Bylaw
CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INVITATIONAL COMBINE
Adopted December 2017, last revised
ARTICLE I.
Section 1. The name of the Combine shall be:
“THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INVITATIONAL COMBINE ”
The Southern California Invitational Combine Charter encompasses members in the South Eastern portions of Riverside County and San Diego County with exception by Officer vote. Voting of membership for member(s) and club(s) is conducted by the Officers of the Southern California Combine Invitational by majority vote of 3 of the 5 Officers.
Members cannot be excluded because they have been successful in competition.
Section 2. Affiliation. The Southern California Invitational Combine shall be chartered with the American Racing Pigeon Union (AU) and State Assoc. It will compete and conduct its activities in compliance with the AU rules and Competition Standards. Members may affiliate with any other club or national organization as an individual as desired.
Section 3. Purpose. The Purpose of the Southern California Invitational Combine is to engage in the friendly competition of racing registered homing pigeons and to promote a positive social environment for members and their families while promoting the Sport of Racing Pigeons.
Section 4. “Our Motto shall be: Where having fun, making friends, and competition matters”
Section 5. Sportsmanship. Members of the Southern California Invitational Combine agree to conduct themselves in the spirit of friendly sportsmanship, fairness and in accordance with the AU Code of Ethics. (Recommend attaching a copy of the AU Policy 310 when distributing to membership.)
ARTICLE II. – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Active Members: Any homing pigeon fancier who has participated in at least three races during the previous year, and is current in all dues and fees of the Southern California Invitational Combine and national organizations is considered an active flying member. All other members who are current of all dues and fees and did not fly are considered by the Southern California Invitational Combine as active members. Members must be of good character and have never been expelled by a recognized national racing pigeon organization.
Section 2. New Members: Recommendations of individuals as new members in the Southern California Invitational Combine may be made by any active member of a club. A prospective member who has never been a member shall be eligible for membership if he is eligible to be an AU member. Membership shall not be denied based on anyone’s sex, race, creed or religion. Acceptance of the applicant as a member is constituted by a majority vote of the Officers of the Southern California Invitational Combine Officers (3 of 5 Officers).
Section 3. Invitational Membership: If a club chooses to be an invitational (club), membership would be available in the club by invitation. Each member in that club would need to be approved by the Southern California Invitational Combine by majority vote of Officers (3 of 5 Officers). A written application would need to be submitted to include names of members.
NOTE: Any member/club found at any time not meeting the standards outlined in the Constitution and By Laws of the Southern California Invitational Combine, shall be voted out in same manner as voted in by majority of Officers (3 of 5 Officers of the Combine).
Section 4. Probationary Membership: Any new member or club duly accepted by the Southern California Invitational Combine shall be a probationary member for twelve (12) months upon being accepted. During the probationary period, the new member(s)/club has full entitlement to participate in races and other activities sponsored by the Southern California Invitational Combine. Probationary members will have limited voting privileges during this period. At the first regular meeting following completion of the member’s probationary period, they shall stand for voting into full active member status. A majority of 5 of 7 Officers of the Southern California Invitational Combine may vote to install full active membership status. Once a new member has completed this probationary membership period, the organization shall vote on them prior to conducting any other business and the new member shall be entitled to vote on all items of business considered at the meeting.
Section 5. Junior Membership in the Southern California Invitational Combine is defined as any person less than eighteen (17) years of age and accepted by the majority vote of the Officers. Junior members may not be allowed limited voting privileges, depending on the wishes of the club.
Section 6. Associate Membership is defined as any former flying member of the Southern California Invitational Combine who is not presently engaged in racing pigeons. Associates and Junior members are not eligible to vote on Southern California Invitational Combine business.
Section 7. Partnership lofts shall be limited to one (1) vote each. Partnership lofts are also limited by the Southern California Invitational Combine to 2 teams that can be entered from one physical or postal address.
Section 8. Family Lofts shall be considered a partnership except that special consideration might be given to junior members and the loft may be limited to 1 vote.
ARTICLE III- GOVERNMENT Proxy voting shall not be allowed by any Organization affiliated with the AU.
Section 1. Voting: A 2/3 vote of the active members present is required to amend or delete any provisions of articles I, II, III. A majority vote of the members present is required on any other issue such as race schedules, race rules, shipping and the election of officers of the Southern California Combine Invitational, except where otherwise noted. All delegates of clubs shall have the right to make and second motions from the floor.
1. Governing by Delegates. Delegates may be elected or appointed by the club, as required and allowable with one alternate member. Delegates shall secure the wishes of the members of the (club) members and communicate these to the Southern California Invitational Combine to the best of their ability. Compromise should always be in the best interests of the Sport in general. (Club) Concourse delegates must have attended the previous regular scheduled club meeting in order to represent the club.
2. Executive Committee. (OPTIONAL) is made up of the elected officers of the Organization and is chaired by the President. Additional members may be added to the Executive Committee as appointed by the President. (Executive committees are usually reserved for the largest organizations.)
Section 2. Election of officers: Officers of the Southern California Invitational Combine shall include a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a Race Secretary. Election of officers shall take place at the annual Southern California Combine Invitational meeting during the month of December, every other year. Nominations will be made from the floor of the meeting and upon being made, the President shall order that they be added to the list of nominees. All nominees shall have the privilege to decline nomination. Newly elected officers will take charge of their office in January. All terms are for two years and no person shall hold more than one office at a time. Should an office become open during the year due to resignation or any other cause, the President will appoint a replacement.
Proxy voting shall not be allowed by any Organization affiliated with the AU.
Section 3. Duty of Officers.
a. President: The President shall preside over all regular or special meetings and in such a manner as to transact all business. The President shall only vote to break tie votes and shall automatically be on all committees in an advisory capacity. He is the spokesman for the Southern California Invitational Combine, and will meet the public and be the spokesman for the organization should the need arise.
b. Vice-President: The Vice-President will preside at all meetings in the absence of the President, and heads up special committees as appointed by the president, (i.e. publicity or Race committee) The Vice President may also serve as the Southern California Invitational Combine Constitution & Bylaws Advisor to make sure the Southern California Combine Invitational operates as intended, and it’s constitution and bylaws are kept up to date.
c. Secretary: The Secretary shall issue notices of all Southern California Invitational Combine meetings at least a week in advance, and shall attend and keep the complete minutes of same. The Secretary is responsible for keeping the Southern California Combine Invitational by-laws and Race Rules current and issues all revisions to the members.
d. Treasurer(s). The San Diego Treasurer(s) is responsible for the financial assets of the Southern California Combine Invitational. The Treasurer will submit a financial accounting to the membership annually, or as directed by the President. The Treasurer shall keep the president informed as to any delinquent member accounts, and shall pay the Southern California Combine Invitational bills with the President’s co-signature on all checks exceeding $500. The Treasurer shall keep in his custody all books and records pertaining to the Southern California Invitational Combine and deposit all monies received for dues, bands, surplus received from shipping or any other sources into the Southern California Invitational Combine official bank account, in a timely manner. The Treasurer will be sure that bank account signature cards are kept current.
At the termination of his office, the Treasurer shall immediately surrender to the President or new Treasurer, all books, records, and related papers together with such funds or monies in his possession. An audit shall always be made by the incoming Treasurer and two (2) members of the Southern California Invitational Combine as appointed by the President.
e. Race Secretary: The Race Secretary is responsible for the conduct of the Southern California Invitational Combine races. He/she shall chair the Race Committee, consisting also of members (at least two), appointed by the President and recorded in the minutes The Race secretary is responsible for conducting and maintaining a record of all loft surveys and shall coordinate the race liberations and make provisions for notifying the Southern California Combine members of release times . He shall manage all race-figuring activities, and is responsible for publishing race results and distributing diplomas and awards. The Race Secretary will collect monies for his fees at $3.50 per loft, $20 Trophy fee per flyer and collect at the end of the season a check from each club City of Hope fee of 5 cents per bird shipped.
The race secretary will also chair the Loft Registration committee.
ARTICLE IV- ADMENDMENTS: Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws can only be acted upon at the annual meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the active members in attendance shall be required for adoption.
Proxy voting shall not be allowed by any Organization affiliated with the AU.
ARTICLE V- DISPUTES: Disputes (other than race disputes, which are to be handled by the Race Secretary,) are to be settled as follows: They shall first be referred to the Southern California Combine Invitational President for settlement. If his decision is appealed by either party in the dispute, the matter shall be taken up by the Organization’s officers for settlement.
If their decision is appealed by either party in the dispute, the entire Organization membership, other than the parties in the dispute, shall decide the issues by majority vote. If the dispute cannot be remedied through the local organization or its affiliates,( i.e., Club to Combine/Concourse, Center, State Organization), and an AU rule is involved, then a complaint may be filed with the AU national office
A. Member leaving club. When a member leaves a functioning AU club, for any reason, all physical or financial assets, shall remain with the club, unless specified in a written agreement made, dated and signed, between the member(s) leaving and remaining club membership.
ARTICLE VI- EXPULSION/ SUSPENSION: A member accused of dishonorable conduct as outlined by the AU Rules of Conduct (see AU Bylaw14.), shall be notified to appear before the officers of the Southern California Invitational Combine, who will investigate the charges. Such notification to appear shall be in writing at least seven (7) days before the date of the hearing and shall specify the charges. As a result of the investigation, the Officers shall determine by a 3 of 5 vote to expel or suspend a member. The hearing must follow procedures outlined in the AU’s Constitution and Bylaws (see Sec. 15 Disciplinary Rules), and must assure the charged individual is afforded “due process.” An expelled or suspended member shall forfeit all privileges and claims against the organization.
Proxy voting shall not be allowed by any Organization affiliated with the AU.
ARTICLE VII- DISSOLUTION OF ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Invitational Combine shall not be dissolved without the consent, in writing, of two-thirds (2/3) of its active members, obtained in one and confirmed in another special meeting convened for consideration of such dissolution. Upon dissolution, the property of the Southern California Invitational Combine shall be disposed of, to the best advantage, and the proceeds, after all bills and obligations have been paid, shall be equally divided among the whole of the membership in good standing as of the date of the initial dissolution meeting (or as provided in that organization’s specific Constitution & Bylaws).
Proxy voting shall not be allowed by any Organization affiliated with the AU.
1.00 MEETINGS: The order for all meetings should be by Agenda, which should be distributed to all attending the meeting at the beginning (or prior to the meeting). Items may be added to the agenda from the floor, prior to the meeting being called to order (or as time permits at the conclusion). Meetings should start and end promptly on time.
1.01 QUORUM: One Third (1/3) of the active members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.
1.02 Annual meeting: The annual meeting shall be held in December. The business of that meeting shall include the election of officers (every other year), consideration of any changes to the Constitution and Bylaws; and payment of dues. All members shall be provided written notice of the annual meeting at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
Proxy voting shall not be allowed by any Organization affiliated with the AU.
1.03 Regular Meetings: Regularly scheduled meetings shall be held prior to racing Old Birds and at the end of the season.
1.04 Special meetings may be called by the President or in his absence the Vice-President, if deemed necessary.
Notice of such meeting shall be given each member at least one week in advance of the date of the meeting either via email or text, personal contact, or by a direct phone call to the member.
The President shall call a special meeting within 10 days of receipt of a signed request from 25% or more of the active members of the club.
1.05 Order of Business: The normal agenda of business at regular Southern California Invitational Combine meetings shall include:
Roll Call; Minutes of Previous Meeting; Proposals for Membership
Financial Report; Committee Reports; Communications
Unfinished Business; New Business; Date of next meeting
Good of the Sport; Adjournment
1.06 MEETING DECORUM: Meetings should always be conducted in an orderly manner, without side talking or distractions during the regular course of the meeting. Drinking of alcohol beverages during any meeting, shipping or closing a race should be prohibited until the meeting is adjourned or business at hand is complete. Exceptions could be special events (shows, auctions, futurities, etc.)
2.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Annual dues for members were determined as $20 at the annual meeting in December, by a majority vote of the active members present. $300 shipping fee will also be due by those flying at the season. Members who live in an environment which does not allow them to raise a full team, may ship 15 birds at $200 for the season. This is not for the flyers who can raise 20-40 or more birds who choose to cut their team. No more than 15 birds will be shipped for these flyers to any race in the season. Half can be paid first race, second half due at Olancha Race. Juniors are $1 shipping. This is in addition to the adult team for the family. Race Secretary is responsible for doing GPS at each loft and is required to monitor both 15 bird team lofts and Junior membership. The Southern California Invitational Combine dues, as well as those associated with other organizations, which the Southern California Invitational Combine is affiliated, are due, and payable on the date provided at the annual meeting. Members are not allowed to race or purchase bands until dues have been paid. (Some clubs also include specific work parties or events as part of the membership “Obligation,” and charge additional fees if a member does not participate).
2.01 Annual Dues shall be used for affiliation dues, and all other necessary operating expenses.
2.02 Partnership lofts shall each pay dues per year in the same manner provided above. Each individual composing the partnership shall each be assessed the annual dues as per AU membership policy. (Sec. 210.23) (Whether partnerships pay organization dues individually or as one loft is up to the organization as how they are allowed to vote.)
2.03 Junior members are those members who have not reached their 18th birthday. He/she shall pay the prescribed AU dues for juniors and whatever portion of the Southern California Combine Invitational dues that the regular members decide.
2.04 Pro-rated Dues Members joining after July 1 of the year are required to pay full AU Dues, plus any Late Fees, and the pro-rated amount of Southern California Invitational Combine dues assessed for that year. The fiscal year for the Southern California Combine Invitational dues shall begin January 1st and end on December 31st of each year.
3.00 RACE RULES: Race rules, special races, diplomas, trophies and other prizes shall be left to the wishes of the current membership provided they do not conflict with the Official AU Competition Standards.
No changes shall be made during the race season in which the above mentioned items are initiated unless approved by 2/3 of the actively flying members. Race rules, schedules and release times will be reviewed at the annual meeting. A copy of the rules and race schedule shall be given to each member annually.
4.00 COMMITTEES. Regular and temporary committees shall be appointed by the President who shall designate a chairman of each.
4.01 Race Committee. The Race Secretary will chair the Race Committee, consisting also of at least two (2) members, appointed by the President and recorded in the minutes. This committee shall have charge of all race details and shall conduct every race according to these by-laws, and AU Competition Standards as well as any additional rules of the Southern California Invitational Combine. It will also resolve all questions and disputes regarding racing or competition ensure that racing supplies are adequately maintained, and manage all race-figuring activities.
4.02 Loft Certification Committee. The race secretary will also chair the Loft Certification Committee, with a minimum of one other member, to inspect, photograph, and survey members lofts and file with the national office. Forms may be downloaded from the AU web site.
5.00 RESIGNATION Any member wishing to resign from the organization must tender his or her resignation in writing to the Secretary-Treasurer and must pay all indebtedness which may be due the organization by them, and will forfeit all rights and claims to the Southern California Invitational Combine property.
6.00 SHORTAGE OF OPERATING FUNDS (club) Any shortages of funds shall be assessed equally to all members and restored to the Club treasury. In the event of an assessment of over (select amount), each member may be given the opportunity to pay their portion of the assessment in three or more installments. Any agreement to money given, invested, or loaned to the club must be recorded in the minutes and a written agreement or contract provided, as appropriate, signed by the Club’s officers.
Note: It is a requirement for an AU Charter, and required practice to file a current copy of your Organizations C&BL with the AU National Office should the organizations’ copy be lost or misplaced.
7.00 ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY: By joining the Club, Members (or Junior Members’ parents or legal guardians) agree to grant the Club a waiver for all rights and privileges to the members’ images and/or likeness for the Club’s use in promotions, advertising, website, publications, social media, or other media used to promote the Club or in the Club’s interest.