BY-LAWS OF THE
ARTICLE 1
Name: The name of this organization shall hereafter be known
as the Potomac Valley Association of USA Track & Field, Inc. It will serve as
the Potomac Valley Association of USA Track & Field under the By-Laws of
USA Track & Field. Inc. (USATF) The acronym "PVA/USATF" is to be
used for the purpose of brevity or as a logotype. The PVA/USATF is incorporated
in the
ARTICLE 2
Definitions:
A. The word "Athletics" herein shall include cross country running, long distance running, race walking, road running, track and field, and any other jurisdiction granted by USATF. Other terms herein shall be defined as in the By-Laws of USATF.
B. "Corporation Board of Directors" means
the persons elected to serve as directors as required by the incorporation
papers of the association in the
C. "Association" means all dues paying members. .
D. "Sanction" is a permit to conduct a race, event, or meet in Track & Field under the auspices of USATF and the PVA/USATF.
E. "Territory" means the geographic area
in which the PVA/USATF has jurisdiction and is defined in the By-Laws of USATF.
This territory includes the
F. "Executive Committee" means the President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary of the Association, and the Chairpersons of the Men's Track and Field, Women's Track and Field, Men's Long Distance Running, Women's Long Distance Running, Masters Track and Field, Masters Long Distance Running, Race Walking, Youth Athletics, Membership, Officials, Finance, Planning and Budget, and Law and Legislation Committees, or the Chairperson's designee.
ARTICLE 3
Purpose: The purposes of the Association are to:
A. Act as the local governing body under USATF for the sport of Athletics in the territory defined by USATF.
B. Carry out the purposes of USATF where possible and applicable.
C. Promote and encourage within its territory, competition in athletics and supervise and regulate all USATF and PVA/USATF Championships.
D. Promote and encourage physical fitness through Athletics.
E. Issue sanctions for all qualified events.
F. Comply with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE 4
Authority of the Association: The Association shall possess,
through USATF all authority of that body in the sport of Athletics, and to that
end shall exercise independent jurisdiction, supervision, and control over the
administration, eligibility, sanctioning authority, representation and rules of
competition for the sport of Athletics in the
ARTICLE 5
Membership: There will be two types of membership in the PVA/USATF: (A) Individual and (B) Organizational.
The individual membership class includes the registered athletes and the dues paying individuals who support Athletics. Registration of individuals is as provided in the By-laws and Regulations of USATF and as further prescribed by the Association.
The organizational membership class includes those clubs, corporations or organizations that support the sport of athletics and who have applied and have been accepted as organizational members of the PVA/USATF. Registrations of organizations is as provided in the By-laws of USATF and as further prescribed by the Association.
ARTICLE 6
The Association:
The Executive Committee has the power and authority to act in matters affecting the PVA/USATF which are not specifically delegated to an Administrative or Sport Committee.
All meetings of the Association are open to all members of the PVA/USATF.
Voting members of the Association are:
1. Each member of the Executive Committee.
2. One representative from each member organization.
3. Immediate Past President.
If an organization has an exceptionally large membership or conducts many Athletics events, it may apply for an additional voting member to the Association. The granting of additional voting members will be by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at two consecutive meetings of the Association.
Each voting member has one (1) vote. There is no voting by proxy. No voting member may act in more than one capacity or vote more than one vote.
A quorum is 5 or more the voting members present regularly scheduled meeting.
ARTICLE 7
Meetings of the Association: Regular meetings of the Association shall be held within the geographical area of the Association, at least quarterly. Meetings may be called at any time by the majority vote of the Executive Committee. The membership must be given at least three weeks prior notice of the meeting on the Association web site.
ARTICLE 8
Order of Business:
A. At all meetings of the Association, the following is to be the order of business:
1. Roll Call of Officers
2. Approval of Minutes of Preceding Meeting
3. Treasurer's Report
4. Report of Officers and Committees
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
B. Reports from the Treasurer and Administrator should be available at every meeting. All officers and committee chairs should provide the administrator a written report three days prior to each meeting for distribution at the meeting. Oral reports may be given at the meeting if the President is notified three days prior to the meeting.
C. Procedures: The Order of Business may be changed by a simple majority vote of the members present. ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER (REVISED) will be used as the general rules of order for the Association meetings, except where they are in conflict with the provisions of these By-Laws and in such cases these By-Laws are to prevail.
ARTICLE 9
Elections:
A. Elections of Officers: Elections for all officers of the Association shall be conducted by secret ballot every two years coinciding with the Summer and Winter Olympiad at the Annual Meeting which shall be held in May. Each elected officer will serve a term of two (2) years with a three (3) term limit equal to six years. Each Officer-Elect will commence his/her term of office the following June 1st.
B. Election of Sport Committee Chairpersons and the Officials Committee Chairperson: Elections for all Sport Committee Chairpersons and the Officials Committee Chair of the Association shall be conducted by secret ballot at the Annual Meeting. Each Chairperson shall serve a term of two (2) years. Sport Committee Chairpersons can serve an unlimited number of successive terms in that office.
C. Corporation Board of Directors: The Corporation
Board of Directors shall be the Officers of the Association. The Board shall
meet as required, and in all ways be in compliance with the laws of
incorporation of the
D. Elections of officers and Sport Committee Chairpersons shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures designated in Operating Regulation 1.
E. Vacancies: Except in the case of a vacancy for the office of President, all other vacancies will be temporarily filled by appointment by the President. The appointment shall be made effective upon approval by the Executive Committee. The appointment shall last until the following Quarterly Meeting. A vacancy for the office of President will be filled as provided in Article 10.
ARTICLE 10
Officers of the Association: The officers of the Association are: President, First Vice-President, three (3) Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretary. They constitute the Executive Committee and have one (1) vote each. There is no voting by proxy. There shall be no established order of succession to any office. Should the President become incapacitated or resign, the First Vice-President shall call a meeting of the Association and serve as President until an election is held. The President shall not be elected for more than three (3) successive full terms. Officers may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee or by a two-thirds vote of the membership at a quarterly meeting. If the officer is removed by the Executive Committee, the action may be reversed by a majority vote of the membership at the next quarterly meeting. If there is a motion to remove the President, the First Vice President shall preside over the meeting.
ARTICLE 11
Duties of the Officers and the Administrator: The officers shall perform the following duties and any other duties prescribed by these By-laws.
A. President: The President shall preside at all meetings of this Association and shall be an ex-officio member on all committees. The President shall also serve as Chairperson of the Executive Committee and Corporation Board of Directors, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors of this Association. The President shall manage and supervise the affairs of the Association.
B. First Vice-President: The First Vice-President shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to him/her by the President. The First Vice-President is also to perform all such duties as outlined in Article 10 of these By-laws.
C. Vice-Presidents: The Vice-Presidents shall perform such duties as shall be assigned to them by the President and the Executive Committee.
D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall
1. Keep or shall cause to be kept a correct and complete record of account, showing accurately at all times the financial condition of this Association;
2. Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds, notes, securities and other related valuables which may from time to time come into the possession of the Association;
3. Deposit, or cause to be deposited, all funds of the Association with such depositories as the Association shall designate;
4. Furnish at meetings of the Association, or whenever requested by the Executive Committee, a statement of the financial condition of this Association;
5. Obtain a bond from a reputable bonding company;
6. Be a member of the Planning and Budget Committee and in general perform all duties pertaining to the office of the Treasurer.
E. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept all records of the Association, and all minutes of meetings of the Association, and be responsible for the distribution of these minutes to the Association membership, and in general shall perform all duties pertaining to the office of Secretary.
F. Administrator: The Administrator shall be appointed by the President subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Duties and responsibilities:
1. To process membership applications.
2. To act as the liaison between the various committees and the general Association.
3. Process sanction applications in accordance with the Bylaws and Regulations.
4. Keep records of all sanction reports.
5. Be responsible for sanction application supplies and registration cards as well as validation stamps.
6. Provide a monthly report to the Treasurer regarding all funds received for PVA/USATF and keep an accurate record of all deposits.
7. Maintain contact with USATF to keep current on changes and other information and disseminate the information to the Association membership as directed by the Board of Directors.
8. Keep all records and receipts on all expenditures regarding the Administrator’s business and submit all receipts to the Treasurer for record keeping.
ARTICLE 12
Sports Committees:
A. The PVA/USATF Sport Committees are: Men's Track & Field, Women’s Track & Field, Masters Track & Field, Men’s Long Distance and Road Running, Women’s Long Distance and Road Running, Masters Long Distance and Road Running, Race Walking, and Youth Athletics.
B. Duties: Each Sport((s)) Committee shall:
1. Have jurisdiction over national, regional, sectional, and Association championships held in the Association (to the extent such jurisdiction is delegated by USATF in the particular sport it controls) and shall institute, locate, conduct, and manage all such championships.
2. Make recommendations concerning sanctioning events within its discipline or sport.
3. Have the right to reject any entries for competitors (if deemed objectionable) at any championship.
4. Promote and develop activities related to its sport.
5. Develop an annual budget that will be submitted to the Planning and Budget Committee.
C. Each dues paying member, either individual or organizational is entitled to participate on each Sport Committee in which the individual participates or the organization has an active program.
D. As stated in Article 9(b) fulfill the requirement of electing a Chairperson.
E. Sport Committee Chairs may be removed for cause by a two-thirds vote of the Sport Committee or of the Executive Committee.
ARTICLE 13
Administrative Committees:
A. Member Services:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Registers and certifies athletes for competition in events sanctioned by the governing body.
b. Takes action on all cases involving interpretation or registration matters except in areas involving athletes rights of participation in Athletics.
c. Administer all elections in the Association.
2. Make-up: This Committee and the Chair shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee.
B. Officials:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Certifies, trains, and supervises competition officials in the PVA/USATF territory.
b. Encourages and develops programs for recruiting officials
c. Recommends to the National Officials Committee candidates for National and Master Official Certification.
d. Disseminates all changes in the Rules of Competition.
e. Assigns officials for all PVA/USATF Championships.
2. Make-up: This Committee shall consist of all Certified Officials who are members of PVA/USATF.
C. Coaching Education and Advisory:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Promotes, educates and trains individuals interested in coaching in the discipline of Athletics.
b. Certifies individuals who meet national standards.
2. Make-up: Any interested and qualified individuals who express an interest in coaching Athletics.
D. Course Certification:
1. Duties and responsibilities:
a. Supervises all course certification efforts within the PVA/USATF territory.
b. Keeps the records needed to get approval for certification.
c. Maintains certified courses and calibration courses in the PVA/USATF territory.
2. Make-up: Course Certifiers are appointed by USATF. The committee is appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee.
E. Finance:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Audits and examines or causes to be audited and examined the accounts of the Treasurer and reports its findings at the Annual meeting or at any other time during the year.
b. Examines the accounts of the Treasurer at any other time as requested by the Association and reports to the Association thereon. The committee may require the Treasurer to turn over to it all moneys, accounts, books, papers, vouchers, and records of that office.
c. Recommends to the Association penalties to be charged to any individual or group members not meeting financial obligations.
d. In consultation with the Sport Committees, recommends annually to the Association all dues and fees to be charged.
2. Make-up: The committee shall consist of one representative from each Sport Committee and a member of the Executive Committee.
F. Planning and Budget:
1. Duties and responsibilities:
a. Develops a strategic plan for the Association, to be updated periodically.
b. Establishes an annual operating plan and Budget.
c. Submits the operating plan and budget for the next year for the approval of the Association at the Annual Meeting.
2. Make-up: The committee shall consist of one representative from each Sport and Administrative Committee, the President, and the Treasurer. The President or his designee shall act as chairperson.
G. Law and Legislation:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Considers and presents to the Association, in proper form for action, all proposed amendments to the By-laws with committee recommendations, or proposed amendments by its own action.
b. Prepares for Association action, prior to the National Convention, an analysis of proposed USATF legislation.
2. Make-up: This committee is appointed by the President with approval of the Executive Committee.
H. Sports Medicine:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Provides health care coverage for PVA/USATF Championships and other events where feasible.
b. Provides educational seminars to participants of PVA/USATF championship events and other sanctioned events where feasible.
2. Make-up: The Committee shall consist of:
a. A chairperson to be appointed by the President with the concurrence of the Executive Committee.
b. Any health care and related professionals who wish to volunteer their services toward accomplishing the goal of the committee.
c. The Chairpersons or their designees from the Sport Committees.
I. Sports Science and Development:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Establishes and oversee a long-term system to produce elite athletes and elite coaches.
b. Produces and distribute sports science-based training and performance-related information to the PVA/USATF community.
c. Educates PVA/USATF area coaches and athletes in major areas of Applied Sports Science.
d. Serves as a liaison between Sports Scientists and coaches.
2. Make-up: The Committee shall consist of:
a. The chairperson and/or a representative of each Sport Committee.
b. Coaches, athletes, or administrators of constituent organizations (High School, College or PVA/USATF registered clubs) within the jurisdiction of the PVA/USATF who express interest in fulfilling the committee’s goals
c. At-Large members: Sports science related certified persons who wish to volunteer their services toward accomplishing the goals of the committee.
J. Athletics for the Disabled:
1. Duties and Responsibilities:
a. Establishes communications with race/meet directors and inform them of the following needs of disabled athletes:
(1) Safety procedures, course conditions, special needs, starting times, finish line procedures, categories, and awards;
(2) Assist race/meet directors whenever possible with above needs.
b. Encourages physically challenged athletes to participate in competitive sports.
c. Provides information on competitive sports events and related activities including training and conditioning.
d. Serves as liaison between Committee for Disabled Athletes and all other PVA/USATF committees.
e. Seeks funding to be used as needed.
2. Make-up:
a. Anyone who shows interest in accomplishing the goals of this committee and attends a scheduled meeting.
b. Regular member is one who attends 50% of scheduled meeting per year.
c. The committee will elect a chairperson from its members.
Other committees may be activated by the Association if needed. These committees could be: Records, Marketing and Media, or any other Committee the Association designates. The activities of these committees shall parallel those of the National Committees of the same title if it exists.
ARTICLE 14
Special Committees: The President may appoint ad hoc committees of this Association.
ARTICLE 15
Authorities to Discipline: The association shall have the authority to discipline any member, delegate, athlete, coach, manager, official, trainer, member of any committee, and any other person or entity participating in Athletics who, by neglect or by conduct, (i) acts in a manner detrimental to the purposes of USATF or Athletics, or (ii) has violated any of the Bylaws, Operating Regulations, or Rules of Competition of USATF, or of the Association, or (iii) has violated the rules of eligibility. The disciplinary and reinstatement procedures of USATF and its member Associations are set forth in USATF Operating Regulations 11 and 12.
ARTICLE 16
Athletes' Rights, Hearings, and Rights of Appeal:
A. Athletes' Bill Of Rights: The PVA/USATF will use
all lawful means at its disposal to protect the rights of an amateur athlete to
participate, if selected, or to attempt to qualify for selection, as an amateur
athlete representing the
B. Review Board: The Executive Committee will appoint, as needed, a Review Board comprised of at least five members. Hearings of the Review Board may be conducted by an attorney at law retained by the Review Board for that purpose, but who shall have no vote. The Chairperson of the Review Board will be elected by its members. A quorum for any hearings conducted by the Review Board is fifty percent (50%) of its membership, but in any event no less than three (3).
C. General Jurisdiction: The Review Board may conduct hearings on any matter affecting the USATF and the PVA/USATF, arising solely within the jurisdiction of the PVA/USATF and involving only members of the PVA/USATF.
D. Scope of Decisions: The Review Board will inform the Association of its decisions in the grievance matter. A decision may be:
1. that the Association censure, suspend for a definite or indefinite period, or expel any member of the PVA/USATF, including any athlete, coach, manager, official, club or team, member of any committee, or any person participating in any capacity in the affairs of PVA/USATF or who has contravened any of the Rules of the USATF or the PVA/USATF or who has acted in a manner which brings disrepute upon the USATF, PVA/USATF, or the sport of Athletics; or
2. that the grievant should be upheld against such adverse action.
E. Procedures: These procedures apply for all hearings:
1. Formal Hearings: The Respondent will be given notice in writing, sent to the last know address by Certified Mail with Receipt Requested, or by personal service, of the charges against the respondent in detail, or of the circumstances which are believed to require answers, explanations or clarification.
2. The written statement of charges must contain a date for a hearing with the request that the person charged appear before the Review Board (with the right to counsel of choice at the hearing); set a hearing date not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after the date of mailing of the notification; and will request the person charged answer in writing to the Chairman of the Review Board all the charges set forth. This answer must be delivered to the Chairman by either Certified or Registered Mail or personal service no later than ten (10) days prior to the date of the hearing. The statement must also set forth the right of appellate review of the decision.
3. The decision must be rendered within ten (10) days after the hearing or at the conclusion of the hearing.
4. Emergency Hearing: When compliance with regular procedures would not be likely to produce a sufficiently early decision to do justice to the affected parties, the Review Board or its agent(s), is authorized, with notice to the parties concerned as circumstances may dictate, to summarily hear and decide a matter relating to a scheduled competition.
5. The individual or entity charged may be suspended from participating in any activities of the PVA/USATF after being given such notice and hearing as time and circumstances may reasonably permit. The hearing may be conducted at the site of the competition or by telephone conference if necessary, but in any event under such circumstances as to fully protect rights of procedural due process of the individual or entity charged.
6. If an aggrieved party demands further hearing, such hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions in subparagraph (1) of this Section.
F. Appeal: The decision of the Review Board will be final in all cases, subject only to appeal to the National Board of Review. A petition to the National Board of Review must be filed with the Executive Director of the USATF within thirty days (30) after receipt of written notice of the decision of the Association’s Review Board. Any person representing a real party in interest in the case may appeal. Upon timely petition to the Chairperson of the National Board of Review, and upon showing of good cause therefore, the time for appeal from the decision of the Review Board may be extended.
G. Notice to Athletes: In each case where notice is sent to a registered athlete, it is sufficient to mail the notice, via certified mail, to the address given on the application for registration; or, if a written notice of change of residence has been filed with the Registration Committee, to the new address.
ARTICLE 17
Grievance Procedures:
A. Any member of the PVA/USATF may file a written grievance with the Secretary on any matter within the cognizance of the Association other than doping offenses described in USATF Operating Regulation 10 or alleging a violation of these By-Laws. Doping offenses will be dealt with as prescribed in USATF Operating Regulation 10.
B. Any complaint must be signed under oath and must set forth the nature of the grievance or violation, stating clearly how, when, and where the alleged violation occurred, and citing the specific sections of the By Laws violated, where appropriate. Factual allegations shall be separately stated in concise language with one such allegation set forth in each numbered paragraph of the Grievance Complaint. The failure of the Complaint to comply with the preceding sentence shall not be grounds for its dismissal, provided the Complaint clearly makes specific allegations that, if proven, would justify one of the conclusions set forth in the complaint (grievance).
C. The Secretary will refer any grievance or complaint received to the sport committee involved, or, in the case of a more generalized complaint, to the Association. Every effort shall be made to resolve the matter at this committee level by informal means.
D. A complainant not satisfied with the resolution of the matter by informal methods, as noted in Section C. above, may request a hearing. The President with the approval of the Executive Committee shall appoint a five member review board. Members of the review board shall have no vested interest in the matter of the grievance. The President will promptly refer the matter to a Review Board to hear evidence, make findings of fact, and adjudicate the issue. Their conduct shall be as defined in USATF Operating regulations 11 and 12. Their determination shall be basted on the preponderance of the evidence of the matter and the Bylaws of this association. Their decision shall be final. The association Grievance Chair may facilitate the proceedings of the Review Board to insure that appropriate procedures are being followed and that appropriate time frames are being met. The Grievance Chair shall report any failure of the Review Board to follow appropriate procedures or not meet reasonable time frames to the President and Executive Committee who have the authority by majority vote to terminate the Review Board and promptly appoint a new one if such infractions occur.
E. Fair notice and an opportunity for a hearing will be given any athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official before the Association declares such person ineligible to participate in any PVA/USATF activity or competition.
F. At any hearing conducted under the provisions of this Article, all interested parties have the right to counsel, to present evidence for or against the complaint, to cross-examine witnesses, and to present factual or legal claims to support their positions. A summarized record of the proceedings will be made by the hearing panel. Rules of evidence that are generally accepted in administrative proceedings will be applicable. The Review Board must expedite the hearing and report its findings and conclusions in writing to the Association and all interested parties.
ARTICLE 18
Suspension and Expulsion:
A. The Association, following the decision of the Review Board, has the power to (1) suspend for a definite or indefinite period, or (2) expel a member, delegate, athlete, coach, manager, official, or member of any committee who by neglect or conduct acts in a manner detrimental to the purpose of the Association or Athletics, or has violated any of the By-Laws or rules of the Association or USATF.
B. Before exercising its authority under this Article, the Association must notify, in writing, the person or organization involved of any infringement of rules or good conduct.
C. Any person or organization suspended or expelled may apply to the Association for reinstatement. The applicant must give, in detail, the reasons for reinstatement. The Association may reinstate the applicant on direct application or on recommendation of the Review Board.
ARTICLE 19
Sanctions for Athletics Competitions:
A. The purpose of a sanction is to give approval to conduct a race, meet, or event in the territory of this Association.
B. The sanctioning policy of the Association for Athletics competition is as follows: If the Association does not determine by clear and convincing evidence that holding or sponsoring an amateur or other athletic competition would be detrimental to the best interests of the sport, the Association will promptly grant a sanction request by a person or sports organization if the applicant pays to the Association any required sanctioning or service fee. Application for a sanction will be submitted to the Administrator who will notify the appropriate Sport Committee Chair(s); these chairs will have 5 working days to object in writing to the President with a copy to the Administrator to the issuance of the sanction, laying out the specifics of the reason for denial; the President shall poll the Executive Committee regarding whether a hearing should be held concerning the denial; if a majority of the Executive Committee votes in favor of conducting such a hearing, the requestor will be notified, and a hearing before the Executive Committee will be scheduled within two weeks unless the requestor requests an extension of the time.
C. Granting of Sanctions: Any club or organization that requests a sanction shall be given a fee schedule promulgated by the Association.
ARTICLE 20
Amendments:
A. An amendment to these By-Laws must be approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting members present at two (2) successive regular meetings of the Association. The amendment must first be presented to the Law & Legislation Committee for proper form before publication in the meeting announcements. The amendment may be amended at the first meeting, but not at the second.
B. An amendment to these Regulations must be approved by a majority of the voting members present at a meeting of the Association. The amendment must first be presented to the Law & Legislation Committee for proper form before publication in the meeting announcements.
ARTICLE 21
Conflict with USATF Regulations: The association will operate in accordance with the By-Laws, rules, and regulations of USATF. Any of these PVA/USATF By-Laws or Regulations which conflict with the present or future USATF regulations will be null and void until brought into conformance. If any article is rendered null and void, that does not render the remainder of the By-Laws and Regulations null and void.
ARTICLE 22
Saving Clause: Failure of literal or complete compliance with the provisions of these By-Laws with respect to dates and times of notice, or the sending or receipt of the same, or errors in phraseology of notice of proposals, which in the judgment of the members at meetings held do not cause substantial injury to the rights of members, shall not invalidate the actions or proceedings of the members an any meeting.
ARTICLE 22
Dissolution: When the Corporation (PVA/USATF) is dissolved, the Association, the Association will dispose of the assets after paying all liabilities of the Corporation. The assets will be distributed as determined by the Association to such organization or organizations which further the purposes of the PVA/USATF and which are organized and operated for charitable, educational or other purposes which qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or corresponding provisions of any future law.
OPERATING REGULATIONS OF
THE
OPERATING
REGULATION 1
Elections:
A. Nominations for officers and committee chairs may be submitted in writing by any member of the Association to the Administrator up to one week before the election. The nomination must be accompanied by a written acceptance of the nomination by the candidate.
B. Nominations will be accepted from the floor before the election; the person being nominated must accept the nomination.
C. If only one person is nominated for a position, that person will be declared the winner.
D. If a position is contested, there will be voting by secret ballot.
E. A person may be nominated for more than one officer position, but may not serve in more than one officer position; a person who is elected for another position will be removed from the ballot for any subsequent position.
F. In all positions with the exception of Vice-Presidents, A simple majority is required for election. If nobody is elected on the first ballot, a runoff election will be held between the two people receiving the highest number of votes. If there is a tie for second place, all those who are in the tie will be included in the second ballot. In the case of the Vice-Presidents, all voters shall vote for four (4) persons. A simple majority is required for election. If three people are not elected on the first ballot, a runoff election will be held between the number not elected plus one person receiving the highest number of votes. If there is a tie for the last place, all those who are in the tie will be included in the second ballot. Additional ballots may be necessary for Vice-President. The person receiving the largest number of votes for Vice-President on the first ballot on which a person receives a simple majority shall be the First Vice-President.
G. Before the election, a listing of all those attending the meeting will be produced, with the Administrator verifying the categories of membership; this list will be available for inspection, and any challenges to a voter will be acted up by the Association prior to the beginning of voting.
H. In all elections for officers and committee chairs, all eligible, dues-paying members will have one vote.
I. The election will be conducted by the Member Services Committee.
J. All candidates or their representative may be present at the counting of the ballots.