Lakeland Junior Bassmasters

By Laws and Rules for the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters

ARTICLE I – Name and Purpose

Section 1: Name

This club shall be called the Lakeland Junior Bassmasters.

Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of our Junior BASS Club is to promote and encourage youth fishing through education of fishing ethics, sportsmanship, fishing techniques, and conservation of our natural resources. To fulfill all responsibilities we owe to our community, our state, and our society to help maintain natural fishing resources.

ARTICLE II – Membership

Section 1: Number of Members
The club shall begin with and maintain at least 6 members.

Section 2: Requirements for Membership
To become a club member, a person shall:
(a) Express a genuine interest in membership.
(b) Be 18 years of age or younger.

(c) Have an adult (parent or friend) willing to donate boat and be a boat captain on a monthly basis.

Section 3: Membership Dues
The dues shall be $10.00 for B.A.S.S., $10.00 for Florida BASS Federation Nation, and $10.00 for club. Total $30.00 per year. They will be due each year by December 1^st.

Section 4: Meetings of Members
The members shall hold monthly meetings at a pre-determined location and time. This shall be included on monthly tournament schedule. At each meeting of the members, the following shall be the order of business:
(a)  Roll Call of members
(b)  Reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting
(c)  Reports of Officers
(d)  Reports of Committees
(e)  Miscellaneous

Section 5: Non-Discrimination
There shall be no discrimination in membership or participation in the activities of this club by reason of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

ARTICLE III – Officers, Elections, Vacancies, and Eligibility

Section 1: Officers and their Duties
The officers of the club shall include:

(a) PRESIDENT: Run all meetings and conduct all business with the guidance of an adult BASS member.

(b) VICE PRESIDENT: Run meetings if the President is not available, take roll at the beginning of each meeting and report on membership, and assists President in any way possible.

(d) TREASURER: Give monthly report on club account balance and activity.

(e) CHAPLAIN: Give invocation at club events and meetings.

Section 2: Elections
The election of officers shall be held annually. Elections shall be by majority of members present. Elections for each officer shall be held separately in order listed in ARTICLE III, Section 1. Each member is entitled to one vote.

Section 3: Term of Office
The term of office is for one year, which shall begin on December 1, and end on November 31 or until the successor assumes office. There are no term limitations.

Section 4: Vacancies
In the event of an office becoming vacant, nominations shall be asked for and an election held to fill the unexpired term of the individual vacating the office. BASS Federation Nation shall be notified immediately of the change of any officers.

Section 5: Eligibility for Holding Office
To be eligible for an office, a member must:
(a) Have been a member for one year.
(b) Have attended at least 75% of the club meetings and 75% of club functions during the previous 12-month period.
(c) Have paid club dues and have no outstanding debts to club.

ARTICLE IV – Removal of Membership

Section 1: Causes for Removal
A member shall be asked to forfeit membership for but not limited to the following reasons:
(a) Failure to pay dues.
(b) Any action by a member and/or parent of a member that would cause dishonor or disgrace on this club and/or BASS. One verbal warning will be given to parent and/or angler prior to dismissal. If the infraction is severe enough no warning will be given, immediate dismissal will be enforced.

ARTICLE V – Affiliation

Section 1: Requirements for Affiliation
The following are requirements to be affiliated as a BASS Youth Club.

(a) Approval of Club Charter by BASS.

(b) Update the membership roster yearly and send to BASS.

(c) Names and addresses of new members joining the club during the year must be submitted to BASS as they join. (See ARTICLE II, Section 3 for dues requirements.)

(d) Should be sponsored by and adult BASS Federation Nation club. If this is not possible, request exception to policy from BASS.

(e) Must affiliate with State Federation and support its conservation programs.

ARTICLE VII – Method of Amending the Bylaws

Section 1: Amending the Bylaws
The bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting by a majority of the members present, provided written notice of the proposed amendment has been presented to the membership at least one regular meeting prior to the vote.

ARTICLE VIII – Tournament Rules

Section 1: Preparing and Accepting the Tournament Rules
Tournament Rules will be prepared by the Tournament Director of this club. Tournament rules must be voted on and accepted by the general membership.

Section 2: Preparing Tournament Schedule

The tournament dates will be chosen in advance by the director and co-director of the club. Lakes will be chosen by draw from a list chosen randomly by anglers. For the classic in November, the lake will be chosen at the October meeting by draw. Every possible effort will be made to choose locations with restroom facilities.

Section 3: Change of Lake

Due to ever changing water levels a change of scheduled lake may be necessary. This will be decided by the director and co-director. Every effort possible will be made to do this as far in advance as possible. When this decision is made you will be contacted by the director or co-director.

Section 4: Rules

(a) Children 12 and under MUST wear a PFD at all times. NO ONE under 16 is permitted to wear an inflatable.(THESE ARE STATE LAWS)

(b) Parent (or other family member or friend) must donate use of boat.

(d) No un-sportsmanlike conduct will be tolerated.

(e) You can not fish within 50 yards of an anchored boat.

(f) If there are not enough boats anglers may have to fish 2 per boat.

(g) Check in with designated person first thing in the morning at tournaments and before weigh in (even if you do not have fish to weigh in).

(h) All tournaments run from safe light until 1PM unless stated otherwise at the meeting.

(i) Participants MUST attend(or have parent to represent them) every meeting and have on club shirt (if they have one)in order to earn two pounds and be eligible to fish that months tournament. If you will not be attending meeting or tournament call or email in advance. This will only be acceptable under certain circumstances.

(j) Anglers are only allowed to miss 3 regular scheduled tournaments to remain in club. Anglers must fish at least 5 of the regular scheduled club tournaments prior to the State Championship to be eligible to participate.

(k) A phone call will be made and an email will be sent prior to each tournament. It is your responsibility to make sure to respond so we know in advance if you will or will not be fishing. If you have not responded or spoken to the tournament director by the Monday prior to the tournament it will be assumed that you are not fishing and a boat will not be reserved for you. You will be ineligible to fish that months tournament. This is important to insure we have enough boat captains for each angler prior to the meeting.

(l) These tournaments will determine the Angler and Co-Angler of the year. Sportsman of the year will be voted on at the end of the year. The State Championship will be considered that months tournament and the weights will count towards your yearly total.

(m)Participants are to be respectful and courteous at all times.

(n) Drawing for boat captains will take place at the meeting prior to the tournament.

(o) Have fun, be safe and make sure to thank your boat captains.

PLEASE CHECK YOU EMAILS REGULARLY AND POST THE SCHEDULE ONCE IT IS PROVIDED TO YOU. THE WEBSITE SHOULD BE UPDATED ON A REGULAR BASIS SO IF ANY QUESTIONS ON DATES OR LAKES PLEASE CHECK THERE FIRST.

Thank you for your support!