By

Code of Rules: These Bylaws constitute the code of rules adopted by the Nations Capitol Bass Federation, Inc. for the regulation and management of its affairs.

Section 2.

Purpose and Powers: The Nations Capitol Bass Federation, Inc., hereafter referred to as the federation, consisting of affiliated chapters of The Bass Federation, Inc. (TBF,Inc.) shall have the purpose and powers as may be stated in the Articles of Incorporation, and such powers as are now or may be granted by law. Additional purposes and objectives are:

To promote and support approved conservation policies, practices and measures, preservation of aquatic resources and improvements of ecological and environmental conditions on regional, state and local levels.
Promote the practice of high standards of sportsmanship and conservation measures among the membership.
Provide the State Department of Natural Resource(s) moral, political, material support and encouragement.
Promote improvement of bass angling skills and conservation awareness to the membership through fellowship, the friendly exchange of techniques and ideas and the conduct of Federation-sponsored bass fishing events and conservation projects.
Encourage youth fishing, promote and conduct youth fishing activities by the Federation's bass chapters and within budgetary allocations, provide funding and material assistance in the implementation of approved youth activities.
To conduct bass fishing tournaments to determine the members who will make-up the Federation's Team and represent the Federation during The Bass Federation, Inc. sponsored tournaments.
Within funding and budgeting limitations and reviewed annually, provide funding for the Federation Team's participation in TBF, Inc. sponsored regional and national tournaments as may be required.

Article II

Location of Federation

Section 1.

Geographical: This Federation shall consist of those chapters whose office of record and majority of members are domiciled in the District of Columbia and Metropolitan Area including but not limited to the States of Maryland and Virginia.

Section 2.

Principal Office: The principal office and business address of this organization shall be the same as that of the Federation's President.

Article III

Membership

see Amendment 1 , Amendment 2

Section 1.

Definition of Membership: The members of this Federation are those persons and organizations having membership rights in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.

Section 2.

Categories of Membership: This Federation shall have two categories of membership:

Individual - Persons who are members in good standing of The Bass Federation, Inc. and who are also members in good standing of TBF, Inc. chapter affiliates of this Federation.
Organizational - Bass chapters affiliated with both TBF, Inc. and this Federation.

Section 3.

Chapter Affiliation: Membership in this Federation shall be acquired only by bass chapters who meet the following prerequisites:

One Hundred percent (100%) of the chapter's individual membership shall be in good standing of the TBF, Inc. and all members agree to participate in no less than two thirds (2/3) of the Federation sponsored community and conservation projects. Failure to meet these requirements the individual will be dropped from the chapter's roster.
Individual membership in the chapter shall consist of six (6) or more members. Failure to maintain the minimum requirement the chapter shall be dropped from the Federation's roster.
Chapter shall be an affiliate of TBF, Inc. or, is otherwise qualified and the TBF, Inc. confirms that affiliation has been requested and is pending.
Upon application for affiliation, chapter provides the Federation with a current membership roster and any fees as may be required.
Failure to maintain any of these prerequisites may render a chapter not in membership standing.

Section 4.

Continuation: Chapter affiliation in this Federation shall be on a continuing basis provided:

Chapter members have completed two thirds (2/3) of the Federation sponsored projects and tournaments, and have attended no less than twenty five percent (25%)=(1 meeting) of the Federation President conferences from the prior year.
Chapter maintains current its affiliation with the TBF, Inc.
Chapter complies with the requirements for representation at quarterly Federation President conferences of no less one hundred percent (100%)=(4 meetings) from prior year.
Chapter's individual membership is maintained at six (6) or more.
Chapter maintains current the names, addresses and phone numbers of its members and officers with the Federation.
Pays any fees or dues to the Federation.

Section 5.

Bass Chapter Representation: Each bass chapter, which is in good standing with and maintains active its affiliate status with this Federation, shall have a member who shall serve on the Board of Presidents. Such members shall:

Be an elected or appointed official of the chapter he/she represents.
Represent the membership of their chapter and convey the business of that membership and in turn, relay the business of both the Board of Presidents and the Executive Board.
In addition to the chapter representative, bass chapters may appoint alternate representatives who meet the membership requirements as stated in the above, and allow said representative to represent the chapter at Federation meetings and functions. Alternate representatives may be appointed to fill unexpired terms of office of a chapter representative should a position be vacated for any reason.

Section 6.

Withdrawal From Membership: Any bass chapter may withdrawal from membership, after fulfilling all of its obligations to the Federation, and by giving notice in writing to the Secretary. Chapters that fail to renew membership by the deadlines established herein shall be considered inactive and, unless effort is made to notify the Executive Board of an attempt to reorganize, shall be dropped from the rolls.

Section 7.

Forfeiture of Membership:

Chapters in violation of Article III Section 4 may be dropped from membership.
Bass chapters may be removed from membership for reasons stated above and for cause by two thirds (2/3) vote, with a quorum present of the Executive Board, and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment, the Board considers such action to be in the best interest of the Federation.
Individual membership in the Federation is forfeited concurrent with cessation of the individual's bass chapter membership in the Federation.
Individuals may be denied participation in Federation sponsored activities by a two thirds vote, with a quorum present of the Executive Board for cause, and after opportunity to be heard, whenever, in its judgment, the Board may consider such action to be in the best interests of the Federation. For flagrant reasons, the Board may recommend removal of the individual from the chapter membership. Affirmation shall remove the individual from membership in the Federation.

Section 8.

Reinstatement of Membership

Membership in this Federation that was terminated by withdrawal action may be reinstated by showing compliance with the prerequisites set forth in Section 3 of this Article III (Membership/Chapter Affiliation).
Membership in this Federation that was terminated under Section 6, this Article III (Membership/Withdrawal from Membership), may be reinstated by showing compliance with Section 3, this Article III (Membership/Chapter Affiliation) and by majority vote, with a quorum present of the Executive Board.

Section 9.

Rights and Privileges: The bass chapters and the chapter's membership comprise this Federation. As members of this Federation they are entitled to all rights and privileges and subject to all obligations to which membership in The Bass FEDERATION, Inc. implies. Unless otherwise limited by provision:

Individual rights shall include eligibility to seek (nominated and upon acceptance of the nomination) if otherwise qualified, any office in this Federation and the right to vote on all matters requiring a vote of the individual membership in an affiliate chapter of this Federation, active participation in Federation activities and a conduct reflecting a favorable image of the bass chapter and Federation in the community.
The bass chapters shall have representation on the Board of Presidents with the rights and obligations that such representation shall entail, the right to vote at Board of Presidents meetings; the right to participate in Federation sponsored activities for which they are eligible and other such rights as may be conferred by the Board of Presidents. The chapter's obligations are as described in Article III, section 3 and 4 (Membership/Chapter Affiliation & Continuation).

Section 10.

Non-discrimination: There shall be no discrimination in membership or participation in the activities of the Federation by reason of race, creed, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender. There shall be no discrimination in membership based on age, with the exception of certain youth activities which have minimums or maximums.

ARTICLE IV

Officers

Section 1.

General: Officers of the Federation shall be elected by the individual members of the Federation. Federation Officers and Division Chairpersons shall be known as the Executive Board and are empowered to carry out the directives of the Federation and the Board of Presidents when that Board is not in session. The Board of Presidents shall have the power to overrule or modify the action of the Executive Board or any officer of the Federation.

The Executive Board will consist of; President, 1^st Vice President, 2^nd Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer and may act by a majority, with a quorum present, of its members at a meeting or informally without a meeting provided all members sign a document reflecting such informal action.
An act or authorization of an act by the Executive Board within the authority delegated shall be as effective for all purposes as acting on the behalf of the Board of Presidents and the Federation membership best interests.
The Executive Board shall meet each and any month following the quarterly President conferences at a location determined by the President. Meetings of the Executive Board may be called or canceled at the discretion of at least 50% of the voting officers, with prior notice to all Executive Board members. A quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Executive Board shall be three (3) voting members.
The Executive Board shall prepare an agenda for the Board of Presidents meeting, to consider and shape old and new business for presentation to the Board.
During a Board of Presidents meeting, officers may perform dual functions, i.e. Federation Official and bass chapter representative. In the latter case provided they are the chapter delegate and are recognized as such by the chair, they shall be authorized to register attendance and cast their authorized vote under the provisions of Article IV, Section 5 (Officers/Voting) in the interests of their respective bass chapter.

Section 2.

Term of Office: The term of office for the Federation officers shall be for a period of one (1) year. Officers shall take office during the first Board of Presidents meeting of the calendar year, or, at the first meeting following the meeting in which they were elected. Officers may be elected for consecutive terms for the same position, not to exceed three terms, three (3) years of uninterrupted tenure.

Section 3.

Eligibility for Office. In order to seek (be nominated & accept the nomination) and hold after being duly elected for a position as an officer of the Federation. , The individual at the time of nomination and acceptance of the nomination, and prior to assumption of his/her elected position, must be a member in good standing of The Bass FEDERATION, Inc. and an affiliate bass chapter of this Federation, and may not hold a position on any other Federations Executive Board or Board of Directors (i.e., President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Regional Director, Etc)

The President must have served at least one year on the Executive Board of this Federation. With the exception of the first year of operation of this Federation.
All other Federation officers must have served at least one (1) year as a Chapter President or duly elected officer of this Federation, or have otherwise demonstrated an active interest in the efforts of the Federation. With the exception of the first year of operation of this Federation.

Section 4.

Removal from Office: Any officer may be removed from office for cause by two-thirds vote, with a quorum present, of the Board of Presidents and after opportunity to be heard, whenever in its judgment, the Board considers such action to be in the best interest of the Federation. An officer is absence, without justifiable reasons, from three (3) consecutive meetings of the Executive Board shall be cause for removal.

Section 5.

Voting: Only Executive Board Officers present will be entitled to vote on matters before the Executive Board. No proxy votes are allowed and the President will vote only in the case of a tie. Only Executive Board officers may make and second motions. Secret ballots may be requested by any voting member. At the request of any voting member and with majority approval, a poll of the Board of Presidents may be granted. The Board of Presidents shall have until the next regularly scheduled Executive Board meeting to conduct the poll and report the votes.

ARTICLE V

Responsibilities and Duties of Officers

Section 1.

President: Shall be the chief executive officer of the Federation, and shall:

Preside and maintain order over all meetings of the Executive Board and Board of Presidents of this Federation.
Schedule regular and special meetings of the Board of Presidents and of the Executive Board; notify officers and Division Chairpersons of meeting dates, times and locations.
Appoint Division and as needed special sub-division or special committees of this Federation as appropriate, cooperate and coordinate with the chairpersons thereof to assure proper functioning, reporting of each Division or committee.
Ensure that regular or special elections are duly called, noticed, monitored, held and reported.
Direct all official business for the Federation.
Be the official representative of Nations Capitol Bass Chapter State Federation.
Assure adequate supervision of all Federation sponsored activities.
Be an ex-officio, non voting member of all Divisions and committees.
Maintain liaison with The Bass FEDERATION, Inc. and endorsed sponsors and promoters.
Initiate disciplinary action in respect to violations of standing regulations and procedures by Federation members.
Acquire a working knowledge of parliamentary law and procedures and a thorough understanding of the Articles and Bylaws of this Federation.
Submit each calendar year, no later than the first monthly meeting, a statement of anticipated Revenues and Expenditures (Budget) for approval by the Board of Presidents.
Vote only as a tie breaker in all matters before the Boards.
Maintain liaison with the District of Columbia , Virginia and Maryland Departments of Natural Resources, and other appropriate branches of State and Federal agencies having impact or jurisdiction in these states involving issues of interest to this Federation and its membership.

Section 2.

1^st Vice President: If the President is unable to perform the duties of office for any reason, the 1^st Vice President shall occupy that position and perform the duties with the same authority as the President. The 1^st Vice President shall be the action officer for the Federation in such matters that relate to the natural environment and its protection and to the conservation and protection of aquatic resources. The 1^st Vice President shall be a member of the Federations Tournament Division and Conservation Division and shall:

Serve, or designate an individual at the approval of the Executive Board to serve as the Federation tournament trail director.
Coordinate tournament planning, keeping the Executive Board current relative to the status of Federation sponsored tournaments.
Assist the responsible regions or bass chapters in the planning and selection of sites for use during Federation sponsored tournaments.
Propose primary and alternate locations for the succeeding years Federation State Qualifying Tournaments.
Monitor preparations for Federation sponsored tournaments; keep the President and members of the Executive Board current relative to the preparatory activities.
Maintain current Tournament Rules and Regulations governing conduct of the Federations State Qualifying Tournaments; prescribe exceptions to these rules as may be required to meet tournament conditions.
Establish rules and procedures to govern all Federation sponsored tournaments to assure their conduct within the spirit and high degree of standards established by B.A.S.S. and the Nations Capitol Bass Chapter State Federation.
Determine requirements and request funding allocations required for conduct of the Federation State Qualifying Tournaments and other tournament related activities.
Coordinate and supervise the implementation of Federation sponsored environment and conservation related programs.
Collect and evaluate reported violations of local, state and federal anti-pollution laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances and other regulatory devices; recommend and take actions as directed.
Undertake information and educational programs to bring to the members and the public an awareness of threats to the environment.
Maintain current information pertaining to legislation and lobbying efforts at local, state or national levels that will influence environmental or aquatic resources; assure membership awareness of such legislation and lobbying efforts.
Assist the President as directed.

Section 3.

2^nd Vice President: In event of absence of President and 1^st Vice President, shall be next in rank to occupy the Presidents position and shall assume and discharge pro tempore the powers and duties of the President. The 2^nd Vice President shall be the action officer for the Federation on such matters as relate to Public Relations, Youth and Financial Affairs; and shall:

Serve as a member of the Youth Services, Community Services, Membership Services, Fund Raising/Sponsorship, Web Site/Communications/Public Affairs, By-Laws/Standing Rules Divisions
Coordinate activities of all of the above identified Divisions.
Be the principal staff officer under the President responsible for coordination of data for reports and forms required under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and State statutes; and shall supervise the preparation of such forms and reports; brief the President, Executive Board, and Board of Presidents concerning reporting and filing requirements.
Furnish guidance to all of the above identified Divisions regarding Federation sponsored fund raising activities to assure such activities recommended for adoption are "activity related" under Internal Revenue Codes.
Provide for the collection and release of timely and accurate information to the news media, interested parties and the general public to inform them of newsworthy programs and operations conducted by the Federation and its affiliated bass chapters.
Be the principle officer responsible for the dissemination of information within the Federation by way of a written or electronic accessible newsletter or any other form of media the Federation may use.
Coordinate the collection and assembly of materials relative to the Federations Awards Program and The Bass FEDERATION, Inc. Awards Program.
Assist the President as directed.

Section 4.

Secretary: Shall be under the supervision and direction of the President. and shall act as the liaison officer between the Federation and the B.A.S.S. National Federation Department of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, Inc. The Secretary shall serve as a member of the Membership Division. The Secretary shall:

Keep a record of the proceedings (minutes) of all meeting of the Board of Presidents and Executive Board.
Maintain a current roster, inclusive of mailing address, telephone number and parent bass chapter, of the Board of Presidents and the individual chapter members and when necessary disseminate updated copies to Federation officials.
Notify officials of Executive Board and Board of Presidents meeting on a timely basis.
Have custody and maintain general records of this Federation, including, but not limited to, minutes of the Executive Board and Board of Presidents meetings; attendance at Executive Board meetings; Division and Committee appointments and reports; addresses and telephone numbers of affiliate chapter officials.
Coordinate the preparation and submission by members of the Executive Board of such reports as are required by TBF, Inc. and other agencies; conduct correspondence for the Federation as directed.
Maintain current a file of bass chapter affiliates with the Federation; such files to include, at a minimum, a copy of the current chapter membership roster, chapters TBF, Inc. number and status.
Within budgetary restraints provide for the publication of membership related publications as necessary or directed by the approval of the Executive Board, or Board of Presidents.
Perform all duties incidental to this office or as otherwise directed by the President, Executive Board, or Board of Presidents.

Section 5.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall have the care and custody of and shall be responsible for all funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness and other valuable documents of the Federation, and deposit all such funds in the name of the Federation in such banks, or trust companies, or other depositories, or in such safe deposit vaults as the Executive Board or Board of Presidents may designate. The Treasurer shall:

Sign, make and endorse in the name of the Federation, all checks, notes, drafts, bills of exchange, acceptances and other instruments for the payment of money, and payout and dispose of and receipt therefore, under the direction of the President, Executive Board or Board of Presidents.
Render a statement of the condition of the finances of the Federation at each regular meeting of the Executive Board and the Board of Presidents, and at such other times as shall be required of him/her.
Keep full and accurate books of account of all Federation business and other such books of account as may be required, and shall exhibit the same to any officer of the Federation upon written application, with justifiable cause, and subsequently approved by the Executive Board or Board of Presidents thereof.
Prepare and submit a complete calendar year financial report at the succeeding year’s first Executive Board and Board of Presidents meetings.
Pay statements from officers, Division or Committee chairperson members only when clearly authorized by the President and the Executive Board, and when fully documented by receipts and justification for authorized expenditures.
Issue statements and collect for financial obligations owed to the Federation.
Be bonded by the Federation for the faithful discharge of his/her duties in such amount and with such surety as the Executive Board or Board of Presidents may prescribe.
Have custody and maintain records of Federation accounts and disbursements. At termination of office such records in their entirety shall be inventoried; active records shall be turned over to the succeeding Treasurer; old records shall be committed to Federation files as the President or Board of Presidents shall direct; a receipt for same will be obtained. Valuable documents of the Federation in depositories or elsewhere shall be jointly inventoried by the outgoing and new Treasurer in the presence of the 2^nd Vice President prior to transfer of custodianship to the new Treasurer.
Perform all duties incidental to his/her office.

Section 6.

Assistant Secretary/Recorder: The President may as needed and with Executive Board approval appoint a qualified individual to assist the Secretary in all matters that pertain to the Secretary’s office.

Section 7.

Executive Director: If the Executive Board deems it necessary for continuation of the management of the Federation, the Board of Presidents may appoint a qualified individual to serve as an Executive Director, providing that the authority of this office is limited to administrative management of the day-to-day operation of the Federation and that this office in no way becomes involved in determination of Federation policy. It shall be a continuing policy of the Executive Board and Board of Presidents to seek volunteer staff whenever possible. Should the Board of Presidents appoint an Executive Director as provided for herein, he/she shall:

Be responsible to the Board of Presidents.
Shall administer, direct and coordinate all activities and the general management of the Federation in accordance with policies established by the Board of Presidents.
Subject to approval of the Board of Presidents, shall appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and fix compensation of all agents and employees of this Federation other than officers.
Shall see that the books, reports, statements and certificates required by the statutes are properly kept, made and filed according to law.
Shall be an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the Board of Presidents and of the Executive Board.
The Executive Director need not be member of this Federation.

Article VI

Elections

Section 1.

Officers: Officers of the Federation shall be elected by the individual membership of the Federation in accordance with the procedures as proscribed herein; they shall have such terms of office and eligibility requirements as provided under Article IV, Sections 2 and 3 (Officers - Term/Eligibility).

Not later than the October Presidents Conference the Executive Board shall appoint an election committee.
The election committee shall collect the names of all possible candidates from the Board of President at the October Presidents Conference. The committee shall prepare a list of qualified nominations in writing over their signatures and present to the Executive board at its November meeting. The Secretary shall read aloud the names of all nominees. Additional names may be added to the list up until the November Executive Board meeting.
The Secretary shall at the November meeting prepare the ballot for the Executive Boards review and approval. Upon approval of the ballot no changes may be made by any person(s) without direction and review of the Executive Board.
The Ballot shall be distributed to the membership via the Federation web-site, and must be posted no later than five (5) calendar days following the Executive Boards approval of said Ballot.
Each chapter President is responsible for downloading the Ballot from the web-site and recording the chapters vote. Once the Ballot is complete the chapter President must return the Ballot to the Federation at the January Presidents Conference, at which time the election committee shall count and record the results. The election committee will announce the results in accordance with the agenda of the meeting, and the newly elected officers shall be sworn-in.
Should vacancies occur among officer positions, such vacancies may be filled as soon as possible at a regular or special meeting of either the Executive Board or Board of Presidents, using the procedures exclusive of assigned dates in Article VI (Elections) and any officer so elected shall hold office until the end of the normal term or until his successor shall be duly elected and shall qualify.

ARTICLE VII

Divisions

Section 1.

Divisions: The President of the Federation shall appoint the following divisions; such divisions, composed of chapter members and members of the Board of Presidents or Executive Board, shall consist of no less than three (3) members.

a. By-Laws/Standing Rules Division - This division is responsible for all research, documentation gathering and amending in draft form for presentation for approval and adoption and subsequent amendment to the Board of Presidents and Executive Board of the original by-laws and standing rules. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

b. Conservation/Environmental Affairs Division - This division shall work with the 1^st Vice President on all matters related to the preservation of aquatic resources and the natural environment, Federal sponsored projects related to the sport fishing and restoration programs; it shall review proposed environmental and conservation projects to determine suitability for Federation sponsorship or lobbying commitments. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

c. Youth Services Division - This division shall work with the 2^nd Vice President on all matters related to youth programming and shall plan, organize and operate youth activity programs and projects related to the indoctrination of our youth in the sport of fishing, sportsmanship, aquatic resources, boat and water safety. It shall recommend improvements; review and determine suitability of similar projects proposed for Federation sponsorship and assist in the planning and implementation of such projects. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

d. Community Services Division - This division shall work with the 2^nd Vice President to ensure the Federation is actively involved in providing services and assistance to the communities of the chapter regions applicable states of domicile. Forms of service provided these states and communities may include, but not be limited to; financial, time, and or talents. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

e. Membership Services Division - This division shall work with the 2^nd Vice President and Secretary to maintain current membership records and shall provide assistance to other divisions requiring electronic record keeping systems. It shall coordinate programs to increase and maintain the membership of the Federation and shall assist in the formation and maintenance of new chapters. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

f. Computer Operations Division - This division shall be solely responsible for the electronic operating systems owned, leased, or in use by the Federation and its officers, representatives, and or divisions. It shall ensure the maintenance of the Federations computer systems are in good working order, and upgraded as necessary and advise the Executive Board and Board of Presidents on the requirements and status of such systems. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

g. Tournament Division - This division shall work with the 1^st Vice President to ensure that all Federation sponsored tournaments are run in accordance with the tournament rules, site selection criteria and all related logistics. They shall meet at the request of the President to access bass chapter tournament eligibility under the provisions of Article III , Section 5 (Membership/Bass Chapter Representation) and Article XI, Section 2 (Miscellaneous/Fiscal Year); to announce the results of such assessments prior to the event to the Executive Board; to consider requests for reinstatement of tournament eligibility and reasons in mitigation that may have been submitted by ineligible chapters or individuals; to recommend action that should be taken relative to the requests. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

h. Fund Raising/Sponsorship Services Division - This division will work with the 2^nd Vice President to ensure appropriate, timely, and financially lucrative ventures are secured to raise monies and secure sponsorships for the Federation and its related activities from all available legitimate and legal resources as they determine applicable. These efforts shall not be limited to Federation tournaments as they may reach beyond that scope and will be entered into a binding fashion only after approval of the Executive Board. It shall keep the Executive Board and Board of Presidents advised and makes recommendations concerning the above.

i. Communications/Public Affairs Division - This division shall work with the 2^nd Vice President to ensure the dissemination of timely and accurate information in regards to the affairs and operations of the Federation to the Federation membership, the news media, State and National officials, and the general public. It shall be responsible for the Federation web site maintenance and all associated postings. It shall also be responsible for any and all publications and distribution of the Federations newsletter in both written and or electronic versions and will provide information for any other approved media devices.

Section 2.

Sub-Divisions/ Special Committees: Special exceptions may call for the activation of a working group pro tempore of the established Divisions in the way of a Sub-Division or Special committee. Their narrowly defined purpose will be to work on special projects for closely defined purposes, or when additional human resources are needed to accomplish a goal, task or assignment by the Executive Board or Board of Presidents. In these circumstances, the President must concur, in their composition and purpose by the Board of Presidents. Sub-Divisions or Special Committees may not supersede or otherwise infringe upon the duties and responsibilities of established Divisions.

Article VIII

Meetings

see Amendment 3

Section 1.

Rules of Order: The Rules of Order, inclusive of Order of Business adopted for meetings conducted by this Federation is appended to these Bylaws as Appendix I, Rules of Order.

Section 2.

Parliamentary Procedures: Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Federation's Articles or Bylaws, all questions of order or procedure with respect to any meeting in action of this organization, its Board of Presidents, Executive Board, or any committee appointed hereunder shall be determined in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order, newly revised. The President may appoint a Parliamentarian to maintain order.

Section 3.

Presidents Conferences: Quarterly meetings of the Board of Presidents shall be held during the calendar year on such a date, at such a place, and at such a starting time as shall be coordinated and determined by the Executive Board. Additional meetings may be held at the discretion of the President.

Section 4.

Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Board of Presidents may be called at any time by the President or by a majority of the Executive Board or by a majority of the Board of Presidents. Notice of any special meeting of the Board of Presidents shall be given in writing, personally, electronic transmission or by mail, to each chapter president not less than thirty (30) days before such meeting. The notice shall state the time, place, and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. If notice of a special meeting is mailed, it shall be deemed to have been given ten (10) days after deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the charter president at his/her last known address.

Article IX

Authority of Representation

Section 1.

National Presidents Conference: In as much as this Federation and its affiliate bass chapters are an affiliate part of The Bass FEDERATION, Inc. and it shall be necessary from time to time have representation at the national office or elsewhere in national TBF, Inc. matters, this Federation shall have the power to pay the necessary expenses of its representative(s) to each annual TBF, Inc. President's Conference and such other conferences as are deemed necessary by the Executive Board or the TBF, Inc.

Section 2.

Divisional Tournament: Chapter and Federation tournament competition are directed towards the selection of members for the Federation State Team which shall represent the Federation and its members in the TBF, Inc. sponsored Federation Divisional Tournament and other higher level TBF, Inc. tournaments for which members of the Federation State Team may qualify. In recognition of the importance of the divisional tournament to the Federation membership, this Federation shall within funding and budgetary limitations adjusted and reviewed annually provide funding for the Federation Team's participation in these events.

Article X

Federation Tournaments

Section 1.

Location and Dates of Execution: The dates and location for the Federation's annual state qualifying tournaments shall be established by the Tournament Division and approved by the Executive Board.

Section 2.

Tournament Eligibility Requirements:

Bass chapters and their full individual members shall be in compliance with Article III (Membership) of these Bylaws to be eligible to participate in the Federation state qualifying tournaments.
New chapters and their members or chapters whose membership is pending must be in compliance with Article III , Section 3 (Chapter Affiliation) of these Bylaws no later than July 1 of the year prior to the qualifying tournament year. Subject chapters shall be required to fulfill any remaining requirements (President Conferences/Federation projects, etc.) under Article III (Membership) subsequent to the tournament date.
Additional requirements may be enacted by the Executive Board for eligibility of chapters or members to participate in state qualifying tournaments. Such requirements will be clearly communicated to the membership and must be uniformly applied to all chapters and members within the Federation.

Section 3.

Rules and Regulations: The rules and regulations governing conduct of the Federation's state qualifying tournaments shall be the current Nations Capitol Bass Federation Official Tournament Rules as may be amended by exceptions approved by the Executive Board. Such Rules shall be, together with exceptions thereto, distributed to tournament registered participants. Exceptions (" Exceptions to the Rules") shall be those amendments required in the Rules because of conflict with Federation rules or policy and those required to adapt the Rules to the tournament site, format, and waters.

Article XI

Miscellaneous

Section 1.

Contracts on Behalf of the Federation: No one other than the President with approval of the Executive Board may enter into any contract, engagement, or pledge its credit, or any other instrument rendering it liable for any purpose or amount on behalf of this Federation and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 2.

Fiscal Year: The Fiscal Year of this Federation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

Section 3.

Audits: Requirements for audit of the financial books and accounts are prescribed in Article XI, Section 11 (Miscellaneous/Books and Accounting Records); however the books and records of the Federation may be audited by a certified public accountant selected by the Board of Presidents if the Board so elects.

Section 4.

Endorsements for Public Office: This Federation shall not endorse or recommend any candidate for public office whose positions, in the opinion of the Executive Board are not in keeping with the purpose of this Federation.

Section 5.

Conflict of Interest: No officer shall use his position as a means of furthering any personal, political, or other aspiration, nor shall the Federation, as a whole, take part in any movement not in keeping with its purpose and objectives.

Section 6.

Sources of Federation Income: Funds for support and maintenance of the Nations Capitol Bass Federation, Inc. will be derived from annual Federation state qualifying tournaments, other Federation sponsored tournaments, assessments, dues, special "activity related" projects, raffles, advertisements in Federation publications, electronic postings and donations. Under no circumstances may the Federation accept monetary assistance from individuals, businesses, corporations, or government agencies, if there is prima facie evidence that the goals of these entities are contrary to the primary goals of the Federation.

Section 7.

Compensation: Chapter Representatives shall not receive compensation from Federation funds for their services as representatives. However, they may be reimbursed for certain expenses incurred on behalf of the Federation, the expenses to be evidenced by receipt or other proper document. Representatives shall not be reimbursed for vehicle expenses, phone charges or other expenses related to their attendance of meetings. Chapters may reimburse representatives for certain expenses incurred on behalf of the Federation or their chapter, the expenses to be evidenced by receipt or other proper documentation.

Section 8.

Exception to Authority: The Board of Presidents may not:

Make any rule or regulation, not already delegated to the Federation by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws that shall impinge upon the autonomy and authority of the bass chapters as separate entities.
Amend or repeal portions of the Articles or these Bylaws that were imposed by vote of the individual membership, inclusive of the following which shall be determined by individual vote:

Withdrawal of the Federation from the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.
Imposition of additional membership fees on the individual