Appalachian
Telemark Association
Constitution and By-Laws
- Name
This association shall be called the Appalachian Telemark Association
(ATA).
- Affiliations
ATA can be affiliated with any other organization that is interested
in encouraging the sport of Telemark or other interests of the Association.
- Purpose
The purpose for which the ATA is formed, is to foster, encourage,
and promote the sports of Telemark Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Ski Jumping
and Snoeshoeing for the residents of the Appalachian Mountain region.
This shall be through…
- the maintenance
and operation of instructional, competitive and travel programs;
to develop and promote the qualities of physical fitness, mental
toughness, competitive spirit, honesty and fair play, good sportsmanship,
environmental awareness and overall personal happiness in those
who participate in the program;
- to provide
opportunities to all interested parties regardless of ability, age
or background in participating in the program as participants, coaches
or, in other capacities, to work with members in a ski setting;
- to foster and
promote understanding in the fundamentals and the fine points of
Telemark Skiing, Nordic Skiing, or Ski Jumping; and
- to support
any other outdoor activities the membership of the club finds of
interest for cross training, personal happiness, etc.).
- Membership
Membership Requirements
Full membership in this association shall be limited to residents
of the immediate Appalachian Mountain region, or to those administrators,
skiers, or coaches as specifically approved for membership by the
Executive Board. Partial, or affiliate membership is available at
a reduced, or no cost, based on approval for such membership by the
Executive Board. Any person in good standing will be included in the
group referred to as the "General Membership".
Voting Members
Members of the Executive Board and General Committee Members shall
have voting rights, during the season for which is designated as their
term of their service. General members shall have voting rights in
accordance with the rules of "general membership" as long as they
are in good standing with the association.
The term season is designated as an annual period starting on July
1, and ending on June 30 of each calendar year.
Membership
dues
Member ship dues
are based on the age of the member as of the first day of the ski
season. Membership dues are to be set by the Executive Board for the
upcoming season and voted on by the General Committee Members during
the March general meeting. All active members shall pay membership
dues in the amounts and payable at the beginning of the season, when
the membership is approved by the Executive Council, or at such times
as may be determined by the Executive Council.
Classes
of Members
There shall be
four classes of members of the association that make up the general
membership:
Individual
- Person that is older than 18 and not more that 54 years of age.
Family
- A unit of related persons living under one roof, or being centrally
supported by one or more parents, and that consists of at least one
parent that is older than 18 years of age.
Senior-
Person that is older 55 years of age.
Youth-
Person that is younger than 18 years of age.
Membership requires
submission of an Association application and 3/4 approval of the Executive
Board. Admission denial must be noted in the meeting notes as to case
and effect.
Termination
of Membership
A member may be
expelled and his/ her membership thereby terminated for: non-payment
of dues; conduct deemed by the Executive Board to not be in the best
interest of the Association.
Termination of
a member requires a formal hearing conducted by the Executive Council
and rendering of a formal decision requiring 3/4 approval of Executive
Board members which shall be reflected in the meeting minutes. The
member in question does not need to be present at said hearing.
- Governing
Body
The Executive Board shall govern and administer the day-to-day operation
of the association within the scope of the By-Laws and the policy
guidelines set by the General Committee.
The General Committee
shall set policy guidelines, and make amendments to the Constitution
and By-Laws.
- Amendments
to the Constitution
Once adopted, this Constitution shall be amended only by a 3/4 vote
of those present and voting at the annual meeting of the Association.
By-laws
Purpose
Purpose
The purpose for which the Appalachian Telemark Association (ATA) is
formed, is to foster, encourage, and promote the sport of Telemark,
Skiing, Nordic Skiing and Ski Jumping for the residents of Appalachian
Mountain region. This shall be through…
- the maintenance
and operation of instructional, competitive and travel programs;
to develop and promote the qualities of physical fitness, mental
toughness, competitive spirit, honesty and fair play, good sportsmanship,
environmental awareness and overall personal happiness in those
who participate in the program;
- to provide
opportunities to all interested parties in participating in the
program as participants, coaches or, in other capacities, to work
with members in a ski setting;
- to foster and
promote understanding in the fundamentals and the fine points of
Telemark Skiing, Nordic Skiing, or Ski Jumping; and
- to support
any other outdoor activities the membership of the club finds of
interest for cross training, personal happiness, etc.).
- Registered Appalachian
Telemark Association members shall NOT be limited to the areas
in or around the topography surrounding the Appalachian Mountain region.
Exceptions for membership shall be made only upon a vote of the Executive
Board. It is the policy of the ATA to ensure that members are active
Telemark, Nordic or Jumper Skiers.
- Membership in
the Appalachian Telemark Association shall be on a year-to-year basis.
Executive Board
- The Executive
Board shall consist of the following elected persons:
- President
- Past President
- Vice-President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- The day-to-day
business of the Appalachian Telemark Association shall be managed
by the Executive Board.
- Meetings of the
Executive Board may be called at any time by the President. Seven
days notice shall be given by the Secretary prior to the scheduled
meeting.
- The act of the
majority, of those present and voting, shall be the act of the Executive
Board.
- Where there are
insufficient items to hold a meeting, the President may poll, by telephone
or in person, all the members of the Executive Board. This poll will
be to obtain board member votes on said matter. A copy the out come
of such vote, listing vote by individual board member, will be sent
by mail to each member of the Board within three days of the date
of the vote.
- In the event
of a vacancy in any of the elected offices through resignation or
other causes, the Executive Board, by a majority vote may fill such
a vacancy for the un-expired portion of the term.
- Vote on any manner
of items brought before the Board for action reserved under the Boards
powers.
- Appoint a Judge
of Elections to overview the selection and election processes for
the current Executive Council from the poll of members in good standing
to support elections for the upcoming year. The member appointed to
this post shall be approved by 3/4 of the Executive Council and can
hold the post for only one (1) year.
General Committee
- The membership
of the General Committee shall be composed of the Executive Board
and the Appointed Directors.
- The "General
Committee" shall be made up of no less than 3 and no more than 10
"General Members" (in good standing).
- Each member shall
be entitled to only one (1) vote on each matter submitted to a vote
of the members regardless of multiple offices or positions.
- Membership in
the Association shall be on a year-to-year basis from July 1 until
June 30.
- The act of the
majority shall be the act of the General Committee. The total number
of members in good standing that represent the General Committee shall
constitute a quorum.
- A majority of
the General Committee may partition the Executive Board to reverse
any decision of the Executive Board.
- The 3/4 of the
General Committee is required to count and record the outcomes of
all elections and report same to the appointed Judge of Elections
for final proofing and validation.
Elections
- The offices of
President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary shall be elected
from the General Committee to serve one (1) year. This election shall
be held in March during that month's General Meeting of the Association.
Note: The
office of President shall be occupied by the same person for no longer
than two (2) consecutive terms, unless designated per an Executive
Board motion and General Committee unanimous approval at the Annual
General Meeting held in January.
- A nominating
committee made up of no less than three (3) and no more than five
(5) members of the General Committee shall be appointed by the Executive
Board in January each year, for the purpose of selecting a slate of
candidates for election of the General Committee.
- The Nominating
Committee shall meet with the Executive Board not less than one (1)
day prior to the annual election to present a list of eligible candidates
for the officers of the Association. They may nominate one or more
candidates for each position. Their names shall be included in the
call of the Association's meeting.
- Other nominations
from the floor may be made prior to the vote by the general membership
for offices during the March General Membership meeting. However,
the person making the nomination must have prior approval to do so
by the person so nominated. All nominations shall be filed with the
secretary at the time of the official nomination.
- The candidate
receiving the greatest number of votes of the General Membership shall
be deemed elected.
- The newly elected
officers shall take office on July 1.
- The fiscal year
of the Association shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30.
- The appointed
Judge of Elections is to oversee the selection and election processes
of the incoming Executive Council. This includes proofing the election
tallies for correctness and notifying the general membership of the
upcoming years Executive Council.
- Elections can
be either done by performed by secret written ballot or verbal ballot.
Determination of voting format must be made Four (4) hours day in
advance by agreement of 3/4s (quorum) of the General Committee. All
elections must be noted in the meetings minutes.
Meetings
- The Executive
Board shall hold, as a minimum, a regular meeting each month during
the winter ski season. Each meeting shall be open to members of the
General Committee.
- At least one
meeting of the General Committee shall be held each year.
- At least one
"General Membership" meeting will be held each year. This event can
be held as part of a social event or other event, and may not have
and particular agenda associated with said meeting.
- Members (quorum)
of the General Committee may petition for a General Committee meeting.
One (1) day notice in writing shall be given by the Secretary.
- Three members
of the Executive Board may call for an Executive Board meeting. One
(1) day notice in writing shall be given by the Secretary.
- Meetings shall
be open to any and all interested parties. Depending on where the
meetings are to be held and the venue of the meeting (in conjunction
with a social event) a charge can be levied by the Executive Board,
by the request of the Social Coordinator, for said meeting. Fees can
be charged members and / or non-members. Collection of the fees for
the meeting collected by the Social Director or a responsible person
designated by the Social Director. The fees themselves will be administrated
over by the Treasurer and included in reporting to the membership.
General Membership
- The terms "general
membership" or "general member" shall be for any member of the association
that is in good standing. This includes any person that falls under
the any of the "class of members" classifications.
Amendments
The Appalachian
Telemark Association By-Laws may be amended by a three-fourths affirmative
vote by a General Membership meeting.
The proposed amendment
shall be posted for the membership review at least fourteen (14) days
prior to the General Membership meeting. Said posting will take place
in at least one public location.
Committees
Committees may be
formed for any specific purpose not contrary to the purpose of the association.
All committees shall be appointed by the Executive Board and can be
made up of any number of Association members.
General
- No officer or
other voting member of this association shall receive any fee for
activities concerned with his or her official office in the ATA.
- Payment for any
personal expenses other than mail or telephone costs must be approved
by a majority of the Executive Board. All expenses much be reported
and document for the purpose of an audit.
- Any event, which
may be contrary to the spirit of the purpose of the association, may
be investigated by a Disciplinary Committee consisting of a minimum
of three (3) members appointed by the Executive Board. The Disciplinary
Committee will be chaired by the VP, and will at least one member
from the General Committee and one general member.
The Disciplinary
Committee shall have the power to recommend disciplinary action to the
Executive Board by filing a written report. Where disciplinary action
is recommended against a person, the person shall be furnished with
a copy of the report and shall have the opportunity to appear before
the Executive Board and be heard, or file a written opposition to the
report. The Executive Board shall either
- Take such action
as recommended by the Disciplinary Committee
- Vote to dismiss
the report
- Recommit it
for further report
No disciplinary
action may be taken by the Executive Board (quorum) except within seven
(7) days of the formation of the Disciplinary Committee.
- All administrative
assignments must be approved by the Executive Board (quorum).
- The Executive
Board shall review and adopt or revise the rules and policies of the
Association on or before January 1 of each year.
Dissolution
In the event dissolution
of the Appalachian Telemark Association appears desirable, the Executive
Board shall adopt a resolution recommending the dissolution of the Appalachian
Telemark Association together with a plan of distribution be submitted
to the general membership. The Secretary shall send a copy of such resolution
by mail to each general member not less than 14 days nor more than forty
days before the date the ballots are to be counted. The resolutions
to dissolve the Association and to adopt a plan of distribution will
become effective upon approval of two thirds of the general members
voting.
Upon dissolution
of the Appalachian Telemark Association, the assets shall be applied
to and distributed first to the final payment and discharge of all liabilities
and obligations of the Association. Any remaining assets shall be distributed
pursuant to the plan of distribution adopted, to such similar associations
as may be designated therein.
Elected Officers Duties
President:
- Calls to order
business meetings of the Executive Board and the General Meeting of
the General Committee.
- Serves as ATA
Coordinator.
- Serves as ex
officio member of all committees.
- In instances
where disciplinary measures appear appropriate or are recommended,
the President will convene a special meeting of the Executive Board.
Vice-President
- In the absence
of the President, shall be acting President.
- Works in registering
new and existing members.
- Shall perform
other such duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President
or the Executive Board.
- Acts as Commissioner
for the Association and
- Makes final
decision on all matters relating to participant and team eligibility.
- Adjudicates
participants or team protests through impartial fact finding and
arbitration.
- Chairs the
Disciplinary Committee.
- Acts as ATA liaison
to outside programs. Represents the Association at appropriate
meetings, for example, WPSC, individual resorts, etc. Reports
to Executive committee as to meetings attended, and provide reports
/ information on same to general membership.
Secretary
- Notifies the
Executive Board of Board meetings and General Committee meetings both
as determined by the President.
- Coordinates and
maintains all association correspondence within and outside of the
association.
- Records minutes
of all meetings.
- Issues press
releases and other Association news as required.
- Assists the President
in his duties.
- Edits and distributes
the NRYSA monthly newsletter.
Treasurer
- Receives commitment
checks from members and others.
- Collects and
disburses funds as operational necessity dictates.
- Manages bank
accounts as necessary.
- Keeps records
of receipts and expenditures of the Association.
- Renders statement
of financial condition on a monthly basis.
- Assists any approved
fund-raising committee.
- Assists the President
in his duties.
- Provides all
records required to perform an audit of the association at the request
of the balance of the Executive Council. There must be at least one
audit per calendar year.
Registered Office
The registered office
of the corporation shall be located at 163 Mountain View Road, Acme,
Pa 15610 or such other place within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
as the Executive Board of the Corporation may from time to time determine.
Other Items
Other Offices
The corporation
may also have offices at such places, either within or without the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, as the Executive Board of the Corporation may from
time to time determine.
Conversion of
Membership
Members in good
standing can convert their membership from Individual to Family, from
Individual to Senior, or from Youth to Individual by requesting through
the Vice President of the Association such change. Conversion of membership
must be voted on by the Executive Committee (quorum), approved, and
noted in the meeting minutes, along with payment of any additional dues.
No new submission of a new application is required.
Meeting Attendance
Members of the Executive
Board, General Committee, and all general members must make an attempt
to attend at least one meeting during the season.
Location and
Timing of Meetings
All meetings of
the Association shall be held at such places and times, either within
or without the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, as may be fixed from time
to time by the Executive Board. Notification of such meetings must be
done in advance within four (4) hours notice, post in a public place
for membership notification.
Special Requirements
- All participants
of Association events must sign a waiver of release to be included
in said activities. Failure to complete said waiver will eliminate
the person or persons from being included in the event(s).
- The wearing of
helmets or other protective gear can be a requirement set up by the
coordinator of an activity. Failure to wear such protective gear can
eliminate the person, or persons from being included in the event.
- The person or
persons that participates in events are required to take personal
responsibility for providing personal safety gear required or that
gear is the standard of care for an activity.
Appointed Officers Duties
Social Director
- Responsible for
the organization and operation of the Association's social activities.
- Shall secure
and maintain all necessary equipment and materials for the operation
of the Association's social activities and shall set pricing of all
salable items.
- Shall provide
to the Treasurer a statement of all earnings and expenditures and
shall turn over to the Treasurer all profits generated by the Association's
social activities.
- Reports to Executive
committee as to all social activities, and provide reports / information
on same to general membership.
- Provides liaison
between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and services
for the Association in conjunction with the Product and Safety, Education
and Sponsorship, and Trip Directors.
Webmaster
- Maintains and
administers the ATA web site.
- Provide design
and layout of web site for use by Association.
Product Director
- Maintains and
administers the ATA product program and reviews.
- Provide input
as to health and safety issues regarding product vendors including
working with Race and Nordic and Jumping Directors.
- Works as the
liaison between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and
services for the Association in conjunction with the Social, Education
and Sponsorship, and Trip Directors.
- Provides liaison
with product groups for the Association (e.g.: manufactures, resorts,
etc.).
Safety Director
- Maintains and
administers the ATA safety program.
- Provide input
as to health and safety issues regarding Association events including
working with Race and Nordic and Jumping Directors.
- Works as the
liaison between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and
services for the Association in conjunction with the Social, Education
and Sponsorship, and Trip Directors.
- Provides liaison
with safety groups for the Association (e.g.: individual resorts,
National Ski Patrol, etc.).
Education and
Sponsorship Director
- Maintains and
administers the ATA education programs.
- Provide input
as to education for race and social events supported by the Association.
- Works as the
liaison between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and
services for the Association
- Provides liaison
with Safety Director to safety groups for the Association (e.g.: individual
resorts, National Ski Patrol, etc.).
- Provides liaison
between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and services
for the Association in conjunction with the Social and Trip Directors.
Race Director
- Shall be responsible
maintaining participant records.
- Determines age
groups in which skiers participate for individual races and for annual
tracking purposes.
- Coordinates participant
registration for race programs and delivers all registration fees
to the Treasurer.
- Ensures that
all participants are legal and of proper age before participant or
teams are allowed to participate in any venue.
- Determine appropriate
set up and layout of venues with respect to slope and trail configurations.
- Select a replacement
if unable to perform said duties for and venue.
- Work with Nordic
Coordinator for set up and tracking of any timed or scored Nordic
and Jumping events.
- Selected and
approved by the Executive Board on a year-to-year basis.
- Manages events
in compliance with governing body rules and requirements - within
reason and at their desecration.
- Responsible that
all entrants in race events are provided the opportunity, within Director's
judgement, to participant in said event.
- The Director
can, with input from the either / or the Directors of Safety and Nordic
and Jumping, deny an entrant the opportunity to continue in an event.
This maybe based on health, safety, or philosophical reasons.
- Is responsible
for the conduct and sportsmanship of participants, helpers, and others
involved with an event.
- The Director
can have any entrant, participant, helper, observer, or other within
the confines of a venue removed at their desecration. In addition,
the Director can request that the Executive Council place probation
on such parties from any Association activities for a specific or
indefinite time period. Such removal and related probation will require
a written report as to time, manner, and events relating to said removal
to be provided to the Executive Council within Thirty (30) days from
time of action.
- Designate Course
Judge(s), Timers, Marshals, and Observers.
Course Judge - if needed
- Shall be responsible
to secure and maintain all Association-owned equipment, bibs, banners,
and uniforms and to recommend to the Executive Board all equipment
requirements.
- Shall be responsible
for overseeing slope and trail maintenance and conditions during
the ski season and to appoint, as required, personnel to properly
maintain slopes, trails or race courses.
- Shall make
final decision on slope or trail conditions and shall notify the
Race Coordinator.
- Assigns support
staff to scheduled races and training venues.
- Verifies the
competency of support staff - Timers, Marshals and Observers.
- Coordinates
support staff's development through clinics and other suitable means.
- Serves as member
of the Disciplinary Committee.
Timer(s) - if
needed
- Time events
in compliance with Race Director's wishes.
- Score and /
or penalize participants per governing body rules - within reason
and desecration.
Marshals - if
needed
- Marshall events
in compliance with the Race Director's wishes.
- Assist the
Course Judge in determining course conditions.
- Assist Course
Judge in determining the out come of protests, etc.
Observers - if
needed
- Observer and
report on race activities in compliance with the Race Director's
wishes.
- Assist Course
Judge in determining the out come of protests, etc.
- Score and /
or penalize participants per governing body rules - within reason
and desecration.
Trip Director
- Determines destinations
and iterates associated with any Association sponsored trips.
- Attends resort
familiarization trips and industry sponsored events that are considered
as being of interest to the Association.
- Reports to Executive
committee as to such familiarization programs, and provide reports
/ information on same to general membership.
- Reports to Executive
Committee and general membership as to Association sponsored trips.
- Handles fees,
charges, funding, etc. related to trips or events and provides the
Treasurer with a report as to revenues and expenses for same, as well
as any funds related to trips and events for administration.
- Assigns a member
to perform above-mentioned duties if unable to perform same. Provides
liaison between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and
services for the Association in conjunction with the Social and Trip
Directors.
- Provides liaison
between manufactures, sellers, and providers of goods and services
for the Association in conjunction with the Product and Safety, Education
and Sponsorship, and Trip Directors.
Nordic and Jumping Director
- Shall be responsible
maintaining participant records.
- Determines age
groups in which skiers participate for individual races and for annual
tracking purposes.
- Coordinates participant
registration for race programs and delivers all registration fees
to the Treasurer.
- Ensures that
all participants are legal and of proper age before participant or
teams are allowed to participate in any venue.
- Determine appropriate
set up and layout of venues with respect to slope and trail configurations.
- Select a replacement
if unable to perform said duties for and venue.
- Work with Race
Coordinator for set up and tracking of any timed or scored events.
- Selected and
approved by the Executive Board on a year-to-year basis.
- Manages events
in compliance with governing body rules and requirements - within
reason and at their discretion.
- Responsible that
all entrants in Nordic and Jumping events are provided the opportunity,
within Director's judgement, to participant in said event.
- The Director
can, with input from the either / or the Directors of Safety and Racing,
deny an entrant the opportunity to continue in an event. This maybe
based on health, safety, or philosophical reasons.
- Is responsible
for the conduct and sportsmanship of participants, helpers, and others
involved with an event.
- The Director
can have any entrant, participant, helper, observer, or other within
the confines of a venue removed at their desecration. In addition,
the Director can request that the Executive Council place probation
on such parties from any Association activities for a specific or
indefinite time period. Such removal and related probation will require
a written report as to time, manner, and events relating to said removal
to be provided to the Executive Council within Thirty (30) days from
time of action.
Seniors Director
- Selected and
approved by the Executive Board on a year-to-year basis.
- Coordinates and
oversees and activities designated as a "Senior Events". Senior Events
target members, and non-members, of 55 years in age and older.
- Work with the
other directors to further the goals of the Association.
Youth Director
- Selected and
approved by the Executive Board on a year-to-year basis.
- Coordinates and
oversees and activities designated as a "Youth Events". Youth Events
target members, and non-members, of 17 years in age and younger.
- Work with the
other directors to further the goals of the Association.
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