Club Constitution and By-Laws
ARTICLE I – NAME
1.1 The name of this Club shall be, “SOUTH DAVIS MODELERS, INC.”.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
2.1. To promote activities and provide facilities and opportunities to participate in and enhance individual skills in Radio Control, Control Line, and Free Flight Model Aircraft building and flying, with particular emphasis on Radio Control Sport Flying.
2.2 To encourage those interested to participate in any other phase of miniature modeling.
2.3 To promote fellowship and sportsmanship among members.
2.4 To encourage and instruct youth and newcomers in the above activities for the mutual enjoyment of all.
2.5 To promote general fellowship and sportsmanship with similar clubs in adjacent areas.
2.6 To promote a wholesome and positive image of modeling activities to the public.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
3.1 Anyone interested in model building and flying may be admitted into membership upon payment of an initiation fee and current annual dues, verification of current AMA membership (Open, Youth or Park Pilot), sponsorship by a current member, approval of the Executive Committee, approval of a two-thirds majority vote of eligible members present at a regular monthly meeting at which the applicant or his sponsor is present, and or membership capacity is not obtained (Due to current flying site size the club capacity is limited to seventy-five club members). AMA Park Pilots’ aircraft must not exceed 2 lbs, 60 mph and may not be powered with an internal combustion engine.
3.2 Suspension or Expulsion: For cause, any Member may be suspended or terminated. Sufficient cause shall be the violation of the provisions of the constitution or By-Laws, or any other conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Club.
3.3 Such suspension or expulsion shall be by a majority vote of the Executive Committee, and a majority vote of eligible members at a regular monthly meeting, provided that a statement of charges shall have been mailed by registered post to the last recorded address of the Member at least fifteen days before Executive Committee action is taken thereon. Such statement shall be accompanied by a notice of the time and place of the meeting of the Executive Committee at which charges are to be considered and notice of the Members right to appear, in person or by representative, to present any defense to such charges.
ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS
4.1 Elected Officers will be President, Vice President, Safety Officer, and Secretary, Treasurer, Field Marshall and Webmaster. Officers must be fully paid up Adult or Senior Adult Members in good standing and will serve a term of one year beginning each January 1st of each year.
ARTICLE V – COMMITTEES
5.1 Executive Committee: The main governing body of the club composed of the President, Vice President, Safety Officer and the Secretary-Treasurer.
5.2 Standing Committee: To be appointed by the President from time to time as needed and dissolved upon completion of their assignment.
ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF OFFICERS
6.1 The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Club, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee. He shall preside at these meetings. He shall act as spokesman for the Club in all matters pertaining to it. He shall appoint Standing Committees and committees. He shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee. He shall resolve all disputes and disagreements not otherwise provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws. He may obligate or disburse funds up to twenty-five dollars for each transaction to facilitate the operation of the Club, or as hereinafter provided for.
6.2 The Vice President shall perform the accepted duties of a Vice President as delegated by the President. He shall preside at all meetings when the President is absent.
6.3 The Safety Officer shall monitor club activities pertaining to safety rules and flying field conduct. Organize and supervise appropriate frequency control systems and other needed safeguards to insure the maximum degree of safety for all participants, spectators, and equipment. He shall act as umpire at the flying field to resolve any disputes and make appropriate reports of violations to the Executive Committee. Refusal to abide by the decisions of the Safety Officer at the flying site will constitute sufficient cause for expulsion from the Club in accordance with paragraph 3.2. He may appoint a substitute or substitutes to act in his stead at any flying session, however, a Safety Officer or representative does not have to be present at all flying sessions where qualified pilots are flying, except when a contest is scheduled.
6.4 The Secretary shall be responsible for recording the attendance, voting, essential minutes of all club meetings and the Executive Committee meeting. He shall be responsible for the mailing lists of the Club and use them for Club purposes. He shall issue S.D.M. membership cards and packets to new members, and renewed members upon notification by the President that all requirements for membership have been met. A newsletter may be prepared upon the direction of the President and e-mailed to each club member.
6.5 The Treasurer shall perform the accepted duties and shall have charge of the funds of the Club. He will deposit in such depositories as the Executive Committee may from time to time designate. He shall keep accurate detailed records of accounts in the books belonging to the Club, which accounts and records shall be open at all times to inspection by the President or Executive Committee. When directed to do so by the President or Executive Committee he shall submit for audit his books, records, vouchers and any and all other papers in his possession called for, to an auditor or auditing committee designated by the Executive Committee. He shall disburse funds at the direction of the President in accordance with the provisions of the By-Laws. He shall report the financial standing of the Club verbally to each Executive Committee meeting, and to the membership as directed by the President but not less than four times a year. A complete financial report will be made to the membership at the regular meeting in December of each year. He is specifically authorized to obligate and disburse funds for the fulfilling of the normal duties of a Treasurer such as postage, printing, paper and other office supplies solely on his own stated needs, and keep records thereof.
6.6 The Field Marshall shall be responsible for field maintenance and or upkeep. He shall be responsible but limited to the following: mowing of the grass at the flying field, lawn mower maintenance, weed control, and notifying the Executive Committee of any needed repairs or upgrades for the flying field he recommends. All funds required to perform these tasks shall be approved by the Executive Committee and Club Vote if required. The Field Marshall shall be the organizer and manager of all repair or maintenance tasks at the flying field and upon his digression may organize club field work days if he feels needed. All upgrades to the flying field outside of maintenance shall be approved by Executive Committee and Club Vote. If duties of Field Marshall become excessive as determined by Executive Committee an Assistant Field Marshall could be appointed by Executive Committee to assist the Field Marshall under his direction.
6.7 The Webmaster shall be responsible for building and maintaining the South Davis Modelers Website. He shall be responsible for all updates as directed by President. All funds required shall be voted on by club membership.
6.8 Election of Officers: Nomination of Officers will be done by the nominating committee during the November meeting. Nominations may also be accepted from the floor at this meeting. Vacancies during a current year may be filled by appointment by the Executive Committee and appointees serve the unexpired term. Voting will be by simple majority of eligible members present at the December meeting.
6.9 Other voting at a regularly scheduled meeting will be by a simple majority of eligible members present unless otherwise provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE VII – DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
7.1 Executive Committee: Empowered to conduct the necessary business of the Club for its effective operation in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws. To act as a grievance committee. Limited to obligating or spending funds of one hundred dollars or less unless approved by a majority vote of eligible members present at a regularly scheduled meeting, or as hereinafter provided for.
7.2 Standing Committee: To act as a committee as directed by the President to pursue Club affairs and report actions and findings to the President or Executive Committee as directed.
ARTICLE VIII – FUNDS
8.1 All funds of the Club may be used for the purposes of the Club and shall not inure to the benefit of any member.
8.2 Utilization of funds will be outlined in the By-Laws.
ARTICLE IX – REAL PROPERTY
9.1 The Club may purchase and own Real Property and appurtenances for a Flying Site, or Club facilities as determined essential to the operation of the Club. Financial arrangements, agreements of purchase, and consummation of purchase may be entered into by notification to all Club members of intent to vote on said proposals at a regular or special meeting, and subsequent approval of the Executive Committee and a majority of eligible voting members at said meeting. Rentals or leases may be approved at any regular meeting by a majority present without such advance notification.
9.2 Funds for rentals, leases, flying site construction maintenance and repair may be obligated and disbursed by the President or Executive Committee as needed utilizing funds in the account in Article VII par 7.1 and 7.2. of the By-Laws.
ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
10.1 Proposals of amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws may be made by any member from the floor at the regular meeting held in January of each year.
10.2 By a majority vote the Executive Committee may schedule proposed amendments for a vote by the membership after notifying each member of the proposals by mail at least two weeks prior to a scheduled vote. Amendments may be voted on separately or as a whole and two/thirds majority of eligible voting members present will be required to approve an amendment.
ARTICLE XI – MEMBERSHIP CLASSES
11.1 There shall be three classes of membership:
• Class One, Adults ages 18 to 65.
• Class Two, Senior Adults age 65 or older.
• Class Three, Juniors ages 14 to 17 by July 1st of the year accepted.
11.2 Member Privileges: Class one, two and three, all Club privileges in accordance with the Constitution and By-Laws.
11.3 Guests: Any member in good standing may invite guests to participate in flying activities under the following provisions:
• The member must be present when the guest flies.
• The guest must be a current AMA member (Open, Youth or Park Pilot) to fly. AMA Park Pilots’ aircraft must not exceed 2 lbs, 60 mph and may not be powered with an
internal combustion engine.
• The guest must abide by all Club rules, and the member is responsible for the proper conduct of the guest.
• Guest privileges shall be limited to four flying sessions a year.
• After four flying sessions a guest will be asked to apply for regular membership.
• Guest privileges are limited privileges and must not be abused.
• Guests will defer to the needs of the Club Members for flying time and field space and facilities.
11.4 Special student classes and programs may be designed and put into effect on a temporary basis by the Executive Committee for the training of aspiring flyers wherein specific initiation fees and club dues may be waived for a short period of time. Said students must be under the control of a designated Club Flight Instructor at all times, and will not have access to, or use the Flying site or Club facilities at any other time. They may join the Club during any period of their training, and after meeting all requirements.
11.5 A member required to move from Utah for a period of one year or more may be placed on a standby basis by paying dues of one half, the regular amount and will be reinstated as a full member upon return by paying the balance of dues for the current year, but without having to pay an initiation fee.
The Constitution Article III, part 3.1 Revised February 13, 2014
Constitution consists of ARTICLES I thru XI, part 11.5. Revised April 1, 2008
SOUTH DAVIS MODELERS, INC. BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – INITIATION FEES AND DUES
1.1 Annual Dues:
• Class one $100.
• Class two $75, (a person must have attained age 65 prior to Jan. 1st of the dues paying year).
• Class three $20.
Dues for new application received after September 1st of the current year will be applied to the remainder of that year as well as all of the next year. Dues may be raised or lowered when approved by the Executive Committee and by a two-thirds majority vote of members present at a regular meeting.
1.2 Initiation Fees:
• Class one $50.
• Class two $50.
• Class three $20.
1.3 Initiation fees and dues shall be submitted with application for membership and will be refunded if membership is not approved.
1.4 Annual dues shall be payable on or before Jan. 1st of each year and delinquent on Feb. 1st. Proof of current year AMA membership (Open, Youth or Park Pilot) must be provided with dues payment. A thirty-day grace period will be allowed for payment of dues with no penalty.
• Delinquent dues paid on February 1st through February 28th will be assessed a late fee of $10.
• On March 1st the delinquent member will be dropped from the rolls. These former members may apply for new membership after March by paying the initiation fee, annual dues, and meeting all other requirements for membership.
ARTICLE II – SAFETY RULES AND FREQUENCY CONTROL
2.1 All flying activities will conform to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) safety code, and as follows.
2.2 Approved frequencies for Aircraft RC use are 72 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 27 MHz, 50 MHZ and 53 MHz (the ARRL no longer lists the 53MHz band for RC). For 50 MHz and 53 MHz, an Amateur Radio License of Technician grade or higher must have been obtained and be in the possession of the member when operating in accordance with FCC regulations. This license must be shown, when required, to establish the right to fly on this frequency.
2.3 No one will taxi, take off or land from or into the pit area, or fly over the pit area, spectator area or parking lot area.
2.4 The physical layout of the Flying Field will include a safety zone of at least 10 feet between the pit area and the runway(s).
2.5 While in the pits, aircraft with engines running must be under the physical control of the pilot or helper. Taxiing of aircraft is not allowed in the pits. When flying, pilots must be on the far side of the safety zone towards the runway and it is recommended they stand at least ten feet apart to minimize transmitter interference.
2.6 Engines will not be run so as to blow dirt and debris on others equipment or into the pit area. Prolonged engine running will be done in a remote area of the field away from the pits.
2.7 All pilots will be in a mental and physical condition conducive to safe flying. When observed otherwise they will be asked not fly or operate equipment. Students should be attended by an Instructor until they are capable of flying alone.
2.8 Previously unflown aircraft should be granted closed field privileges during trial flight.
2.9 Landing Priorities:
• First Priority: Emergency, Pilot will call out EMERGENCY.
• Second Priority: Dead Stick Landing, Pilot will call out as appropriate.
• Third Priority: Normal Landing, Pilot call out.
• Fourth Priority: Takeoff.
• Fifth Priority: Taxiing.
2.10 Frequencies will not be tied up longer than Twenty minutes for testing. Antennas will be collapsed when not flying or testing to minimize interference.
2.11 Transmitter impounds may be put into effect for special events, or at any time if determined to be the safest method to use at the time.
2.12 Each pilot will be required to place his Club Card on the Frequency Control Board on the frequency he is using Prior to turning on his transmitter. He will have exclusive use of the frequency until he removes his card. No one will operate their radio or fly without their card on the control board. Each pilot must remove his card himself when finished with the frequency, after checking to be sure his transmitter is off. Word of mouth frequency use and card changes will not be permitted. Violation of this rule will mean No Flying for the rest of the day, or monetary penalties may be assessed by the Executive Committee for violation of this or any other club rule.
SLOGAN: SAFETY FIRST, FUN SECOND – GET IN THE HABIT
2.13 Members should always communicate their intentions with others at the field. This is particularly important if they intend to do something out of the ordinary.
2.14 Pets: Pets will not be allowed anywhere on the flying field. If brought to the field they must be kept on a leash in the parking area. If they cause a disturbance they must be removed from the premises.
ARTICLE III – COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES
3.1 The Club as a whole may engage in limited fund raising activities when desirable to provide operating funds and building funds. However, no illegal substance or substances requiring special licenses such as alcoholic beverages will be sold to the membership or the public as a fund raising event.
ARTICLE IV – CONTESTS
4.1 A limited number of contests may be conducted for the flying year, but must be self supporting. Club funds will not be used for contests where entry fees are charged. Any fees collected above expenses will be returned to the contestants on an equal basis. Fun contests sponsored by the Club where no fees are charged and all may participate, will be supported by Club funds.
ARTICLE V – CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
5.1 Monthly meetings and Executive Committee meetings will be held at the discretion of the Executive Committee at a time and place determined by them. Each meeting will consist of at least the following: Call to order, Secretary’s report, old business, new business, and other items as desired. New business will not normally be acted upon until the next meeting to allow committees and others to obtain proper input before decisions are made. However, if time is short, new business may be concluded at any meeting.
5.2 All members are urged to attend all meetings and provide proper input for operation and enjoyment of Club Activities.
ARTICLE VI – SECURITY
6.1 Security of all Club property whether owned, leased, or rented will be the responsibility of the Executive Committee. They will make proper plans and provide necessary equipment to insure security of property.
ARTICLE VII – BUILDING FUNDS AND SPECIAL ACCOUNTS
7.1 Fifty percent of all initiation fees and Club dues along with other income will be set aside for the use as funds to purchase, lease, rent, construct, build, repair and maintain, and otherwise provide an adequate flying site or other Club facilities for use of the members.
7.2 Said funds in par 7.1 will be placed in a separate interest bearing account that is insured by an agency of the Federal Government and allowed to accumulate as rapidly as possible. The Executive Committee is expressly charged with the responsibility to oversee this account. Donations from any source may be accepted and placed in this account in full.
ARTICLE VIII – CODE OF CONDUCT
8.1 The following code of conduct should be ascribed to by all members as a means of promoting the purposes of the Club and creating a good Public Image.
• I will conduct myself as a gentleman in all Club activities.
• I will abide by all Club rules.
• I will assist others less knowledgeable in modeling activities.
• I will kindly remind others of rules infractions to help maintain safety and goodwill.
• I will keep myself fit to fly to preserve the safety of others and myself.
• I will at no time conduct myself in a way to bring discredit upon the Club or Club members.
• I will treat others, as I would like to be treated.
• Self-policing is the best system.
• Be courteous at all times.