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CONSTITUTION/BY LAWS

FIGURE SKATING CLUB OF AUGUSTA
Member Club #147 of The United States Figure Skating Association
Amended: May 18, 2006

ARTICLE I: Name and Corporation

Section 1. Name. The Organization shall be known as The Figure Skating Club of Augusta (FSC of Augusta) referred to in these Constitution and By-Laws as the "Club".

Section 2. Incorporation. The Club was incorporated under the Laws of the State of Georgia on August 26, 2002.

Section 3. Officers of Incorporation. The four officers of the Club shall be the four Officers of Incorporation.

Section 4. Corporate Seal. The Corporate Seal shall be the Great Seal of the State of Georgia.

Section 5. Headquarters. The Club shall have its headquarters at the Augusta Ice Sports Center, 1249 Augusta West Parkway, Augusta, Georgia 30909.

ARTICLE II: Purpose

The primary purposes of the Club are: to encourage the instruction, practice and advancement of Club members in any and/or all of the disciplines of figure skating; to encourage and cultivate a spirit of fraternal feeling among ice skaters; and to carry out the general policies and objectives of the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA).

ARTICLE III: Executive Officers Of The Board

Section 1. Executive officers of the Board. The executive officers of the board shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary, Immediate Past President, and Treasurer. The executive officers must be members in good standing of the Club and the USFSA, must be eligible to hold office under Article VIII, Section 2, and may only hold one office during the term. Executive officers are entitled to get a discount off club membership dues during the year of service. The club will allow all executive officers and all board members a free Club Link membership to the club or they may receive a $65 discount for a full membership for themselves or their child skater. The maximum discount is $65 per executive officer and board member. If an executive officer or board member misses more than two meetings without a doctor’s excuse, they must forfeit their discount.

Section 2. Term of Office. Executive officers shall hold office for a term of one-year or until their successors are elected. The term shall begin immediately following the election of executive officers and board members.

Section 3. Method of Election. See Article V, Section 6.

Section 4. Vacancies of an Executive Office. Upon resignation, removal from office, death of an officer, or other circumstance wherein the officer may not complete his/her term, the Board shall, at the next scheduled Board meeting, elect a replacement from the Board to complete the remaining term.

Section 5. Removal from Office. An officer maybe removed from office for failure to renew membership in the Club, or may be removed by a unanimous vote of the Board for failure to perform the duties of office. Prior to any vote for removal from office, the Board must specify the offense(s) to the officer (either in writing or verbally). The Board must permit the officer to make a statement to the Board prior to the vote.

ARTICLE IV: Duties Of Executive Officers Of The Board

Section 1. General Duties. All executive officers have a duty to attend Board meetings. All executive officers have a duty to conduct themselves in an ethical and business-like manner. Failure to comply with the above duties maybe grounds for removal from office (see Art. III, Section 5).

Section 2. President. It shall be the duty of the President to take charge of the Club; to preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board. The President shall have the entire supervision and management of the Club and its property pending the action of the Board; the power to suspend any member for violating the by-laws or regulations of the Club, pending the approval of the Board; to call special meetings and Club meetings. The President, together with the Secretary, shall sign all agreements and contracts made by the Club upon approval of the Board.

Section 3. Vice-President. It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties, and in the absence of the President, to assume his/her duties.

Section 4. Immediate Past-President: It shall be the duty of the Immediate Past-President to assist the President in the discharge of his/her duties, and in the absence of the Vice President, to delegate his/her duties. One-year term following Presidency.

Section 5. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the Club, shall maintain a record of all receipts and disbursements, and shall render a written report at each Board meeting. The funds shall be immediately deposited in the Club account in a bank approved by the Board, or in securities approved by the Board. Disbursements shall be made only upon expense reports approved by the Board. All disbursements by check shall be signed by the President/Immediate Past-President and Treasurer. Reimbursement must be made within one week of receipt of approved expense report.

Section 6. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the minutes of all meetings of the Club and the Board, to post the minutes within 2 weeks following the meetings, to supervise all reports and documents connected with the business of the Club, to issue notices of all meetings of the Club and the Board, and to accomplish any similar task regarding administration of the Club. The Secretary must also maintain any election records for one year.

ARTICLE V: Board Members (Other Than Executive Officers/Committee Chairpersons

Section 1. Qualification. Board members must be eligible members in good standing of the Club who have designated the Club as their Home Club, are eligible under Article VIII, Section 2, and meet all qualifications listed in MR 5.09 and MR 8.10 of the USFSA rule book. Instructors/coaches are permitted to be on the Board; however, instructors/coaches may not constitute more than 1/3 of the Board. The club will allow all board members a free Club Link membership to the club or they may receive a $65 discount for a full membership for themselves or their child skater. The maximum discount is $65 per board member. If a board member misses more than two meetings without a doctor’s excuse, they must forfeit their discount.

Section 2. Duties of the Test Director Board Member and Membership/Sanctions Board Member.

     a. Membership/Sanctions Board Member: The board member shall collect membership dues, solicit new members, prepare the roster when necessary, and carry out other duties pertaining to the membership of the Club. The board member shall maintain a list of members in good standing. The Board member must present a list of members in good standing upon the President’s request (for competitions, tests, etc.). The board member must submit sanctions to the US Figure Skating website when requested by the club or rink coaches. Two-year term.

     b. Test-Director Board Member: The board member shall be responsible for preparing testing schedules, preparing sheets necessary for the judges, arranging with the rink management the necessary test ice (with Board approval), posting sheets listing times of testing and sign-up sheets, and performing any other duties pertaining to skating tests. Two-year term.

Section 3. Number of Members. There shall be a Board composed of eleven (11) eligible members of the Club in good standing. (Executive Officers of the Board: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past President; Board Members: includes executive officers previously listed and Test-Director Member, Membership/Sanctions Board Member, Finance Chair Board Member, Show-Competition-Social Chair Board Member, Hospitality Chair Board Member, and Rink Liason Board Member. ALL 11 Board Members will have equal voting privileges on the Board for the FSC of Augusta.

Section 4. Term of Office. Members of the Board shall serve for a period of two years/Executive Officers of the Board shall serve for a period of one year.

Section 5. Vacancies. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, it shall be filled by a vote of the remaining Board Members. To be elected to fill the vacancy, the person must an eligible Club member in good standing. The appointed Board Member shall fill the remaining term of the vacated Board position.

Section 6. Method of Election. A notice of the Annual Meeting shall be posted on the Club bulletin board not less than 15 days prior to the election. Club members may nominate Board/Executive Officer candidates from the floor (write-ins). Those nominees will be placed on a ballot, and voted on by all eligible members able to vote under Article VIII, Section 2 of the Club Constitution. The candidates receiving a majority vote for the Board Member position they were nominated for shall take the position of the Board Member position immediately following the annual meeting. They shall each serve a term of 2 years/1 year for executive officer board positions. If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot for each Board position, the vote shall be taken again from the eligible voting members present until a majority is reached to fulfill the remaining positions. If the club member is under the age of 18 (a minor); the parent/guardian of that minor will be eligible to vote; if the club member is in good standing with the club.

Section 7. Voting By Proxy or By Mail. Eligible members in good standing may vote by proxy or by mail/club drop box.

     a. Voting By Proxy. Eligible members may give their proxy to any executive officer of the board.

     b. Voting By Mail. The ballot must be mailed to the Secretary or placed in the club’s drop box. If necessary, the mail-in ballots may count towards obtaining quorum for the Annual Meeting. Any ballot not received in the mail the day prior to the election shall be invalid.

Section 8. Quorum. Sixty percent (60%) of the Board members shall constitute a quorum.

Section 9. Meetings. The Board shall meet at least once per month during the skating season, with no less than 6 meetings during the fiscal year. The date of such meetings shall be set by the President or, in his/her absence, by the Vice- President. 60% of the Board may call a Board meeting upon written notice to all Board members--the notice must be postmarked at least seven days prior to the meeting. The notice shall state the date, time, location and purpose of the meeting, and the names of those Board members calling the meeting.

Section 10. Authority. The Board shall have the entire authority in the management of affairs and finances of the Club and shall have general control over its property. All rights and powers connected therein shall be vested in the Board. The Board shall make such rules as they deem proper respecting the use of the Club’s property; prescribe rules for the admission of non-members; fix penalties for offenses against the rules; and make rules for their own government and for the government of the committees appointed by them. The Board has the power to approve/disapprove chairpersons appointed by the President, and may create committees as necessary.

Section 11. Financial Duties. All appropriations from the funds of the Club shall be made by the Board. The Board shall audit records of the Secretary, Treasurer, and Committees. The Board shall approve the budget prepared by the Finance Committee, and submit the annual budget to the general membership at the Annual Meeting. The budget must include anticipated expenditures for the coming year, as well as proposals of sources of revenue to meet the expenditures. The Board shall ultimately be responsible for filing federal and state income tax returns yearly and perform any of the duties deemed necessary by the Board. The Board shall have the power to limit the indebtedness of a member of the Club.

Section 12. Board Member Limitation. The office of the Board member shall be vacated if he/she:

  • Is found to be mentally incapacitated.
  • Is convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime involving dishonesty or a false statement.
  • Notifies the Club in writing of resignation.
  • Is no longer a member of the Club.
  • Misses more than 2 consecutive meetings in a fiscal year without verbal or written notice to the President or Secretary.
  • Misses more than three (3) meetings per fiscal year for any reason unless specifically excused by the majority of the board of directors.

Section 13. USFSA Delegates. The President shall have the option to represent the Club at the annual USFSA Spring Governing Council Meeting, and shall propose additional delegates to be approved by the Board. All delegates must be eligible under USFSA Rulebook MR 8.10., and under Club Constitution Article VII, §2. All delegates must present a written report to the Board at the first Board meeting following the spring Governing Council Meeting.

ARTICLE VI: Committee Chair Board Members

Section.1. Standing Committees. The elected Committee Chairperson(s) may recommend to the Board the names of their respective committee members, if additional members are necessary, and the Board shall coordinate committee assignments.

Section 2. Names. The Standing Committees shall be: (1) Finance Committee; (2) Show/Competition/Social Committee; (3) Hospitality Committee: and (4) Rink Liaison.

Section 3. Duties of the Standing Committee Chairperson(s)/Comittees.

     a. Finance Committee. The committee chairperson shall assist the Treasurer in planning budgets and shall advise in the general administration of and in the disbursement of the Club/s funds. The committee, in conjunction with the treasurer, shall prepare a yearly financial report and budget for presentation to the Board. The budget must include anticipated expenditures for the coming year, as well as proposals of sources of revenue to meet the expenditures. The committee shall coordinate all paperwork to turn over to the accountant hired by the Board for preparation of all year-end filings for all governmental agencies, where and when required. Two-year term.

     b. Show /Competition/Social Committee. The show/competition/social chairperson shall provide information about upcoming competitions, shows, club gatherings including posting information and applications on the Club bulletin board. Two-year term.

     c. Hospitality Committee. The chairperson shall organize all social functions for the Club. The chairperson shall be responsible for organizing food and lodging for visiting judges, officials, and guests of the Club. Two-year term.

     d. Rink Liasion. The chairperson shall cooperate with the rink management, the Board and the general membership of the Club to help stage all shows.

Section 4. Special Committees. As necessary, the President, with approval from the Board, may establish special committees and appoint a chairperson.

ARTICLE VII: Elections Of Committee Chair Board Members

See Article V, Sections 5, 6, and 7 for election of Board members.

ARTICLE VIII: Memberships

Section 1. Candidates for membership shall be individuals interested in the goals of the Club who conform to the definition of eligible or ineligible skater as specified in the rules and Constitution of the USFSA.

Section 2. Classes of membership

     Full Skating Membership: Full skating members shall have all privileges including membership in USFSA; participation in all activities of the Club, such as Club skating sessions offered at no charge, testing, competitions, discounts on club related items/services, ice shows, voting*; eligible for service as a member of the Board* , to hold an executive office on the board*, and for appointment as a representative to USFSA Governing Council*. Will receive a magazine subscription to Skating magazine through the USFSA membership. *Must have attained the age of 18 years as of July 1 of the current membership year.

     Second Family Skater: Second skating members shall have privileges including membership in USFSA; the second family skater receives the same participation level and benefits as the first skating member. Example, if the first skater is a full skating member, the second will be also. If the first skater is a non-competing member, the second skater will also be a non-competing member.

     Subsequent Family Skater: Subsequent skating members shall have privileges including membership in USFSA; the subsequent family skater receives the same participation level and benefits as the first skating member. Example, if the first skater is a full skating member, the second will be also. If the first skater is a non-competing member, the second skater will also be a non-competing member. Any additional skater in the family may join after the first and second skaters’ memberships. The rules for a second skating membership apply to the subsequent family member.

     Non-Compete Skating Membership: This membership allows USFSA testing only. Competition privileges are excluded, but all other full skating privileges apply. In order to compete, this membership must be upgraded to a full skating membership. Non-compete members will receive a subscription to Skating magazine through USFSA.

     Parent/Guardian Members: Membership is for parent/guardian who is actively involved in the board of the FSC of Augusta, are non-skating members, and must be a parent/guardian of a paid FSC of Augusta member. Privileges include membership in USFSA; full voting privileges; eligible for service as a member of the Board and for appointment as a representative to USFSA Governing Council. Parent/Guardian members do not receive a subscription to Skating magazine.

     Club-Link Skating Membership: This is available to members who have completed and/or who are still attaining their Basic skills, and/or are below the Pre-Preliminary test levels. These members are at the USFSA No Test level. No USFSA tests are allowed. Competitions at the NO TEST level are allowed. This membership includes a FSC of Augusta membership, USFSA membership, social activities, ice shows, voting priveledges, and exhibitions. Does not include Club skating sessions. Members will receive a subscription to Skating magazine the first year of enrollment.

     Social Membership: This membership allows a member to participate in all non-skating activities, Social members are eligible for voting*; for service as a member of the Board and for appointment as a representative to USFSA Governing Council*. Social members are not registered through USFSA and will not receive subscription to Skating magazine through USFSA. *Must have attained the age of 18 years as of July 1 of the current membership year.

     Judge / Coach / Official Membership: This membership allows USFSA and FSC of Augusta membership to all USFSA judges, coaches and officials. Judges must have a USFSA appointment. Coaches must be members of the PSA. Coaches are voting members; they are eligible for service as a member of the Board, but they may not hold an executive office such as President or Vice President.

     Coach - Test and Compete Membership: This full skating membership is for those USFSA coaches who are active in coaching and are members of the PSA. Test and Compete Coaches have the same privileges as Full Membership Members. Coaches are eligible for service as a Board Member but they may not hold an executive office.

Section 3. Application for Membership. Applications for admission, with appropriate fees, shall be submitted to the Membership Chairperson. Rejection of an application cannot be discriminatory as to race, religion, creed, sex, race, national origin, or age.

Section 4. Termination & Suspension of Membership. Membership may be terminated by a majority vote of the Board. Notice shall be given to said member by registered mail at his/her address as it appears on Club records within 10 days of meeting in which vote is to take place. The member must be notified of the date, time, location, and reason for vote of termination/suspension of membership. The member is permitted to make a statement on his/her behalf to the Board before a vote on termination/suspension. The member should not be present for the vote. The member will be notified within 10 days of the termination/suspension. Note that termination and/or suspension of membership does not relieve the terminated or suspended member from any obligations for charges incurred, services or benefits rendered, dues, assessments, or fees arising from contract or otherwise. The Club reserves the right to obtain any outstanding payments via any legal mean (i.e.—collection agencies). Appeal rights shall be governed by the USFSA rules and bylaws.

ARTICLE IX: Club Meetings

Section 1. Time. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Club membership each year. A stated meeting shall be held between April 1 and May 31 of each year.

Section 2. Special Meetings. The Secretary shall call special meetings of the general membership at the direction of the President, or upon the written request of 10% of the Club members in good standing.

Section 3. Quorum. Thirty percent of all members who are entitled to vote and are in good standing shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. When voting for the Board , mail-in ballots may count towards a quorum, if necessary.

Section 4. Notice. Notices of stated and special meetings shall be posted by the Secretary at least 10 days prior to meetings on the Club bulletin board.

ARTICLE X: Conflict Resolution

Section 1. Complaints. Any member or members having a complaint against another member for the infraction of any law or rule, or for conduct injurious to the Club, may report the incident, in writing, to the Board. Such complaint shall set forth the facts, together with the witnesses (if any), and shall be signed by the complainant. After receiving such complaint, a meeting of the Board shall be held as soon as possible to investigate the allegation. The complainant(s) and the member complained against shall be given copies of any written statements regarding the complaint and shall be notified at least seven days prior to a hearing date.

Section 2. Hearing. A closed hearing will be convened by the President, with a quorum of the Board present for the hearing to proceed. If a Board member is a witness, complainant of the family member of a witness or complainant, that Board member shall excuse himself/herself from the proceedings. Prior to convening the hearing, the President and the board should agree on a process for asking questions of the parties so that the hearing will remain orderly. The complainant shall be permitted to speak first. The complainant’s witnesses may then speak. The member complained against may then present his/her side. All parties to the issue will then be dismissed for the Board to deliberate and vote on findings and discipline, if any. All parties will be notified in writing of the Board’s decision, if any, within 10 days, of the hearing.

ARTICLE XI: Fees, Dues And Assessment

Fees. The annual dues payable to the Club shall be in such an amount as determined by the Board.

ARTICLE XII: Fiscal Year

All Fiscal Years shall run from July 1st to June 30th in accordance with the USFSA Fiscal Year.

ARTICLE XIII: Membership In The USFA

The Club shall maintain its membership in the USFSA and conduct its affairs in a manner consistent with the bylaws of that association. Members shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the codes and ethics as stated by the USFSA and the United States Olympic Committee. The Club shall follow the provisions of the US Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)(3).

ARTICLE XIV: Code of Ethics

Members are to be thoroughly familiar with the rules of the USFSA, and the Club, to comply with those rules in full, and to exemplify the highest standards of fairness, ethical behavior, and genuine good sportsmanship in any of their relations with others. Any person whose acts, statements, or conduct is considered detrimental to the welfare of amateur skating is subject to the loss of membership in the Club.

ARTICLE XV: Amendments To Bylaws

Procedure for Amendments. Amendments proposed to these bylaws may be acted upon at any Annual or Special General Membership Meeting, provided that the notice of the meeting states the general character of the proposed amendments. Amendments proposed to these bylaws shall be posted in their entirety on the Club bulletin board at least 10 days prior to the meeting provided all such amendments have received the approval of the Board. Amendments to these bylaws shall be made by a majority vote of the eligible members present at the meeting. Voting members may give a proxy to any executive officer or may mail in a vote to the Secretary, which must be received prior to the stated meeting date. Any votes received after the stated meeting shall be invalid.

ARTICLE XVI: Order Of Business

Section 1. Sequence of Business. The following order of business shall be observed at stated at each meeting of the Board and at General Membership Meetings:

  • Call to Order, Roll Call & Determination of Quorum
  • Reading of the Minutes
  • Treasurer's Report
  • Reports of the Executive Officers
  • Reports of Committee Chairs
  • Reports Special Committees
  • Old Business
  • New Business
  • Miscellaneous (including comments/questions from non members)
  • Calendar
  • Adjournment

Section 2. Voting. All questions shall be determined by a majority (after Article XVIII determination of quorum) Board vote unless otherwise stated in these bylaws.

ARTICLE XVII: Dissolution

Section 1. The affairs and activities of the Club shall always be conducted in such a manner that no part of its net earnings shall accrue to the benefit of any one Board member, executive officer, or other individual. If the organization is dissolved, all funds in the treasury at the time will be used to meet any outstanding debts, liabilities.