• Stimulate public awareness of bass fishing as a major sport
• Offer our state conservation department our organized moral support and encouragement
• Promote full adherence to all conservation codes and to demand public and political attention to all crimes
• Improve our skills as bass anglers through a fellowship of friendly exchange of expert bass catching techniques and ideas
• Promote and encourage youth fishing and a love of this great recreation

• The minimum age to participate in Rhode Island BASS Federation events shall be 16 years of age.

• All participants in Rhode Island BASS Federation sponsored events under the age of 18 years shall be required to provide a Parent/Guardian Waiver.
• A Parent/Guardian Waiver will be required for each event a participant under the age of 18 years enters.

• Chapters must keep a monthly updated roster and inform the Federation of any roster changes, including officers or Federation delegates.

• When in effect, all members must support the STATE BASS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

• In order for any club to become a new BASS chapter and obtain a charter, they must first become members of the Rhode Island BASS Federation

• In order to maintain membership status each chapter will be required to actively participate in the affairs of the Federation which includes attendance at 80% of the monthly meetings and involvement in youth and conservation projects as proposed by the youth and conservation committees and accept by the Board of Directors.

• Each new chapter shall be assessed a one time charter fee as established by the governing body.  The current charter fee is $50.00 and is payable upon
  acceptance into the Federation.

• In addition to the charter fee, each chapter member shall pay an annual membershipfee to be determined by the budget committee annually.

• Annual membership fees are payable at the January meeting and are to be accompanied by a complete chapter roster.  Delinquency or non-compliance is grounds for suspension and the assessment of a $50.00 penalty fee.

• This Federation shall be governed by a Board of Directors {also referred to as “the Board”} consisting of one delegated director from each chapter that belongs to the Federation.  The director will exercise both voice and vote on behalf of its chapter.  Each chapter may delegate a co-director in addition to its primary director.  The co-director will be recognized as the chapter’s voice and vote, only in the absence of the primary director.  In the absence of both, an alternate may sit in place of the delegated director after being recognized by the Board.

• The Board of Directors shall be confirmed each January from the rosters submitted by the member chapters. The member chapters’ roster must include all member titles and any members having dual membership.   The Federation secretary shall read into the minutes of the January meeting the names of the directors and co-directors and shall keep a current listing of the directors and co-directors and shall advise the Board of any changes as they occur. In order to be on the Board of Directors or hold office,  individuals must not have any conflict of interest issues that would be created by, but not limited to, being an officer or on the board of directors of another organization with a competing interest.

• The Federation will operate on a one vote per chapter basis with the following provisions.

• In order to vote, a chapter must be in good standing.
• All votes shall be open or roll call, with the exception of Officer elections
• Any chapter which has 50% of its membership belonging to other chapters will not be allowed to vote (amended 2007).

• It is the responsibility of each chapter to have a representative at each meeting of the Board to represent their chapter’s interest.  Failure to have a representative in attendance in 80% if the annual meetings will result in a chapter being placed on probation.  A notice of probation will be sent to the chapter president and secretary.  Additional absence will result in a chapter being placed in suspension.  A suspended chapter will not be allowed to vote at meetings or participate in activities including the SQT and Club Championship.  In order for a chapter to be reinstated to full participating status, it must appeal to the Board and state their case at a Board of Directors meeting.  The chapter may then be reinstated upon a majority vote of the directors present.

• From the Board of Directors shall be elected the offices of President, Vice-President,  Secretary, and Treasurer.  Commencing in January following the election, officers shall
  serve a two (2) year term or until their successors are elected.

• Either the primary director or the co-director of a chapter (one and not both) may be eligible for office provided the individual has served in good standing and has attended 6 of the previous 9 monthly meetings prior to the nominations. The individual’s name must have appeared on the official “Sign-In” sheet to qualify.

• Nominations for officers shall take place at the September meeting of the election year and formal elections shall be held at the November meeting.  Election shall be by simple majority of directors present and shall be closed ballot.  In the event of a tie, two (2) re-votes will be taken and if a tie still exists, the simple flip of a coin shall determine the winner.

• In the event the Federation President is also his chapter’s director, he may choose to select a member of his chapter to exercise the chapter’s voice and vote.  The Federation President would then only vote to break ties.

• In the event of an office becoming vacant, a special election will be held to fill the vacant office for the unexpired term remaining.  Nominations will be accepted at the meeting in which the vacancy is declared and the special election will be held at the next meeting.  Contingency nominations will also be accepted for any holder of an existing office who is nominated to fill the vacant office.  Contingency elections will only take place if the existing officer is elected to fill the vacant position.

• An nine (9) member “Executive Board” shall be established to consist of the four (4) Current officers, Environmental Director, Youth Director, the immediate past president, and two (2) members “at large” elected from the Board of Directors or co-directors.   The “at large” members shall be nominated and elected in January of each year after the secretary has confirmed the current years directors.  Only one (1) member from any single club may vote on issues addressed by the Executive Board with the exception of the president, who shall only vote to break ties.

• Any member may call a meeting provided a quorum agrees to attend. A quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of six (6) members, one of whom must be an “at large” member.
  

• The Executive Board is authorized to conduct the affairs of the Federation on an “as needed” or emergency basis between the regular meetings of the Board. It shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors, shall perform any duties so specified elsewhere in the By-Laws, and shall act as directed by the Board of Directors.  No action by the Executive Board shall conflict with actions taken or directed by the Directors as a whole.

• Any officer or executive board member may be removed from office for failure to perform the duties require, or for conduct deemed to be against the best interest of the Federation.  In order for removal proceeding to be considered, a Board member or officer at a Board of Director’s meeting must submit a formal written complaint.  Upon receiving the complaint, the Board will be required to accept or reject the complaint.  If the complaint is accepted by majority vote, the Board may decide upon one of the following actions:
• Issue a warning with a compliance date for correction.
• Schedule a special hearing for testimony and further consideration.
• Agree the matter is serious and substantiated and schedule a vote to consider removal at the next Board meeting.

• Shall preside at all Federation Meetings
• Shall have the authority to call special meetings, appoint all committees, subject to the approval of the Board, and shall be an ex-officio, non voting member of all committees.
• His signature may be required, along with the Treasurer, on checks made payable from the general fund

• Shall assist the President in the performance of duties and preside in the absence of the President
• His signature may be required, along with the Treasurer, on checks made payable from the general fund

• Shall maintain all records of all Federation meetings
• Issue all notices
• Conduct all correspondence
• Shall maintain an updated roster of the current membership
• Must record sponsorship merchandise received on behalf of the Federation and report all activity to the Board of Directors
• Shall maintain an inventory of all Federation property

• Shall receive all monies collected on behalf of the Federation and pay all debts upon approval by the Board
• Shall maintain a current accurate budget report and provide a copy to each director at each monthly meeting.
• shall provide an accurate and detailed income and expense report for distribution at the open annual meeting
• Shall have records audited annually
• Shall be the primary endorse’ of all checks issued from the general fund

• All committees shall be appointed by the President and are accountable to the Board of Directors standing committees will serve for the same term as the President.
  

• A special committee may be appointed to carry out a special assignment.  It will serve until completion of the assignment or until the president’s term expires, whichever comes first.
  

• The president shall select committee chairpersons.  Any member selected to chair a committee who is not a member of the Board of Directors must be approved by the Board.

• Purpose:          To prepare and submit to the Board of Directors an annual budget for the use and expenditure of all Federation funds.  Committee shall be responsible for preparing  an annual report of all income and expenditures for presentation to the general membership at each annual open meeting.  Committee shall also have the responsibility to recommend the annual dues as part of their budget proposal.  Budget shall be based upon income expected into the general fund and shall be appropriated for general expenses only.
• Members:       Shall consist of a minimum of three (3) members, one (1) of which shall be the Federation Treasurer who shall serve as chairperson and at least  (2) members who are directors.
• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson. The proposed annual budget is to be submitted to the Board in September.  The final budget is to be submitted for approval in November.  A detailed income and expense report is due at the annual open meeting.

• Purpose:         Committee shall review the Federation By-Laws and recommend revisions and/or additions to the Board of Directors for incorporation into the By-Law document. Committee shall provide, at the board of directors request an interpretation of intent for all current by-laws.
• Members:       Shall consist of a four (4) members, two (2) of which shall be chapter directors and two (2) who shall be selected from the general membership.
• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  Recommendation for revision or addition may be submitted at any monthly meeting

• Purpose:         Committee shall monitor all areas of government, which may impact our state’s water and environment.  Shall develop a close working relationship with those sectors that have the potential to directly effect the waters of our state.  Shall promote the development and continuance of a bass management program.
• Members:       Shall consist of the Federation Conservation Director as chairman and a Environmental officer from each club.
• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  Updated reports are to be provided monthly to the Board of Directors.

• Purpose:         Committee shall be responsible for planning all functions relating to annual meetings, banquets and any other function mandated by the Board of Directors.  Committee shall be responsible for ordering trophies and/or team awards, scheduling speakers, arrange banquet facilities.
• Members:       Shall consist of five (5) members, of which at least two (2) must be directors and three of witch shall be selected from general membership
• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  A schedule of proposed functions shall be submitted in February with updates and progress reports submitted to the Board monthly.

• Purpose:         Committee shall be responsible for recommending to the Board any fund raising activities deemed necessary to raise the funds needed for the State Team to compete in B.A.S.S. Federation events.  After approval by the Board, the Committee shall be responsible for conducting the approved activities and may request the assistance of the Board when necessary.  The funds raised shall be for the exclusive use of the State Team and the team will be required to provide an accounting of the funds to the Board.
• Members:       Shall consist of the Official State Team for the current year, one (1) member being selected by the president as chairperson in accordance with Article VII, Section Cabove.  Any committee member who does not significantly participate in the activities approved by the Board and does not otherwise contribute to the goals of the Committee may, upon a majority vote of the Committee, be recommended to be ineligible to receive any funds for the purpose of expenses as a member of the State Team.  Final decision of such recommendation of ineligibility shall be by majority vote of the Board of Directors.
• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  The Committee will be required to submit proposed fund raising activities and goals to the Board in February and provide updates monthly thereafter.

• Purpose:         Committee shall have the responsibility of enhancing the public image of the Federation; submitting articles to local and national publications and National B.A.S.S.; creating and distributing to the general membership a newsletter on a time schedule mandated by the Board for the purpose of updating and informing members on Federation activities.
• Members:Shall consist of the appointed Chairman and a minimum of four (4) members.
• Meetings:Will be called by the chairperson as needed to produce the newsletter and submit monthly reports to the Board.

• Purpose:         Committee shall have the responsibility of recommending a tournament schedule to the Board of Directors.  This schedule shall include dates; launch sites, times, entry fees and rules.  The Committee shall be responsible for conducting all tournament events on the approved schedule and enforcement of the rules.  Committee shall provide or arrange for all assistance needed to conduct its tournaments from registration to weigh-in and report the results and standings of each event to the Federation Secretary.
• Members:       A Tournament Director shall be appointed by the President and shall be the chairmen, the committee shall consist of all members of the current State Team

• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  The tournament schedule is to be submitted in October and updated reports provided monthly to the Board of Directors.

• Purpose:         Committee shall have the responsibility of recommending a tournament site and an operating budget to the Board of Directors.  This recommendation shall include dates, launch sites, times, and rules.  The Committee shall be responsible for conducting the tournament and the enforcement of the rules.  Committee shall provide or arrange for all assistance needed to conduct its tournaments from registration to weigh-in.

• Members:       Shall consist of a minimum four (4) member, of which at least two (2) must be directors.

• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  The tournament site is to be submitted in November to the Board of Directors and the budget submitted 90 days prior to the event

 Youth Committee

• Purpose:         Committee shall recommend to the Board creation and/or participation in activities and events which will “promote and encourage youth fishing” and serve to enhance the Federation’s goals and public image.  Committee shall, with the Board’s assistance, organize and conduct any such approved activities.
• Members:       Shall consist of the Federation Youth Director as chairman and a Youth Director from each club
• Meetings:        Will be called by the chairperson.  The Committee will be required to submit proposed activities and goals to the Board in February and provide monthly updates thereafter.

• Board of Director meetings will be held monthly, with each new year starting January.  The August meeting will remain optional at the president’s discretion.

• Special March and October meetings will be open to all Federation members with the March meeting being the annual meeting.

• All meetings shall run in accordance with “Robert’s Rules of Order”.

• To fish in the State Club Championship or State Qualifying Tournament (SQT) both the chapter and participating individual must first have been a member of the Rhode Island B.A.S.S. Federation for three (3) months.  Chapters are to submit their list of participants at least three (3) months prior to the event.

• Tournament rules for all tournaments shall be proposed by the Tournament Committee at least 90 days prior to the event and shall be voted on by the Board at a regular Board meeting.  Enforcement of the rules shall be the responsibility of the Tournament Committee with the assistance of a Federation officer if necessary, as provided for below.

• All protests involving tournaments must be made the day of the infraction and prior to the closing of the scales.   Members of the Committee there present will convene to determine the validity of the protest and allow the litigants to state their cases upon which the Committee will immediately rule.

• Appeals must be made in writing the Board within ten (10) days of the protest and will be heard by the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting.

• Tournament fees shall be recommended by the respective tournament committees and be submitted to the Board no later than November prior to the upcoming season.  The SQT budget shall require final approval 90 days prior to the event.

• No chapter may conduct an “Open Tournament” on any day scheduled for a Federation sponsored event.

• Chapters shall submit to the Federation secretary, prior to the February meeting, the dates of their club tournaments and any proposed “Open Tournaments”.  Chapters should strive to schedule non-conflicting dates with other chapters.

• If the “State Team” seeks and receives approval from the Board to conduct an “Open Tournament” as a fundraiser, the tournament will qualify as a federation sponsored event.

• Any individual who joins the Rhode Island B.A.S.S. Federation and who is currently or was the previous year a member of any other state Federation shall be ineligible for the next available round of State Qualifying competition.

• No Rhode Island Federation member other than registered participants or officials may be on Federation tournament waters the day of a scheduled Federation event unless a waver is applied for and granted by the Board of Directors a minimum of thirty days (30) prior to the event

• The Rhode Island B.A.S.S. Federation shall not be responsible for any debts that are incurred by the State Team members.

• The Board of Directors shall approve an annual budget which will be monitored by the Treasurer who shall also be custodian of the Federation general fund checking account
  and is authorized to issue payment for budgetary items under the check issuing policy stated below.  The president may approve an unbudgeted expenditure up to a limit of $200.00. and must be accompanied by a receipt. The Board must approve any other unbudgeted expenditure.
  

• If monies due this Federation are delinquent, the chapter and/or individual may be suspended by the Board until payment is made at any regular Federation meeting.

• Check issuing policy:

• Authorized check signers are the Treasurer, President and Vice-President.
• All requests for funds disbursement must be by invoice, receipt for reimbursement, or a written request detailing the proposed use of funds.
• Advanced payment of authorized expenditures may be issued upon presentation of an estimate, quote or performa sheet from the expected place of purchase. In special circumstances, the President may approve a hand written request for reimbursements and advanced payments.
• No reimbursements will be made for expenses beyond three (3) months, unless approved by the Board of Directors.

• The Board of Directors, with a 2/3 majority vote, shall have the right to suspend any chapter or any individual for violations or misconduct.  Suspension shall include forfeiture of all membership rights and shall continue until the suspension is removed.

• No chapter or individual shall be suspended on the first occurrence of any violation. A written warning shall be issued by the Secretary of any violation of the By-Laws to both the chapter and any individual involved. Failure to correct such violation may lead to suspension.

• Before a vote to suspend may occur, all accused violators will be allowed to defend the charges at a hearing before the Board.  The hearings will be scheduled as part of a regular monthly meeting of the Board and a summons to appear will be issued to the suspected violator(s) and his chapter director one (1) month prior to the hearing.  Vote shall take place regardless of the attendance of the parties summoned. 

• Failure to pay sums due the Federation for dues, insurance, assessments or any monetary sums as mandated by the Board..

• Failure to follow by-laws and rules as set forth by the Board of Directors

• Failure to have a representative in attendance at eighty percent of Federation meetings during the calendar year.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct or any other action that reflects unfavorably upon the Federation.

• This Federation shall honor suspension of any club or individual from any other State Federation.

• Any additions or deletions to these By-Laws must be approved by the member chapters of this Federation.

• The By-Law Committee at the January meeting will recommend additions or deletions to the By-Laws to the Board. A ballet addressing all proposed revisions will issued.

• Chapter directors are to bring all recommended additions or deletions back to eachchapter for consideration. All ballets are required to be completed and returned at the February meeting.

• Directors are required to vote according to the will of their chapters.