Directors deem necessary.

3. Be responsible for coordinating a calendar of events of all chapter activities.

4. Assume the office of President for balance of term should the office be vacated.

C. Secretary

He shall be under the supervision and direction of the President and the Board of Directors and shall act as the liaison officer between the Federation and the National T.B.F. In fulfillment of this, he shall:

1. Keep a record of the proceedings (Minutes) of all meetings of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

2. Maintain a current roster, inclusive of mailing address, of all members of TheT.B.F. of CT

3. Keep a record of attendance of all Board of Director and Executive Board meetings.

4. Notify directors of Board of Director's meetings on a timely basis.

5. Have custody and maintain general records of this Federation, including, but not limited to, minutes of the Board of Director's meetings, names of committee members and chairs, copies of all reports and correspondence

6. Coordinate the preparation and submission by members of the Executive Committee of such reports as are required by National T.B.F. and other agencies; conduct correspondence for the Federation as directed.

7. Work with the Tournament Director and committee to insure the eligibility of contestants to fish tournaments

D. Treasurer

He shall have the care and custody of and shall be responsible for all the funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness and other valuable documents of the Federation, and deposit all such funds in the name of the Federation in such banks, or trust companies, or other depositories, or in such safe deposit vaults as the Board of Directors may designate. He shall:

1. Sign, make and endorse in the name of the Federation, all checks, notes, drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances and other instruments for the payment of money, and payout and disposal or receipt thereof at the Direction of the Executive Officers or the Board of Directors (as mandated by the By-Laws of this organization).

2. Render a statement of the condition of the finances of the Federation at each regular meeting of the Board of Directors, and at such other times as shall be required of him/her, including but not limited to current monthly income and expenses, yearly income and expenses to date, and current balances of accounts.

3. Keep full and accurate books of account of all Federation business and make them available for examination by any member in good standing.

4. Prepare and submit a complete fiscal year financial report at the succeeding year's first Board of Director's meeting.

5. Pay statements from officers and committee members only when clearly authorized, by the Board of Directors or these by-laws and fully documented by receipts.

6. Issue statements and collect for financial obligations owed to the Federation.

7. Be bonded by the Federation for the faithful discharge of his duties in such amount and with such surety as the Board of Directors may prescribe.

8. Have custody and maintain records of Federation accounts and disbursements. At termination of office such records shall be inventoried; active records shall be turned over to the succeeding Treasurer; old records shall be committed to Federation files as the President and Board of Directors shall direct; a receipt for same will be obtained. Valuable documents of the Federation in depositories or elsewhere shall be jointly inventoried by the outgoing and new Treasurer in the presence of the President or Vice President prior to transfer of custodianship to the new Treasurer.

9. Perform all duties incident to his office.

E. Past Presidents

The Past Presidents of the T.B.F. of Ct. shall automatically become voting members of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE VII

COMMITTEES

The Board of Directors will nominate and elect Chairs or Directors for each of the following 3 committees on a yearly basis. Each of them shall then select the appropriate committee members with approval of the Board of Directors.

1. Environmental Director

To be elected at the December meeting and take office at the January meeting. This member shall initiate and follow through on conservation related activities, and work with authorities within the state to protect and increase our natural resources. He shall also work as a liaison between T.B.F. of Ct and National T.B.F.

2. Youth Director

To be elected at the December meeting and take office at the January meeting. This job is to initiate, formalize and follow through on activities for youth through the T.B.F. of Ct. He shall also work to assist in the formation of youth clubs and to facilitate the National T.B.F. youth programs.

3. Tournament Director

To be elected at the August meeting , to serve for the upcoming tournament season. This person shall produce a proposed tournament trail and tournament rules for the following year to be voted on no later than the January meeting. The Tournament Director will work with the Federation Treasurer to maintain the accounting of the expenditures and income of the tournament trail. Within thirty days of the end of the tournament season the checkbook along with a full accounting and explanations shall be reconciled with the Treasurer of the organization. The Tournament Director shall give a full accounting of each tournament (number of entrants and accounting of all monies) at each Federation Board meeting.

4. Special committees

The Board of Directors may at it’s discretion appoint a committee to deal with specific items of concern for the organization. These are temporary, short term committees with a specific charge which shall be determined by the Board.

ARTICLE VIII

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. Until such time that the membership of the organization meets or exceeds a maximum or 150 members, all members of the organization shall be considered to be members of the Board of Directors and therefore shall be encouraged to attend all meetings and vote on all issues including Elections, By-Laws, Standing Rules and Pertinent issues. This clause will sunset (rule will terminate and be overridden) when the membership reaches 150 members At 150 or more members votes on the matters listed above (namely the votes that occur once a year), each TBF member shall have an individual vote. How these votes are collected (mail in ballot, online entry, roster votes within clubs, etc.) is to be decided. For all other matters/votes throughout the year, “The Board of Directors“ shall consist of whoever is present at the TBF monthly meeting..

B. Club Representative’s must be members in good standing of the club that they represent. A Club Representative at any Board of Directors meeting shall represent only one chapter. Executive Board members with the exception of the President (or the President's substitute in his absence) may also fulfill the duties of Club Representative for his/her Mother (Club).

C. It shall be a requirement of the T.B.F. of Ct. that all Board of Director's members be members in good standing of the T.B.F. of Ct. and FLW..

D. It shall be a requirement of the T.B.F. of Ct that all clubs attend a minimum of 9 (nine) monthly Board of Directors meetings per calendar year (January - December). There will be no excused absences. Failure to meet this attendance requirement will place the club in bad standing, and punishment will be determined by the board of Directors (club reps.).

E. A member of the Board of Directors of the T.B.F. of Ct. may be removed from his position for cause in the following manner:

1. When the Federation receives notice of a problem, the officers of the Federation shall determine if there is just cause for further investigation.

2. If just cause exists for investigation, a designated Federation officer shall compile all relevant facts pertaining to the situation.

3. At this time, the Federation Board member and his chapter shall be informed by registered mail of the investigation.

4. The Board of Directors of the Federation shall meet thirty (30) days after formal notification of parties concerned to determine what action will be taken on the situation. At this inquiry meeting, the accused party shall be given the opportunity to defend his position, two-thirds (2/3) majority shall be sufficient to carry the action.

ARTICLE IX

ELECTIONS

A. Directors

Members of the Board of Directors are elected representatives of affiliated T.B.F. of Ct. clubs of this Federation. As Chapter Representative they shall be elected to their positions under the procedures prescribed by their respective Chapters. (Exception as noted above Article VIII Section A)

B. Officers of the Federation

Shall be elected by the Board of Directors .

1. The President shall solicit a committee on nominations consisting of not less than three (3) members, selected insofar as possible so as to give equitable representation on the committee to the geographical areas of the state. No Officer shall serve on this committee.

2. The Nominating Committee shall prepare a list of nominations in writing over their signatures. Subject list shall be submitted to the Board of Directors no later than the November meeting of the calendar year for consideration. No nominations will be accepted after the November meeting.

3. Should vacancies occur among officer positions, such vacancies may be filled at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, and any officer so elected shall hold office until the end of the normal term or until his successor shall be duly elected.

ARTICLE X

MEMBERSHIP

Definition of Membership

The members of this Federation are those people and clubs having membership rights in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.

1. Membership dues

a. Annual dues in the T.B.F. of Ct. shall be the same as the preceding year unless changed by the Board of Directors

B. Categories of Membership

This Federation shall have two categories of membership:

1. Individual

a. Persons who are members in good standing of National T.B.F. and who are also members in good standing of T.B.F. of Ct.

b. Individuals who belong to more than one T.B.F. club must name a Mother Club (Club through which they are paying their dues and through which they qualify for Federation events).

2. Organizational

a. Clubs in the state of Ct. who are affiliated with National T.B.F. and T.B.F. of Ct.

C. Membership in this Federation shall be acquired only by clubs who meet the following parameters.

1. One hundred percent (100%) of the chapter's individual membership shall be members in good standing of National T.B.F.

2. Individual membership in the club shall consist of six (6) or more members.

3. Club shall be an affiliate of National T.B.F. or, the Club is otherwise qualified and National

T.B.F. confirms that affiliation has been requested and is pending.

4. Upon application for affiliation, club provides the Federation with a current membership roster .

D. Continuation

Club affiliation in this Federation shall be on a continuing basis provided:

1. Club maintains current its affiliation with National T.B.F., based on affiliation by the first (1st) regularly scheduled meeting of the calendar year.

2. Chapter complies with the requirements for representation during Board of Director's meetings.

3. Clubs individual membership is maintained at six (6) or more.

4. Club maintains current the names and addresses of its officials and members with the T.B.F. of

Ct.

E. Withdrawal from Membership

Any club may withdraw from Membership, by giving notice, in writing, to the Secretary.

F. Forfeiture of Membership

1. A clubs membership may be withdrawn for violation of any of the membership requirements, attendance requirements, or violation of By-Laws pertaining to club participation.

3. Clubs may be removed from Membership for reasons stated above and for cause (as defined by the legal system or these by-laws) by two-thirds vote, with a quorum present of the Board of Directors, and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment; the Board considers such action to be in the best interests of the organization.

4. Individual membership in the T.B.F. of Ct is forfeited concurrent with cessation of the individual's club membership.

5. Individuals may be denied participation in T.B.F. of Ct. sponsored activities by a two-thirds vote with a quorum present of the Board of Directors for cause (as defined by the legal system or these by-laws), and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment, the Board may consider such action to be in the best interests of the organization.

G. Reinstatement of Membership

1. Membership in this Federation that was terminated by withdrawal action may be reinstated by showing compliance with Federation requirements.

2. Membership in this Federation that was terminated for violation of By-Laws may be reinstated when the club shows compliance and a receives a majority vote of the Board Of Directors.

H. Rights and Privileges

The clubs and individual members comprise this organization. As members of the T.B.F. of Ct. they are entitled to all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations of membership in National T.B.F. and T.B.F. of Ct

1. Individual rights (for members in good standing) shall include eligibility to seek any office in this organization (Open roster club members not eligible) and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the individual membership.

2. The clubs shall have representation on the Board of Directors with the rights and obligations that such representation shall entail, the right to vote through their Board's representative on all matters pertaining to the operation of the organization, the right to participate in T.B.F. of Ct. sponsored activities for which they are eligible and such other rights as may be conferred by the Board of Directors. The clubs obligations shall include maintaining affiliation with this organization, and the maintenance of a level of conduct and sportsmanship among its members that imparts a favorable image on the club and this organization in the community.

I. Non-discrimination

There shall be no discrimination in membership or participation in the activities of the Federation by reason of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

ARTICLE XI

CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

A. Rules of Order

The Rules of Order, for meetings conducted by this Federation are listed below. A current updated copy of these Bylaws including Standing Rules must be present at any Board of Directors or Executive Board meeting.

1. General

a. These rules constitute the Rules of Order for the conduct of the Board of Director's meetings for the Federation.

b. The rules contained in "Robert's Rules of Order (as revised)" shall govern the Federation in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these Rules of Order, or the Bylaws of the Federation.

C. Amendments to these rules shall be made by a simple majority vote of the Board of Directors

2. Call to Order

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be convened NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on dates and at such a place as shall be determined and announced; and, it shall be the duty of the President to call the meeting to order at the appointed time, to preside over the meeting, to announce the business before the Board of Directors in its proper order, to state and put all questions properly brought before the Board of Directors, to preserve order and decorum, and to decide all questions of order.

3. Order of Business

The Order of Business for the Federation Board of Director's meetings shall be as follows:

Call to order by the Federation President, Introduction by the President, Call of Roll and introduction of Chapter Director's present, Introduction of distinguished guests and Federation Officials, Presentation of Minutes of preceding meeting, Presentation of Financial Statement, Reports of Standing Committees, Reports of Special Committees, Unfinished Business (Old Business), New Business, Programmed activity, if applicable and Adjournment.

4. Assumption of Office

Newly elected officers shall take office at the January meeting of the Board of Directors.

B. Parliamentary Procedures: Except as mandated by these bylaws, meetings and procedures will be in accordance with "Robert's Rules of Order (as revised)".

ARTICLE XII

AUTHORITY OF REPRESENTATION

A. President's Conference

Inasmuch as this Federation and its affiliate Clubs are an affiliate of National T.B.F. and it shall be necessary from time to time to have representation at the national office or elsewhere to obtain information and new policies and procedures and to add the Federation's voice and vote in national T.B.F. matters, this Federation shall have the power to pay the necessary expenses of its representative(s) to each T.B.F. President's Conference and to such other conferences as are deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

B. No member shall, unless authorized by the Board of Directors or the Federation President (as deemed necessary at the time) shall negotiate, engage or intervene on behalf of the TBF of CT or the State Team.

C. Divisional Tournament

By way of various qualifying events each year the T.B.F. of Ct. shall choose the members of a “State Team” to represent the organization at the ”Divisional Tournament” each year. Members of this team and those who advance to the next levels of competition will incur expenses to compete. The Board Of Directors will allocate monies to offset the expenses incurred within the parameters of these By-Laws and as finances allow.

1. State Team Member Rules

a. Each year the State Team will be required to host and run four fundraising tournaments. All entries will be mailed to the TBF Tournament Director but all other duties will be taken on by the State Team Members. Each tournament will have at least 3 members working and they will be designated on a first come (volunteer ahead of time) first serve basis. Members (including workers) may fish the tournament. All proceeds will be used to help offset the cost of the State Team.

b. The “Regionals” will be considered to be a six (6) day tournament. All members of the State Team will be responsible to fish for all three of the practice days and all three days of the actual tournament. Any member who fails to do so must demonstrate that an emergency situation (as voted by the Board of Directors at the following monthly meeting) caused them not to fish Members who are not approved at that meeting will be ineligible to fish for the State Team for the following two years.

c. State Team members who wish to drop off of the team will be required to do so at least fourteen (14) DAYS IN ADVANCE OF THE TOURNAMENT. Any member who fails to do so must demonstrate that an emergency situation (as voted by the Board of Directors at the following monthly meeting) caused them not to remain on the team. Members who are not approved at that meeting will be ineligible to fish for the State Team for the following two years.

d. The Alternate(s) for the state Team will be required to participate with the team during all of the practice days, and will be required to be available to the team during the tournament days. To achieve this the alternate members must reside with the team and be accessible at all times. While the alternate members are not required to stay at the lodging at all times, it is required that they be available to to respond to an emergency situation within one hour. The alternate must always carry a working cell phone.

ARTICLE XIII

T.B.F. of CT. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

A. Location(s) and Dates

The tournament site(s) and dates for the T.B.F. of CT. annual two day State Championship Tournament shall be selected by the Tournament Director with final approval of the Board of Directors.

B. Eligibility

1. It shall be required that all of the clubs in the T.B.F. of CT. must have fulfilled each of their bligations to the organization for any of their members to fish the tournament.

2. Chapters and members who are members in good standing with National T.B.F. and are also members in good standing of T.B.F. of CT.

3. Members who are included on a T.B.F. of CT. roster 60 days prior to the tournament.

C. Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations governing conduct of the State team qualifying Tournament shall be the current T.B.F. of CT. tournament rules as may be amended by exceptions approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the following will be in effect:

1. Refund of entry fees will be made only if proper notification is made to tournament headquarters prior to deadline.

2. The Contestants will be paired by blind draw. The time and place of the drawing will be announced by the Tournament Director.

3. The top qualifiers will participate on the State Team.

4. The position of State Team Captain will be given to the individual who would be nominated and elected by the State Team. Consideration should be given to that person's attitude, ability to get along with others and organizational skills.

5. For the Two Day state team qualifying tournament the standings shall be determined as follows. For each day of the tournament, points will be awarded based on the current tournament point system. At the end of the second day of the tournament the points for the two days will be totaled. The order of finish will start at the highest total points and go in declining order.

ARTICLE XIV

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

A. Income

Funds for support and maintenance of the T.B.F. of Ct. will be derived from annual dues, the annual State Qualifying Tournament, other Federation sponsored tournaments, assessments, special "activity related" projects and donations. Under no circumstances may the Federation accept monetary assistance from individuals, businesses, corporations or government agencies, if there is evidence that the goals of these entities are contrary to the primary goals of the Federation.

1. An appropriate number of accounts as determined by the Board of Directors will be maintained as the T.B.F. of Ct. treasury accounts.

2. A Federation Ledger will be maintained by the Treasurer recording all income and expenses.

3. The Tournament Director shall establish an account in the name of T.B.F. of Ct. in order to document and record all Federation Tournament Trail Entry fees and payouts, which occurred during the tournament year.

B. Expenses and Reimbursement

This will be handled in the following manner:

1. All expenses must be submitted to the Treasurer or Vice President in writing and accompanied by a dated receipt, within 30 day of incurring the expense. In the event that “Advance monies” were given to the member prior to incurring the expenses any monies which are not covered with expense receipts will be returned with the paperwork.

2. A committee to be appointed by the Board of Directors will be responsible to examine all expense vouchers and reimburse all legitimate expenses (as described by existing rules) within thirty (30) days of the submission of the expense vouchers. Any expenses which are questioned by the Committee will be brought before the Board of Directors at the first meeting following the submission and all questions will be resolved. In the event that the expense is deemed acceptable by the Board the member will be immediately reimbursed.

3. Purchases in excess of $100.00 shall require the approval of the Board of Directors.

4. Any expenditures by the Federation which exceed $500.00 will be tabled until the following meeting so that the Board of Directors can confer with their clubs before it is voted on.

C. Audits

The T.B.F. of Ct. shall have a financial audit or review at least once a year after the close of the fiscal year.

1. An audit committee consisting of at least three (3) members will be selected by the Board of Directors at the last meeting each fiscal year.

2. The audit committee shall meet the month following their selection for the purpose of auditing the annual report of the Treasurer and the Tournament Director verifying expenditures, receipts checking accounts, bank balances and cash on hand.

3. The audit committee will report its findings at the following Federation meeting.

ARTICLE XV

A. Junior Members

1. Members of TBF of CT can only qualify, or try to qualify for one State Team. Members can not attempt to qualify for both the State Team and the Junior State Team.

2. Junior members must be 18 years of age prior to fishing on a State Team (senior) at the Regional event.

ARTICLE XVI

A. Quorum

1. A quorum (as required to pass motions and conduct business at a meeting) shall be met when at least 70%of the organizations clubs are in attendance at a meeting. All members of the organization (in good standing) who are present at the meeting shall be considered to be members of the Board of Directors, and therefore be afforded the opportunity to discuss and vote on any issues before the board.

ARTICLE XX

STANDING RULES

Rule 1 - Amendment of Standing Rules

The Standing Rules of this Federation may be changed at any regular meeting of the Board of Directors by a simple majority vote. The revision will become effective immediately.

Rule 2- Voting

Voting at any Board of Directors meeting pertaining to changes to Standing Rules will be by Ballot vote

Rule 3- Bylaw and Standing Rules Updates

Each year, when necessary, chapters will be furnished with a list of any revisions to the Bylaws or the Standing Rules.

Rule 4- New Chapter

A packet containing the Bylaws and Tournament Rules and Regulations shall be given to each new club joining the T.B.F. of Ct.

Rule 5- Dissemination of T.B.F. of Ct. Roster

A roster of Federation members may not be released to any others without prior approval by the Board of Directors.

Rule 6- Trip Reimbursement. Representation at National T.B.F. events.

It shall be Federation policy that representation to any National or Regional events which require representation shall be reimbursed for the costs of the trip, i.e. commercial transportation costs or personal owned vehicle mileage (at the current GSA guideline) or gas reimbursement with receipt both ways plus food and lodging costs en route and during return. The Officers and/or committee chairs who are required to be in attendance by National T.B.F. shall be in attendance. All lodging and food costs shall be substantiated by a voucher/receipt and exclude costs for spouses or any other person accompanying. All other individuals attending any events expecting reimbursement must be approved prior to the trip by the Board of Directors. Advanced payment of travel costs may be disbursed to defray costs of the trip with approval of the Board of Directors. All vouchers, receipts, etc. must be submitted to the organization within 30 days of returning from the event.

Rule 7- Allowable Expenses

The Federation Officers and members of the Federation committees will be reimbursed for phone calls, stationary and postage. Meal(s) and travel (mileage at current GSA guideline or gas reimbursement with receipt) must be approved by the Board of Directors prior to start of the trip. Miscellaneous expenses not listed may be reimbursed only if a full explanation of these expenses is enclosed by the person submitting them. All receipts and vouchers must be signed and dated by the individual who submits the receipt or voucher, and must be submitted to the organization within 30 days of returning from the event..

Rule 8 - State Team Expenses

Federation team members who qualify for the Regional Tournament shall be provided an advanced payment of funds to cover gasoline (vehicle and boat), personal expenses for food, licenses, tolls and other approved expenses. The same expenses mentioned above for accompanying family members or friends shall be borne by the individual. Team members will share rooms . For other than immediate family to attend this event, approval of the Executive Board is required. Clothing (shirts, hats, jackets and rain gear) shall be provided at no cost to the team members, alternate and Federation President or his/her designee when finances allow.

Expenses not covered shall include: Personal tackle; extra clothing; trip preparation to vehicle, trailer or boat; handwritten gasoline receipts in excess of the team's average; tobacco products; alcohol; bedding; or dinner in excess of the team's average. Any prize money won by the Connecticut State team shall be disbursed evenly to the members of the State team including all alternates.

Rule 9 - Donations

Any club or individual may request a donation for any worthy charity or cause. The club representative must fill out a request donation form and submit request to the Executive Board. It shall be required that any club requesting donations from the Federation do so at least 30 days in advance. Approval of all donation requests shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors. The total donations that a club shall receive within a calendar year from the Federation shall not exceed 50% of that club's yearly Federation dues. Any club which receives a donation from the Federation for an event will be required to submit an article to the newsletter about the event. In the event that a club does not do this, that club will not be eligible to receive a donation for the next year. Donations shall not carry over from year to year for any club or organization.

Rule 10 - Maximum Performer Award.

The maximum performer award shall be given to the individual that finished overall in 1^st by way of the “C” division.

Rule 11 - Interpretation of the Standing Rules

The final authority for the interpretation of the Standing Rules shall rest with the Board of Directors.

REVISED AS OF 1-1-09