Constitution and ByLaws

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National Bass Association of the Deaf
Constitution and Bylaws

New text is in bold.

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I - NAME
ARTICLE II - OBJECT
ARTICLE III - MOTTO
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD
ARTICLE VII - ANNUAL MEETINGS
ARTICLE VIII - QUORUM
ARTICLE IX - DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION
ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XII - PARLIAMENTARY RULES
ARTICLE XIII - OBITUARY

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE II - ELECTION OF OFFICERS
ARTICLE III - TRUSTEE
ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS' POWER
ARTICLE VI - HALL OF FAME AND AWARDS
ARTICLE VII - TOURNAMENT RULES
ARTICLE VIII - AFFILIATED CLUBS AND MEMBERS
ARTICLE IX - DUES
ARTICLE X - REFUNDABLE OF TOURNAMENT FEE
ARTICLE XI - BIDDING
ARTICLE XII - HOST'S RESPONSIBILITY
ARTICLE XIII - MERIT OF ENTRANCE
ARTICLE XIV - NBAD BULLETIN
ARTICLE XV - VISITORS REGISTRATION

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I - NAME

Section 1 - The name of this organization shall be the National Bass Association of the Deaf, Inc. (NBAD).

ARTICLE II - OBJECT

Section 1 - The object of this organization shall be the fostering and development of sportsmanship and fellowship among deaf and hard of hearing bass anglers through the medium of an Annual Tournament; and the interchange of bass fishing though the national organization and local bass clubs of the deaf and/or hard of hearing.

ARTICLE III - MOTTO

Section 1 - "HAVE FISHING ROD, WILL TRAVEL"

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Membership in this organization shall be open to any deaf or hard of hearing devotee of bass fishing; either attached to bona-fide bass club of the deaf or hard of hearing.

Section 2 - The hearing spouse of a deaf or hard of hearing member of this organization shall be eligible for membership with full membership privileges. He/she may take part in its discussions and vote, but shall not hold office and cannot participate in the NBAD lunker tournament or the annual tournament.

Section 3 - Hearing, deaf, or hard of hearing adults, who are 18 years old or older can be members in this organization with a full membership privilege.

Section 4 - Robert Southwell shall be a life time member of this organization.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS

Section 1 - The officers of this organization shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Publicity Director. The election of the officers shall be by the ballot.

Section 2 - Officers shall be elected at the General Meeting of the organization and have such power and duties as provided by the Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE VI - EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1 - The Executive Board (EB) shall consist of ten (10) individuals who shall serve and protect the Constitution and the Bylaws of the National Bass Association of the Deaf.

Section 2 - The Executive Board shall consist of the five officers, the present host General Chairperson and the next host General Chairperson, lifetime member Robert Southwell, and two former officers.

Section 3 - Robert Southwell shall be a lifetime member in both the Executive Board and Council of Representatives' meetings.

Section 4 - The Executive Board shall have two former NBAD officers. They shall serve a term for four (4) years. They shall be elected alternately every two years at the general meeting.

Section 5 - The Executive Board shall have the power and duties as provided by the Bylaws.

ARTICLE VII - ANNUAL MEETINGS

Section 1 - The organization shall hold annual meetings in connection with the annual National Bass Association of the Deaf Tournament.

Section 2 - The annual meetings shall be held before the NBAD Tournament.

Section 3 - NBAD shall hold an Executive Board (EB), a Council of Representatives (COR) and General Meeting (GM) meetings. Each meeting shall meet as decided beforehand by the President of NBAD.

Section 4 - Officers of the organization shall be elected at the General Meeting and shall assume their respective official duties on the conclusion of the NBAD Tournament at which they got elected.

Section 5 - Business of the organization between NBAD officers shall be conducted through the mail however in extreme cases a meeting may be called by the President.

Section 6 - The business at the Council of Representatives (COR) meeting shall be taken up in the following order:

A - Roll call
B - Silent tribute
C - Invocation
D - Treasurer's Report
E - Communication
F - Board of Director's Report
G - Report of the Committee
H - Unfinished Business
I - New Business
J - Adjournment

Section 7 - The business at the General meeting shall be in following order:

A - Report of the Committees
B - Unfinished Business
C - Election
D - Installation
E - Announcement
F - Adjournment

ARTICLE VIII - QUORUM

Section 1 - Two-third (2/3) of all COR representatives including the officers of the organization shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business at the annual meeting.

Section 2 - For the election of officers as specified in the Article VII, Section 1 a quorum must be present. All NBAD members may participate in this election that shall be decided by a majority of the vote taken.

Section 3 - If a quorum is not secured, the Executive Board may decide whether to meet or not.

ARTICLE IX - DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Section 1 - The organization shall have the power to fix such membership fees and to levy such dues and assessment as may be deemed necessary from time to time.

ARTICLE X - DISSOLUTION

Section 1 - In case of disbandment NBAD shall hold all assets and be deposited in a Certificate of Deposit for seven (7) years.

Section 2 - In the even that the organization or its successors shall dissolve or cease to function, the funds and property of the organization shall be transferred (donate) to nonprofit organization to be selected by the remaining members of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS

Section 1 - Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the National Bass Association of the Deaf, by Executive Board members and affiliated club members, shall be made in writing and submitted to the NBAD Secretary by April 15th annually before the annual Council of Representatives (COR) meeting. Copies of the proposed change(s) must be sent to the Executive Board members and affiliated clubs by May 15th annually before the COR meeting. These changes must be read and voted on at the COR meeting. Any regular amendments shall not become effective immediately or effective now unless there is an emergency, special situation or urgent need arises.

ARTICLE XII - PARLIAMENTARY RULES

Section 1 - Robert's Rules of Orders, Revised, shall be the recognized authority in all questions of Parliamentary Law not being covered by this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 2 - A rule under NBAD Bylaws may be suspended by a two-third vote of the Executive Board meeting.

ARTICLE XIII - OBITUARY

Section 1 - All NBAD anglers' names, date/year and states shall be placed in the annual NBAD host program books.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I - DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1 - It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the National Bass Association of the Deaf (NBAD). He/she shall appoint all committees not otherwise provided for. He/she shall endeavor to assist the host club in planning for the upcoming Annual Tournament. He/she may, if he/she deems it necessary, make an annual report at the annual meeting of the organization. The President shall have the authority to let the contest launch their boat at another place in case of bad weather makes launching from NBAD Tournament lunching site inadvisable. He/she shall make his decision by conferring with other NBAD Officers.

Section 2 - The Vice-President shall fill the office of the President when the latter is unable to charge the duties of his office. He/she shall be the sole authority for interpretation of the Constitution and the Bylaws. He/she shall appoint a law committee of three members who reside in an area to work on NBAD Constitution and Bylaws. They shall receive all proposed changes and or additions to the Constitution and Bylaws and present them at the annual meeting. He/she shall be entrusted with the responsibility of processing the affiliation of new local bass club with the national organization.

Section 3 - The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meeting of the organization and the Executive Board. He/she or she shall keep a list of members of the organization and their addresses. He/she shall keep a list of bass clubs that are affiliated with the NBAD and conduct all correspondence with them only through the NBAD Representatives of these clubs. He/she shall mail out the minutes of the annual meeting to them within 90 days of the annual tournament. He/she shall collect all the forms, proposals (if any) and annual dues back from all club representatives after sending the application of affiliation forms to them. He/she shall send the copies of all the proposals to Vice- President and all the dues to Treasurer. He/she shall keep the copies of all club membership lists. Plus, he/she shall collect all the tournament entry fee forms with the addresses attached. NBAD Secretary shall process the Yahoo group mailing list for all NBAD board members and affiliated clubs. Each Club appoints as primary contact person and alternate contact person to subscribe the group mailing. NBAD Secretary shall maintain the list. The purpose of the list is to disseminate the news, updates and announcements from all list members as well as the communication from the list members. The list shall be immoderate and closed.

Section 4 - The Treasurer shall receive all monies belonging to the organization from all sources and deposit them in an account in the name of the organization as directed by the officers. He/she shall make an annual report at the annual meeting of the organization to the state the finances of the organization with copies provided for all local bass clubs. He/she shall pay all routine bills at the authorization from the President and any other special purchases approved by the organization. He/she shall send the financial report of the annual meeting to the Board of Directories in 90 days. He/she shall keep the last seven (7) years' financial statements. He/she shall keep the records of all the monies received and shall give the receipts of the same, shall not pay any bills without the authority. Also shall keep all expenses receipts for the audit.

Section 5 - The Publicity Director shall endeavor to obtain publicity for the NBAD in the publication by and for the deaf or hard of hearing. He/she shall assist wherever possible in promoting the Annual Tournament. He/she shall keep records and other items dealing with the history of the NBAD. He/she endeavors to bring NBAD editorial pages of the NBAD Tackle Box Newsletter for NBAD website. He/she shall endeavor to bring NBAD Promotional Sales to the attention of caps, patches, decals, fishing tackle, and boat manufacturers.

Section 6 - The Webmaster shall be under the Publicity Director's supervisory, shall have the lodging expenses from Sunday to Thursday to be paid in half by the NBAD fund and shall participate in the both NBAD executive board and COR meeting as an observer.

Section 7 - The Publicity Director shall publish fifteen (15) annual NBAD history books annually. The Publicity Director shall take photographic picture of each group of member of each state.

Section 8 - NBAD shall pay for the all restaurant expenses during the Executive Meeting for only members of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE II - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1 - The officers of the NBAD shall be elected from the qualified members present at the General Meeting preceding the NBAD Tournament. A majority vote is required for election. The election of officers shall be by ballot. Proxy voting is prohibited. The chairperson of the election of officers appointed by the President may appoint at least three (3) tellers to supervise the voting.

Section 2 - A qualified member for NBAD officers shall participate in NBAD Tournament for at least two times and be a member of affiliated bass club.

Section 3 - The oath of office is as follows: "I do hereby pledge myself to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of the National Bass Association of the Deaf and to faithfully perform the duties of my office to the best of my knowledge and ability."

Section 4 - The current officers shall transfer their duties to the newly elected officers within ninety (90) days after the election of the new NBAD officers.

ARTICLE III - TRUSTEE

Section 1 - The President of the NBAD shall select three Trustee members and they shall audit all financial books of the NBAD Treasurer. The three trustees shall not resident in the same state. The trustees shall report any error to the Treasurer and if still in a disagreement then to the President. The trustee shall cease and disband once their function proves that the Treasurer's accounting book is in order.

ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES

Section 1 - Upon the approval from Executive Board, NBAD President shall appoint a chairperson with a duty of contribution coordination.

ARTICLE V - OFFICER'S POWERS

Section 1 - The officers shall have the general management of the affairs of the NBAD between annual Tournaments.

Section 2 - The business of the officers shall be carried on by mail, email or VP, each officer being afforded full responsibility to participate.

Section 3 - In extreme case of urgency the President may call a meeting of the officers and their expense in attending this meeting shall be paid out of the NBAD fund.

Section 4 - The chairperson of the next NBAD Tournament shall be given the status of NBAD officers until the conclusion of his NBAD Tournament.

Section 5 - During the Annual NBAD Tournament the following schedule shall be adhered to as:

NBAD Executive Meeting during Sunday morning
NBAD Officers' Luncheon during Sunday noontime
Council of Representatives Meeting during Sunday afternoon

The NBAD and/or Host will decide the schedule as necessary.

Section 6 - For all NBAD Officers' lodging expenses, NBAD shall pay the total cost on Saturday only as the host shall pay the total cost on next 4 days after Saturday (Sunday through Thursday).

ARTICLE VI - HALL OF FAME AND AWARDS

Section 1 - Hall of Fame, in this organization, shall be awarded to the outstanding member(s) who is eligibility and deaf and hard of hearing only. 1) Founder of the NBAD 2) Former Officers with 5 years of service within 10 years 3) Any local bass club who host the NBAD Tournament 4) General Chairman of the NBAD Tournament who served twice within 10 years 5) Angler with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of attendance, providing the angler pay the entry fee and participate at least one day in 3-day tournament. These anniversaries shall not be counted for anglers who are not present during the registration.

Section 2 - The NBAD Lunker Award shall be awarded to the fisherman who catches the largest bass of the NBAD Tournament and shall be awarded at the end of each NBAD Tournament.

Section 3 - Anthony Mowad Sportsmanship Award shall be awarded to the NBAD Tournament fisherman by NBAD officers and shall be awarded at the end of each NBAD Tournament.

Section 4 - The Robert Southwell Bassmaster Award shall be awarded to the NBAD Tournament fisherman who catches the most weight total of bass during the NBAD Tournament and shall be awarded at the end of each NBAD Tournament.

Section 5 - The Rookie of the Year shall be awarded to the fisherman who catches the heaviest string at the Annual NBAD Tournament and shall be awarded at the end of each NBAD Tournament.

Section 6 - The John Cloy Lunker shall be awarded to the NBAD Tournament fisherman who beat the previous recorded lunker of 9.02 pounds. The award is limited to $1,000.

Section 7 - The Gene Amons Stringer Award shall be awarded to the NBAD Tournament fisherman who breaks the individual weight of 20.905 pounds. The award is limited to $1,000.

Section 8 - The Amons-Trahan Team Award shall be awarded to the NBAD Tournament team who breaks the team record of 29.20 pounds. The award is limited to $1,000.

Section 9 - For all three above awards, the surplus money shall be put in escrow for future awards.

Section 10 - The Robert Southwell Top Six Awards shall be awarded to the NBAD Tournament teams who represents their organization and catches the most weight per NBAD Tournament and shall be awarded at the end of each NBAD Tournament.

Section 11 - The Anthony Mowad Sportsmanship Award, The Robert Southwell Bassmaster Award, The John Cloy Lunker Award, The Gene Amons Stringer Award, The Amons-Trahan Team Award, and The Robert Southwell Top Six Award shall be awarded by the National Bass Association of the Deaf and shall forever remain the same names.

Section 12 - Top Two (2) anglers with winning the NBAD Team Tournament Championship at the name of the lake and date/year shall be placed on annual NBAD program book under the title as "NBAD Championship".

Section 13 - The announcement of all Awards shall start at 7:00 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The place of announcement shall be decided beforehand by the President or Host Club's Chairperson.

Section 14 - NBAD is limited to $250.00 for the plaque expenses.

ARTICLE VII - TOURNAMENT RULES

The Tournament Rules shall apply to both the one day Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and the three days NBAD Tournament. The Monday Lunker Tournament is a single fish tournament and only the largest bass shall be awarded as decided beforehand by the COR. NBAD Tournament is a team tournament where each team will be awarded as decided beforehand by the COR. Tournament Rules shall be included with the tournament-announced flyers and inside each registration package. State Game and Fish Commission Boating Regulation shall be included with the registration package.

Each Participant must sign the Wavier of Liability with the NBAD Treasurer or his agent at the time he/she picks up his Registration Packages.

Section 1 - SPORTSMANSHIP:

Any contestant, who displays poor sportsmanship, violates any of the contest rules or violates the state fishing laws, shall be promptly disqualified. Intoxication on the part of any contestant will not be tolerated and will result in disqualification. Any violation will result in a two (2) year suspension. If a second offense, a lifetime suspension shall be imposed.

Section 2 - CLUB SHIRT:

Every member participates in both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament and is encouraged to wear club's name on his shirt.

Section 3 - FISH:

Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass) may be scored only.

Section 4 - PARTICIPANTS AND ELIGIBILITY:

Participant in both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament is open to any deaf or hard of hearing and no discrimination by sex or race. Changing of boat partner shall not be allowed unless by act of God. Participant shall be 18 year of age or older.

Section 5 - PARTNER IN TEAM TOURNAMENT:

The Host Club and NBAD are not responsibility for the pairing the partners. All contestants will arrange boat partners under mutual agreement. A team of two contestants will fish together throughout both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament. See Section 6 under Article VII - Tournament Rules. No rotation of boat partners will take place for any given reason once their names are registered with NBAD. In case of emergency, illness or serious injury should any one members of the team be forced to leave the NBAD Tournament, the other will either be automatically dropped out or be accompanied by an appointed observer (see Rule #15 or replacing fisherman rule #21), to preserve order and harmony in all NBAD Tournament where arrangement of boat partner is concerned. Tournament officials reserve the right to make necessary changes unless otherwise agreed. Each two-man team shall equally share selection of water routes and fishing spots. Fair shares in expenses involving and use of the boat are required of every boat partner. Non boaters (partner) shall not be liable for expense incurred by the breakdowns on the equipment including a boat, itself during the NBAD Tournament. The boat owner should prepare and be responsibility on his or her boat. Boat owners/partners shall not, during weight-in, use other members' boat stalls. Boat owner/partner shall be disqualified. In event of boat owner's boat breakdown, the partner may switch to swap the boat along with number stickers on his/her boat shall be permitted switching of the boat owner shall abide the rules of Section #21.

Section 6 - SPECIAL HANDICAPPED PARTICIPATION:

Two teams can fish out of a pontoon boat. Each team must have one healthy person and one handicapped person. Rule # Section 5 shall apply as if it is one team and both teams must be mutual when sharing the responsible of a pontoon. There shall be one Host committee observer for each two-team boat.

Section 7 - TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT:

Artificial lures shall be used during the Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and the NBAD Tournament. Only casting, spin casting, or spinning rods and reels will be allowed. Only one line may be in the water at any time. Additional rigged rods will be permitted in the boat as substitutes. Use of 8-foot flipping rod is permitted. Trolling by using gas-powered outboard engine is prohibited. Using of the depth finder, thermometers, etc., which are not in violation of state laws may be used.

Section 8 - FISHING WATERS:

All lakes and rivers where NBAD Monday Big Lunker Contest and NBAD annual tournament are held may be fished at. No fishing shall be permitted within 50 yards of NBAD Headquarter AND another contestant who tied or anchored. Bank fishing is prohibited. Based on the description from the annual NBAD flyer of where the lake or river will be held, all anglers shall fish from the first point to another point only.

Section 9 - LAUNCHING TIME:

Issuance of check-in cards will be conducted at the boat dock area at a designated time. No time limit for checkout and may check out at your discretion. Tournament officials must inspect your boat before you leave at first checkout. Tournament participants must arrive with check-in card and fish for the weight-in before designated time; if late will be disqualified for that one particular day. Contestant may return to dock for lunch or rest but can not report for weight-in until at a designated for each day. Due to unexpected weather condition, NBAD Executive Members may alternate the launch and weight-in time. Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament shall be on a Monday and the time shall be from 6:00 am until 11:00 am. The time of the NBAD Tournament shall begin at 6:00 am and conclude at 3:00 pm each day unless state regulations are different from NBAD.

Section 10 - SCORING:

Scoring will be based on the weigh-in pounds and ounces or pounds with two placed decimals. The minimum length shall be 12 inches with mouth closed or the legal minimum length of the NBAD Tournament Lake unless state regulation is different from NBAD. The maximum number of bass shall be 5 bass per person per day or the legal limit of the NBAD Tournament Lake. NBAD will deduct two ounces (2 oz) for each dead bass brought in for weight-in by each participant.

Section 11 - TIES:

In the even of a tie where the weigh, length, and girth of a fish are equal, all prizes shall be divided equally and additional trophies, if necessary, shall be awarded.

Section 12 - LIFE JACKETS:

All participants are required to wearing the coast guard life jackets must be zipped, buckled and clasped as required for safety purposes. As the engines is operated, kill switch must be utilized.

Section 13 - REGISTRATION:

The date, time, and place or registration will be sent out well in advance to persons who are interested in entering the Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and the NBAD Tournament. All contestants must register at headquarters. Those who arrive late are still welcome they must register before entering the Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and the NBAD Tournament. Meeting time shall be announced at the headquarters. Tournament hours shall be announced at the General Meeting.

Section 14 - RULES CHANGES:

Interpretation of the NBAD Tournament Rules shall be the responsibility of the NBAD Vice President with approval of the NBAD Executive Board. The NBAD Officers shall make final decision in all matter with the approval of the Executive Board.

Section 15 - MONDAY LUNKER TOURNAMENT:

There shall be two participants per boat with no exception and each participant must be registered to fish in the NBAD Tournament. See rule Section 6 for special handicapped.

Section 16 - SINGLE ENTREE NUMBER ENTRIES:

If a participant is the last contest a single entree and fishes alone, he or she will earn 1 1/2 times his or her catches. The single fisherman in the NBAD Tournament must be the General Chairman or NBAD officers (see rule Section 5 for boat partner).

Section 17 - SAFETY:

To ensure the safety of all contestants, no contestant shall be allowed to compete alone in a boat at any Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament or NBAD Tournament. In case of a contestant who, after pairing the entire boat partner in the Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and the NBAD Tournament, finds him or her without a registered contestant as a boat partner shall immediately be assigned one of several appointed observers by the tournament officials. The observer, as boat partner, shall know the NBAD Tournament Rules, be permitted to operate the boats and assist the contestant in any way (see rule #14).

Section 18 - FISHING GUIDE:

There shall be no fishing with a guide for hire within fourteen (14) days prior the first day of both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament. With any evidence of hiring a guide, the contestant will be disqualified for the entire NBAD Tournament.

Section 19 - NO FISHING PRACTICE:

There shall be no fishing practice allowed after Monday's Big Lunker Contest.

Section 20 - KILL SWITCH:

To ensure the safety of all contestants, the boat operating with electrical ignition shall be required to have a kill switch in both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament. The kill switch must be engaged with the outboard motor while boat is operating.

Section 21 - BOAT NUMBERS:

Participating boats must have numbered stickers, issued by the NBAD officials at the registering. Numbered stickers must be placed on each side of the outboard with the clear view. Numbers from 1 to 10 are reserved for the NBAD officers and host committee officials to be recognized. It is important to keep your number on or face some difficulties on securing another number.

Section 22 - REASON FOR LEAVING:

That before both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament a replacing fisherman must pay his/her full tournament fee before the NBAD Tournament.

Section 23 - DISQUALIFIED:

A contestant who is disqualified for any of the three days can weigh his/her fish in case for his reason for disqualification (s) appealed then he/she must in writing and signed by contestant and presented to NBAD President or Vice President with no late 30 minutes of the end of the weigh-in time, if there is evidence of extreme rule violations uncovered at a later time. The NBAD Board of Directors reserves right to review and take whatever actions if deem necessary. Results of the NBAD tournament will not be official until reviewed by the NBAD headquarters.

Section 24 - BOAT REQUIREMENT:

Every boat in both Monday NBAD Lunker Tournament and NBAD Tournament requires the following items: kill switch, safety cushion, life jackets (2), first aid kit, fire extinguisher, state fishing license, horn and/or whistle, and registered badge.

Section 25 - LATE PENALITY:

Any competitor who is not in the official checkpoint area at the appointment time shall be penalized at the rate of 1 pound per minute to be deducted from the total weight of his catch that day, for each one (1) minute he is late. Any competitor more than 15 minutes late shall lose all credit for that day's catch. There shall be no excuse for tardiness, and in no case shall a competitor be allowed to make up "lost time." After proper recognition at the check-in point, competitors will be allowed sample time to proceed to the weight-site; however, all fishing must cease upon check-in. After tournament begins, fishing is prohibited except during tournament hours. Exact starting and check-in times will be announced when contestants are paired.

Section 26 - DEAD FISH:

Any angler shall bring any dead bass with him/her after the official weigh-in instead of throwing them back in the water unless there is any charity. Each host shall be responsible to take care of dead fish.

Section 27 - USE OF ILLEGAL ALCOHOL AND DRUGS PROHIBITED:

Use of alcohol and illegal drugs by any contestant during the NBAD tournament will not be tolerated and shall be cause for automatically disqualification from the current NBAD tournament.

ARTICLE VIII - AFFILIATED CLUBS AND MEMBERS

Section 1 - Any duty organized local Bass Club of the Deaf in the United States of American may become an affiliation of the NBAD upon fulfilling the following condition:

A. They shall have a membership and be at least 18 years old and are deaf or hard of hearing, and hearing spouse of deaf or hard of hearing, may become an affiliated membership of the Nationals Bass Association of the Deaf by officially informing its decision to cooperate, of its indication, of its intention to support the provision of contribution describe elsewhere in these Bylaws, and by remitting an affiliation club and member fee for the current calendar year before the annual NBAD Tournament.

B. Application for the Affiliation must be made in writing by the Secretary of the local bass club and write a check of thirty dollars ($30.00) for the club affiliation fee and mail to NBAD Secretary before the annual NBAD Tournament.

C. Application for the Affiliated must include name, addresses, and phone number of each member.

D. Each Affiliated club shall vote a representative to attend a COR meeting. He shall have a voting right in all NBAD transactions during the COR meeting only.

E. Each affiliated club shall review the NBAD Tackle Box on the internet.

F. Each affiliate club has the sole responsibility for its affairs, its finances, and local tournaments. NBAD assumes no responsibility for any financial dealings of the affiliated clubs.

G. Each affiliated club shall be qualifies for the Robert Southwell Top Six Awards. The awards are $120.00 for the first place, $90.00 for second place, and $60.00 for third place. The money prizes shall be paid from the affiliated fees. Each affiliated club shall pick at least four and up to six affiliated members with the best combined weighs to qualify for the Robert Southwell Top Six Awards. A participant can be an affiliated member in one or more affiliated clubs but must choose at least one (1) affiliated club for the Robert Southwell Top Six Awards.

H. Having to meet the entire requirement above from A. to D., the affiliated club can make a bid to the NBAD for the purpose of hosting a NBAD Tournament. NBAD President shall inspect the lake within sixty (60) days before submitting its bid to the COR at it's COR meeting.

ARTICLE IX - DUES

Section 1 - Annual dues shall be determined by the members at the meeting of the COR or the GM and be payable with the tournament entry fee to the NBAD Treasurer at any time. The Host Club must remit NBAD dues collected to the NBAD immediately following the NBAD Tournament. Anyone who wishes to be a member of the NBAD without being participated in any Annual Tournament may pay ten dollars ($10.00) for a membership due.

Section 2 - NBAD shall give free patches only to "Rookie" fishermen who participants in the NBAD Tournament for the first time. Additional patches may be purchased from the NBAD Publicity Director or his or her agent.

Section 3 - Any member with a paid membership due is eligible to serve as a representative of the club.

Section 4 - NBAD Tournament fee shall be one hundred dollars ($100.00), effectively as of 2003. Charged for the late enter fee shall be ten dollars ($10.00) and shall be used as a part of the daily prizes. For all independent members and non-affiliated club members shall pay additional $30 fee which will go to NBAD Fund. The fee shall be waived for NBAD rookies.

A. NBAD entry fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00) will be based on the rate of 4 to 1 (4:1) for second to last place's prize monies.

B. Thirty-five dollars ($35.00) shall split into 3 funds: twenty dollars ($20.00) for membership fee shall go to NBAD fund, ten dollars ($10.00) for registration fee shall go to Host Club fund and last five dollars ($5.00) will go to Special Prize fund.

C. Bonus prize shall be two dollars ($2.00) per participant that enter the NBAD Tournament each for the Lunker Award and the Robert Southwell Bassmaster Award. The Lunker award shall be payable to the fisherman who catches the largest bass of the NBAD Tournament and shall be paid at each NBAD Tournament. The Robert Southwell Bassmaster Award shall be awarded the fisherman who catches the most bass by weight per NBAD Tournament and shall be paid at each NBAD Tournament.

D. The Special Prizes shall be one dollar ($1.00) per participant who enters the NBAD Tournament for each John Cloy Lunker Award, The Gene Amons Stringer Award, and The Amons-Trahan Team Award. The John Cloy Lunker Award shall be awarded to the fisherman who catches the largest bass of the NBAD Tournament and break his record of 7 pounds and eleven ounces (7 lb. 11 oz.). The Gene Amons Stringer Award shall be awarded to the fisherman who catches the most bass by weight and break his record of forty-four pounds and four ounces (44 lb. 4 oz.) of the NBAD Tournament. The Amons-Trahan Team Award shall be awarded to the team who catch the most bass by weight and break their record of eighty-five pounds and fourteen ounces (85 lb. 14 oz.)

E. Mailing the payment on NBAD tournament entry fees with the money order, personal check or cashier's check shall be processed to NBAD on or by April 15th before the midnight time. No late entry fees shall be accepted after April 15th.

F. Big Bass Option (new for 2010) On top of the registration fee, a $5.00 option can be collected before or at the registration day. The 100% payback shall go to the participant who catches the heaviest bass during the 3-day tournament. This payback is available to any participants who have paid the Big Bass Option.

ARTICLE X - REFUNDABLE OF TOURNAMENT FEE

Section 1 - Only sixty-five dollars ($65.00) of the tournament fee only shall be refunded to the angler who shows up at any NBAD Tournament without any partner presenting there.

Section 2 - There is no refund for any one who paid their entry fee and did not show up for the NBAD Tournament. The program books and if any gifts shall be mailed to the entrees.

ARTICLE XI - BIDDING

Section 1 - Each active club must be affiliated for at least two (2) consecutive years before bidding a host. At third (3rd) consecutive year, the club may process the host bidding.

Section 2 - Council of Representatives (COR) at its regular meeting shall decide and award all bid(s) by majority vote.

Section 3 - Council of Representatives (COR) will automatic award a bid if there is only one bidder with a guarantee of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more.

Section 4 - NBAD will give a written notarized letter to the host after winning the host's bid.

Section 5 - Each club, who wins the elected bidding on any chosen year, shall submit a necessary disaster plan to NBAD within one (1) year after winning a bidding.

Section 6 - Tournament week range shall be from the second week of June to the second week of July to compensate the seasonal and/or regional difference around USA. Every consideration should make for bass seasonal difference, climate, date availability, regional difference and local public school schedules.

ARTICLE XII - HOST'S RESPONSIBILITY

Section 1 - Any Affiliated Club(s) may host or co-host an annual National Bass Association of the Deaf (NBAD) Tournament. Affiliated Club(s) who wins the elected bidding for hosting an annual NBAD Tournament for a chosen year shall be named the Host Club as defined by NBAD Bylaws.

Section 2 -Three area regions take turn to bid for Host annually with president authority.

Western Region - Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming.

Midwest Region - Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

East Region - Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia

A. The Host Club may select its General Chairman(s) who shall automatically become a member of the Executive Board for the year immediately preceding the NBAD Tournament and during his Hostship year. He/she shall and must be presented to take the oath with the officers during the odd years and without the officers during the even years.

B. Current Host Club cannot bid for a next year Hostship. The current host may bid again next year.

C. The Host Club will pay the expense of lodging for the five (5) officers and General Chairperson of the NBAD on the rate for full basic for five (5) nights (from Sunday to Thursday). The Host Club will be responsible for reservation of two lodgings for the two (2) Executive Board members, one (1) Lifetime Executive, and one (1) next year host General Chairmen. The two (2) Executives Board members, one (1) Lifetime Executive, and the next year Chairman shall be responsible for their lodging expensive. Host will be responsible for lodgings and boat slips for all Executives Boards as close a possible for meetings, activities and contact purposes.

D. Before any deaf bass shall process the bidding for the NBAD event at next scheduled Council of Representatives (COR) meeting, two (2) requirements shall be met at first: 1) a letter of application of acceptance for the bidding from the secretary of deaf bass clubs and 2) a contract of agreement from the marine management at where the lake area gets selected for the next NBAD bass team tournament. These requirements shall go directly to NBAD Secretary as processed before the next COR meeting.

E. Bids must be accompanied by the club's check for six hundred dollars ($600.00) to be held in escrow to guarantee that the club will follow through with its bids for the NBAD Tournament. This deposit will not be refunded. The six hundred dollars ($600.00) becomes the daily prize. The six hundred dollars ($600.00) check shall be giving to the NBAD Secretary before the COR meeting.

F. The Host shall be responsibility for the location of the lake and headquarters. That the lake should be 20,000 surface acres or more below the North Line of 30,000 surface acres. The 5,000 surface acres or more shall apply to lakes above the North Line starting with Iowa, Illinois and other states (effective in the year of 2002). Headquarters shall have at least 50 unites of motel and/or cottages, a restaurant, campground, boat stalls, boat rentals, and other accessible facilities.

G. The Host must provide interpreter during the NBAD Tournament.

H. The Host bids for a selection of the lake but it cannot bid the same NBAD headquarter site within five (5) years.

I. The Host Club desiring to bid for the Annual Tournament agrees that the Monday Lunker and NBAD Tournament will be held on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Clubs hosting the Annual Tournament agree to observe the NBAD Tournament rules here to attach unless changed by the Executive Board.

L. The Host Club assumed all responsibility that all local, state, and federal laws are followed.

M. NBAD shall be given an authorization to select the marina and the NBAD Tournament site in an event of an emergency regardless of the five (5) year limitation on the same site.

N. One of NBAD officers shall inspect NBAD headquarters' facilities.

O. All NBAD Officers shall be responsible for the transportation of all NBAD headquarter facilities to the next hostship.

P. Propose to limit the Host Club to block lodging reservation at least nine (9) months before the tournament date (if its not hotel's decision).

Section 3- NBAD Anniversary, every ten (10) year thereafter, be shall be held.

Section 4 - The Host Club shall retain any profits derived from the NBAD Tournament after all expenses are paid.

Section 5 - The NBAD will not be responsible for any debts incurred by the Host Club.

Section 6 - The NBAD and the Host Club are not responsible for any damages, loss, stolen items, and accident resulting in injury or death to any person attending the NBAD Annual Tournament.

Section 7 - The Executive Board must approve the use of the NBAD insignia. The sales of the article bearing the NBAD insignia are the sole responsibility of the Executive Boards.

Section 8 - The Host Club must enforce the rules that contestant's number sticker must be placed on the outboard motor only. There shall be three (3) different color stickers on all outboard motors for groups A, B & C. Orange color shall be reserved for number 1 through number 10 to NBAD officers and the committee. Other colors shall be reserved for number 11 through 100 or more to the NBAD participants. The sticker shall not be printed on the white paper.

Section 9 - The NBAD/Host Club shall inspect only live well, cooler, and electronic ignitions kill switch.

Section 10 - Host Club shall have on hand weight-in plastic bags and it must be designed for that purpose to hold water and bass.

Section 11 - The working committee of the Host Club who participate in the NBAD Tournament shall be the last group to weight their fish.

Section 12- The Host Club may forfeit its deposit and its right to host a NBAD Tournament due to one or any of the following reasons;

A. Lack of planning stage for the NBAD Tournament, Withdraw as host after six (6) month of being awarded the NBAD Tournament.
B. Conduct of members of the Host Club during the NBAD Tournament that is deemed detrimental to the ideals of NBAD.
C. Willful violation of state or federal laws by the members.

Section 13- The Host club shall make a full financial report after their NBAD Tournament for the fall issue of the NBAD Tackle Box Newsletter.

Section 14 The Host Club shall discard unused NBAD equipment that was passed on to the next host.

Section 15 - For a table space, any non-host club or vendor shall pay a flat fee of $25.

ARTICLE XIII - MERIT OF ENTRANCE

Section 1 - A Merit of Entrance will be free NBAD Tournament entry fee, except the register fees, when he or she breaks the John Cloy Lunker Award, the Gene Amons Stringer Award, Amons-Trahan Team Record Award, and Robert Southwell Bassmaster Award.

Section 2 - A Merit of Entrance will be free NBAD Tournament entry fee for the two elected Board of Directors. Please see Constitution - Article VI, Section 4.

Section 3 - Merit of Entrance fee and special bonus will be free for Robert Southwell. Please see Constitution - Article VI, Section 3.

ARTICLE XIV - NBAD BULLETIN

Section 1 - NBAD Tackle Box Newsletter shall be issued in NBAD website: www.nbad.org. Hard copies shall be provided at NBAD annual registration for anyone with no internet service available at their home locations.

ARTICLE XV - VISITORS REGISTRATION

Section 1 - Any visitor or fan, during the Tournament, shall pay a one dollar ($1.00) fee and shall be issued a registered tag.

Edition of 1978 by Charles E. Marsh, Jr. NBAD Vice President, and committee members, Fred R. Murphy, and Kenneth Clark Revised

1980 by Charles E. Marsh, Jr., NBAD Vice President Revised

1986, 1988 by Wesley A. Parson, NBAD Vice President Revised

1993 by Martin H. Miller, NBAD Vice President

Computerized and corrected 1993 by Carlos R. Holdridge NBAD Vice President

Revised 1994 by Carlos R. Holdridge NBAD Vice President

This revision by Carlos R. Holdridge NBAD Vice President in 1995 is subjected to the approval of the Council of Representatives during the COR meeting in June 1995. Passed.

Revised 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 by Carlos R. Holdridge NBAD Vice President