Revised-November 13, 2002

Lincoln Park Archers, Inc.

Bylaws

INDEX

                                                                                                                                    PAGE

HISTORY                                                                                                                   B

 

ARTICLE I                  Name                                                                                       1

 

ARTICLE II                 Object                                                                                      1

 

ARTICLE III               Method                                                                                    1

 

ARTICLE IV               Affiliations                                                                                2

 

ARTICLE V                Body                                                                                        2

 

ARTICLE VI               Requirement of Membership                                                     2-6

 

ARTICLE VII              Disciplinary Action                                                                    6-8

 

ARTICLE VIII Meetings                                                                                  8,9

 

ARTICLE IX               Events                                                                                      9

 

ARTICLE X                Fees and Dues                                                                          9,10

 

ARTICLE XI               Dissolution of the Club                                                  10

 

ARTICLE XII              Moratorium                                                                              10

 

ARTICLE XIII Junior Membership                                                                   11

 

ARTICLE XIV            Life and Honorary Membership                                                12

 

ARTICLE XV              Leave of Absence                                                                     12

 

ARTICLE XVI            Furlough                                                                                   12,13

 

ARTICLE XVII           Bylaws                                                                         13

 

ARTICLE XVIII          Terms of Offices, Elections and Oaths                           14

 

ARTLCIE XIX            Duties of Officers                                                                      15,16

 

ARTICLE XX              Committees                                                                              16

 

ARTICLE XXI            Voting                                                                                      16

 

 

A

 

 

 

HISTORY

 

            In either 1955 or 1956, no one is quite sure now, which, a small group of dedicated bowhunters started meeting at each other’s houses in the Lincoln Park area. New Jersey had a newly established bow season and these bowmen were interested in adding to their meager knowledge and in meeting others who had their same interest. This group of 18 to 20 men formed the core of what was to soon become the Lincoln Park Archers.

            After two years of meeting in each other’s houses, they started to have scheduled meetings at Henry’s Café in Lincoln Park and upon the adoption of the first set of Bylaws on June5, 1958 formally became the Lincoln Park Archers. The Club met at Henry’s and had the use of a piece of land off of Indian Lane in Towaco for a range, which the Charter Members Built.

            The Club expanded to 50 members in 1960 and at about that same time acquired the right to build a range on the YMCA property at Camp Dawson. At first, the club was only allowed to use this location once a week and not at all on weekends. The meetings were held in the upstairs portion of the barn, which was not insulated nor heated. This did not stop the club from growing and before very long the YMCA became aware of the value of having the club on their property. They extended the times we could use the range and before long there were no limits and the club added the bathrooms to the barn and started having sanctioned shoots. To make things better the club moved itself downstairs and then had the barn heated for meetings and indoor shooting.

            The club has purchased a tractor for the YMCA to help in the maintenance of the grounds.

            The membership was again expanded in 1971 to the current limit of 75 members because of the size of the ranges and the work that is needed to maintain this organization.

            We, the Lincoln Park Archers, have hosted several State Championships and Bowhunter Festivals and further hold the attendance records for both of these events. The club has been and is the home of some of the finest archers and best bowhunters in the East and will continue to be with the dedicated and unselfish help of each of our current members.

            We owe it to those that preceded us as members to at least maintain it and if possible to improve it.

 

                        Original Bylaws adopted by the Charter Members on

                                                JUNE 5, 1958

 

                                                Charter Officers

 

                                    President                                  George McCabe

                                    Vice-President                          William Becker, Sr.

                                    Secretary                                  Edward Gallagher

                                    Treasurer                                  Anthony Barile

                                    Corresponding

                                                Secretary                      Marion M. Boggess

 

 

 

 

 

B

Article I

Name

 

1.         The name of this organization shall be, “Lincoln Park Archers, Inc.”

 

Article II

Object

 

1.                  The object of this organization, the Lincoln Park Archers, Inc., herein referred to as the “Club” shall be the encouragement of Archery as a recreation and safe, sporting method of hunting.

 

2.                  It shall be the purpose of this club to:

 

A.                 Encourage, teach and perpetuate the practice of field archery in the spirit of good sportsmanship among all people.

 

B.                 Encourage and teach the proper, safe and legal use of the bow and arrow in sport hunting of all legal fish, birds and animals. Adhering to the rules of “Fair Chase”.

 

C.                 Cooperate with all wildlife and conservation organizations in the proper management and protection of all game and non-game animal, bird or fish.

 

D.                 Maintain a field archery course and conduct field shoots and games in accordance with the rules of the National and State Archery Associations. Also to be used for any other event deemed in the interest of the club.

 

Article III

Method

 

1.                  This club will be guided by democratic principles in elections and voting of issues.

 

2.                  Meetings will be held in accordance with the guidelines of “Robert’s Rules of Order”, and conducted in an orderly fashion on an agenda outline by the president or his designate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

Article IV

Affiliations

 

1.                  The required affiliations of the Lincoln Park Archers, Inc. are:

 

A.                 The National Field Archery Association.

 

B.                 The New Jersey State Field Archery Association.

 

(And any other organization the membership votes to support.)

 

Article V

Body

 

1.                  The body of the club shall consist of 150 regular, probationary, associated members, and members on leave of absence or furlough, exclusive of spouses of the members. As many “Life” and “Honorary” members as are elected by the membership. Also, not more than 25 junior members.

 

A.                 The only time the set limit of 150 regular members may be exceeded is if a junior member should reach their 18th birthday and there is no open membership. They automatically become a regular member upon payment of full initiation fees and dues. And will be carried as such on the rolls until a membership is opened and at that time the total body shall return to 150.

 

Article VI

Requirements of Membership

 

1.                  Membership shall be open to all residents of the United States, who have passed their 18th birthday and who are willing to abide by the requirements of membership.

 

2.                  A prospective member, whether regular, junior, associate, life or honorary must be sponsored by an active member in good standing.

 

A.                 Prospective member must fill out an application for membership and turn it in at a regular meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

1.                  The Membership Committee shall contact the proposed member for an interview.

 

A.                 The Membership Committee will submit their recommendation at the regular meeting when the proposed member is considered for probationary status.

 

B.                 The proposed member must be present at the meeting to be considered for probationary membership.

 

C.                 The proposed member who has been on the waiting list the longest that is present at the meeting when a membership becomes open shall be considered first.

 

D.                 Acceptance as a regular member is voted on at the regular meeting after a 1 year probationary period.

 

1.                  The requirements of a probationary member are the same as those of a regular member with two exceptions:

 

A.                 A probationary member has a vote, but no vote in the business of the club.

 

B.                 A probationary member must note next to their name on each attendance sheet that they are a probationary member.

 

1.                  At the end of the 1 year probationary period: Key after 6 months

 

A.                 The probationary member is reviewed as to their fulfillment of the requirements of membership and brought to a vote of the regular members at the regular meeting.

 

B.                 The membership may, with special reason and after a review, extend the probationary period up to 6 more months. (This is allowed only once.)

 

C.                 Probationary member to be voted on must be present at this meeting.

 

D.                 A majority of the regular members present is needed for acceptance or rejection. (Vote is by hand count.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

1.                  All members of this club are required to hold a current National Field Archery Association regular Membership and New Jersey State Field Archery Association card.

 

(This requirement applies to Life and Honorary members who take part in any archery activity.)

 

2.                  All regular and probationary members are required to attend at least 1 meeting per quarter. A member who wishes to be excused from attending meetings must make a request in writing and renew it quarterly.

(Club year begins with swearing in of officers.)

 

A.                 All regular and probationary members are required to attend at least 2 work parties in a year (exclusive of the Bowhunter’s Roundup). A work party is defined as one, which is called by the President for participation of the entire membership. A log will be kept by the Vice-President of the attendance of each work party.

 

B.                 Any member who has a total of 6 unexcused absences in any club year is to be reviewed by the Club officers and a recommendation made at the next meeting.

 

1.                  Each regular and probationary member shall be assigned a target or targets by the range chairman. The target or targets are to be maintained in good shooting condition at all times. Good shooting conditions are defined as follows:

 

Field Range:

 

1.                  The pathway leading from the previous target to the assigned target shall be kept clear of obstruction and in a safe walking condition. This includes bridges where necessary.

 

2.                  The shooting positions as well as the area to the rear or at the side of the shooting stakes shall be kept clear of obstructions and in a safe condition for two groups of archers (8 people) to occupy it without being in front of a shooting stake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

3.                  Maintenance of the shooting area to include bow racks for a minimum of four bows; bench seats for four people where possible, the target number and yardage clearly posted and the shooting positions staked.

 

4.                  Shooting lanes are to be clear of obstruction for maximum shooting clearance and safety.

 

5.                  Maintenance of the target includes: The upkeep of the butt itself, including roof, bales, wires, bases, rubber facing and any bracing needed. In addition, a bow rack for four bows will be mounted as near as possible to the side of the butt. A directional arrow will be mounted on or within plain sight from the butt to guide unfamiliar archers to the next target. The area at the front and in the rear of each target shall be kept clear of undergrowth in proportion to the yardage of the target. Use of backstops shall be determined by the conditions that prevail and with range chairman’s approval only.

 

Maintenance of ranges will be monitored by the range chairman.

 

When a problem is noticed the range chairman will notify the member or members involved, in writing. Corrections shall be made before the next regular meeting or fines will be imposed. Fine $10 per month until corrected.

 

(It is each member’s duty to report damage on range to range chairman.)

 

1.                  All members are required to sign the attendance sheet at each meeting, work party, shoot or other activity of the club.

 

A.                 Attendance sheet must be provided by the club secretary or the chairman of the activity.

 

B.                 These sheets will be turned in to the Membership Committee to determine fulfillment of requirements.

 

Committee and officer meetings and limited member voluntary activities are exempt from this requirement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

1.                  The president has the right to call a special meeting or work party whenever they deem it necessary, or upon the request of a standing committee.

 

A.                 Special meetings or work parties are a part of normal club activities for attendance requirements.

 

B.                 Any special assignment may be moderated by a call to the president, vice-president or chairman of the committee involved. The assignment may be changed, excused or time adjusted.

 

If excused the officer or chairman will note the attendance sheet.

 

1.                  Members are expected to fulfill any voluntary commitment that they make – without reminder of the club.

 

2.                  All members are required to obey all hunting and fishing laws.

 

ALL MEMBERS NOT EXEMPTED BY CURRENT STATUS ARE EXPECTED TO FULFILL THESE REQUIREMENTS OR:

 

1.                  REQUEST A CHANGE OF MEMBERSHIP STATUS.

 

2.                  RESIGN THEIR MEMBERSHIP.

 

1.                  Any action by a member which jeopardizes the clubs affiliation with the YMCA will be subject to disciplinary action.

 

Article VII

Disciplinary Action

 

1.                  Club Interest: Any member, officer, or committee may ask the club review the membership of a member that has not acted or is not acting in the best interest of the club. Reason for this action must be stated.

 

A.                 The member to be voted on must be notified of this action and the reason, also, the date of the vote. The member will be allowed to state their position at the meeting before the vote is taken. But the member is not required to be present at the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

B.                 The members by a majority vote of those present at a regular meeting may: By secret written vote:

 

1.      EXCUSE.

2.         PUT ON PROBATION 3 TO 6 MONTHS *

(all rights – no vote)

3.         SUSPEND FOR 3 TO 6 MONTHS **

(no rights – no vote)

4.         EXPEL FROM CLUB

 

* This type of probation member automatically resumes regular membership at end of specified time.

** Suspended member at the end of the suspension must be voted on by membership at regular meeting (voice or arm vote) to reinstall as a probationary or regular member or expel from the club. (Member need not be present for vote.)

 

2.         Any member who does not fulfill the requirements of membership as stated herein is subject to:

 

A.     Review of Membership Committee – Membership committee will review member’s past record in the club and make recommendation to the membership at next regular meeting.

MAY RECOMMEND:

a.                   No action.

b.                  Excuse – good reason.

c.                   Change of membership status. *

d.                  3 months probation.

e.                   Membership review.

*          Change of status to moratorium, leave of absence, or furlough. (VOTE – On membership committee recommendation is by voice or arm.)

 

B.   Membership Review – Is conducted by the Membership Chairman at a regularly scheduled meeting on the floor.

1.                  Member or members being reviewed have the right to address the floor before the vote is taken.

2.                  Floor will be open to members for discussion before the vote is taken.

 

Vote – Is by secret written ballot, or arm vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

A.                 Membership may vote to:

a.                   EXCUSE.

b.                  PUT ON PROBATION FOR 3 TO 6 MONTH *

c.                   SUSPENSION FOT 3 TO 6 MONTHS *

d.                  EXPEL

 

* Same terms and conditions as stated in club interest.

 

3.         Any member who is convicted of a game law or hunting violation is subject to automatic membership review.

 

4.         Any member who is disqualified from a field archery event for a deliberate violation of the rules is subject to automatic membership review.

 

5.         Any member who kills, wounds, or catches any animal, fish or bird on the endangered or protected species list will be reviewed by the membership

 

6.         Any member who after being notified they are 3 months in arrears of their monthly dues, or fines, does not correct this condition by the next regular meeting or request a change of membership status, shall be subject to a review of the Membership Committee.

 

7.                  Any member expelled from the club shall be refunded only those dues paid in advance of the current year.

 

8.                  Any member expelled shall be notified by mail and advised they are expected to surrender to the club; all property, membership cards, bylaws, etc., belonging to the club.

 

9.                  Any member not attending a work party without an excuse shall be fined a sum of $25 for each work party not attended. An excused absence is defined as a phone call to an officer explaining why he cannot attend.

 

10.              Any member not attending a scheduled shoot without an excuse shall be fined a sum of $50 for each shoot not attended. An excused absence is defined as a phone call to an officer explaining why he cannot attend.

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