Low Country Contest Club
Constitution
Preamble:
We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester Counties, SC, commonly interested in Amateur Radio contesting, constitute ourselves the Low Country Contest Club. It shall be our purpose to further the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote Amateur Radio Contesting knowledge, fraternalism and individual operating as to advance the general and contesting interest and welfare of Amateur Radio in the community. All Low Country Contest Club members are strongly encouraged to join a local radio club.Membership: Article I
All Amateur Radio Operators living in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester Counties, SC, interested in Amateur Radio contesting shall be eligible for “Regular” membership.Amateur Radio Operators living outside Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester Counties, SC may also join if they live for at least one month in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester Counties, SC. They shall be deemed “Associate Members”.
At least a General Class license is encouraged for all memberships. Membership shall be by email application and election upon such terms as the club shall provide in its By-Laws.
Associate Members may vote but not hold office.
To remain in good standing, both Regular and Associate members shall submit at least one Club Competition Contest Score (as defined by ARRL and CQ) per year to remain as a member.
Officers: Article II
Sec. 1. The officers of this club shall be President/Secretary and Vice-President/Treasurer.Sec. 2. The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of two years by ballot of the members present, provided there be a quorum, at the annual meeting.
Sec. 3. Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by a special election at a regular or specifically scheduled meeting following the withdrawal or resignation.
Sec. 4. Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the membership.
Duties of Officers: Article III
Sec. 1. The President shall preside at all meetings, and conduct them according to the rules adopted. He/she shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By-Laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents adopted by the club, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President.Sec. 2. The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence. In addition, he/she shall help organize club activities, plan and recommend contests for operating benefits, and advance club interest and activity as approved by the club.
Sec. 3. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings, keep a roll of members, submit membership applications, carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting, and email meeting notices to each member. At the expiration of his/her term he/she shall turn over all items belonging to the club to his/her successor.
Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all monies paid to the club; keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended; pay no bills without proper authorization (by the club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the end of each year he/she shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. At the end of his/her term he/she shall turn over everything in his/her possession belonging to the club to his/her successor.
Meetings: Article IV
The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum of one-third of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Most business will be conducted via email.All members, Regular and Associate, are required to attend at least 50% of the regular meetings, or risk possible dropping from the club roles. For the purposes of this requirement only, attendance of a special meeting can be substituted for a regular meeting, if only one regular meeting was held during the calendar year.
Dues: Article V
The club, by majority vote of those present at any regular meeting, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization. Non-payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the club within the discretion of the membership.Membership Assistance: Article VI
The club will provide technical advice to members concerning equipment design and operation to assist in frequency observance, clean signals, uniform practice, and absence of spurious radiations from club member-stations.Amendments: Article VII
This constitution or By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted via email to all members and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by email of the intent to amend the constitution and/or By-Laws at said meeting.Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.
By-Laws:
1. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and By-Laws of the club and have the same with him/her at every meeting. He/she shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.2. Membership. Applications for membership shall be submitted by email to an officer.
3. Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held at least yearly. Special meetings may be called by the President via email upon an email request of any five club members. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted. Only such business as designated shall be transacted. Such notices shall be sent so that they arrive not less than three days before the meeting.
4. Dues. There are no dues.
5. Expectation. Low Country Contest Club members are encouraged to subscribe to the National Contest Journal, CQ magazine, join ARRL, and provide public service at the request of the County EOC and/or a local, general purpose, club.
6. Contesting. To remain in good standing, Low Country Contest Club members are expected to enter at least one ARRL or CQ Club Competition Contest per year and to indicate on the Cabrillo log under the club line, Low Country Contest Club.
Thomas L. Evans, NA4U - President/Secretary
Melvin G. Seyle Jr, W4MEL - Vice President/Treasurer
