Bylaws

BY-LAWS OF

THE SOUTHERN ARIZONA HARLEY RIDERS MC

Revised May 2009

ARTICLE I – NAME AND AFFILIATION

The name of this motorcycle club shall be the SOUTHERN ARIZONA HARLEY RIDERS MC, hereafter referred to as SAHR MC or “the club”. The club is affiliated by charter with the AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION, hereafter referred to as the AMA. The club is also affiliated as a founding member of the ARIZONA CONFEDERATION OF MOTORCYCLE CLUBS, hereafter referred to as the AzCMC.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

II.1 To achieve the constitutional purpose of the SAHR MC, the officers and members shall conduct themselves in a manner that shall not cause embarrassment to the club. It is also the purpose of the SAHR MC to promote safe and fun motorcycling within a family oriented structure, as well as increase the level of enthusiasm for riding HARLEY-DAVIDSON motorcycles.

II.2 The SAHR MC shall abide by the following Code of Ethics:

A. To strive to promote good public relations through general conduct, the media, club activities, and community affairs.

B. To respect the rights of all member of the community.

C. To strive to abide by all local, state, and federal laws.

D. To strive to promote cooperative coexistence with other motorcycle clubs and organizations through individual actions and the club association within the AzCMC.

E. To conduct all formal AMA sanctioned activities in accordance with all current rules and guidelines set forth in existing AMA rule books.

F. To strive to conduct informal club activities in accordance with the spirit of this Code of Ethics, both within the motorcycle community, and the community at large.

II.3 Each individual member shall abide by the Spirit of the following Code of Ethics unless superseded by other Sections of these by-laws:

A. Each member will have good standing within the SAHR MC; no member of the SAHR MC regardless of status or position shall undermine the Spirit of good biker ethics. No member regardless of status or position shall wear another club or association patch on their back. No member shall discuss club business with non-SAHR MC members or SAHR MC members deemed not to be in good standing. No member shall disrespect another member of the SAHR MC or the SAHR MC in general. No member shall cause embarrassment to the SAHR MC. No member shall operate their motorcycle in an unsafe manner which could cause harm to themselves or others as part of any club function or while representing the SAHR MC, that is, while displaying the SAHR MC patch.

B. Members shall attend a minimum of six AzCMC sanctioned events per year (an AzCMC meeting can count as an AzCMC sanctioned event) unless waived by the Executive Board, participate in at least one SAHR MC committee per year if necessary, and serve in at least one appointed position per year if requested by the executive board.

C. Members shall not promote strife within the motorcycle clubs belonging to the AzCMC; no member shall be allowed to become a member of the SAHR MC without the approval of any previous AzCMC club of which they have been a member within the previous two years. No member shall discuss AzCMC business with people of non-AzCMC club affiliation.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1 – Membership.

III.1 – General

The membership of this motorcycle club shall consist of Active, Inactive, Life, Retired, Ambassador, and Honorary members. All members, regardless of status, shall be in good standing with the SAHR MC. All members, with the exception of Retired, Inactive, Widowed, and Honorary members, will either (1) own and ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle, (2) be disabled and own and ride a trike consisting of Harley Davidson parts, or (3) be a full time passenger or spouse of a SAHR MC member.

III.1.1 – Active Members

All active members are required to attend regularly scheduled meetings and club-sponsored motorcycle functions. An active member can miss no more than two consecutive meetings or three meetings in a calendar year for personal reasons without approval of the executive board.

III.1.2 – Inactive Members

A member can choose to become inactive for personal reasons at any time. Inactive members do not have to attend regular SAHR MC meetings or SAHR MC sponsored functions, but shall not be permitted to make motions, vote, run for office, or wear the club patch. Reinstatement to active status will be in accordance with SECTION 4 of these by-laws.

III.1.3 – Life Members

Active members who have completed five (5) total years of membership in good standing are eligible for life membership. The executive board shall vote on each eligible member, and upon approval, they will receive a LIFE member rocker. . A life member can miss no more than three consecutive meetings or four meetings in a calendar year for personal reasons without approval of the executive board.

III.1.4 – Prospects

All prospects are required to attend regularly scheduled meetings and club-sponsored motorcycle functions. A prospect can miss no more than one meeting during their prospect period for personal reasons without approval of the executive board. After at least a 6 month prospect period and approval by the executive board, a prospect can be voted into the club by the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws.

III.1.5 – Retired Members

Members who have received Life membership are eligible for retirement when and if they choose. The executive board shall vote and upon approval the member asking for retirement will receive a RETIRED member rocker. Retired members shall have none of the obligations of membership in the SAHR MC other than to maintain good standing with the SAHR MC but shall not be permitted to make motions, vote, or run for office.

III.1.6 – Ambassador Members

Members who have received Life membership and have held that position in good standing with the SAHR MC for at least five (5) total years are eligible for Ambassador status. Special candidates nominated by the executive board and elected by the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws shall be deemed as an Ambassador member and receive an AMBASSADOR rocker. Ambassador members shall have none of the obligations of membership in the SAHR MC except to abide by the General membership requirements of Section III.1 as well as Section II.3.A. of the Code of Ethics.

III.1.4 – Honorary Members

Any person who is not a member of SAHR MC and is ineligible for membership and has rendered notable services/contributions to SAHR MC may be nominated for Honorary membership. Candidates nominated by an active member, and elected by the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws shall be deemed an honorary member. An honorary member shall have none of the obligations of membership in the SAHR MC except to abide by Section II.3.A. of the Code of Ethics, but shall be entitled to all privileges except those of motions, voting, holding office, and wearing the club patch.

SECTION 2 – Application for Membership.

All AMA members in good standing, who meet the requirements of an active member of the SAHR MC are eligible for membership provided they: (a) are sponsored by an active member; (b) fill out a SAHR MC membership application; (c) show proof of AMA membership; and (d) fulfill a minimum of 6 (six) months probation in which the applicant shall familiarize himself/herself with the membership and the operation of the SAHR MC. At the first regular meeting of the SAHR MC following the conclusion of the applicants probationary period and upon approval by the executive board, the applicant shall be voted on, and must be approved by the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws. Drivers and passengers may apply and be voted on for membership simultaneously.

SECTION 3 – Initiation of Fees and Dues.

Upon applying for membership, the potential member shall pay the initiation fee. The annual dues shall be determined during the January regular meeting of the SAHR MC. The determination shall be based on the administrative needs of the club for the year. The Executive Board shall recommend the annual dues to the membership. The active membership shall vote on the dues recommendation and upon a vote of the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws it will become binding. The annual dues shall be payable on, or before, the February meeting. The Treasurer shall notify members whose dues are in default by the regular meeting in March. If dues are not paid at the regular meeting in March, those members will be automatically dropped from the membership roles unless the March deadline is waived by the executive board until the April regular meeting for members whose finances or duties prevent them from complying. In any event, if dues are not paid by the regular meeting in April the member must either be dropped from the membership roles of the SAHR MC or placed on an inactive status until dues are paid. The decision as to whether to drop the member or place him/her on inactive status will be made by the Executive Board.

SECTION 4 – Reinstatement of Membership.

Inactive to Active. Inactive members must appear at a scheduled executive board meeting to request active status be reinstated.

Retired to Active. Retired members must appear at a scheduled executive board meeting to request active status be reinstated.

Non-payment of Dues. Membership suspended for non-payment of club dues will be reinstated after attendance of a scheduled executive board meeting to discuss a course of action for reinstatement, and repayment of the full amount of dues for the year’s membership.

Membership Suspended for Violation of the Code of Ethics (Section II.3). Membership suspended for violation of this Code of Ethics may be reinstated after attendance at a scheduled Executive Board meeting to discuss reinstatement and subsequent approval of the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws.

SECTION 5 – Disciplinary Action.

Disciplinary action will be administered by the executive board. Failure to comply with the disciplinary action administered by the Executive Board may result in further disciplinary action to include suspension of membership in the SAHR MC. Suspension of membership must be upon recommendation of the executive board and upon a vote of the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

SECTION 1 – Elected Officers.

The elected officers of SAHR MC shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captain, and Sergeant at Arms. These elected officers shall also constitute the Executive Board. All decisions of the Executive Board binding on the membership must be approved by at least a 2/3rds vote of the Executive Board. The candidates for office shall be nominated from the general membership during the November meeting of the SAHR MC. Nominations shall be made by a motion from an active member and seconded by another active member. Nominated candidates must have been active members of the SAHR MC for a minimum of one year.

SECTION 2 – Appointed Officers.

The officers appointed by the executive board shall be a Quartermaster, AMA Representative, Public Relations Officer, Activities Director, Run Coordinator, Photographer, and Webmaster. The Appointed officers shall be active members. The executive board shall present the appointed officers to the membership for acceptance.

SECTION 3 – Duties of Officers.

IV.3.1 – President.

The President shall:

A. Uphold the SAHR MC Constitution and By-Laws.

B. Chair the SAHR MC meetings.

C. Appoint the committees.

D. Correlate the duties of the officers and committees.

E. Have general supervision of the club.

F. Personally represent the club on proper occasions and business contracts.

G. Vote only when necessary to break a tie.

IV.3.2 – Vice President.

The Vice President shall:

Assist the President in the accomplishment of his duties, and in his absence, assume the duties of the President.

IV.3.3 – Secretary.

The Secretary shall:

A. Conduct roll call.

B. Record the minutes at all meetings.

C. Maintain club records and update the club roster.

IV.3.4 – Treasurer:

The Treasurer shall:

Carry out the financial responsibilities of the club, including the preparation of a monthly financial statement for the membership.

IV.3.5 – Road Captain.

The Road Captain shall:

A. Select an assistant Road Captain.

B. Have final authority over road activities/protocol

C. Issue monthly calendar of upcoming events/rides

IV.3.6 – Sergeant at Arms.

The Sergeant at Army shall:

A. Preserve order during the meetings as the chair directs.

B. Be in charge of security at all club events.

C. Enforce all club rules

D. Collect and count all voting ballots

IV.3.7 – Quartermaster.

The Quartermaster shall:

A. Be the purchasing agent for the club.

B. Be responsible for all supplies required for club activities.

C. Maintain written inventory of all club property.

IV.3.8 – AMA Representative.

The AMA Representative shall:

Handle all AMA related activities including, but not limited to, maintaining the club charter.

IV.3.9 – Public Relations Officer.

The Public Relations Officer shall:

A. Act as Liaison between the club and the community at large.

B. Provide good relations and keep all concerned informed of on-going activities.

IV.3.10 – Activities Director.

The Activities Director shall:

A. Notify all club members of meetings, events, or special needs of club members that may occur on short notice.

B. Coordinate and plan activities for the club and its members.

IV.3.11 – Run Coordinator.

A. Coordinate all activities associated with a SAHR MC sponsored event for which he/she has been appointed run coordinator – this includes being in charge of all the run decisions and run committees unless overruled by the Executive Board. This also includes being responsible for advertising SAHR MC in print and online internet publications.

B. For any run for which his/her performance is deemed satisfactory by the executive board, he/she will be excused from mandatory attendance at AzCMC sanctioned events other than SAHR MC runs. The run coordinator shall be entitled to compensation for all expenses incurred in the performance of his/her duties to include a mileage rate for fuel consumed.

IV.3.12 – Photographer.

The Photographer shall:

Take pictures at club functions for historical purposes, and supply access of those pictures to the general membership.

IV.3.13 – Webmaster.

The Webmaster shall:

A. Publish all run flyers, the calendar of events, and any other information deemed necessary by the Executive Board on the SAHR MC website.

B. The Webmaster shall be entitled to compensation for all expenses incurred in the performance of his/her duties.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS

SECTION 1 – Regular Meetings.

V.1.1 Scheduling.

The date, time, and location for the regular monthly meetings shall be determined by the executive board.

V.1.2 – Quorum and Voting Standards.

Fifty-one (51) percent of the active membership shall constitute a quorum. A quorum will need to be present at any scheduled or special club meeting for any votes taken at the meeting to be binding. For any vote to become binding at least 2/3rds of a quorum must vote for approval. For example, if there are 23 active members, 12 members must be present at the scheduled or special meeting of which at least 8 votes will be required for passage. For meetings at which greater than a quorum is present, a majority vote will be required for passage at an amount that equals or exceeds 2/3rds of a quorum. In the 23 active members example above, if 13, 14, or 15 members are present 8 must vote for passage, if 16 or 17 members are present 9 members must vote for passage, if 18 members are present 10 members must vote for passage and so on.

SECTION 2 – Special Meetings.

Special meetings may be called by the President, the executive board, or by written request of at least five (5) active members.

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

SECTION 1 – Standing Committees.

The Executive Board is a standing committee that will address all issues of policy, interpretation of the constitution, areas of misconduct, and any other issues to be presented to the membership. The board will meet as required in addition to the Regular Meetings.

SECTION 2 – Special Committees.

Special Committees are formed for specific purposes and with a time limit. The President will appoint the chairperson and delegates from the active membership. The committee will take its guidance from the President and report to him/her. A vote in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws is required to sanction any actions recommended by the special committee.

ARTICLE VII – ELECTIONS

SECTION 1 - Regular Elections.

The regular election shall take place during the December regular meeting of each year. The winning candidates must receive the majority of the vote of the active membership.

SECTION 2 – Special Elections.

Special Elections may be held at any time deemed necessary by a vote of the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws.

ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1 – Constitutional Amendments.

Constitutional amendments shall be prepared by a committee appointed by the President. The amendments shall be submitted to the membership during the October regular meeting, debated during the November regular meeting, and voted on in the regular December elections.

SECTION 2 – By-law Amendments.

The By-laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the club by a vote of the active membership in accordance with Section V.1.2 of these by-laws, provided the amendment has been submitted and copies have been supplied to all active members 1 (one) month prior to vote.