Virginia Bass Federation

(updated 10/04/2011)

ARTICLE 1. NAMES, ADDRESSES AND MEETING LOCATION

1.1 NAMES

1.1-1 NAMES

The Virginia Bass Chapter Federation, Inc., herein known as the Federation, also known as the Virginia Bass Federation, the Virginia Bass Chapter Federation, or any of several variations of the official corporate name which includes the term T.B.F., the symbol of The Bass Federation, Inc.

1.2 ADDRESS

1.2-1 PRINCIPAL ADDRESS.

The principal address of the Federation shall be the residence of the President, or other address as he may select with the Board concurring.

1.2-2 OTHER ADDRESS

Elected members of the Board, Committee Chairpersons, and other officials appointed by the President, may, as approved by the President, establish other addresses necessary for the timely and efficient discharge of their duties.

1.3 MEETING LOCATION

1.3-1 BUSINESS MEETING LOCATION.

The business meetings of the Board shall be convened at a site selected by the President with the Board concurring. All Committee and other official meetings shall be held at sites selected by the chairperson or other presiding officials.

1.3-2 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING LOCATION.

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ARTICLE 2. PURPOSE AND GOALS

2.1 PURPOSE

2.1-1 PURPOSES OF THE FEDERATION.

The Federation is established to preserve and promote the sport of angling for largemouth bass (Micropterus Salmoides), smallmouth bass (Micropterus Dolomieu), and spotted or Kentucky bass (Micropterus Punctulatus), herein known as Bass; to introduce youth to the sport of fishing; to conserve water and other associated natural resources; to work for an abundant, healthy and self-sustaining bass fishery where a natural potential exists; and to support the local, state and national agencies which conserve and manage the fresh water sport fishery and other associated resources.

2.2 GOALS

2.2-1 GOALS OF THE FEDERATION

The Federation, shall, in its operations, pursue the goals of organizing and conducting competitive fishing events which adequately provide for the needs of the bass and the angler; to establish live release of bass to their habitat as an integral part of sport fishing; promote realistic conservation of natural resources and causing adoption and enforcement of adequate water quality standards; of educating the membership in citizen involvement in the processes of government; of supporting and cooperation with fishery management agencies and educational institutions in development of good fisheries for the future; of encouraging youth involvement in sport fishery and leading the chapters in organizing and conducting youth participation activities; of promoting public awareness of the Federation's purposes, goals and activities; of timely and efficient communications with the membership through a regularly published newsletter; of gaining new members and chapters to T.B.F. and the Federation; to generate revenues sufficient to conduct the programs of the Federation; of reducing the hazards of boat operation and sport fishing; of supporting the non-profit purposes and goals of T.B.F. ; and other such goals as may be established for the chapters and the committees of the Federation.

ARTICLE 3. AFFILIATIONS, COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND FACTS

3.1 AFFILIATIONS

3.1-1 T.B.F. AFFILIATIONS

The Federation shall preserve and maintain in good standing its affiliation with The Bass Federation, Inc..

3.1-2 VIRGINIA REPRESENTATIVE OF T.B.F. CHAPTERS.

The Federation shall operate as the sole representative organization, other than T.B.F., of the various chapters, associations, clubs and other organizations established in the Commonwealth of Virginia and duly chartered by T.B.F.

3.1-3 OTHER AFFILIATIONS

Affiliations with organizations other than T.B.F. may be initiated by the Federation to advance the purposes and goals of the Federation and the best interests of its members. Such affiliations shall not be maintained in conflict with the non-profit purposes and goals of T.B.F. A written statement of conflict from T.B.F. shall be sufficient cause for dissolution of all such affiliations.

3.2 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS AND FACTS

3.2-1 AGREEMENTS, ETC. WITH ORGANIZATIONS OTHER THAN T.B.F.

Cooperative agreements, mutual aid pacts and other special agreements and joint operations may be initiated or agreed upon by the Federation to advance the purposes and goals of the Federation, the non-profit purposes and goals of T.B.F. A written statement of conflict from T.B.F. shall be sufficient cause for dissolution of all such agreements.

ARTICLE 4. ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

4.1 CONSTITUENCY

4.1-1 CONSTITUENCY

The constituency of the Federation shall include the citizens of Virginia chapters who are members of T.B.F. The interests of the constituent members shall, within the purposes and goals of the Federation, be fully represented by the Federation and its officials. T.B.F. membership shall not alone constitute eligibility to hold elected or appointed office in the Federation.

4.1-2 MEMBERS

The members of the Federation are the members in good standing of any of the approved chapters of the Federation. In good standing shall mean that the member satisfies all of the requirements for membership imposed by T.B.F., the Federation and the member's chapter. Members in good standing only shall be eligible to hold office in the Federation. Eligibility for office shall also be conditional upon satisfaction of all the requirements and qualifications imposed in the Constitution and By-laws.

4.1-3 CHAPTERS

The chapters of the Federation shall include all of the chapters, clubs, associations and other organizations in the Commonwealth of Virginia which have been duly chartered by T.B.F. and which satisfies all of the requirements for chapters imposed by T.B.F. and the Federation.

4.2 REGIONS

4.2-1 REGIONS ESTABLISHED

The area of the Commonwealth of Virginia shall be subdivided into regions suitable for efficient administration of the Federation. The Board, in consideration of the needs of the members and the chapters shall determine the total number of such regions. They shall be identified by numbers, which shall be assigned consecutively, one through the total of such regions.

4.2-2 AREA OF REGIONS

The area of the regions of the Federation shall include the following:

(a) REGION 1 shall include the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Clarke, Frederick, Prince William, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Stafford, Culpepper, Rappahannock, Page, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Madison, and Greene, and all cities within them, and the District of Columbia.

(b) REGION 2 shall include the counties of Rockingham, Fluvanna, Albemarle, Augusta, Highland, Nelson, Amherst, Rockbridge, Campbell, Bedford, Botetourt, and, Buckingham, Appomattox, and all cities within them.

(c) REGION 3 shall include the counties of Caroline, Louisa, King William, Hanover, Goochland, New Kent, Henrico, and Charles City, and all cities within them, including Richmond City, and all of Chesterfield County except the areas of Colonial Heights, Ettrick, Matoaca, and Enon.

(d) REGION 4 shall include the counties of Bath, Allegheny, Bland, Craig, Giles, Tazewell, Buchanan, Dickenson, Roanoke, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe, Smythe, Russell, Wise, Floyd, Carroll, Grayson, Washington, Scott, and Lee, and all cities within them.

(e) REGION 5 shall include the counties of Franklin, Halifax, Pittsylvania, Henry and Patrick, and all of the cities within them.

(f) REGION 6 shall include the counties of Powhatan, Cumberland, Prince George, Amelia Surrv, Dinwiddie, Nottoway Prince Edward, Sussex, Lunenburg, Charlotte, Greensville, Brunswick, and Mecklenburg, and all cities within them, and the areas of Colonial Heights, Ettrick, Matoaca, and Enon in Chesterfield County.

(g) REGION 7 shall include the counties of Accomack, Northampton, Isle of Wight, and Southampton, and all cities within them, and the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk.

(h) REGION 8 shall include the counties of Northumberland, Westmoreland, Richmond, Essex, Lancaster, Middlesex, King and Queen, Mathews, and Gloucester and all the cities within them, and the cities of Poquoson, Hampton, and Newport News.

(i) REGION 9 shall include the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Clarke, Frederick, Prince William, Fauquier, Warren, Shenandoah, Stafford, Culpeper, Rappahannock, Page, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania, Madison, and Greene, and all cities within them, and the District of Columbia. (This section shall become effective January 1, 2000)

(j) REGION 10 shall include the counties of Bath, Allegheny, Bland, Craig, Giles, Tazewell, Buchanan, Dickenson, Roanoke, Montgomery, Pulaski, Wythe, Smythe, Russell, Wise, Floyd, Carroll, Grayson, Washington, Scott, and Lee and all cities within them. (This section shall become effective November 20, 2005)

4.3 REGIONAL ORGANIZATION
4.3-1 REGIONAL COMMITTEES

Each region shall consist of affiliated chapters located within the boundaries set forth in 4.2-2, which shall elect a director to the Board, advise their director on issues of interest to the region and conduct the business of the region.

4.3-2 REGIONAL MEETINGS

The regional committees shall hold regional meetings at least quarterly. The Committees shall choose their meeting site and make all provisions necessary to their function.

4.3-3 REGIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN

Directors shall serve also as chairman of their respective regional committees.

4.3-4 CHAPTER PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL COMMITTEES

Each chapter shall select from among its members in good standing, a representative to the committee of its region. All chapters shall have equal standing in voting by their regional committees except that proxy voting and voting in absentia shall not be permitted and that the director shall be the deciding vote in cases requiring a plurality, in which there is a tie vote by the committee.

4.3-5 DUTIES OF REGIONAL CHAIRMEN.

Directors shall, as chairmen of their respective regional committees, preside at meetings of their committees, administer their regions, and coordinate their regional tournament programs, and appoint their assistants and such other regional officials as may be directed by their committees.

4.3-6 DUTIES OF APPOINTED REGIONAL OFFICIALS.

Their respective regional committees shall define duties of officials appointed by their directors to serve their regions except that the assistant to the director shall, as directed by the director and in his absence, exercise his proxy at meetings of the Board.

4.4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
4.4-1 ESTABLISHMENT OF A BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A duly elected Board of Directors, herein known as the Board, shall govern the Federation, conduct its business and act in the best interests of the chapters and members.

4.4-2 MEETINGS OF THE BOARD

The Board shall meet at least quarterly in regular prior-scheduled business session. Additional scheduled and/or special called meetings necessary for timely and efficient conduct of the business of the Federation may be held as called by the President.

4.4-3 MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The members of the Board shall be the President, the Vice President, and one director from each region. Members of the Board shall not hold more than one Board position at one time.

4.4-4 VOTING BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

All bills and resolutions before the Board at regular and special meetings shall be decided by polling the Board members. Members of the Board shall have equal standing in all voting except that the President shall vote only in cases of a tie on issues requiring a plurality vote, and that any member shall be permitted to abstain. Except on routine procedural questions and in elections, the roll shall be called and the voting recorded in the minutes of the meeting. All other questions shall be decided by the vote of a majority of the Board members present except as otherwise required by the Constitution and By-laws.

4.4-5 EXPENSES OF BOARD MEMBERS

The reasonable expenses of any Federation official shall be submitted to the Board no later than the next regular Board meeting following the incurred expenses. Objection by any Board member shall require an action by the Board to pay the stated expenses.

4.4-6 REMOVAL OF FEDERATION OFFICIALS BY THE BOARD

A motion for removal of a regional committee chairman, a director or an officer of the Board shall be considered only after a finding by the Board in a prior action, that the subject official is guilty of bad conduct, acts against the best interests of the Federation, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office. In the Board action on a removal motion, a majority vote shall constitute a censure and a two-thirds majority vote in favor shall effect the removal of the subject official.

4.5 DIRECTORS OF THE FEDERATION

4.5-1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Each regional committee shall elect a director to the Board. Directors shall be elected no later than the last regional committee meeting of the calendar year and shall assume their duties at the January meeting of the Board following the election. Odd numbered regions shall hold their elections in odd numbered years so that their directors' terms begin in January of an even numbered year. Even numbered regions shall hold their elections in even numbered years so that their directors' terms begin in January of an odd numbered year. Midterm vacancies shall be filled by the regional committees through special elections conducted as soon as practicable after they occur, by the regional committees.

4.5-1 CERTIFICATION OF THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The official presiding at the election of a director shall make written certification of the results of the election to the President. Certification shall include reporting the date of the election, the name of the director elected, his address, telephone number, chapter name, and T.B.F. membership number. Certifications of elections shall be transmitted to the President within fifteen days after the elections.

4.5-3 TENURE OF DIRECTORS

Terms of office of directors shall expire upon installation of their successors

4.5-4 QUALIFICATIONS OF DIRECTORS

Directors shall be elected from among the members. They shall remain in good standing as members of chapters in good standing throughout their tenure. Loss of good standing shall vacate the office of a director and require that a special election be held to fill the incomplete term as soon as possible.

4.5-5 INSTALLATION OF DIRECTORS

At the first Board meeting of the year, or at the first Board meeting after certification of a special election of a director, the President shall announce the certifications on hand, administer the pledge of office to the directors elect present and seat them on the Board. A certificate may be set aside and the director elect found to be unfit for office by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board. Such finding by the Board shall require the President to withhold installation and appoint a commissioner to resolve the issue of unfitness and assist the appropriate regional committee in the process of conducting a new election.

4.5-6 DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

The duties of directors shall include, but not to be limited to: attendance at meetings of the Board and other functions of the Federation, representing the Federation and the Board as authorized by the Constitution and By-laws or appointed by the President; representing their regions before the Board; attending the meetings of their respective regional committees and working with them on regional affairs; supporting the purposes and goals of the Federation; and other duties, not in conflict with the Constitution and By-laws, as may be in the best interests of the chapters and the members. Lack of representation at any of these designated functions will result in a letter of non-attendance being sent to all chapters in the Region involved.

4.5-7 RECALL OF DIRECTORS

Regional committees may recall their directors after a vote to recall by two-thirds of the chapters of the region and appropriate certification in writing to the President. Recall of a director shall vacate the office and require that a special election be held to fill the incomplete term as soon as practicable.

4.6 OFFICERS OF THE FEDERATION

4.6-1 ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The President and the Vice President shall be known as the officers of the Federation. The Board, at its November meeting, shall elect them, with nominations being held at the most recent meeting prior to the November meeting. The election of the Federation officers shall be by secret ballots collected from the Board members and counted by a commissioner selected and appointed by the President. The ballot of President shall be collected and marked by the election commissioner before the count so that it may be counted in case of a tie to achieve a plurality. Should there be only be one nominee for each of the offices of the Federation, the election may be accomplished by voice vote or, the presiding officer may declare that each nominee is elected by unanimous consent or acclamation. This procedure can only be followed when there is only one nominee for the office of President and Vice President each.

4.6-2 TENURE OF OFFICE

The terms of office of the President and Vice President shall expire upon the installation of their successors.

4.6-3 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE OFFICERS

Officers shall be elected from among the members. They shall be required to remain in good standing with chapters in good standing throughout their tenure. Loss of good standing by an officer shall vacate his office. To hold the position of President or Vice President within the TBF State Federation, that individual cannot hold or have an active membership with a Federation National Chapter. Officers shall otherwise be qualified in the following manner:

(a) The President shall have served at least one full and complete term as an officer of the Board or at least one full two year term as a director, except that the Vice President shall ascend to the office of President whenever the duly elected President vacates his office or whenever the duly elected President vacates becomes incapacitated for further service.

(b) The Vice President shall have served at least one year as a director or as a standing committee chairman or a special committee chairman named in Chapter 4.7.

4.6-4 INSTALLATION OF BOARD OFFICERS
At the January meeting of the Board or immediately after a special election of a Board officer, the President shall certify the election, and seat newly elected officers on the Board. Such installations of officers shall be conducted as the first order of business at installation meetings and they shall be the last official act of the outgoing administration.

4.6-5 DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

The officers shall administer the Federation. Their duties shall include but not be limited to attendance at meetings of the Board and other functions of the Federation, representing the Federation as authorized by the Constitution and Bylaws and as appointed by the President, supporting the purposes and goals of the Federation, and other duties not in conflict with the Constitution and By-laws, as may be in the best interest of the chapters and the members. In addition, the individual officers shall perform the following duties:

(a) The President shall preside at the meetings of the Board, appoint all committee chairmen, commissioners and other non-elected officials, operate as the chief administrative officer in the Federation, the chief representative of the Federation before all bodies, the final interpreter of the Constitution and By-laws, and the deciding voter only in cases requiring a plurality, in which there is a tie vote by the Board.

(b) The Vice President shall ascend to the office of President when it becomes vacant, or when the President is found to be incapacitated for further service through voluntary determination or through an act of the Board, or as authorized in the temporary absence of the President. He shall be the administrative assistant to the President performing other duties as directed by the President.

4.6-6 VACANCIES

Vacancy in the position of Vice President shall be filled as soon as practicable by special election. Vacancy in the position of President shall be filled immediately through the ascension of the Vice President.

4.7 APPOINTED OFFICIALS

The State Youth Director has the authority to vote at the State Board meetings on issues pertaining to youth.

4.7-1 STANDING COMMITTEES

The President shall appoint, from among the qualified members, the chairman and members of three standing committees, the Conservation/Natural Resources Committee, the Tournament Committee and the Youth Committee. The chairmen and members of standing committees shall serve at the pleasure, and under the supervision of the President.

4.7-2 DUTIES OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES

The standing committees shall support the Constitution and By-laws, attend the meetings of the Federation and its functions as directed by the President, represent the Federation within their assigned areas of special interests, and perform other duties as follows:

(a) The Conservation/Natural Resources Director shall protect the environment from harmful change, encourage adoption and enforcement of adequate water quality standards, document and report violations of anti-pollution laws, take political and legal action wherever appropriate, to improve the environment, inform and educate the members and the public to create awareness of threats to natural resources, take leadership in repairing the harm already done to the environment, solicit involvement of other organizations, establish contact with the legislature and educate the members in citizen involvement in the process of government, cooperate and work with fishery management agencies and educational and research institutions toward improvements in fishery management for better future fisheries, coordinate the conservation activities of the Federation and recommend annual recognition of individuals and/or organizations that have achieved outstanding performance in conservation of fisheries and other associated natural resources.

(b) The Tournament Committee shall conduct the competitive fishing activities of the Federation, assist the regions and the chapters in development of tournament programs, coordinate the live release program, promote sportsmanship and respect for the fishing laws of Virginia, will recommend all Tournament Rules changes to the Board, with the Board's approval or disapproval, enforce the Tournament Rules and in consideration of a fee set by the Board, assist other individuals and organizations with tournament activities found by the Board to be acceptable and not in conflict with the Constitution and By-laws.

(c) The Youth Committee shall promote youth fishing activity, organize and implement an annual Youth Week, teach honesty, integrity and sportsmanship, coordinate the Federation's youth programs, assist the regions and chapters in youth activities, teach youth the fundamentals of sport fishing, cooperate and work with other organizations in introducing youth to sport fishing and recommend annual recognition of individuals and/or organizations that have achieved outstanding performance in youth fishing activities.

4.7-3 SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The President may select and appoint from among the qualified members, the chairmen and members of special committees. The chairmen and members of special committees shall serve at the pleasure, and under the supervision of the President.

4.7-4 DUTIES OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The special committees shall support the Constitution and By-laws, operate as instructed by the President and perform other duties as follows:

(a) The Public Relations Committee shall promote public awareness of the Federation, its purpose, goals and activities, work with and assist the other committees by publicizing their programs, by maintaining contact with the public news media and operating a news service, work with other organizations and agencies within the purpose and goals of the Federation, and support the Newsletter Committee by submitting new articles to it. The Chairman, as authorized and directed by the President shall attend all meetings and functions of the Federation as a necessary means of the timely and efficient discharge of his duties.

(b) The Membership Committee shall work toward development of new chapters and members, seek solutions to the problems of the existing chapters relative to their good standing in the Federation and T.B.F., and cooperate with interested members of the public where no chapters or other constituents exist.

(c) The Finance Committee shall make recommendations relative to budget preparation, coordinate the fund raising activities of the Federation, and assist the regions and chapters in their fund raising activities.

(d) The Safety Committee shall promote safe operation of the equipment and the activities of sport fishing, coordinate the safety activities of the Federation, assist the Tournament Committee in equipment inspection and enforcement of rules at tournament events, distribute hazard notices, work toward effective marking of procedures for sport fishermen, encourage use of first aid training and first aid kits, and operate an inspection program for equipment voluntarily submitted by members.

(e) The Newsletter Committee shall publish the newsletter, TIGHT LINES, at least quarterly. The Editor, as chairman, shall coordinate all functions relative to composing, editing, producing, selling of advertisements, billing the advertisers and distributing the publication. He/she shall, as authorized and directed by the President, attend all meetings and functions of the Federation as a necessary means of the timely and efficient discharge of his/her duties.

4.7-5 SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS, ETC.

The President may select and appoint to temporary service, special commissioners to represent him in resolving organizational issues and questions, and other problems that may arise. Commissioners and other such officials shall remain under the direction of the President and they shall report directly and confidentially to him.

4.7-6 EXPENSES OF APPOINTED OFFICIALS

The reasonable expenses of the appointed officials shall be submitted in writing to the President for approval, no later than the next regular Board meeting following the incurred expenses. The President shall submit all approved expense statements to the Treasurer for payment. Objection by a Board member shall require an act of the Board to pay the stated expenses.

4.8 EMPLOYEES OF THE FEDERATION

4.8-1 SELECTION AND COMPENSATION

Once the need for a contracted official has been justified and approved by the Board the position will be opened to all qualified applicants. The selection of the final candidate must be approved by a majority vote of the Board. The Board will determine the rate of compensation for the employee.

4.8-2 DUTIES OF FEDERATION EMPLOYEES.

The duties of all employees will be to support and promote the efficient operation of the Federation.

(a) The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Board meetings and the official records of the Federation, maintain the official correspondence of the Federation, maintain in good order and submit as appropriate the documents necessary to the Federation's compliance with the regulations of the Corporation Commission of the Commonwealth of Virginia and with T.B.F., and perform other duties as directed by the President. The minutes of the last meeting shall be posted online within two weeks after the last board meeting.

(b) The Treasurer shall be the fiscal officer of the Federation, the keeper of the Treasury and the financial accounts of the Federation, and receiver and disburser of all funds. The treasurer's report shall be mailed two weeks prior to the next the board. He/she shall report the financial status of the Federation to the Board on request and at each Board meeting. He/she shall present all books and financial records or documents annually in November, and on other occasions as directed by the Board, to a person or a committee selected and appointed by the President for audit, and he/she shall cause to be prepared and submitted in a timely manner all documents required by the United States Internal Revenue Service and all other tax and dues imposing authority having jurisdiction over the Federation, and perform other duties as directed by the President.

4.8-3 TERMINATION

The term of employment will continue as long as the needs are justified and the employee is satisfactorily accomplishing those needs. At any time the position of an employee can be reviewed by the Board. Termination of an employee will require a majority vote of the Board.

ARTICLE 5, AMENDMENTS AND PROCEDURES

5.1 AMENDMENTS

5.1-1 AMENDMENT OF ARTICLE 1 THROUGH 8

Articles 1 through 8 of the Constitution and By-laws may be amended by vote of a two-thirds majority of the Board after thirty days prior notice of said amendment at any meeting scheduled thirty days or more in advance.

5.2 PROCEDURES

5.2-1 BILLS

Bills shall be the basic documents of the acts of the Board. They shall be submitted as written motions, distributed to the Board members twenty days or more prior to, and read to the Board immediately prior to voting upon them, except that upon a motion, seconded and voted for by a majority of the Board, an emergency may be declared and the twenty days prior distribution of the bill waived to allow for immediate adoption or for shortened prior distribution periods. The prior notice requirements of Chapter 5.1 shall not be affected by emergency declarations. Bills shall not be adopted by vote of a majority of the Board except as required by Chapter 5.1. Motions to amend bills, within their principal intent, shall be written and seconded by Board members. They may be adopted by the vote of a majority of the Board at any time prior to final voting on the complete bill.

5.2-2 RESOLUTIONS.

Resolutions shall be expressions of the will, intent or desire of the Board. They shall be adopted and amended in the manner and through the procedures provided in section 5.2-1.

5.2-3 SUBMISSION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

All bills submitted for amending the Constitution and By-Laws shall be submitted at the January board meeting of each year. These bills shall be acted upon at the March board meeting. Amendments of an emergency nature may be accepted at any time during the year.

5.2-4 RECORDING OF MOTIONS

Motions shall be written for the record on an official form, which provides for a voting record.

5.2-5 CERTIFICATIONS OF ELECTIONS.

Elections shall be certified according to sections 4.3-6, 4.5-2, and 4.6-4. Certifying officials may use a standard form designed and supplied by the Federation to facilitate certification of elections.

ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENT

6.1 AMENDMENT

(a) No part of the net earnings, gains or assets of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its directors, officers or other private individuals or organizations organized and operated for a profit (except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes as herein above stated).

(b) No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of activities not permitted to be conducted or carried on by an organization exempt from taxation under Section 501(c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.

(c) In the event of dissolution or final liquidation of the corporation, the board of directors shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the lawful debts and liabilities of the corporation, distribute all the assets of the corporation, as the board of directors of the corporation shall determine, to another organization that is exempt from federal and state taxation.

ARTICLE 7. BY-LAWS

7.1 FEDERATION FUNDS

7.1-1 TREASURER RECEIVES ALL FUNDS.

All funds received by the Federation or any of its agents on behalf of the Federation, except as provided in Sections 4.8-2 and Chapter 7.5, shall be turned over to the treasurer for deposit into the appropriate account.

7.1-2 ACCEPTANCE OF CERTAIN FUNDS PROHIBITED.

No donations, gifts, or other funds, goods or services shall be accepted in the name of the Federation by the Board or any agent of the Federation from any individual or
organization found to be in conflict with the purposes and/or goals of the Federation.

7.1-3 DUES

Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per member dues shall be payable to the Federation by each Chapter on the first of December of the preceding year. Chapters which have not paid their dues by December 15 shall be assessed a penalty of five dollars ($5.00) per chapter member. Chapters which have not paid their dues by January 31 will lose their eligibility to fish Mr. Bass and the Chapter Team Tournaments. There will be an official update of rosters to include all changes in club membership as of June 30. Any increase in the number of active members requires an additional payment of Thirty Dollars ($30.00) per member increased due no later than June 30.

7.1-4 REVENUE GENERATION.

Tournaments, other participation events, sales of goods and services and other business activities not in conflict with the Constitution and By-laws may be operated by the Federation for the purpose of revenue generation in support of the Federation and in advancement of its purposes and goals.

7.2 CHAPTERS

7.2-1 CHAPTER FORMATION.

The Federation shall assist persons desiring to form new chapters by providing information and contact with organizing officials of T.B.F.

7.2-2 ASSIGNMENT OF NEW CHAPTERS TO REGIONS.

Each new chapter shall be assigned to a region in consideration of its geographical location, and the director of the region shall deliver its charter to the new chapter. The director shall assist the new chapter in becoming a participant in the affairs of the region.

7.2-3 CHAPTER PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL ACTIVITIES

It is the responsibility of each club to support all of the Federation activities sponsored by its region. In order to remain in good standing in the Federation a chapter must participate in 50% of its region's meetings, 50% of its region's tournaments, and 50% of all other regional activities approved by the majority of the chapters in that region. The Regional Committee and the Federation Board must approve any exception to this.

7.2-4 CHAPTER IN GOOD STANDING.

Chapters that have paid their dues and updated their chapter rosters by midnight January 31st and have participated in 50% of all regional activities during the past year are considered in good standing and can continue to participate in all Federation events. At the January Board meeting each regional director will submit a list of clubs in his region that have not satisfied the 50% participation rule during the previous year. Only those clubs, upon paying their dues, will be allowed to fish the Mr. Bass Tournament and the Chapter Team Tournament during the year of the submission. All new clubs will be denied entry into the Mr. Bass Tournament and the Chapter Team Tournament until they have participated in at least 50% of their region's activities during the year.

7.2-5 CHAPTER NOT IN GOOD STANDING.

Chapters that did not pay their dues by January 31st and/or did not participate in 50% of its region's activities during the past year are not in good standing and are not eligible to participate in Federation activities.

7.2-6 INSURANCE

All boats used in state and region events of the Virginia Bass Federation must have no less than $300,000.00 liability insurance on these boats. In order to use a boat, proof must be provided for all events.

7.3 FEDERATION TOURNAMENTS

7.3-1 MR. BASS TOURNAMENT

A Mr. Bass Tournament will be operated annually by the Tournament Committee in either April or May with dates being set by the Tournament Committee. Dates are to be set by the Tournament Committee on or before September 1st. of the prior year. It shall be held at a site recommended by the Tournament Committee and approved by the Board. Each chapter in good standing (7.2-4) shall be permitted to enter two of its eligible members (8.1-6) upon payment of an entry fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) which includes five dollars per person for big fish award. The big fish award will pay back one hundred percent with split between big fish day one, day two and overall big fish. Fees shall not be refundable to individual, team or regional applicants once the Federation has accepted the fee. Each chapter's two-man team must supply a tournament-approved boat. It is recommended that the member who scored highest in his chapter competition be permitted to register as a boat owner. Fishing partners shall be paired by random drawings of clubs by the Tournament Committee. The boat owner in one club will be paired with the non-boat owner in the other club and vice versa. These pairings will be effective for both days of the competition. The winner shall be recognized as Mr. Bass and Virginia State champion for the year in which the tournament was held. The winner and second place will become members of the Virginia Team, which next participates in interstate competition and thereby receives all benefits and privileges of Virginia Team membership. The third place individual will be designated as first alternate member of the Virginia Team. If the first, second, or third place individual does not claim the Virginia Team position, that position shall be offered to remaining Mr. Bass competitors in order of their rank in the final scores. As a member of the Virginia Team the option of taking a qualified tournament boat to the interstate competition will be offered in order of finish until one boat is committed. All other tournament prizes and trophies will be determined by the Tournament Committee. Monetary prizes paid by the Federation shall total no more than 75% of the gross entry fee revenue generated for the tournament. All position or place awards shall be determined as percentages of the 75% of gross entry fee revenue. All provisions of Section 8.1 shall be applied during the event. All other decisions and arrangements shall be delegated to the Tournament Committee.

7.3-2 CHAPTER TEAM TOURNAMENT

A Chapter Team Tournament will be operated annually by the Tournament Committee in either April or May with dates being set by the Tournament Committee. Dates are to be set by the Tournament Committee on or before September 1st. of the prior year. The Chapter Team Tournament will be held at Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir). Each chapter in good standing shall be permitted to enter a team of two, four, six, or eight of its members. If entering six or less then the team must pay the full entry fee of four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) which includes five dollars per person for the big fish award. In the event a team enters eight members then an additional one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) must be submitted. This shall also include five dollars per person for the big fish award. Each team must consist of the same number of boat owners as non-boaters. The big fish award will pay back one hundred percent with the split between big fish day one, day two, and overall big fish. Fees shall not be refundable to individual, team or regional applicants once the Federation has accepted the fees. Fishing partners will be determined by pairing Chapters through a random drawing. Pairings will be according to the official entry form submitted by each chapter. The six pairing combinations for Chapter A and Chapter B will be #1A- 4B; #2A- #5B; #3A-#6B; #4A-lb.; #5A- #2B; #6A- #3B. For teams entering eight members pairings will be made accordingly. These pairings will be in effect for both days of the competition. The top four finalists from the Chapter Team Tournament exclusive of the winner of the Mr. Bass Tournament shall become members of the Virginia Team which next participates in interstate competition, and thereby receive all benefits and privileges of Virginia Team membership. Unclaimed positions on the Virginia Team shall be offered to other competitors in the order of their rank in the final scores. The option of taking a qualified tournament boat to the interstate competition will be offered in the order of finish, within each qualifying tournament, until two boats are committed from each Chapter Team Tournament, totaling four boats. All other tournament prizes and trophies will be determined by the Tournament Committee. All provisions of section 8.1 shall be applied during the event. All other decisions and arrangements shall be delegated to the Tournament Committee.

7.3-3 FALL CLASSIC TOURNAMENT.

A two-day Fall Classic Tournament shall be operated annually by the Tournament Committee on the last weekend of October. The Tournament Committee will determine the site of the tournament. Each regional organization in the Federation shall be permitted to enter a team of an even number, of not less than ten or more than twenty of its members in good standing. Each region in the Federation shall submit an entry fee of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) which includes five dollars per person for the big fish award regardless of whether it enters a team or not. The big fish award will pay back one hundred percent with the split between big fish day one, day two and overall big fish. Each member of each regional team ranked eleventh through twentieth shall submit an entry fee of seventy five dollars ($75.00) which includes five dollars per person for the big fish award. The big fish award will pay back one hundred percent with the split between big fish day one and day two and overall big fish. Fees shall not be refundable to individual, team or regional applicants once the Federation has accepted the fees. One -half of the members from each regional team shall register as boat owners. Pairings will be determined by a random draw according to the official entry form submitted by each region. The pairing combination will be for both days of the competition. The first and second place individual finishers shall become members of the Virginia Team which next participates in interstate competition and thereby receive all benefits and privileges of the Virginia Team membership. If the first or second place finishers do not claim the Virginia Team position, it shall be offered to other Fall Classic competitors in the order of their rank in the final scores until the positions are filled. As a member of the Virginia Team, the option of taking a qualified tournament boat to the interstate competition will be offered in order of finish until one boat is committed. All other tournament prizes and trophies will be determined by the Tournament Committee. All provisions of Chapter 8.1 shall be applied during the event. All other decisions and arrangements shall be delegated to the Tournament Committee.

7.4 INTERSTATE TOURNAMENT COMPETITION

7.4-1 THE VIRGINIA TEAM

The Federation shall organize a twelve-man Virginia Team each year through its tournament program to represent it in competition organized by T.B.F. The twelve-man team shall be composed of the top two finalist in the Mr. Bass as provided in section 7.3-1, the top eight finalists from the Chapter Team Tournament as provided in section 7.3-2 and the top two individuals from the Fall Classic Tournament as provided in section 7.3-3. In addition, the First alternate position will be filled as provided in Section 7.3-1.

7.4-2 VIRGINIA TEAM MANAGER

The President or his designee, as provided in sections 4.7-5, and 4.7-6, shall operate as manager of the Virginia Team, as the Federation's representative in all negotiations relative to interstate competition and other business which may be necessary to the team's activities, and serve as an alternate member of the team by filling any vacancy once the team has departed. He shall be empowered to negotiate terms and conditions for interstate tournament competition, to expend funds necessary to the function of the team beyond other team benefits, and to select and provide for a support staff as necessary to the function of the team

7.4-3 BENEFITS AND PRIVILEGES OF VIRGINIA TEAM MEMBERSHIP

Benefits to Virginia Team members provided by the Federation shall include and be limited to meals and general expense funds advanced by the Board in consideration of anticipated costs, reimbursement by the Team Manager for the cost of motor fuel and oil for authorized motor vehicles and boats, lodging selected by the Board or the Team Manager for the period of interstate competition, and related practice and travel days, uniform shirts, jackets and caps, and if the team wins its tournament, a trophy for each member if such awards are not provided at the tournament. All individual awards provided or won through team activities, including entry in the Forrest L Wood Cup with travel expense reimbursement guaranteed by the Federation, shall be the property of the team members who win them. All awards provided to or won by the Virginia Team, as a unit shall be divided equally among the team members. Half of the Virginia Team members shall be permitted to take qualified tournament boats to interstate competition at Federation expense. They shall be the first place finalist in the Mr. Bass Tournament, first, second, third and fourth place finishers in the Chapter Team Tournament  and first place finalist of the Fall Classic. The Team Manager or his designees shall take one boat, qualified for tournament use, for use as a replacement in case of breakdown, practice boat and service boat.

7.4-4 OBLIGATIONS AND LIMITATIONS OF VIRGINIA TEAM MEMBERSHIP

Team members shall receive the benefits and privileges of membership in the Virginia Team only upon their signed agreement to honor the Constitution and By-laws and to participate fully as team members during all competition and all other team functions as requested by the Team Manager, that no guest invited or entertained by them shall be housed, transported or otherwise provided for in any manner which interrupts or diminishes the full enjoyment of all benefits and privileges provided for other team and staff members, and that they shall bear all expenses of any guest which accompanies or is entertained by them during team activities or related travel and reimburse the Team Manager for all expense to the Federation caused by their guests and for the costs of transportation, lodging and food shared in with the team as determined by averaging the cost of the entire group, the guests sharing equally in the cost of each item shared in. An advance deposit will be required for anticipated expenses of all non-team members prior to team departure. Guests are entitled only to the hospitality normally extended to friends of the Federation. No motor vehicles above the minimum necessary to tow authorized boats and support the team shall be operated at Federation expense or to the effect of causing a team or staff member to drive alone. All other than emergency deviations from these limitations on expenditure of Federation funds shall be at the personal expense of the Team Manager. The Team Manager shall secure the written agreement of all prospective Virginia Team members before announcing their names to the membership. Replacements shall agree before departure to the tournament or receiving Federation funds.

7.6 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULING AND CITING

7.6-1 CONSIDERATION OF OTHER WATER RESOURCE USERS

The Federation shall consider the needs of and restrictions upon all other users of the waterway and adjacent resources upon which it intends to schedule or sanction an event. Special events of others, which are likely to be in conflict with anglers, shall be avoided wherever possible, if they are scheduled prior to the Federation scheduling. Specific days to which other users are limited by law for their activities shall be excluded from the Federation scheduling for events or practice days to be cited upon tidal waters of the Commonwealth. When Federation scheduling conflicts with specific days of waterfowl hunting season, Federation sanctioned events, including state, regional and chapter tournaments will not begin prior to 8:00 am on these days and must end not later than 4:00 pm.