BYLAWS
OF THE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD CLUB
ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1.1. Identification
The name of this organization is the ROCKY MOUNTIAN AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD CLUB.
The Club is an official affiliated club of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc. (ASCA), and
Shall, not affiliate with any other dog club or registry.
Section 1.2. Address
The business/mailing address of the Club at time of adoption of these Bylaws is:
Rocky Mountain Australian Club
The business address of the Club may be changed at any time by a vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 1.3. Non-Profit Status
The Club shall not be conducted or operated for profit. No part of any profit or remainder or residue
From dues or donations to the Club shall inure to the benefit of any member.
1.3.1. The Club may not engage in any form of discrimination, which adversely affects ASCA’s
tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(7).
Section 1.4. ASCA Trademarks and the Like
The names, logos, trademarks, and service marks of ASCA may not be used by the Club or it’s
Members unless first authorized by ASCA.
Section 1.5. Objectives
The objectives of the Club are:
1.5.1. To encourage and promote the breeding of purebred Australian Shepherds in such a
manner as to bring their natural qualities to the highest degree attainable. It shall strive to educate
and assist all owners of the breed to improve their knowledge of the breed and it’s history.
1.5.2. To protect and advance the interest of the Australian Shepherd breed and to encourage
ethical breeding practices and sportsmanlike competition at all dog shows and trials.
1.5.3. To conduct Conformation Shows, Obedience Trials, Stockdog Trials and other events under
the rules and regulations of ASCA.
1.5.4. To encourage all breeders to accept the breed standard adopted by ASCA as the only
standard of excellence by which the breed shall be judged.
ARTICLE II
ORDER OF BUSINESS AND PROCEDURES
Section 2.1. Rules of Order
“Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised” shall govern any matter of procedure not specifically
addressed by these Bylaws, unless the Board of Directors establishes another order of procedure.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 3.1. Eligibility
3.1.1. Membership shall be open to all persons who are in good standing with the Australian
Shepherd Club of America Inc. and the Rocky Mountain Australian Shepherd Club and who shall
subscribe and adhere to the principles and objectives of this Club. Persons who are currently
suspended or expelled ASCA may not join this Club until they are reinstated in ASCA.
Membership shall be unrestricted as to race, color, creed, or sex, and ownership of an Australian
Shepherd shall not be a requirement of membership.
3.1.2. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form approved by the club. The form shall
provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the Constitution, By-laws, Rules, Regulations, Code of
Ethics, and Rules for Resolution of Disputes of both ASCA and the club. Dues shall accompany the
application.
3.1.3. Any person who renews membership is deemed to have consented to all current terms of
the Constitution, By-laws, Rules, Policies, Procedures, and Rules for Resolution of Disputes of both
ASCA and the Club.
Section 3.2. Types
of Membership
3.2.1. The Individual Membership – shall be open to any individual meeting eligibility requirements,
and shall have one vote.
3.2.2. The Family Membership – shall be open to any person and the resident members of their
immediate family household who meet eligibility requirements. Voting memberships shall be vested
in members of the family who are 18 years of age or older, and junior non-voting memberships shall
be vested in members of the family who are younger than the age of 18. Dues shall be pro-rated at
full payment for head of household and ˝ payment for all additional family members who desire
membership.
3.2.3. The Junior Non-voting Membership – shall be open to anyone under age 18 and not living
with a Club member. Dues shall be ˝ of individual membership dues.
3.2.4. The Honorary Life Membership – shall be a non-paid, voting membership offered to those
persons selected by unanimous vote of the Board to receive such special membership. Honorary
Memberships will be offered periodically to honor a person for his/her outstanding service to this
Club, or to the Australian Shepherd and it’s fancy.
3.2.5. The Subscription Membership – shall be open to any person or organization desiring
membership for the sole purpose of receiving mailings of the club. This membership has no voting
rights.
3.2.6. Membership in the Club is not Transferable.
Section 3.3. Election to Membership Procedures
3.3.1. An applicant is admitted to membership only upon election by the Board of Directors.
Section 3.4. Dues
3.4.1. Annual dues of an amount determined by the Board shall be payable on the first day of the
year for that year. Dues shall be determined by the financial needs of the Club and will be changed
upon reasonable notification of members.
Section 3.5. Termination
of Membership
3.5.1. Termination by Resignation: Any member may, by written request, resign from membership
in the Club. Dues will not be refunded.
3.5.2. Termination by Lapsing: Any member whose dues remain unpaid by February 1 of any
fiscal year will be considered lapsed in membership.
3.5.3. Termination by Suspension/Expulsion: The Club always deems any member who has been
disciplined by ASCA, disciplined to the same extent. Any member may be terminated by expulsion as
provided in Article XIII of these Bylaws.
3.5.4. Expulsion Reinstatement: Upon re-application of a former member and such application
filed with the secretary, the Affiliate Board of Directors may, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
members of the Board, reinstate such former member to membership in the Club on such terms as
the Board deems appropriate. The former member submitting this reinstatement application must be
in good standing with the ASCA.
Section 3.6. Good Standing
3.6.1. A member in good standing is considered to be in good standing if they are in compliance
with all the rules and regulations of ASCA and its affiliates and conduct themselves so as to advance
the interests of the Club and the breed. As examples, a member is not in good standing if they have
not paid dues when assessed or if they are presently under discipline imposed by ASCA or an
affiliate.
ARTICLE IV
CLUB BUSINESS
Section 4.1. Fiscal Year
The Club’s fiscal year is from January 1 to December 31. The Clubs official year shall begin
immediately upon installation of it’s, elected officers and end upon their termination of office.
Section 4.2. Membership Meetings
4.2.1. One or more general meetings shall be held annually with the dates to be determined by
the Board. Members shall be notified of all meetings not less than 15 days prior to the selected date.
4.2.2. The Board shall meet not less than six times yearly to conduct business of the Club. The
President may call special meetings of the Board at any time, with 15 days notice to the members of
the Board.
A. A quorum shall consist of four of the seven Officers/Directors. The presence of a quorum is
necessary for all voting. Unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws, the Board of Directors
may pass any matter by a simple majority of those Directors present to vote.
B. All meetings of the Board of Directors may be attended by the general membership except
when it is considering matters of discipline. When considering matters of discipline, only
members of the Board and the person whose conduct is in question may be present.
4.2.3. Special meetings of the general membership may be requested in writing and signed by
25% of the general membership in good standing. A special meeting may only be requested by
written petition to the Board of Directors. The petition must be given to the Board at least thirty days
before the desired, special meeting. The Secretary shall provide notice to the general members by
telephone, fax or mail at least 15 days before the meeting.
Section 4.3. Voting by balloting
Voting by balloting of the entire membership may only be permitted in special cases as determined by
these Bylaws.
ARTICLE V
THE BOARD
The Board of Directors shall manage the affairs of the Club.
Section 5.1. The Board
The Board shall consist of all officers of the Club, and two additional Club members elected from the
general membership. Members of the Board shall serve a one-year term of office, and shall be
expected to attend a majority of meetings of the Board to effect the duties of their office.
Section 5.2. The New Board
The new Board shall assume office immediately after the meeting at which they were elected. In the
case of disputed elections, the former Board will serve until the dispute is resolved. The new Board
shall assume office immediately after a disputed election is resolved.
Section 5.3. Empowerment
The Board shall be vested with general management and supervision of all Club business and affairs,
and it shall be empowered to appoint such committees as may be deemed necessary to advance the
work of the Club. All committees and each of their members shall be subject to the authority of the
Board, and may be terminated or replaced by the Board at any time.
Section 5.4. Actions
and Decisions
Actions and decisions of the Board may be subject to review of 51% of the general membership at
any time, by written petition of the members or by request of the President.
5.4.1. Any three members, not of the same household; or the President, may petition the
Secretary in writing to hold a balloting of the membership to rescind any Board decision alleged not to
be in the best interest of the Club. The Secretary shall notify the membership for a decision on the
issue, and a general membership meeting shall be called not less than 30 days following the mailing
of the ballots to decide upon the issue.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
The officers of the Club shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and
Affiliate Representative. All Officers/Directors must be members in good standing of ASCA. Persons
who are currently suspended or expelled from ASCA may not run for office in this Club until they are
reinstated in ASCA.
Section 6.1. President
The person who shall preside over all meetings, chair the Board, and exercise supervision over all
affairs and activities of the Club. He/she shall be a member ex officio of all committees, and shall
have all powers and duties normally appropriate to this office. Refer to “Robert’s Rules of Order
Newly Revised” for the President’s voting privilege.
Section 6.2. Vice President
The person who, in the event of the President’s absence, illness, or incapacity, will assume the duties
of the President. In the event of resignation or death of the President, the Vice President shall
assume the office of President for the remainder of his/her term of office, and a replacement for the
Vice President shall be appointed by the Board for a like term of office. As a voting member of the
Board it is the duty of the Vice President to keep current on all affairs of the Club and to help and
advise the President as possible.
Section 6.3. Secretary
The person who shall keep all records of the Club, record the minutes of all Board and general
membership meetings, give notice to all members as may be required, and maintain all
correspondence for the Club. The Secretary shall maintain within reach at all meetings, copies of
Bylaws, special rules of order and standing rules. The Secretary shall notify Officers and Directors of
their election to office.
Section 6.4. Treasurer
The person, who shall be entrusted with all financial records and moines of the Club, shall collect
dues and pay debts of the Club, and keep accurate records of all transactions under his/her
supervision . At the discretion of the Board, he/she may be bonded for an amount not to exceed the
balance of funds in the Club treasury. His/her books shall be open to inspection of the Board at all
times, and he/she shall report the status of the Club’s finances at each general membership meeting.
At the closing of the fiscal year, shall render a written report of the previous years accounts to the
general membership at its next meeting (or annual meeting). The Treasurer has the duty of a
fiduciary to the Club.
6.4.1. The President must approve expenditures of amounts in excess of $99.00.
6.4.2. All funds shall be deposited in a bank designated by the Board.
Section 6.5. Affiliate Representative
The person who shall be the Club liaison representative to the Australian Shepherd Club of America,
Inc., and be empowered to represent the Club at it’s Board in all business and correspondence with
the parent Club and it’s affiliates. However, all activities of the affiliate representative shall be subject
to prior approval of the President and/or Board. He/she shall give report of all activities of and
communications with the parent Club at each general membership meeting; and he/she shall
communicate all impending matters with the Board and/or the President as they arise. The Affiliate
Representative is responsible for distributing all ASCA business to the Club.
Section 6.6. Show Coordinators
Appointed by the Board of Directors, the show coordinators are the liaison between the Club and the
ASCA show office. Show coordinators sign and are responsible for all paperwork pertaining to
sanctioning of all ASCA show/trial programs.
Section 6.7. Vacancies
In the event of a vacancy occurring on the Board or among the Officers of the club during any term,
that vacancy shall be filled until completion of that term. The replacement Director/Officer shall be
elected by a majority vote of the Board at it’s next regular meeting following the creation of the
vacancy; except for the office of the President as provided in these bylaws. Any member of the
Board or officer of the Club who is absent form more than half of the Club meetings shall have
Resigned by reason of absence.
Section 6.8. Club Records
Each officer is responsible for maintaining records appropriate to the officer’s Club business.
Records must be maintained in a form easily readable, transportable, and maintainable by anyone
qualified for the office. All records kept of whatever nature or form, is property of the Club. Each
officer is responsible for transferring the Club’s records to his successor within 14 days following an
election. Either the outgoing or incoming officer’s unexcused failure to effect this transfer
automatically removes that person from good standing. If the incoming officer is the person
preventing the transfer, the outgoing officer will continue in office until the transfer is completed.
Section 6.9. Removal of a Director
A Director may be removed from office only upon two-thirds majority vote of the general members.
The Director, sought to be removed, may not vote for this purpose. A Director may be removed from
office only for cause.
ARTICLE VII
LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
Section 7.1. Personal Liability
7.1.1. Except for payment of dues, no Director, Officer, or Member shall be personally liable for
any past or present debt or obligations of the Club.
7.1.2. A member may not incur debt for the Club without approval of the Board of Directors. Such
a person is personally liable for the debt. However, the Board of Directors may ratify such a debt by a
simple majority of those Directors present to vote at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
7.1.3. No person shall use the name, mailing list, or official insignia of the Club for other than
Club purposes.
ARTICLE VIII
ANNUAL MEETING
Section 8.1. Annual Meeting
An annual meeting may be called by the President and Board as concurrent as possible with the
election of new officers every year. The normal conduct of this meeting shall include a report of the
President on the activities of the Club’s past year, a report by the Secretary on the growth of the Club,
a report of the Club’s financial status by the Treasurer, a report by the affiliate representative on
ASCA affairs, a report by outstanding committee heads as directed by the President, the installation
Of new Club officers, and the presentation of Club awards.
ARTICLE IX
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
Section 9.1. Nominating Committee
On or before the 1st day of March yearly, the President shall appoint a nominating committee which
shall propose and present a “slate of nominees” for election to all officers of the Club and its Board.
The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members in good standing, one of who must be a
member of the Board. The President may not serve on the Nominating Committee. The Nominating
Committee shall select its own Chairman. Said “slate of nominees” shall be presented to the Board no
Later than the 1st day of June.
9.1.1. The slate of nominees cannot contain a nominee to which any of the following apply.
A. No member whose dues are not paid may be a nominee.
B. No member who has not consented to nomination may be a nominee.
C. No member who has been suspended or expelled may be a nominee.
Section 9.2. Additional Nominations
During the month of August a general member meeting shall be called to present the
Officer/Board nominee slate, as selected by the nominating committee, to the membership; or notice
thereof shall be presented to the membership by mail. Additional nominations shall be solicited from
the membership from the floor, or by mail, at this time all additional nominees must consent to
nomination on/or before the 30th day of September to qualify for such nomination.
Section 9.3. Elections
Elections shall be held during the month of November, and shall be conducted by mail. Voting ballots
Shall be sent to all voting members on or before the 31st day of October and voting will cease on the
30th day of November. Election of the nominees shall be effected by a majority vote of the ballots
received by the close of voting date. Elected candidates shall assume the duties of office on or before
the 10th day of December. Write-in candidates shall not be allowed in balloting. The agenda may also
include other issues that the Board wishes to submit to a vote of the members.
ARTICLE X
CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS, AND FUNDS
Section 10.1. Name of Accounts
All financial accounts shall be in the name and to the credit of Rocky Mountain Australian Shepherd
Club.
Section 10.2. Placement of Accounts
The accounts shall be maintained in a federally insured financial institution located in the county
where the Club conducts all or a majority of its business.
Section 10.3. Disbursements
All disbursements shall be made by check signed by the Treasurer and/or either the Secretary or the
President.
Section 10.4. Deposits
All funds of the Club shall be, in a timely manner deposited to the credit of the Club in the accounts
specified in Section 10.1.
Section 10.5. Contractual Agreements
The Board of Directors may authorize one or more officers of the Club to enter into any contract or to
execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Club, and such authority may
be general or confined to specific instances.
ARTICLE XI
CREATION AND TERMINATION OF COMMITTEES
Section 11.1. Creation of Committees
Subject to approval of the Board of Directors, the President may appoint permanent or temporary
committees to advance the work of the Club.
Section 11.2. Termination of Committees
A committee may be terminated by an affirmative majority vote of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS
Section 12.1. Submission of Amendments
Amendments to the b Bylaws may be accomplished by vote of the membership of the Club.
Amendments may be proposed by the Board of Directors or written petition. Said petition must be
signed by twenty percent of the members of the Club in good standing and addressed to the
Secretary.
Section 12.2. Voting on Amendments
Amendments must be submitted to a vote of the members within three months of any meeting of the
Board of Directors in which the amendments were considered. Amendments proposed by petition
must be accompanied by recommendations of the Board when published in the agenda for the
election.
Section 12.3. Prior Approval by ASCA
Proposed Amendments to these Bylaws must be approved by ASCA before a final club vote on these
amendments is initiated. Proposed changes will be submitted with old wording followed by new
wording.
ARTICLE XIII
DISPUTES AND DISCIPLINE
Section 13.1. Disputes
Disputes between Club members, between a member and the Club or involving non-members and
pertaining to Club affairs or a Club sanctioned event, shall be decided in accordance with the Dispute
Rules as adopted by ASCA. Any discipline or sanctions issued or administered by the Club shall be
in conformity with such rules.
Section 13.2. Matching Disciplines
Any member, who is suspended from the privileges of the Australian Shepherd Club of America, Inc.
automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
Section 13.3. Agreement to Stated Rules and Procedures
Members of the Club and non-members participants in Club activities must agree to abide by all rules
and procedures adopted by ASCA, and those adopted by the Club. Forms for application for
membership and for participation in Club activities shall so state. Such rules and procedures include,
but not limited to, these Bylaws, ASCA’s Bylaws, the ASCA Show, Test and Trial Program Rules,
and ASCA’s Dispute Rules.
Section 13.4. Conduct Becoming
All members shall be expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the principles of the
Club as stated in these Bylaws and may, by actions contrary to its ideas, be subject to disciplinary
action of the Board.
ARTICLE XIV
DISSOLUTION
Section 14.1. Dissolution of Club
The Club may be dissolved at any time by written consent of at least three-fourths of the members in
good standing.
Section 14.2. Distribution of Assets
In the event of dissolution, whether by voluntary means, involuntary means, or by operation of law,
none of the property, funds, assets or proceeds thereof shall be distributed to any member of the
Club unless such distribution is to discharge an undisputed and properly documented obligation of the
Club to the member. All remaining Club property, funds, assets, or proceeds thereof must be
donated to a benevolent animal organization or as a donation for the ASCA National Specialty or the
Aussie Rescue fund as directed by the Board of Directors.
Section 14.3. Disputed Funds
Funds that are subject to dispute involving the Club will be deposited in the ASCA Dispute Funds
Trust. At resolution of the dispute, the amount in dispute will be either disbursed to the appropriate
claimant or transferred to the Aussie Rescue fund or the ASCA National Specialty fund in the name of
the dissolving Club.
Section 14.4. Notification of ASCA
Written notification of the dissolution must be given to ASCA before the effective date.
ASCA REQUIRED ADDENDUM TO AFFILIATE CLUB BYLAWS
1. Conflict within Bylaws In the event of conflict between the addendum and any other provision
of these bylaws, this addendum shall prevail.
2. The Club and ASCA The Affiliate Club is referred to as “the Club” and the Australian Shepherd
Club of America, Inc. is referred to as “ASCA” in this addendum.
2.1. The Club is an official Affiliated Club of ASCA and shall not affiliate with any other dog club or
registry.
3. Non-Profit Status The Club shall not be operated for profit. No profit or part thereof or any
remainder or residue from dues or donations for the Club’s use shall insure to the benefit of any
member.
4. Objectives The primary objectives of the Club are to protect and advance the Australian
Shepherd breed. In service of this goal, the Club will:
4.1. The Club shall encourage and promote the breeding of purebred Australian Shepherds in such
a manner as to bring their natural qualities to the highest degree attainable.
4.2. It shall strive to promote, educate and assist all owners of the breed to improve their
knowledge of the breed and it’s history.
4.3. Protect and advance the interest of the Australian Shepherd breed and to encourage ethical
breeding practices and sportsmanlike competition at all dog shows and trials.
4.4 Conduct Conformation Shows, Obedience Trials, Stockdog Trials and other events in
conformity with ASCA rules and regulations.
4.5.Encourage all breeders to accept the ASCA breed standard as the only standard of excellence
by which the breed shall be judged.
5. Order of Business and Procedure “Robert’s Rules of Order
Newly Revised” shall govern any
matter of procedure not specifically addressed by these Bylaws, unless another order of procedure is
established by the Board of Directors.
6. Membership Membership shall be open to all persons who are in good standing with ASCA and
the Club and who will subscribe and adhere to the principles and objectives of this Club. Persons who
are currently suspended or expelled from ASCA may not join this Club until they are reinstated in
ASCA.
6.1. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form approved by the Club. The form shall
provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, Code of Ethics, and
Dispute Rules of both ASCA and the Club.
6.2. Any person who renews membership is deemed to have consented to all current terms of the
Bylaws, Rules, Policies, Procedures, Dispute Rules of both ASCA and the Club.
6.3. Any member who is disciplined by ASCA is deemed disciplined to the same extent by the
Club.
7. Officers All officers must be members in good standing of ASCA. Persons who are currently
suspended or expelled from ASCA may not hold or run for office in this Club until they are reinstated
in ASCA.
7.1. Affiliate Representative: Who is an Officer in the Club and shall be the Club liaison
representative to ASCA and be empowered to represent the Club in all business and correspondence
with the parent Club and it’s affiliates. He/she shall give report of all activities of and communications
with the parent Club at each meeting; and he/she shall communicate all impending matters with the
Board and/or the President as they arise. The Affiliate Representative is responsible for distributing all
ASCA business to the Club.
7.2. Show Coordinators: Shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. The Show Coordinators
are the liaison between the Club and the ASCA show Office. Show Coordinators sign and are
responsible for all paperwork pertaining to sanctioning of all ASCA show/trial programs.
7.3. Any member of the Board or officer of the Club who is absent for more than half of the Club
meetings shall have resigned by reason of absence.
8. Nominations and Elections Nominations and elections will be scheduled so the new slate of
officers is installed before the Affiliate renewals are due back to the ASCA days of the change.
9. Amendments Proposed Amendments to these Bylaws must be Approved by ASCA before a final
club vote, on these amendments, is initiated. Proposed changes will be submitted with old wording
followed by new wording.
10. Disputes and Discipline Disputes between Club members, between a member and the Club or
involving non-members and pertaining to Club affairs or a Club sanctioned event, shall be decided in
accordance with the Dispute Rules as adopted by ASCA. Any discipline or sanctions issued or
administered by the Club shall be in conformity with such rules.
10.1. Discipline by ASCA Any member who is suspended from the privilege’s of ASCA shall
automatically be suspended from the privileges of the Club for a like period.
11. Consent to rules Members of the Club and non-member participants in Club activities must
agree to abide by all rules and procedures adopted by ASCA and those adopted by the Club. Forms
for application for membership and for participation in Club activities shall so state. Such rules and
procedures include, but not limited to, these Bylaws, ASCA’s Bylaws, Registry Rules, the ASCA
Show, Test and Trial Program Rules, and ASCA’s
12. Dissolution Written notification of the dissolution must be given to ASCA before the effective
date.
12.1 Upon dissolution of the Club, any assets remaining after discharge of the obligations of the
Club must be donated to a tax-exempt, benevolent animal organization (such as, but not limited to
Aussie Rescue and Placement or to the host Club of the National Specialty).
12.2 The Club may not engage in any form of discrimination which adversely affects ASCA’s
tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c)(7).
13. ASCA Trademarks and the Like The names, logos, trademarks and service marks of ASCA
may not be used by the Club or it’s members unless authorized by ASCA.
THIS ADDENDUM MAY BE
REVISED BY ASCA FROM TIME TO TIME.