trent Valley Bridge Association (ACBL Unit 246)

constitution

February 2003

article i

organization

A   –    The name of the organization is the Trent Valley Bridge Association (the TVBA).

B   –    The organization constitutes Unit 246 (the Unit) of the American Contract Bridge League (the ACBL).  As such, the Unit is subject to bylaws and regulations of the ACBL.

ARTICle ii

Objectives

The objects of the organization are:

(1)     To preserve and promote the best interests of and to stimulate interest in the art of playing competitive duplicate contract bridge and any modifications thereof;

(2)     To co-operate with, and assist, the ACBL in the promotion and conduct of contract bridge tournaments;

(3)     To encourage the highest standards of conduct and ethics by its members, and to enforce such standards;

(4)     To promote the development and organization of affiliated clubs within the Unit;

(5)     To co-operate in the ACBL’s charity program, and to sponsor and conduct charity events with the object of realizing funds to be devoted to worthy humanitarian causes;

article Iii

jurisdiction

A   –    The geographical area within which this Unit shall have jurisdiction shall be such area as is assigned to it by the ACBL Board of Directors.

B   –    For purposes of administration, the Unit shall be divided into the following areas:

(1)     Prince Edward – Hastings – Northumberland;

(2)     Peterborough – Victoria – Haliburton;

(3)     Durham;

(4)     York;

(5)     Simcoe – Muskoka.

article IIv

membership

A   –    Any person who is a member in good standing of the ACBL and resides within the jurisdiction of the Unit is eligible for membership.

B   –    Such person, upon favourable action, shall become and remain a member unless he:

(1)     Changes his residence to a place outside the jurisdiction of the Unit, in which case he shall become a member of the new Unit immediately on processing by the ACBL of his change of address;

(2)     Has failed to pay his dues in accordance with regulations of the ACBL;.

(3)     Has been suspended or expelled from membership in accordance with regulations established by the ACBL and the Unit Board of Directors, provided, however, that such regulations shall conform to the rules of due process applicable to membership corporations, and that such regulations as are established by the Unit Board of Directors of the Unit shall not be in conflict with the regulations of the ACBL.

article v

board of directors

A   –    The affairs of the Unit shall be managed and conducted by a Board of Directors (the Board).  The members of the Board (the Directors) must be members of the Unit.

B   –    The Board shall consist of no fewer than ten (10) and no more than fifteen (15) persons.

C   –    Each year, the Board shall designate a nomination period, during which candidates for Director shall be nominated from and by the membership of the Unit in a manner specified by the Board.

D   –    The Board shall designate an election period commencing at the end of the nomination period.  If the number of nominations exceeds the maximum size of the Board, an election must be run during this election period.  Otherwise, all candidates are considered elected by acclamation.

E    –    If an election is necessary, the Board shall appoint an election officer for each area of the Unit, and one chief election officer.  Each election officer shall coordinate elections at the clubs in his area, and report results to the chief election officer.  The chief election officer shall tabulate the results and declare a number of successful candidates equal to the maximum size of the Board.

F    –    At any time, the Board may fill vacancies by appointment.

G   –    Whenever running an election or filling vacancies by appointment, the Board shall ensure that each area of the Unit is represented by at least one (1) Director, unless there is no willing candidate.

H   –    Whether elected or appointed, a Director holds office until the end of the next election period, but may be re-elected any number of times.

I     –    The Board may invite ex-officio members to the Board.  These members shall be entitled to attend all executive meetings in an advisory capacity, without the right to vote.

J    –    The Board shall appoint a recording secretary whose duties shall include recording the minutes of any Board or membership meetings. 

K   –    The Board shall hold a minimum of three (3) meetings per year, one of which shall be designated the annual meeting.

L    –    A quorum of the Board for the transaction of business shall consist of not less than a majority of the voting Directors..

M  –    In addition to the powers herein granted by other provisions hereof, and by the laws of the province of Ontario, the Board shall have powers and duties including but not limited to:

(1)          The conduct, management, supervision, and control of the business of the Unit;

(2)          Conduct of Unit tournaments;

(3)          The employment and discharging of employees, and the supervision of their conduct and fixing of their compensation.

article vI

officers

A   –    The Officers of the Unit shall consist of a Past President, President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

B   –    The Board shall mutually agree or else elect these officers from amongst themselves at its annual meeting, except the Past President whose appointment is automatic.  Officers retain their positions until the next annual meeting, but may be re-elected any number of times.

 

article vii

dues

A   –    The Board shall have no power to levy any special assessment, dues, or fees of its members.

article viii

membership meetings

A   –    An annual meeting of the members shall take place during the months of September, October, or November, in conjunction with a tournament or special event sponsored by the Unit and attended by its members..

B   –    The Board shall fix the time and place of the annual meeting and shall give appropriate notice in writing of such meeting at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting.

C   –    Special meetings of the members may be called at any time to consider specific subject matters by the Board or by the President, or by petition of the members.  Notice of the time and place of any special meeting shall be given in writing at least fourteen (14) days before such meeting.  The notice of any special meeting shall contain an Agenda of the matters to be taken up at such meeting.  No other business shall be acted upon at such special meetings.

D   –    A quorum for the transaction of business at any annual or special meeting shall consist of fifteen (15) members, including at least two thirds (2/3) of the voting Directors.

E    –    No proxies shall be permitted.

article ix

impeachment

A   –    Any Director may be removed for cause at any meeting of the Board provided two -thirds (2/3) of those present constituting a quorum so vote.  Any Director being considered for impeachment shall be notified by registered mail of the charges against him, at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting, and shall be given an opportunity to be heard before the  Board and be represented by counsel of his own choosing.  Absence from three consecutive meetings may be cause for removal of a Director.

article x

committees

A   –    The President shall appoint such committees as may be necessary to perform the functions of the organization.  Standing committees shall be appointed with the approval of the Board.

 

article xi

amendments to the constitution

A   –    Amendments to the constitution may be made by the members of the Unit upon petition signed by at least two members and submitted to the Secretary at least thirty (30) days in advance of the annual meeting or any special meeting called for the purpose.  It shall be the duty of the recording secretary to incorporate the text of the proposed amendment in the notice of the meeting.  The concurrence of two- thirds (2/3) of all members present and voting shall be required to pass any amendment.