CONSTITUTION OF THE
UNIVERSITY SOUTH ALABAMA SAILING CLUB
FOREWORD
The purpose of the University of South Alabama Sailing Club is to promote the sport of sailing, both competitively, and socially among students and faculty of the University.
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this Club shall be the University of South Alabama Sailing Club.
ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP
To be eligible for membership one must either be a student or a faculty member of the University of South Alabama. Membership dues must be paid annually and liability waivers must be renewed annually.
ARTICLE III – OFFICERS & BOARD
Section 1.
The officers of the club shall be Commodore, Vice Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer, and Team Captain. The Board of Advisors shall consist of two University of South Alabama faculty members, two Buccaneer Yacht Club members, and the Commodore of the University of South Alabama Sailing Club.
Section 2.
The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present at each annual meeting. If any office becomes vacant the Commodore shall fill it by appointment. Elections shall be held at the first meeting in April of each year. Nominations will be called for in the two March meetings and can be made during the first April meeting as well. Buccaneer Yacht Club shall choose two advisors. Two faculty advisors shall be chosen by the membership of the Club. No officer shall serve more than two consecutive one-year terms in the same official capacity. There are no term limits for Board members.
Section 3.
The Board may, by a 4/5 vote, suspend or expel a member of the Club for conduct it may deem dangerous to the welfare, interest, or character of the Club, or remove any Officer or Board member from office for willful neglect of the duties of the office as defined herein.
Section 4.
The Commodore shall preside at all General Membership Meetings of the Club, and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. As Executive Officer, the Commodore shall carry out the policies laid down by the Board of Advisors. The Commodore shall have general supervision of the Club property and activities. The Commodore shall represent the Club at SGA, Southeastern Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (SEISA) meetings, and all other association meetings, or appoint someone to do so. The Commodore shall appoint the Chairman for each committee.
The Vice-Commodore shall assist the Commodore in the discharge of duties of the office, and, in the Commodore’s absence, shall act as Commodore. In case of a vacancy in the office of Commodore, the Vice-Commodore shall act until a new Commodore is elected. The Vice-Commodore will also reserve the SGA van and hotel room(s) as needed for regattas.
The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings and shall handle and preserve all correspondence of and to the Club.
The Treasurer, under the direction of the Advisory Board, shall oversee the collection of all dues, penalties, and monies due the Club and shall confirm the deposit of these funds into the Treasury keeping account thereof. The Treasurer shall with the Acting Commodore, sign all written contracts, and obligation of the Club. All funds collected shall be deposited within 7 days to the bank. Either the Treasurer, or the Commodore shall sign all checks. The Treasurer shall furnish the Advisory Board with a financial statement, showing detailed information when and as requested.
The Team Captain shall be fully authorized to act for the safety and care of Club-owned boats and equipment and shall establish and enforce regulations governing the use of Club-owned boats for racing and pleasure purposes. The Team Captain shall maintain accurate record of Club races, results, and boat check out by Club members. The Team Captain will also be responsible for all communications with SEISA as well as confirming with the hosting school for all regattas.
The documentary files of the Officers and Committee Chairmen shall, at the close of their respective terms of office be submitted to the Secretary of the Club for custody and preservation.
ARTICLE IV- COMMITTEES
Section 1.
The Club Committees will be: FUNDRAISING, COMMUNICATIONS, and ACTIVITIES.
Section 2.
The Chairman shall select each Committee. The Commodore shall appoint each Chairman. Committees shall be created and dissolved at the Commodore’s discretion.
ARTICLE V- VESSELS
Section 1.
Every club member upon completion of a boating safety class, and an introduction to sailing class will have full access to any club vessel. The Team Captain can waive this rule for any member deemed able and capable due to experience.
Section 2.
No more than two guests may accompany a club member checking out a boat. All guests must sign a liability waiver before setting foot on any Club vessel. A log will be kept by the Team Captain of names, dates, departure, and arrival times.
ARTICLE VI- SAILING TEAM
Section 1.
The name of this team shall be the University of South Alabama Sailing Team.
Section 2.
The Team’s mission is to represent the University of South Alabama in SEISA, and the Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA).
Section 3.
Team members will be selected by experience and ability. Try outs will be held to aid in team selection.
Section 4.
The Board must approve a volunteer coach. The Coach and Team Captain are responsible for racing schedules, practices, try-outs, and team selection. The Coach and Team Captain are also responsible for understanding rules, regulations, and eligibility requirements for the SEISA and the ICSA.
Section 5.
The Board with the addition of the Coach will govern the Team. Team members and the volunteer Coach will be held accountable to the same rules and standards as any other Club member with the exception of vessel check out.
Section 6.
Team members will have priority use of one-design college racing class vessels. The Coach and or Team Captain shall submit a proposed practice schedule to the members at the start of each semester.
ARTICLE VII – CODE OF CONDUCT
Section 1.
All members are subject to the University of South Alabama Code of Conduct, Buccaneer Yacht Club Code of Conduct, and the Gulf Yachting Association Code of Conduct.
Section 2.
Violation of any one of these three Codes of Conduct shall result in being brought before the Advisory Board for disciplinary action. Suspension or expulsion can result. Disciplinary action is solely at the discretion of the Board.
ARTICLE VIII – DEBTS
All debts and dues owed the Club must be paid by semesters end. If debts and dues are not paid membership will be considered delinquent and membership rights and privileges revoked.
ARTICLE IX – MEETING PROCEDURE
Section 1.
Meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. The Commodore will preside over the meetings.
Section 2.
The order of the meeting shall consist of the following; (Com.) call to order, (Sec.) minutes from previous meeting, (Open) old business, reports from Activities Chairman, Communications Chairman, Fundraising Chairman, Team Captain, Treasurer, and Commodore, (Open) upcoming events, new business, motion to adjourn, meeting adjourned.
Section 3.
Ten members present shall constitute a quorum at any regular or special membership meeting. A majority vote at any regular, or special meeting shall decide all questions except where otherwise specified in the Constitution.
ARTICLE X – RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUCCANEER YACHT CLUB and UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA SAILING CLUB
ARTICLE XI – CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
The Constitution of the Club may be amended by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at any meeting, provided however, notice of not less than 30 days of the proposed amendment, together with the phrasing thereof, shall be announced and provided in written form.
10/17/04 by Karl Kleinschrodt and Christoph Jung