CONNECTICUT STATE USBC ASSOCIATION

CT State USBC Home

Awards Dinner

Hall Of Fame Members

Hall Of Fame Applications

Coming Events

Officers

Directors

History

President's Message

Association Manager

Address

Annual Meeting

Bylaws

Financial Report

Oldest Active Member

CT Bowling Chronicle

CT Bowling Centers

Scholar Of The Year

2011 Scholar of The Year

2010 Scholar of The Year

Scholar Application

State Awards

Special Awards

2009-10 High Scores

2008-09 High Scores

2011 Youth/Adult Tourn

2012 Youth Championship

2012 Open Tournament

Participation Award

2012 Women's Championship

Senior Tournaments

Pepsi Youth Tournament

 

United States Bowling Congress
Merged State Association Bylaws

Introduction

The following document is the mandatory form of bylaws to be adopted by the Connecticut State United States Bowling Congress Association and to be used in conjunction with the USBC Association Policy Manual.  Complete all blanks where indicated.

The Ct State USBCA must abide by state corporate laws and may adopt additional provisions provided they do not conflict with the mandatory bylaws or state laws.  The appropriate provision of state law takes precedence over the bylaws.

Notes and footnotes appear only to provide clarification and examples.  Parenthetical statements are for information only.

Article I
Name

The name of this organization is the Connecticut State USBC Association, chartered by the United States Bowling Congress.  (USBC must approve the name and jurisdiction of the association, prior to granting a charter.)

Article II
Nonprofit Corporation and Charter

Section A.   Nonprofit Corporation

The CT State USBCA is organized as a nonprofit corporation and operates consistent with the requirements of an organization classified as tax exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

Section B.  Charter

The CT State USBCA shall be chartered by USBC and subject to its authority.  To maintain its charter, the CT State USBCA must:

1.     Provide services for men, women and youth.
2.     Adopt bylaws approved by USBC.
3.     Not enact any bylaws or rules inconsistent with USBC’s  bylaws.
4.     Adhere to Performance Standards and stated requirements as set forth in the USBC Association Policy
        Manual.
5.     Apply for renewal of its charter every five years. 
(See Chapter One, USBC Association Policy Manual, for renewal, revocation and appeal procedures.)

Article III
Purpose

The purposes of the CT State USBCA as stated in the Articles of Incorporation, include, but are not limited to:

1.     Providing equal opportunity for all in the sport of bowling without regard to race, religion, age,
        gender, disability, or national origin.`
2.     Promoting the game of American Tenpins.
3.     Conducting and supporting bowling competition.
4.     Engaging in any other activities permitted by an organization classified as tax exempt under Section
        501(c) (3) of the IRC.

Article IV
Membership and Dues

Individuals who have obtained USBC and local association membership, in accordance with USBC and local association bylaws, become members of the CT State USBCA through the payment of applicable annual state dues, if any.  The delegates representing adult membership, by two-thirds vote, determine and adopt adult dues, if any.  The annual CT State USBCA adult dues are $ 1.00.  (Cannot exceed $1.)

The board, by two-thirds vote, determines and adopts youth dues, if any, based on the recommendation of the Youth Committee.  The annual state youth dues are $0.50.  (Cannot exceed $0.50.)

The board may waive all or part of state dues for:

1.     Members of other USBC associations having a reciprocal agreement with CT State USBCA.
2.     Other groups, such as seniors, etc., as determined by the board.    

The CT State USBCA cannot charge additional non-dues assessments.

Article V
Board of Directors – Management

Section A.  Board Composition, Authority and Duties

The management and governance of the CT State USBCA is vested in the board of directors.  The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates determine the number of directors.  The total number of directors is 16.  The total number of board members is 20.  At least 20% of the total number of board members will be elected by the Youth Committee.  The number of board members elected by the Youth Committee is 4.

Each Local association is guaranteed the right to have at least one (1) representative on the Connecticut State USBC Board of Directors.

At no time shall a local association have more than four (4) representitives on the Board of Directors.

The board shall not engage in any acts constituting a conflict of interest.  The board’s duties include but are not limited to:

1.     Enforcing the bylaws.
2.     Complying with the USBC Association Policy Manual. 
3.     Ensuring adherence to all USBC Performance Standards.
4.     Adopting youth dues, up to the maximum established by USBC, based on the recommendation of the
        Youth Committee.
5.     Conducting championship level competition for its membership constituency (men, women and
        youth) and complying with state and local laws in their area.
6.     Providing education, training, evaluations, recognition and other services as determined by USBC.
7.     Implementing USBC programs.
8.     Selecting/appointing and evaluating the performance of the Association Manager.
9.     Approving use of membership records.

Section B.  Eligibility

A candidate for the board must be:
1.     A USBC member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term.
2.     Elected or appointed without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, or age,
        other than the minimum age of 14, unless state laws mandate a specific age, and be reasonably
        representative of the membership.
.
             a.     Any member of the board authorized to sign contracts or acting as a signatory on CT State
                     USBCA accounts must be a minimum age of 18.
             b.     At least 20% of the board must be represented by youth and elected by and from the Youth
                     Committee.
             c.     A maximum of three bowling center proprietors may serve on the board at one time.  A
                     proprietor is an individual who is the owner, partner, or corporate officer of a bowling center
                     or group of bowling centers.  Excluded from the definition of proprietor is an individual who
                     owns 25% or less of the equity shares, or who is inactive in the management of the bowling
                     center and remains so during a term as an officer or director.

3.    Must be present at time of electionor have signified in writing the willingness to have their name placed in
       nomination.
4.    Candidates for nominationas an officer of the CT StateUSBC Association Board must have served one (1)
       one or more years and currently serve as a member of the CT State USBC Association Board of Directors.
5.    A member to be eligible for nominationas a director shall have served as a delegate to the Connecticut
       State USBC Association Annual Meeting or as a member of a Connecticut Local USBC Association Board of
       Directores for one (1) or more years within the three (3) year period immediately preeceding nomination.
6.    An officer or director must be a member of the Connecticut State USBC Association and a regular member of
       a USBC certified league at the time of election and througout their term of office.

Additional Eligibility requirements, if any, will be developed by the Nominating Committee to be approved by the delegates representing adults and Youth Delegates.

Section C.  Election of Directors
Directors whose position are subject to election by the delegates representing adults are elected by a plurality vote* of those delegates, present and voting, from:

1.      A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.
2.      Nominations from the floor.

Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
At least 20% of the board is elected by the Youth Committee.
Voting will be by ballot if there is more than one nominee for each position.

Section D.  Term

The term for directors is three years and no director may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms.  The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates determine the number of years in a term and the number of terms allowed.  For two and three-year terms, the delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates establish a stagger system.  (See the USBC Association Leaders’ Handbook for suggested terms of office and stagger systems.  Insert officer and director stagger system here.)

STAGGER SYSTEM – THREE YEAR TERMS

  Year One                                                                Year Two                                                  Year Three
   President                                                               1st Vice President                                      2nd Vice President
   4 Adult Directors                                                    Sgt.-At-Arms                                             4 Adult Directors
   2 Youth Directors                                                   4 Adult Directors                                        1 Youth Director
                                                                              1 Youth Director

Section E.  Resignation, Removal, and Vacancies

1.     Resignation.  A board member may resign from the board of directors by providing written notice of
        resignation to the president or, in the case of the president, to the board.

2.     Removal for Ineligibility.  A board member who is no longer eligible to serve on the board may be
        removed by a two-thirds vote of the board when a quorum is present.  (A board member’s position,
        that is selected/elected by the youth Committee, is automatically declared vacant when the
        individual’s term on the Youth Committee expires.)

3.    Removal for Cause.  When a board member is accused, in writing, of failure to properly perform the
       duties of their office or otherwise engaging in improper or unfair activities or conduct, the board may
       conduct a meeting following the Removal Procedures in the Suspension and Reinstatement Chapter. 
       An appeal may be filed with USBC within 15 days of the removal.  Two-thirds written consent of the
       full board is required to seek re-election and/or re-appointment to the board.

4.   Vacancies. Vacancies in positions on the board are filled for the un-expired portion of each term as
       follows:
         a.     If elected by the delegates representing adult membership, director vacancies are filled by the
                 president, subject to approval by the board.
         b.     If elected by the Youth Committee, director vacancies are filled by the Youth Committee.
         c.     The board fills vacancies in officer positions.


*A plurality vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate.  The candidate(s) receiving the most votes is(are) elected.

Article VI
Officers

Section A.  President and Vice President

The officers of the CT State USBCA shall include a president, two vice presidents and a sergeant-at-arms.  (Duties and responsibilities will be placed in the CT State USBCA’s Operations Manual.)

Section B.  Election

Officers are elected by a majority vote* of the delegates representing adult membership present and voting from:

1.     A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.
2.     Nominations from the floor.

Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
Voting will be by ballot if there is more than one nominee for each position.


Section C.  Term

The term for elected officers is three years and no officer may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms in any position.  The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates determine the number of years in a term and the number of terms allowed.  (See the USBC Association Leaders’ Handbook for suggested term limits and stagger system.)

Section D.  Authority and Duties

1.     President
         a.     Presides at all meetings.
         b.    Acts as spokesperson for the association.
         c.     Serves as the liaison to the state proprietors association, if applicable.
         d.    Appoints committees, except nominating and youth, with board approval.

NOTE:  Committees should be composed of both board members and non-board members, with
                   the exception of the Nominating Committee.  (See Chapter Six, Committees.)

2.      Vice President(s)
          a.     Presides at all meetings when the president is absent.
          b.     Performs other duties as prescribed by the board or requested by the president.

3.       Association Manager
          a.     Selected/appointed by and accountable to the board
          b.     Responsible for implementation of USBC’s Performance Standards.
          c.     Acts as the ex officio non-voting secretary/treasurer of the board or such other officer
                    designation as required by law and determined by the board.
          d.     Responsible for other duties as prescribed by the board and in the USBC Association Policy
                   Manual.

4.        Sergeant-At-Arms
           a.     Performs duties as prescribed by the board or requested by the president.  (Refer to CT State
                    USBCA Policy Manual  for complete list of duties.)


*If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest vote total is dropped and balloting continues until a candidate receives a majority vote.

Article VII
Meetings

Section A.  Annual Meeting

An Annual Meeting of association delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates shall be held at a time and place approved by the board of directors.  (See Article IX, Section C for the time frame for election of delegates and alternates to the USBC Annual Meeting.)

Attendance is open to all members.  Voting officers, directors, delegates/alternates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates/alternates must be at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age.

1.     The CT State USBCA Invites All Associations Within Its Jurisdiction, As Follows:

         a.    Associations serving men, women and youth are entitled to delegates representing adult
                membership and Youth Delegates/alternates.
                Delegates/alternates.  Only adult membership will be used to determine the number of adult
                Delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.
                Youth Delegates/alternates.  Only youth membership will be used to determine the number of
                Youth Delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.
  
          b.    Associations serving men and women only (BA):
                  Delegates/alternates.  Association membership will be used to determine the number of
                 delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.

          c.    Associations serving women only (WBA):
                  Delegates/alternates.  Association membership will be used to determine the number of
                  delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.

          d.    Associations serving youth only (Youth Association):
                 Youth Delegates/alternates.  Association membership will be used to determine the number
                 of Youth Delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.  Youth Delegates,
                 alternates are defined as members at least 14 years of age at the time of election, unless
                 state laws mandate a specific age, elected by chartered local association.

The number of delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates/alternates an association is entitled to is as follows:

MERGED ASSOCIATIONS:
            1.  Adult Delegates
                 4 for the first 500 adult members  plus 1 for every 300 additional members
            
             2.  Youth Delegates
                  1 for the first 500 youth members  plus 1 for every 300 additional members.
                   
NON-MERGED ASSOCIATIONS:
              1.  BA Delegates
                   2 for the first 500 members plus 1 for every 300 additional members.
                    
              2.  WBA Delegates
                   2 for the first 500  members plus 1 for every 300 additional members.
                     
              3.  Youth Delegates
                   1 for the first 500  members plus 1 for every 300 additional members.

NOTE:  No fractions are permitted on any of the above. 

A local association is not eligible to send delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates/alternates if it is declared delinquent or USBC has revoked its charter.

NOTE:  An association that has not processed dues for the current season shall be
              considered delinquent.

                e.  Credentials.  Credentials are forwarded to the CT State USBCA at least 45 days
                      prior to the opening of the annual meeting.

2.  Voice and Vote

      Voting officers and directors, delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates,
      at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age, have voice and vote.  Other
      members may attend with voice only.  Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

3.  Responsibilities

      a.     Delegates representing adult membership shall:
              1)  Adopt bylaws, with the exception of youth dues.
              2)  Adopt state adult dues, up to the established maximum.
              3)  Elect up to 80% of the total number of members of the board.
              4)  Elect two adult delegates and two alternates for the USBC Annual Meeting.

      b)     Youth Delegates shall:
               1)  Adopt bylaws with the exception of adult and youth dues.
               2)  Elect the Youth Committee.

4.  Meeting Notice

     Written notice of the meeting shall be forwarded to the board, delegates representing adult
     membership and Youth Delegates, at least 15 days prior to the annual meeting.  Special
     meetings may be called by the president or upon written request of at least three board
     members.

5.  Quorum*

      a.     25 Delegates representing adult membership constitute a quorum  The delegates
               representing adult membership and Youth Delegates determine the number.

      b.     5 Youth Delegates constitute a quorum for youth related elections and activities.  The
              delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates determines the number.

6.   Action

      A majority vote of the delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates, state officers
      and directors present and voting, at a properly noticed meeting, when a quorum has been
      established,  is required to take action, unless otherwise provided by law or these bylaws.  Election of
      officers  requires a majority vote.  Election of directors, delegates and alternates requires a plurality
      vote.   Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

Section B.  Board Meeting

The board shall meet at least annually.  Special meetings may be held upon the request of any board member if a majority of the board approves.

 1.     Notice.  Written notice for all regular and special meetings shall be forwarded to the board at least
         15 days prior to the meeting.
 2.     Quorum*.   11 board members constitute a quorum.  The delegates representing adult membership
         and Youth Delegates determine the number.
 3.    Action.  A majority vote of the officers and directors, present and voting, at a properly noticed
         meeting when a quorum has been established, is required to take action, unless otherwise provided
         by law or these bylaws.  Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

Section C.  Parliamentary Procedure
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern all meetings.

*(See USBC Association Policy Manual, page 105)

Article VIII
Committees

Section A.  Standing Committees
The CT State USBCA shall have the following Standing Committees:  Nominating, Finance and Youth.

 1.     Nominating Committee.  The committee reviews candidates and prepares slates for adult board,
        delegates representing adult membership and alternate positions.  The committee will prepare
        slates for the Youth Committee based on the recommendation of the Youth Committee.  The
        committee publicizes criteria and procedures for the elected positions.

        (See the USBC Association Policy Manual for composition of the Nominating Committee.)

 2.     Finance Committee.   The committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the annual budget
         and other financial matters.

 3.     Youth Committee.  The Youth Committee is elected by majority vote by the Youth Delegates and is
         responsible for:
         a.  Developing eligibility requirements for board members representing the youth to be approved by
                the delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates.
         b.  Electing at least 20% of the board members from the Youth Committee.
         c.  Developing eligibility requirements for the Youth Committee, subject to approval of the board
                of directors.
        d.  Recommending youth dues, to be approved by the board.
        e.  Monitoring, promoting, reviewing and recommending youth programs conducted by the
                association.

Section B.  Other Committees
The president may establish other committees, with board approval.

Article IX
Adult Delegates and Alternates to USBC Annual Meeting

Section A.  USBC Annual Meeting
Two adult delegates and two adult alternates are elected by plurality vote* of those delegates representing
adult membership, present and voting.  (See Article VI, Section A of the national bylaws for representation.)

NOTE:  The definition of an adult is an individual, 18 years of age or older, who holds an adult
            USBC membership.

Section B.  Eligibility
Delegates and Alternates must be:
1.     Elected by the delegates representing adult membership.
2.    At least 18 years of age and holds an adult membership.
3.    A USBC member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term.

If a member is elected to represent more than one association to attend the same meeting, the first election
shall stand and any succeeding election shall be declared null and void.

NOTE:  If the association’s charter has been revoked they are ineligible to send delegates to the USBC Annual Meeting.

 


*A plurality vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate.  The candidate(s) receiving the
  most votes is(are) elected.

Section C.  Election
Delegates and alternates serve for one year, beginning August 1, and are elected by:
1.     A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.
2.     Nominations from the floor.
Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee, in writing, at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
3.     Plurality vote, The election shall be by ballot, except that a voice vote may be taken when the
        number of candidates does not exceed the number of positions to be filled.
4.     Alternates shall serve in order of their election.
The election is to be held in compliance with the USBC Annual Meeting requirements.

Section D.  Vacancies
Vacancies in delegate positions are filled for the un-expired portion of each term by the alternates, in the order in which they were elected.  If a vacancy still exists, the president fills the vacant position by appointment.

The appointee must also meet the same eligibility requirements as elected positions.

Article X
Amendments

Section A.  Procedure
Any member of the association may submit proposed amendments to these bylaws.  The CT State USBCA bylaws may be amended at any delegate/Youth Delegate meeting by a two-thirds vote of the delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates present and voting.  The amendment must be:
1.     Submitted in writing to the Association Manager or president.
2.     Submitted at least 60 days prior to the meeting when the CT State USBCA is considering the proposal.  (The
        date or number of days to be set by the delegates and Youth Delegates.  See Section B, Change in
        dues.)
3.     Forwarded by the CT State USBCA at least 30 days before the meeting to:
        a.  Local Association Managers.
        b.  CT State USBCA Board of Directors.
        c.  delegates representing adult membership and Youth Delegates, eligible to vote.

Section B.  Change in Dues
1.     Adult Dues.  Forward a notice to each delegate representing adult membership, Youth Delegate and
        CT State USBCA board member at least 15 days prior to the meeting at which the proposed change
        is considered.  The notice must:
        a.  Be in writing.
        b.  Specify the amount of the change.
        c.  Specify the reason for the change.
2.     Youth Dues.  Changes in youth dues are adopted by the board, based on recommendations of the
        Youth Committee.

Notification of any adopted change in dues and the reason for the change will be forwarded in writing to each local association.

Section C.  Effective Date
All amendments are effective August 1, following adoption, unless otherwise specified when adopted.       

Article XI
Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the CT State USBCA is August 1 through July 31.

Article XII
Indemnification

Directors, officers, and other authorized volunteers, employees or agents shall be indemnified against claims for personal and individual liability arising in connection with their positions or service on behalf of the Ct State USBCA to the full extent permitted by law.
 


 
Document
BYLAWS LINK