Shenandoah Fish & Game Protective Association

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Below are the By-laws, Rules and Regulations of the Shenandoah Fish & Game Protective Association. A hard copy (booklet) is available in the club house to members and candidates for membership at no charge. You may request a copy via mail. A shipping fee of $2 will apply.

BY-LAWS

INDEX

Article I. Name

Article II Objective

Article III Term of Existence

Article IV Membership

Article V Meetings

Article VI Officers

Article VII Order of Business

Article VIII Amendment of the Association By-Laws 

BY-LAWS

 Article I

Name

Section 1.

Shenandoah Fish and Game Protective Association.

Article II

Objective

Section 1. The objective of the Association shall be as follows: To preserve and propagate fish and game. Protect and promote the lawful interests of persons interested in fishing, hunting and conservation. And to provide recreational facilities for the members of the Association.

Article III

Term of Existence

Section 1. The term of existence of the Association shall be perpetual.

Article IV

Membership

SECTION 1. Persons seeking membership in the Association must be of good moral character and agree to abide by the Association By-Laws, rules and regulations.

SECTION 2. There shall be four (4) classes of membership. There shall be Regular, Ladies, Junior and Social. Only Regular members shall have the right to attend and participate in meetings of the Association.

SECTION 3. The Trustees shall determine the amount required for initiation fees, annual dues and other financial obligations. This shall include authority to submit any honorary and/or gratis memberships. In addition, the Trustees shall determine the specific qualifications and/or obligations for each membership class. Such actions described in this section are to be approved by a majority of the members present at any regular or special meeting.

SECTION 4. Annual dues are payable in advance, between September 1st and December 31st, for the following calender year. Members not current on their financial responsibilities shall lose their Association privileges beginning on January 1st. A written notice will be sent to each delinquent member advising them of their obligations. Financial obligations must be paid in full by the first regular meeting in February.

SECTION 5. Applications for membership shall be by written application to the Financial Secretary and shall be approved by the investigation committee who shall investigate the character and eligibility of the applicant.

Election to membership shall be by a majority of the members present at a meeting.

No applicant whose application has been rejected shall be permitted to reapply for membership for three months following such rejection.

The Financial Secretary shall present at any regular or special meeting the names of all applicants for membership to be voted upon.

Every applicant for membership shall include the initiation fee. If the applicant is rejected the initiation fee shall be returned to the applicant.

SECTION 6. All new members are subject to a six (6) month probation period. And, as such, the Association through the Board of Director's reserves the right to review a member's application and/or conduct, and terminate a membership without trial and/or charges within a six-month period. The return of any initiation fees and/or dues paid shall be at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7. Opening and/or closing of the charter for membership shall be at the discretion of the Trustees.

SECTION 8. Association members in the United States Armed Forces shall be eligible for free dues until the completion of their service. Such members shall be responsible for other Association financial and/or membership obligations as determined by Article 4, Section 3.

SECTION 9. A member of the Association may be expelled from membership for either non-payment of their financial obligations or for conduct unbecoming a member.

SECTION 10. For expulsion of a member for non-payment of financial obligations, the member shall be notified in writing by the Secretary for their delinquency and informed that said member is subject to explulsion if the full amount is not paid. This notice shall be sent to the last address given to the Association by said member. It is the member's responsibility to notify the Association as to their correct and current address. An outdated address shall not be used as an excuse and/or defense unless said memebr did notify the Association in regard to this change.                

Failing such payment of financial obligations, the Financial Secretary shall report the fact at the first regular meeting in February and said delinquent members(s) shall be dropped from the roll of membership.

SECTION 11. Conduct unbecoming a member shall consist of any of the following:

A. Removing property of the Association from the premises without proper authorization.

B. Gross immorality and/or disorderly conduct. This shall include actions and/or words.

C. Violation of Association rules and regulations.

D. Damaging, defacing, or destroying Association property.

E. Verbal intimidation. Including, but not limited to, inciting and/or derogatory statements.

F. Physical intimidation, assault and/or battery against another.

G. Making false and/or incomplete accusations or charges.

H. Conduct tending to bring the Association into disrepute and/or injury to it's good name.

I. Misconduct in office by an Association officer, trustee or official of the Association.

J.Theft and/or misappropriation of funds.

K. Makinf false or misleading statements and/or reports (by act or omission).

L. Interfering with an officer, trustee or official acting on behalf of the Association.

M. Refusing to furnish information concerning or relating to any charges about another member.

N. Conducting an illegal and/or unapproved activity.

O. Fraudulent and/or unapproved business procedures and/or activities.

SECTION 12. For conduct unbecoming a member, specific charges in writing must be filed by a Committee member, or member with the Recording Secretary. The charges shall be read by the Recording Secretary at the next regular meeting of the Association and shall be referred to the Board of Directors for investigation. If charges are made against a member serving on the Board of Directors, said member would be excluded from the Board in regard to this situation. The Board of Directors shall make a fair and impartial investigation of the charges, affording a full opportunity to the member under investigation to be heard in their own defense.

Within thirty (30) days after the charges have been referred to it, the Board of Directors shall investigate the charges and vote on a final report and recomendation. The final report and reccomendation shall be read at the next regular meeting of the Association. The finanl report and recomendation must be approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board members present at the time of the meeting called to vote on the final report and recomendation. The result and recomendation of said investigation shall be binding and final.

SECTION 13. The Association may suspend any and/or all privilages at the time of, or thereafter, of a violation, provided the President or his designate is notified as soon as possible and that such actions preserve the well being and/or decorum of the Association and it's members. The suspension will remain in effect until the Board of Directors concludes it's investigation and issues it's final recomendation.

SECTION 14. Upon explusion from membership in the Association, the expelled member shall immediately lose all rights and privilages or membership and any office held by such member shall be declared vacant. In addition, the Association shall exclude an expelled member as a guest from all Association facilities and property.

SECTION 15. A member may be suspended from membership in the Association for a definite period of time in the same manner as prescribed for explusion.

SECTION 16. The House Committee shall have the full power and authority to suspend any member's privilages for a stated period of time for violating club house rules and regulations. The House Committee make take immediate action upon learning of the violation and shall notify said member in writing as to the violation and length of suspension. This action shall be reported to the membership at the next regular meeting.

Article V

Meetings

SECTION 1. Regular meetings of the members shall be held on the first (1st) Monday of each month at 7:00pm (local time) in the Association club house or as provided and/or determined necessary by the President. Notice of the next regular meeting or special meeting open to the membership shall be posted in the Association club house.

SECTION 2. The President or the Trustees may call special meetings for any purpose.

SECTION 3. A quorum for a meeting to be called to order shall consist of seven (7) members. The President or presiding officer may require all eligible members on the property to attend a meeting and may do so under threat of penalty in order to achieve and maintain a quorum. After a meeting is called to order, the members present can continue to transact Association business should the number of members present be less than seven (7).

SECTION 4. If a meeting of members cannot be orgainized because a quorum is not present, those present may adjourn (reschedule) the meeting to such time and place as they may determine a quorum may be present, but in case of any meeting called for the election of officers, those who attend the second of such meetings although less than a quorum, shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing officers.

SECTION 5. The Association By-laws and "Robert's Rules of Order" shall be used as reference in conducting Association business. These guidelines shall include, but not limited to the following:

1. The President shall have the right to decide all questions of order, subject to appeal.

2. When two or more members speak at the same time, the President shall decide who has the right to speak.

3. The Chair shall reconize no member unless he has been given permission to speak.

4. The Chair may refer a motion to a standing committee and/or trustees for study.

5. The Chair my postpone to a certain day and time a vote on a motion.

6. A member may, after a motion is seconded, but prior to being voted on, make a motion to postpone indefinitely a vote on that motion. A simple majority shall be needed for approval.

7. Members shall not indulge in personalities or indecourous language.

8. No member shall leave a meeting in progress without requesting permission from the Chair.

9. Disorderly conduct will not be tolerated and may be considered conduct unbecoming a member.

Article IV

Officers

SECTION 1. The officers of the Association shall consist of a: President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and five (5) Trustees. All officers shall be elected for a term of two years.

SECTION 2. Nomination and Election. Nomination of officers shall take place during November (of the election year). Election of officers shall take place in December. New officers take their oath of office the first meeting in January.

SECTION 3. All officers shall be elected by secret ballot by the majority of member present at the meeting. The President shall appoint at least two (2) disinterested tellers to oversee the election and count the ballots. Should there be only one quailfied candidate running for office, the Chair may declare, without objection from the members present, that the candidate is elected rather than taking a vote.

SECTION 4. A vacancy in any office shall be filled by appointment by the President. Should both the President and Vice-President offices be vacant, the trustees shall appoint the President only. The vacancy shall be filled till the expiration of the term of office.

SECTION 5. The President shall preside at all meetings and shall enforce the By-laws, rules and regulations of the Association. He shall appoint all committees, unless expressly otherwise provided, and, shall be an ex-officio member of all standing and special committees. He shall cast the deciding vote in event of a tie vote of the memberss on any question. He shall decide all questions of order using these By-laws and "Robert's Rules of Order" as reference. He shall countersign all orders for payment of money drawn on the treasury of the Association by the Treasurer. He shall be the Cheif Executive Officer of the Association.

SECTION 6. The Vice-President shall assist the President in the performance of his duties of his office and shall preside at meetings and perform duties of the President in his absence or incapacity of the President.

SECTION 7. The Recording Secretary shall attend all meetings and shall keep accurate and full minutes thereof. He shall read all communications at meetings and shall call the roll of officers. He shall conduct all correspondence for the Association. He shall keep a book with a signature of all members attending each meeting with his signature appearing last at the closing of the meeting. He shall perform such duties as the Association may require. At the expiration of his service to the Association all records and papers are to be turned over to his successor.

SECTION 8. The Financial Secretary shall assist the Recording Secretary and preside in his absence at the meetings. He shall also keep a record of names and addresses of all members and shall receive and keep a record of all monies. At the expiration of his service to the Association all records and papers are to be turned over to his successor.

SECTION 9. The Treasurer shall keep and preserve a record of all finances of the Association. He will be custodian of all money received by him in the name of the Association. He shall pay all bills by check with the approval of the Association. Unless otherwise provided, checks shall have the signature of the President, Financial Secretary and Treasurer. He shall make a full report of the financial affairs of the Association at every meeting. He shall deposit all funds in a depository designated by the Association. He is to turn over all records and papers upon completion of his service to the Association.

SECTION 10. The Trustees shall have custody of and shall control all property of the Association. They shall make recomendations to the membership for the care and maintenance of the property and for the investment of funds of the Association. They shall make an audit of the books, records and accounts of all officers and committees at least once per year and/or as determined necessary by a majority of the Trustees or by the members of the Association. The Trustees shall report promptly on all audits to the membership. They shall perform such duties as provided by these By-laws and as shall properly be required of them by the Association. The Trustees shall propose appropriate rules and regulations for the conduct of the members and the use of the Association property and facilities. Those rules shall be submitted to the members at any regular or special meeting for approval by a vote of the majority of the members present at such meeting and shall become binding on all members of the Association. The Trustees shall act on behalf of the membership at all regular and special meetings to ensure that the By-laws and appropriate rules and regulations are followed.

SECTION 11. The President may declare any office vacant in the event of an absence of the person holding such office from three (3) successive regular meeting. In the event of the absence of the President from three (3) successive regular meetings the Vice-President and/or Trustees may declare his office vacant.

SECTION 12. No member shall be eligible to hold any office until he has been a member in good standing for a minimum period of two (2) years. Eligible members should have attended at least three-quarters of the regular meetings held in the last year and have not missed more than three (3) consecutive meetings. The President, with the approval of the Trustees, may waive these requirements, provided no member seeking office would qualify otherwise and/or that member's service would be of extreme benefit to the Association.

SECTION 13. An officer shall be removed from his office because of misconduct. The procedure for removal shall be the same as prescribed in Article IV covering explusion of a member.

SECTION 14. No resignation shall be accepted unless presented in writing and is satisfactory to the Association.

SECTION 15. All officers and trustees shall qualify for reelection without a nomination being required.

SECTION 16. Board of Directors: The Board of Directors shall consist of all officers and trustees of the Association. The President and/or his designate shall preside. The Board of Directors shall act as a governing and/or judicial body when issues and/or charges arise. After due consideration and fair trial of the accused, their decsion shall be final and binding provided two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board members present voted as such. The Board of Directors are to act per the Association By-laws and may refer to Robert's Rules of Order" for guidance.

Article VII

Order of Business

SECTION 1. The order of business at every regular meeting shall be as follows:

1. Pledge to the flag.

2. Moment of silence for deceased members.

3. Call to order and roll call of officers, trustees and committee members.

4. Reading of the previous meeting minutes.

5. Communications.

6. Trustee's report.

7. Committee report(s).

8. Unfinished business.

9. New business.

10. Treasurer's report.

11. Bills.

12. Good of the Association

13. Adjournment.

Article VIII

Admendment of the Association By-laws.

SECTION 1. The members of the Association shall have the right to amend or revise the By-laws of the Association. No action shall be taken unless written notice is forwarded to members eligible to vote. The proposed changes shall be submitted to the Trustees for review and approval. Upon approval by a majority of all Trustees, the proposed changes shall be presented to the members for approval. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the members present at a regular or special meeting shall be needed to approve. 

Rules and Regulations

Index

A. Introduction

B. General Rules

C. House Rules

D. Ground Rules

E. Fish & Game Rules

Rules and Regulations

Introduction

Rules and Regulation are adopted to adress specific situations of concern to the Association. The rules and regulations of the Shenandoah Fish & Game Protective Association are not considered, nor are they to be confused with the By-laws. However, the By-laws do give the Association the power to enact rules and regulations which are binding upon the membership of the Association. A member, committee or the trustees may propose the rules and regulations of the Association. Such proposals are subject to review by the trustees. Adoption of a rule or regulation shall be by majority vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting or as provided in the Association By-laws. Note that additional rules or regulations (not listed here) may apply. Check the club house bulletin board, newsletter, website or with an Association official. Failure to adhere to Association rules and regulations may result in loss of privileges, suspension or termination of membership.

General Rules

1. Any member desiring any material or property of the Association must consult the trustees for permission.

2. No person shall be entitled to any sick, injury, accident or death benefits occuring on Association property. Nor shall any member and/or their guest(s) bring civil action against the Association.

3. The Association Steward shall be responsible for the upkeep of the club house as provided by mutual agreement. The Association may require that the Steward be "bonded".

4. All monies and records are to be turned over to the appropriate officer in a timely manner. This includes any and all receipts and/or records.

5. It is the duty of all members to report any and all violations of Association By-laws, rules and/or regulations to an officer, trustee or official acting on behalf of the Association.

6. Members are not to reprimand any Association officer, trustee and/or official. Complaints are to be brought to the attention of the President, or trustees in the case of a complaint against the President, and presneted at the next regular or special meeting.

7. Association business, papers and/or records are considered proprietary information and shall not be released to the public unless permitted to do so by the By-laws and/or with approval of the Board of Directors.

8. Members and guests are to have complete control over, and are to supervise and be totally responsible for the actions of their children.

9. Intoxication and/or disorderly conduct is prohibited.

10. Use of profane language and/or language which may incite trouble or disruptive behavior is prohibited.

11. A member or guest shall not, while on Association property, engage in any reckless act or activity which may tend to injure themselves or others.

House Rules

1. Hours of operation are subject to approval by the Association House Committee.

2. Profane and/or indecent language, boisterous and/or offensive conduct will not be tolerated.

3. All functions in the club house are to be under the supervision of the House Committee.

4. No Association property is to be removed unless proper authorization is obtained.

5. Subscription papers, petitions, and/or solicitations are subject to approval by the House Committee.

6. A member is fully responsible for the actions of his guest and/or junior member and may themselves be subject to suspension or termination.

7. Any member and/or visitor who is, or is suspected of being intoxicated, shall not be served and may be required to leave the Association property.

8. Members are prohibited from inviting non-members that are residents of this jurisdiction more often than twice a month. The Steward may make exception for individuals bringing a spouse or "legitiate" date. However, in order to be fair to paid-up members, violating the spirit of this rule will not be tolerated and is subject to review by the House Committee whose decsion in this matter will be final.

9. Sale of alcoholic beverages is subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

10. Only the Association Steward, bartender or those conducting business on behalf of the Association are permitted behind the bar.

11. Only the Association Steward and/or bartender, acting in good faith on behalf of the Association has the right and obligation to refuse service to any member or guest acting in a disruptive, disreputable or threatening manner or has has a history of behaving in a disruptive, disreputable or threatening manner. And, may instruct the offending member or guest to leave the Association club house immediately. The Steward or bartender is to report such action to the President or his designate as soon as possible. The matter may then be referred to the House Committee for further action.

12. The Association Steward and/or bartender, acting in good faith on behalf of the Association and in order to maintain proper decorum may require the discussion of Association business be stopped. And, may require the offending member or guest to leave the Association club house should the discussion continue. The Steward or bartender is to report such action to the President or his designate as soon as possible. The matter may then be ferred to the House Committee for further action.

13. The Association Steward and/or bartender shall conduct Association business in a professional and courteous manner.

14. Harrasment of the Association Steward and/or bartender(s) by members, officers, trustees and/or guests of the Association is prohibited. Should the Association feel the need to address a complaint and/or problem at a time other than a regular meeting, the President and/or his designate may schedule a private or special meeting to discuss and resolve said situation.

15. Any complaints from the membership regarding the Association Steward and/or bnartenders are to be made to the President or a member of the House Committee. The Steward and/or bartender is to inform the member making the complaint that such matters are to be reported to the President or House Committee member or that member themselves, if eligible, may bring a complaint before the House Committee during a regular Association meeting. Should such complaints continue in the club house, the member committing the offence may be refused service and ordered to leave the Association club house. Such actions are to be reported to the President or his designate as soon as possible. The matter may then be referred to the House Committee for further action.

16. No weapons, guns or firearms are permitted in the club house unless authorized by the House Committee.

Ground Rules

1. No littering or dumping of refuse on the Association property.

2. A member is responsible for, and shall supervise their junior member, children and/or guest(s) at all times while on Association property.

3. All open fires are to be put out before leaving the Association grounds.

4. The Association grounds are private property; trespassers may be subject to criminal prosecution.

5. All members are to take notice of the rules and regulations posted on the Association dam and/or posted in the club house or which may be listed in the Association newsletter or website.

6. Members are to check with an Association official regarding reservations, responsibilities and use of the Picnic Grove. Only Regular and Ladies memebrs over the age of twenty five (25) years of age are permitted to reserve the Picnic Grove.

7. Absolutely no underage possession and/or consumption of alcohol is permitted on Association property.

8. No swimming, boating or traversing ice on the dam.

9. Use of guns or firearms within the safety zone (150yds. of club house, or dam, or picnic grove) is prohibited unless authorized by the trustees.

10. A member shall, upon request, show proof of Association membership when asked by an officer, trustee or fellow member.

11. The trustees govern the use of the Association property as provided in the Association By-laws.

12. No vegetation, minerals, soil, trees and/or wood is to be cut or removed from the Association property without prior authorization.

Fish and Game Rules

1. All members must display a current Association button when fishing or hunting.

2. No guests are permitted to fish or hunt on Association property. Guests of a Regular or Ladies member are permitted to use the Shooting Range.

3. No member may bring his or her son or daughter fishing or hunting unless the son or daughter is a Junior member.

4. A valid Pennsylvania fishing or hunting license is required while fishing or hunting on Association property.

5. Fishing is permitted as posted on the "rules" sign located at the dam and/or as noted on the club house bulletin board.

6. On days when fish are stocked (Sundays or as posted) the dam and creek will be closed to fishing from 10:00am till 1:00pm local time.

7. Only Regular, Ladies and Junior members are allowed to hunt or fish on Association property.

8. Only one rod in the water and one stringer is permitted per member.

9. No chumming.

10. Fish caught are not to be returned.

11. Fishing (catch) limit: Four (4) fish per day, not to exceed ten (10) per week.

12. Crossing and/or fishing from the dam spillway is prohibited.

13. No vegetation and/or trees are to be cut in order to establish "shooting lanes".

14. No permaent structures, permanent tree stands or permanent climbing devices are permitted. In addition, the use of any device which damages Association property and/or trees is prohibited. Use of portable stands and climbing devices is permitted provided they quailfy per these rules. Any questions, contact an Officer or Trustee.

Notice

Additional rules and regulations may apply. Check the club house bulletin board, newsletter, website or any Association official. Failure to adhere to Association rules and regulations may result in loss of privileges, suspension or termination of membership. The Association may also file criminal charges if warranted. 

The By-Laws; and Rules & Regulations of the Association are the guidelines in regard to the operation of the orgainization.

The Association is legally chartered under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Having been approved on April 10th, 1910 in Commonwealth Court, Pottsville, PA.

The Association is "not for profit" and as such dosen't distribute a dividend. All proceeds are for the benefit of the orgainization.

Membership is non-transferable and has no monetary value.