Central New York Disc Golf Association

CNYDGA Club Bylaws

ARTICLE 1: Name

Section 1.01: The name of the club shall be Central New York Disc Golf Association, also known as CNYDGA.

ARTICLE 2: Mission/Purposes

Section 2.01: Mission

It is the mission of the Central New York Disc Golf Association to help grow the sport of disc golf in the greater Central New York area, by way of:

(a) Developing and maintaining challenging and safe disc golf courses that are appropriate to players of all skill levels

(b) Fostering a closer bond among the members for their joint and mutual benefit through the promotion of organized events

(c) Establishing positive relationships with nonplayers and the general community by maintaining high standards of course etiquette, safety and good sportsmanship

Section 2.02: Authority

The business and affairs of the CNYDGA shall be managed by its Board of Directors (BOD)

Section 2.03: Bylaws

The BOD shall adopt and revise its bylaws as the current BOD deems necessary to carry out the mission of the CNYDGA. Members of the CNYDGA will be given an opportunity to provide input regarding the bylaws before each revision is voted on, no later than seven (7) days prior to BOD vote.

Section 2.04: Non-Profit

CNYDGA shall be conducted as a non-profit organization. No portion of any profits nor a remainder from dues, donations, or sanctioned events to the CNYDGA shall benefit any individual member. Such funds will remain in a designated CNYDGA account, also known as the club benefit fund.

Section 2.05: Club Monies

The clubs financial assets and debts shall be made available to CNYDGA members at any given time.

Section 2.06: Earnings

No part of the net assets of CNYDGA shall benefit or be distributable to its BOD or members as earnings. However, BOD shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes of the CNYDGA mission.

Section 2.07: Property/Private Property

All items purchased with CNYDGA club monies are the property of CNYDGA until given as part of a membership or event. The private property of the BOD/Members of the CNYDGA shall not be subject to the payment of CNYDGA debts, nor shall its BOD/Members be subject to additional fees other than annual membership dues.

Section 2.08: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of CNYDGA shall begin on January 1st of each year and end on December 31st of each year, or on such other date as may be fixed by resolution of the BOD.

ARTICLE 3: Membership

Section 3.01: Types of Membership

There shall be three types of membership open to all persons interested and who subscribe to the purposes and objectives of the CNYDGA. All members shall receive proof of membership, announcements, and club benefits based on membership type. All memberships are singles memberships.

A. Local Members: Open to individuals, 18 years of age or over.

B. Non-Local Members: Open to individuals, 18 years of age or over.

C. Junior: Open to local individuals 8 to 17 years of age. (Not moving forward in 2020)

Section 3.02: Membership Dues

All membership dues must be paid in full to the treasurer by March 31st of the membership year to receive the membership players pack. The announcement of cost of annual dues will be made by January 31st of the current membership year for the following membership year. The CNYDGA Chairperson will complete a Membership Audit Form to be given to the CNYDGA Treasurer. The treasurer will audit membership monies and generate the Membership Audit Report. Both the Membership Audit Form and the Membership Audit Report will then be turned in to the CNYDGA Secretary for filing.

Section 3.03: Membership Term

All CNYDGA Club Memberships start on April 1st of the current calendar and end on March 31st of the following calendar year.

Section 3.04: Local Member Benefits

  1. Lifetime CNYDGA Membership number, CNYDGA Membership ID Pin
  2. Access to the CNYDGA Club Facebook page, where you will be able to have input on the goings on related to CNYDGA
  3. A vote in the following years board election. See ARTICLE 5 for additional information
  4. $5 off the registration fee for all current year CNYDGA Sanctioned events
  5. $2 off discs purchased from the CNYDGA Club Store (this does not include tournament payouts)

Section 3.05: Non-Local Member Benefits

  1. Lifetime CNYDGA Membership number, CNYDGA Membership ID Pin
  2. Access to the CNYDGA Club Facebook page; where you will be able to have input on the goings on related to CNYDGA
  3. $5 off the registration fee for all current year CNYDGA Sanctioned events
  4. $2 off discs purchased from the CNYDGA Club Store (this does not include tournament payouts)

Section 3.06: Junior Membership

1. Lifetime CNYDGA Membership number, CNYDGA Membership ID Pin

2. Access to current membership year’s Junior League and end-of-season Junior Tournament

3. $5 off the registration fee for all current year CNYDGA Sanctioned events

4. $2 off discs purchased from the CNYDGA Club Store (this does not include tournament payouts

Section 3.07: Membership Information

Each member shall fill out a form approved by the Board of Directors. The form shall mandate that the member agrees to abide by the CNYDGA Bylaws and the rules of the PDGA. The membership form shall include, but not be limited to the name, address, city, zip, phone number, E-mail, membership type, birth date, membership year, and signature of member. A receipt of all cash money will be given. Junior memberships must also be signed by a legal guardian.

Section 3.08: Termination of Membership

Membership in the CNYDGA may be terminated by the following:

  1. Resignation: Any member in good standing may resign from the club upon written notice to any BOD member.
  2. Lapsing: A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such membership is not renewed by March 31st of the following year. Persons with lapsed membership status may not vote at any club meeting nor receive any club privileges.
  3. Expulsion: A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VIII, Section 4 of this Constitution and Bylaws. Paid dues are not refundable.

ARTICLE 4: Board of Directors

Section 4.01: Definition of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall be comprised of five members elected by ballot through the CNYDGA Board Election held in December of each calendar year. BOD members will include Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, Communications Director/Secretary and Course Superintendent. These positions are meant to work in conjunction with each other, closely and cohesively, in order to grow the sport in the CNY region and maintain accountability and accuracy amongst each other.

Section 4.02: Board of Directors Term

Each of the five BOD position is for a term of two (2) calendar years starting the following calendar year of which year they were elected. Term would start on January 1st and end the subsequent calendar year on December 31st. (Since these are the inaugural bylaws, the positions of Treasurer and Course Superintendent will carry a (1) calendar year term; while the board positions of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Communications Director/Secretary will continue to carry the two (2) year term. **this to be removed from bylaws.**)

Section 4.03: Expectation of Board Members

Board members are to represent the members of CNYDGA inn good faith, for the betterment of disc golf in Central New York. Board members will place the club ahead of their own personal feelings and not represent CNYDGA in any way for personal gain.

Section 4.04: Chairperson Role and Responsibilities

Chair’s role is to ensure efficient, on mission, and professional operation of the CNYDGA to cultivate current and new relationships, help to find and champion appropriate goals, and be the final responsible party for the board and its duties.

Responsibilities:

1. Plan and lead board meetings:

a. Find and reserve meeting space

b. Gather agenda items, organize and present prior to meeting

c. Run the meeting in a timely manner

d. Assign action items based on meeting

e. Follow up and manage action items prior to deadlines

2. Oversee the annual operating, planning and compliance throughout the year:

a. Understand and verify the finances, working closely with the treasurer

b. When goals are missed, work with appropriate parties to correct the issue

c. Identify opportunities for CNYDGA to invest in the community and champion those efforts

d. Lead efforts to reassign budgets based on needs and performance throughout the year

e. Be forward thinking and plan beyond current fiscal year

3. Oversee finance reporting & expenditure approvals

a. Manage the expenditure approvals

b. Ensure expenditures are completed in timely manner

c. Ensure all directors and managers are compliant with reporting and request policies

4. Work in conjunction with directors in managing external contacts and maintaining presence in community, including but not limited to:

a. Relations with local and regional clubs

b. Relations with disc golf manufacturers

c. Relations with PDGA, Disc Golf Pro Tour, and other disc golf governance bodies

d. Attending CNYDGA events and being a recognizable face to the community, filling emcee role as needed

e. Ensuring quality of board’s external contact relationships (managed primarily by other directors)

5. Skills Needed:

Leadership, organized, project management, analytical thinking, self motivated, professional communication skills, Relationship management, of sound assumption and decision making (not sure “skills needed” really falls under bylaws – would be in favor of removing)

Section 4.05: Vice-Chairperson Role and Responsibilities

Vice-Chair’s role is to ensure efficient, on mission, and professional operation of CNYDGA, cultivate current and new relationships, and help to find and champion appropriate goals while being prepared to take up the mantle of Chair should the position go vacant.

Responsibilities:

1. Help Chairperson with general operations:

a. Point of contact for tournament directors

b. Make every effort to be physically present for all board meetings and participate in voting on issues and policies

c. Be prepared to handle the Chairperson’s roles if vacated

d. Provide payments, receipts, inventory and financial reporting as needed

e. Stay abreast of topics and issues concerning the CNYDGA

2. Be community point of contact for CNYDGA related issues:

a. Point of contact for tournament directors

b. Work closely with the community on active issues and problem-solving

c. Know who and where issues should be assigned as they arise

3. Lead local player initiative:

a. Support new event creation and turnout

b. Find and mentor potential new tournament directors and board members

4. Skills Needed:

Analytical thinking, root cause analysis, project management, of sound assumption and decision making, relationship management, and professional communication skills

Section 4.06: Communications Director/Secretary Role and Responsibilities

Communications Director/Secretary is to document the CNYDGA meetings and report those meeting minutes to the members via the club Facebook page. They are to promote CNYDGA events, announcements, information, and news to public, via, social media, CNYDGA website, and in-person. They are to help players in the community get information about our club, courses, leagues and events, as well as record the club history, with the assistance of individual event directors.

Responsibilities:

1. Manage CNYDGA meeting documentation:

a. During meetings take notes about all things discussed

b. Document beginning, end and votes for each meeting

c. Provide minutes to the board for review

2. Manage CNYDGA action items:

a. During the course of meetings, document actions items

b. Organize action items for board consumption

c. Update action items between meetings

3. Post events, announcements, information, and news to public via:

a. CNYDGA Facebook Page

b. CNYDGA website VIA webmaster

c. CNYDGA Calendar VIA google calendar

d. Social media sites and disc golf sites like discgolfscene

4. Oversee social media pages and website:

a. Patrol users posts for spam, unwanted content and inappropriate behavior/conduct

b. Post on behalf of CNYDGA directors, as needed

c. Assist in updating website

d. Update the club history and website quarterly

5. Skills Needed: Word processing, Basic Math, Live meeting documentation, Self motivated, Professional communication skills, Relationship management, of sound assumption and decision making

Section 4.07: Treasurer Role and Responsibilities

The Treasurer shall take account of and handle permissions for the funds and other properties of CNYDGA. The Treasurer shall monitor CNYDGA’s bank accounts and depositories, and shall render a periodic and annual account showing all transactions and the financial condition of CNYDGA. The Treasurer shall handle other duties that may from time to time be assigned by the Board or the Chairperson. Position cannot be held by any member of CNYDGA that currently runs any form of event or league where money is exchanged; this provides an added protection for the club’s financial interest.

Responsibilities:

1. Annual operating plan management:

a. Report quarterly and annual financial statements

b. Define and maintain expense-reporting policies and documents

c. Provide training for directors to appropriately follow the policies

2. Financial process and accounts:

a. Manage CNYDGA financial accounts while providing firectors necessary access to funds and payment methods for operations

b. Audit director forecasts, purchases and budgets; make recommendations as needed

c. Ensure all purchases and expenses are paid in full, according to the CNYDGA policies and/or vendor terms and conditions

d. Participate in voting on issues and policies, helping to shape our processes

e. Support the Tournament/League Directors with fundraising, strategies, and operations.

3. Skills Needed: Analytical thinking, root cause analysis, project management, of sound assumption and decision making, relationship management, professional communication skills

Section 4.08: Course Superintendent Role and Responsibilities

The Course Superintendent shall work with CNYDGA Board, league directors, and tournament directors to help clean up, design, and implement changes for the betterment of existing disc golf courses in Central NY. They shall do so while maintaining CNYDGA’s interest and relationships with parks partners. They shall also review and plan new courses as opportunities arise.

Responsibilities:

1. Recruit, train and support course promoters at each CNYDGA course:

a. Demonstrate safe completion of course maintenance tasks such as proper pruning techniques, drainage and soil compaction mitigation, pin rotation, target and padlock working order, tee sign upkeep

b. Discuss improvements to each hole on-course including course design concepts such as safety, skill-rated tees, consistency of par between pin positions, tweeners, score separation, elevated baskets, forest management, and erosion mitigation.

2. Collaborate with course promoters to build positive and trusting relationships with parks partners by demonstrating professionalism, responsibility and consistency with the board’s goals and vision:

a. Set and promptly attend regular meetings (at least annually) with parks partner, formulate agenda, and ensure follow through

b. Return phone calls and emails promptly and professionally, asking for and listening to parks partners’ goals, criticisms, and difficulties with the disc golf facility on their property

c. Conduct written correspondence on behalf of CNYDGA with parks partners, elected officials, funders, sponsors and course users

d. Represent CNYDGA at public meetings, hearings and recreation functions

3. Build relationships with parks partners, disc golf course equipment manufacturers, and regional disc golf clubs to manage and upgrade course equipment:

a. Work with parks partners and sponsors to improve course amenities such as bridges, benches, restrooms, and potable water

b. Develop relationships with disc golf course equipment manufacturers to procure championship-level course equipment

c. Consult with course developers in regional clubs and support their projects via means including but not limited to safety, course design, repurposed targets and tee sign equipment

4. Balance an annual budget:

a. Generate income by selling course equipment that is being replaced on older courses, as well as through hole and course sponsorships

b. Manage expenditures to provide course promoters with needed resources

5. Role on CNYDGA Board:

a. Make every effort to be physically present for all board meetings and participate in voting on issues and policies.

b. Work on projects related to role and desires

6. Skills Needed: Leadership, organized, project management, analytical thinking, self motivated, professional communication skills, relationship management, and of sound assumption and decision making

Section 4.09: Board Member Resignation

Any Board of Director may resign at any time by giving written notice to the remaining board. Such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of the notice or at a later specified time. Unless otherwise directed, no acceptance of the resignation is required.

Section 4.10: Board Member Removal

Cause for removing a board member includes:

  1. Acting unethically
  2. Holding a conflict of interest which had not previously been disclosed fully
  3. Taking actions that reflect negatively upon CNYDGA
  4. Failing to perform duties as described within these bylaws

There are two ways to remove a board member:

1. By unanimous vote of the other four (4) board members at any regularly scheduled meeting or by special meeting of the board, where all members were notified of meeting time and date

2. By a fifty-point zero one percent (50.01%) majority of voting members in which a vote is held at a special all-club meeting. All members would have to be made aware of the date and time of such a meeting so that anyone who wants to speak can.

Section 4.11: Board of Directors Vacancy

Any vacancy or vacancies in the Board because of death, resignation, or removal may be filled by a majority vote of remaining current board members. Each person so appointed shall be a director to serve for the balance of the unexpired term.

Section 4.12: Board of Directors Decisions

Decisions made by the board shall be considered binding for all members of CNYDGA.

Section 4.13: Veto of Board of Directors Decisions

Voting members in good standing may veto a decision made by the board with fifty-point zero one percent (50.01%) majority of the members signing a veto request and presenting it at a special meeting.

Section 4.14: Board of Directors Personal Liabilities

A director shall not be held personally liable for monetary damages of any action taken or any failure to take action unless the director has breached or failed to perform the duties of his or her office under these bylaws and the breach or failure to perform constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.

Section 4.15: Board of Directors General Powers

All directors of CNYDGA shall have authority to perform such duties in the management of the property and affairs of CNYDGA as 1/5th of the board as provided in these bylaws.

Section 4.16: Board of Directors Term Limits

There is no limit to the number of terms a board member may be elected to consecutively or separately.

Section 4.17: Board Committees

The board may, in its discretion, establish such committees as it may determine. Each ad hoc committee shall serve at the pleasure of the board, and no committee, except the Executive Committee if such committee is appointed, shall exercise any of the powers or authority vested by these bylaws. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report periodically to the board or as the board may otherwise direct.

ARTICLE 5: Election of Board Members

Section 5.01: Eligibility

For consideration to be included on the ballot for position on the upcoming board, voting member should consider the following suggested criteria in their decision:

1. Must be a current CNYDGA member

2. Provide a positive presence in the disc golf community; both locally and when travelling outside of the greater CNY area.

3. Willingness to participate in the creation of, or assistance with CNYDGA events; including, but not limited to tournaments, leagues, local charity and community outreach events.

4. Actively participate in course related work days and course maintenance, as set up by the active Board; individual efforts are appreciated, but do not substantiate participation.

Section 5.02: Nomination

Those members who meet the eligibility can then nominate themselves on the Official CNYDGA Club Facebook Nomination Post to be published December 1st of each calendar year. You may only nominate yourself for one (1) board member position in a calendar year. You will complete your nomination by providing the information directed in the post.

Section 5.03: Voting

All current CNYDGA local members are eligible to vote for the board members they feel will best represent the interest of CNYDGA. Voting will take place in person on dates that will be announced in the December 1st nomination Facebook/Website post. Additional voting methods may be considered and, if determined, would be announced a Facebook/Website post.

Section 5.04: Majority of Vote Wins

Winning board members will be those who receive a fifty-point zero one percent (50.01%) majority of the local members who cast a vote. Uncontested position will still be listed on the ballot for voting purposes.

ARTICLE 6: Meetings
Section 6.01: Regular Board of Directors Meetings

Regular Board of Directors meetings are scheduled by the Chairperson and should be held between one (1) and two (2) times per month, depending on CNYDGA. Chairperson will schedule, plan and distribute the meeting agenda, as well as secure a meeting location. Members should be given no less than seven (7) days’ notice and be provided an agenda no less than five (5) days before meeting. All meeting minutes then will be posted for CNYDGA Members on the Official CNYDGA Facebook Page no later than five (5) days after meeting.

Section 6.02: Special Board of Directors Meetings

Special Board of Directors Meetings can be called by any of the current board members. Said board member should then schedule, plan, and distribute the agenda, as well as secure the meeting location while giving fellow board members as much time as possible to be able to schedule their attendance. All meeting minutes then will be posted for CNYDGA Members on the Official CNYDGA Facebook Page no later than five (5) days after the meeting.

Section 6.03: Annual Local Members Meeting

The annual CNYDGA local members meeting is held the final Sunday of March. Chairperson will be responsible for providing an agenda for the meeting no later than seven (7) days before the meeting, securing a location and posting the details on the Official CNYDGA Facebook/Website page. At that meeting, all board members will direct their reports to the members in attendance. Financial reports will be disclosed and presented. The state of the club will be given by the Chairperson, presenting the current state of business as well as with the direction the club is going. Other business will be added to the agenda by board members or by CNYDGA Members. The meeting will close with an open-forum question-and-answer session.

Section 6.04: Quorum, Manner of Acting, and Adjournment

A majority of the directors entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Every director shall be entitled to one vote. Except as otherwise provided by statute or these bylaws, the acts of the directors present at a meeting shall be the acts of the full board. In the absence of a quorum, the directors present and voting may adjourn the meeting until a quorum is present. The directors shall act only as a board. Individual directors shall have no power as such, except that any action that may be taken at a meeting of the directors may be taken without a meeting, if consent in writing setting forth the action is signed by all the directors in office and filed with the Communications Director/Secretary.

Article 7: CNYDGA Sanctioned Tournaments

Section 7.01: Definition of CNYDGA Sanctioned Tournaments

Any disc golf tournament that has submitted a CNYDGA Sanctioned Tournament Request and has been approved by a majority vote of the BOD. An approved CNYDGA sanctioned tournament would have: permission to use CNYDGA logo, access to CNYDGA funds and deposit accounts, CNYDGA promotion including posts on the club Facebook page and website.

Section 7.02: Definition of PDGA Sanctioned Tournaments

Any approved CNYDGA sanctioned tournament can also be an approved PDGA event by completing the PDGA sanctioning agreement.

Section 7.03: Proposal to Host a CNYDGA Sanctioned Tournament

The proposal to host a CNYDGA sanctioned tournament should be submitted by the purposing tournament director (see Appendix A). The form should be submitted to the BOD no later than three (3) weeks prior to purposed tournament.

Section 7.04: Requirements and Responsibilities of Tournament Directors

Requirements:

  1. Be a current CNYDGA club member in good standing.
  2. Complete and submit the CNYDGA Tournament Request Form before announcing the tournament to the general population.
  3. Submit any cancellations or changes to an event in writing to the Board of Directors. The board may decide to remove CNYDGA support after any such submission.
  4. Use the CNYDGA PayPal account to collect all incoming event funds including, but not limited to player registrations, hole sponsorships, tournament sponsorships and ace pool.
  5. Submit any fund requests in writing to the board treasurer for payment of sanctioning fees, insurance rider, permits, and/or player pack items.
  6. Submit any applicable receipts to the board treasurer, along with completed Tournament Reconciliation Form, within seven (7) days of the conclusion of the tournament.
  7. In the case of a charity event, details must be indicated on the CNYDGA Tournament Request Form. The subsequent donation must be in the name of CNYDGA and the event name.
  8. Submit any remaining profits obtained the day of the event to the board treasurer including, but not limited to registrations, hole sponsors, tournament sponsors, CNYDGA Store, and raffle.

Responsibilities:

  1. Run the event with integrity and respect toward CNYDGA rules, finances, and competition, as well as the requests and guidelines of the venue.
  2. Secure permission from park management to set up the course including, but not limited to OB lines/flags, banners, tee signs and tournament central.
  3. All tournament-related items must be set up no more than two days prior to the event and taken down no more than two days after the event, or as required by the venue.
  4. Be responsible for the actions of any other person(s) who has been assigned a role, whether official or in a volunteer capacity.

Section 7.05: Accountability of all CNYDGA Club Funds

At the conclusion of the CNYDGA sanctioned tournament, a tournament audit will be performed by the CNYDGA Treasurer to assure all debits and credits align with the loss/profit of the tournament. Tournament Director Audit Form and the Treasurer Audit Report Form then will go to CNYDGA Communications Director/Secretary for filing.

Article 8: CNYDGA Sanctioned League

Section 7.01: Definition of CNYDGA Sanctioned League

A CNYDGA sanctioned league is any league that has applied to and been approved by the BOD. An approved CNYDGA sanctioned league would have: permission to use CNYDGA logo, access to CNYDGA funds and deposit accounts, CNYDGA promotion including posts on the club Facebook page and website.

Section 7.02: Proposal to Host a CNYDGA Sanctioned League

The proposal to run a CNYDGA league should be submitted by the purposing league director (see Appendix B). Should be submitted to the BOD no later than three (3) weeks prior to purposed start of league.

Section 7.03: Requirements and Responsibilities of League Directors

Requirements:
1. Be a current CNYDGA club member in good standing.

2. Complete and submit the CNYDGA League Request Form before announcing the league to the general population.

3. Weekly League Fee must be laid out for where the money will be used for, and include an one ($1) dollar per participant per week CNYDGA fee.

4. Complete a weekly League Reconciliation Form to the board treasurer weekly, within three (3) days of the conclusion of league night..

Responsibilities:
1. Run the event with integrity and respect toward CNYDGA rules, finances, and competition, as well as the requests and guidelines of the venue.
2. Be responsible for the actions of any other person(s) who has been assigned a role, whether official or in a volunteer capacity.

Section 7.04: Accountability of CNYDGA Sanctioned League Funds

All weekly paid leagues will have a weekly audit report to be filled out by the league director or by another CNYDGA member appointed by the league director. This shall be turned in to the CNYDGA Treasurer. Weekly paid leagues are subjected to at least one (1) random audit by the CNYDGA Treasurer and additional audits can occur as the BOD deems necessary. Seasonal leagues will be subjected to an audit by CNYDGA Treasurer at the conclusion of the league. At the conclusion of each league, a final league audit will be performed by CNYDGA Treasurer.

Article 9: Discipline

Section 1. Professional Disc Golf Association Suspension

Any member who is suspended from the privileges of the PDGA shall automatically have their membership with the CNYDGA reviewed by the BOD.

Section 2. Charges

Any member may infer charges against another member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the CNYDGA. Written charges with specifications must be filed with the Communications Director/Secretary. Indiscretions must have occurred within 30 days of the report. The Communications Director/Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the BOD or present them at a special meeting of the BOD. The BOD shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the CNYDGA. If the BOD considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the BOD entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of a hearing by the BOD no less than three weeks nor more than five weeks thereafter. The Communications Director/Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to the accused member with a notice, date/time of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant has the right to personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes. The hearing shall also appear on the agenda.

Section 3. Board of Directors Hearing

The BOD shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after the hearing, in which all the evidence and testimony is presented by the complainant and defendant, the BOD quorum may by a majority vote make recommendations for sanctioning (e.g. suspension of privileges or making appropriate restitution). The BOD may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing BOD monthly meeting which considers the BOD’s recommendation. Immediately after the BOD has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Communications Director/Secretary, who will post in appropriate communication avenues. The Communications Director/Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the BOD’s decision and penalty, if any.

Section 4. Expulsion

Expulsion of a member from the CNYDGA may be accomplished only at a meeting of the club following a BOD hearing and upon its recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. Such proceedings may occur at a regular or special meeting of the club to be held within 30 days, but not earlier than 14 days after the date of the BOD’s recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the right to appear on his/her own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The Communications Director/Secretary shall read the charges, along with the BOD’s findings and recommendations, and invite the defendant, if present, to speak on his/her own behalf if he/she wishes. The members at the meeting shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A four/fifths vote of those present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the BOD’s punishment shall stand.

Article 10: General Provisions

Section 10.01: Seal

The club logo shall be considered the seal of approval of all related sponsoring. The club logo shall not be displayed on any item without the consent of the board. Thusly the logo may not be used in conjunction with activities not approved by the CNYDGA via express direction from the BOD,or an authorized member so appointed by the BOD.

Section 10.02: Contracts

Except as otherwise provided in these bylaws, the board may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract or to execute or deliver any instrument on behalf of CNYDGA. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 10.03: Interpretation

Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used herein shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural and vice versa.

Section 10.04: Amendment of Bylaws

These bylaws may be amended, repealed and added to by a BOD majority vote in office at any annual, regular or special meeting. Notice of the proposed amendment, repeal or new bylaws shall be given in writing not less than ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Such notice shall state the proposed change and the reason(s) for the proposed amendment.

Section 10.05: Deposits

All funds of CNYDGA shall be deposited in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the board may approve or designate. Such funds shall be withdrawn only upon checks signed by such one or more officers or employees, as the board shall designate. All approved tournaments and leagues can deposit tournament/league fees into the CNYDGA account that are credited to the depositing tournament/league until conclusion of the league and final audit.

Section 10.06: Treasurer Audit

An audit of our Treasurer accounts will be performed three (3) times during the calendar year: once by the Vice-Chairperson on a scheduled date to be determined by the Vice-Chairperson and the Treasurer, once by the Chairperson on a random date selected by the Chairperson, and once by the BOD at the end-of-calendar year board meeting. All Audit Report Forms will be sent to the Communications Director/Secretary for filing.

Article 11: Course Maintenance and Modification

Section 11.01: Definition of General Course Maintenance

General course maintenance is that course maintenance that doesn’t add to or change the course as it currently is. General course maintenance includes, but is not limited to: mowing, raking, weeding, removal of downed branches/trees, removal of overgrowth effecting course play as intended.

Section 11.02: Definition of Course Modification

Course modification is any work that directly changes how the course plays, additions to the course, as well as removals to the course. Course modifications include but are not limited to: moving tee pads, moving baskets, removal of any standing trees, adding to the course (signs / hooks / benches / bridges / walkways, etc.). If a member is unsure if what he/she wants to do is course modification, please check with the CNYDGA Course Superintendent for guidance.

Section 11.03: Application to Conduct Course Modification

An application for all work that is considered as course modification needs to be submitted and approved a majority of the BOD. Once approved, the Course Superintendent will act as the liaison between the work being completed and the BOD, and may need to be directly involved with the work. The approved/denied application will then be given to the Communications Director/Secretary for filing.

Section 11.04: Conclusion of Course Modification Report

Once the scope of the approved course modification is completed, a Course Modification Report of the work will be filled out and submitted to the Course Superintendent. The Course Superintendent will check the work and complete their section of the report. The report will then be given to the Communications Director/Secretary for filing.

Article 12: Dissolution

Section 12.01: Act of Dissolution

Upon dissolution of CNYDGA, no assets shall be distributed to its directors or officers or other private persons. In the event of CNYDGA’s dissolution, termination or liquidation, the board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all corporate liabilities and after provision is made for the disposition of any property committed to charitable purposes, transfer and convey the remaining assets to another charitable organization consistent with CNYDGA’s mission provided. However, that such organization shall qualify within the meaning of §501(c)(3) of the Code or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal tax law.