Belegarth by-laws

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Current Version Effective October 2nd 2015

Contents

Mission Statement

  • Belegarth is an organization dedicated to providing an environment where participants can safely participate in full-contact medieval styled boffer combat.
  • Belegarth promotes artistry and research in pre-1600s cultures as well as in the medieval fantasy genres.
  • Belegarth is a community where respect for others is the standard. We recognize the commitment of those dedicated to serving our community.

Article 1: Name

The name of this organization shall be Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. It will be henceforth referred to as BMCS.

Article 2: Objectives

  • 2.1. To stimulate greater public interest in and public understanding of the BMCS mission statement.
  • 2.2. 2.2. To disseminate educational information to the public about the purpose and creative ideas behind the organization.
  • 2.3. To identify and promote best practices set forth by the Realms and members of BMCS.

Article 3: Recognition

  • 3.1. The BMCS shall adhere to all state, local and federal regulations under the laws set forth by the government of said State, Country, Province, Township, County, and Federal government and or any other pertinent government entity.

Article 4: Membership

  • 4.1. Membership in BMCS shall be open to all individuals and institutions that support the objectives of the BMCS and the Code of Ethical Guidelines established in the Bylaws of the organization, and/or the Realm in which the individual lives.
  • 4.2. Only a Member shall have the privilege and responsibility of holding office, of nominating and electing the Officers of the organization, and of being a representative at War Council, henceforth referred to as WC.
  • 4.3. Members in the BMCS shall affirm and adhere to the Code of Ethical Guidelines established in the Bylaws of the organization set forth by the WC.
    • 4.3.1. A Member whose acts are contrary to the objectives of the BMCS or the Code of Ethical Guidelines established in the Bylaws of the BMCS may be expelled or excluded from Membership by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the WC.
    • 4.3.2. This may take place only after the Member has been given fifteen (15) days prior notice of the pending action together with the reasons and has been given the opportunity to be heard, orally or in writing, by the WC at least five (5) days before the effective date of expulsion.

Article 5: Dues

  • 5.1. The BMCS will not charge any dues to any member. That recourse is left to the separate realms in the BMCS to determine if they so choose.
  • 5.2. The BMCS may charge a fee for any national event in order to establish a fund to run the said event or the said event the following year.

Article 6: Officers and Their Duties

  • 6.1. The Officers of the BMCS shall be:

6.1.1. President

  • 6.1.1.1. Will work with the WC to ensure that all BMCS rules are observed at all BMCS sponsored and funded events.
  • 6.1.1.2. Will select Marshals for said events if the hosting realm has not already done so or in case of problems.
    • 6.1.1.2.1 The President has the right to veto Marshals at BMCS sponsored and funded events.
    • 6.1.1.3. Shall oversee the progress of all Officers
    • 6.1.1.4. Shall issue any web site changes to the Webmaster should any need to be made.
    • 6.1.1.5. Will “Chair” and oversee the running and rulings of the WC. He/she is responsible for calling a vote once the WC’s discussion is complete and will tally the votes.
    • 6.1.1.6 The President may call for a speaking limit on the representatives of the WC.
    • 6.1.1.7. Will be responsible for the voting on the Belegarth Forums and must be able to tally votes accordingly.
  • 6.1.1.9. Will ensure that Belegarth’s nonprofit corporation status is maintained.
  • 6.1.1.10. Will perform all other duties usually associated with this office.

6.1.2. Vice President

  • 6.1.2.1. Will fulfill any obligation that the President is unable to accomplish or any task that the President delegates.
  • 6.1.2.2. The office will be able to assume control of all Presidential powers & responsibilities at a national event should the President not be able to attend.
  • 6.1.2.3. Will work with BMCS Realms and National BMCS Events concerning BMCS Rules.

6.1.3. Treasurer

  • 6.1.3.1. WIll accurately record all financial records for the National BMCS.
  • 6.1.3.2. Will collect all receipts from the National BMCS.
  • 6.1.3.3. Will file any appropriate tax information as needed.
  • 6.1.3.4. Will prepare a quarterly Belegarth financial report for public release.
  • 6.1.3.5. Will prepare and publish an annual financial report for the public release.
  • 6.1.3.6. Will establish and maintain a corporate checking account (Need the articles of incorporation for this).
  • 6.1.3.7. Will review and remit payment for debts accrued by the BMCS.

6.1.4. Secretary

  • 6.1.4.1. Will be responsible for keeping the official minutes of the WC meetings and completing and filing all necessary paperwork for the BMCS (If not in attendance, the WC may elect another to fulfill this obligation for the meeting).
  • 6.1.4.2. Will be responsible for filing necessary paperwork as well as posting the WC minutes to the Belegarth Forums.
  • 6.1.4.3. Will be responsible for ensuring the corporate paperwork is filed on a timely basis. The secretary may delegate this task as needed.
  • 6.1.4.4 Will be responsible to create and maintain an updated list of contact information for realm leaders of voting realms and/or their appointed designees.

6.1.5. Webmaster

  • 6.1.5.1. Will be in charge of the national web page, making any and all changes to the page that the President has mandated.
  • 6.1.5.2. Will be in charge of the national online web board; moderating and making any and all changes and updating the online web board as necessary.
  • 6.1.5.3. Will report to the President so that the President may report to the WC any and all issues dealing with the page in question.
  • 6.1.5.4. Will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, promote the ease of access to BMCS on both the website and social media channels.
  • 6.1.5.5. Will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, ensure BMCS follows website, social media and search engine optimization best practices.
  • 6.1.5.6. Will, in conjunction with the Public Relations Coordinator, be responsible for compilation and analysis of web traffic analytics.

6.1.6. Public Relations Coordinator

  • 6.1.6.1. Will be the main point of contact for all organization-level media coverage and manage all social media channels officially associated with Belegarth Medieval Combat Society, http://www.belegarth.com and http://www.geddon.org
  • 6.1.6.2. Will compile analytic data associated with these social media channels.
  • 6.1.6.3. Will oversee propagation of official Belegarth-related content, including, but not limited to: blogs, instructional videos, press releases, images, promotional materials, documentaries, and newspaper/magazine articles, to be posted on the website and across all social media channels.
  • 6.1.6.4. Will be the primary point of contact for new realms.
  • 6.1.6.5. Will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, promote the ease of access to BMCS on both the website and social media channels.
  • 6.1.6.6. Will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, ensure BMCS follows website, social media and search engine optimization best practices.
  • 6.1.6.7. Will, in conjunction with the Webmaster, be responsible for compilation and analysis of web traffic analytics.

6.2. War Council Representatives

  • 6.2.1. Each Realm shall determine their own WC Representatives.
  • 6.2.2. The WC shall consist of two delegates from each Realm, either one may place their realm’s one vote.
  • 6.2.3. Realm WC representatives must have the means to access the internet at least one per week.
  • 6.2.4. The WC shall determine the rules and safety procedures that BMCS requires.
  • 6.2.5. The WC shall elect the National Officers.
  • 6.2.6. The WC shall determine the BMCS Bylaws.
  • 6.2.7. If the Secretary is not present, WC will elect someone to take accurate notes from the WC Meeting.
  • 6.2.8. The WC will do its best to support the National Officers as well as general members of BMCS.
  • 6.2.9. National Officers may not serve as War Council Realm Voting Representatives during their tenure.

Article 7: Installation and Removal of an individual from a National Office

  • 7.1. A person may hold a national-level position of the BMCS only as long as the individual is able to properly perform the duties required for the fulfillment of said position.
  • 7.2. Installation of New Officers
    • 7.2.1. A person may be nominated for a National Office with a nomination and second from any two Voting Realms. Nominations for new officers may be made in either the Spring voting session or in the event of either a successful vote of no-confidence or the resignation of a current National Officer.
    • 7.2.2. In the event that only one individual is successfully nominated, the motion shall adhere to the standard 7-day discussion period to allow for other nominations. If no other nominations or objections are raised during that time, the motion is considered passed with no vote necessary.
    • 7.2.3. In the event that more than one individual is nominated for a National Office, all seconded candidates shall be considered during the same vote.
      • 7.2.3.1. A simple majority of half of the responding realms shall be considered a successful election.
      • 7.2.3.2. If a nominee withdraws his or her candidacy, votes cast in said candidates favor are considered as abstentions until those realms change their vote.
    • 7.2.4. In the event that a plurality of candidates causes no single candidate to receive half of the responding realms’ votes by the end of the voting period, a secondary election shall be called in the manner of an emergency vote. Only the two candidates from the original election with the greatest number of votes shall be considered in this secondary election.
    • 7.2.5. Officers’ terms will be a minimum of one year. After one year has passed, the position will be opened for a vote at the next voting period. If an officer's term expires during a voting period, the vote will take place at the beginning of that voting period.
  • 7.3. Removal of Officers
    • 7.3.1. If the WC feels that an Officer is not doing the job according to the criteria set by the WC, said Officer may be removed from office via a Vote of No Confidence, which must be motioned and seconded by members of the WC.
    • 7.3.2. The vote will carry by a simple majority of the WC quorum voting yes to the removal of the Officer.

Article 8: Meetings

  • 8.1. The WC shall hold a Meeting no less than once a year.
  • 8.2 Emergency and/or online meetings may be held as needed.
  • 8.3. Robert's Rules of Order (revised) shall govern the proceedings of meetings of the WC insofar as such rules are not inconsistent or in conflict with the Bylaws, with the Articles of Incorporation, or with provisions of the law.

Article 9: Referendum or Vote

  • 9.1. Referendum vote may be held through the Belegarth Forums at any time upon the initiation of the WC or President. A Referendum petition must request and receive permission from said WC.

Article 10: Online Voting Rules

  • 10.1. The following rules are ONLY to be used for online meetings of WC. These guidelines do not apply anywhere other than online in the WC forums.
    • 10.1.1 Voting shall take place during the months of March, June, September and December. These shall be known as the voting periods.
  • 10.2 All voting must take place in the WC forum; no votes by phone or word-of-mouth will be allowed.
  • 10.3. Only voting realms may put forward or second a motion.
  • 10.4. Once a motion is made, it must be seconded within 7 days. If a motion is not seconded within 7 days, a new motion will need to be made.
  • 10.5. After a vote is seconded, a discussion thread is created in the private WC forum and a vote date set for 7 days after the motion was seconded.
    • 10.5.1 The Secretary must notify the WC Representative of every voting realm via their preferred method of contact that the voting period has started and again halfway through the voting period as a reminder.
    • 10.5.2 The original proposer of the motion may withdraw their motion at any time prior to the vote.
  • 10.6. So long as by-law 10.5.1 is adhered to, it is assumed that all realms are in attendance during any online WC business. If by-law 10.5 is for any reason not adhered to, a quorum of 2/3 of all Voting Realms must respond during the voting period in order for the motion to pass.
    • 10.6.1. Non-responding realms will be considered as abstaining.
  • 10.7. Voting Period: After a vote begins, the vote will remain open for 21 days, unless extended.
    • 10.7.1. A realm may change its vote at any time during this period.
    • 10.7.2. Votes or changes on the 22nd day or afterwards are discarded.
  • 10.8. A voting realm that participates must vote Yes, No, or Abstain. An abstention will not count as a vote in support (for) or refusal (against) the motion in question.
  • 10.9. A realm that does not respond at all within the voting period is still considered to be in attendance so long as by-law 10.5.1 has been adhered to. Their vote shall be counted as an abstention.
  • 10.10. At the end of the designated voting period, the President (or another Corporate Officer if the President has delegated this duty) will count the vote tally and declare the outcome.
  • 10.11. Any voting realm may request an extension on a vote on or before the 21st day of voting. They must provide a viable reason for this request.
    • 10.11.1. It must be seconded on or before the 21st day of voting to take effect.
    • 10.11.2. If the motion is made and seconded, voting will continue for 7 days past the end of the original voting period, making the voting period a total of 28 days.
    • 10.11.3. A vote may only be extended once.
  • 10.12. Emergency Votes: If a vote has been called on a motion and a quorum has not been reached by the close of voting, an emergency vote may be called at the President's discretion (or Vice President's if and only if the issue is a Vote of No Confidence on the President) within 7 days, so long as it meets the requisite criteria. The President may only call emergency votes for the following reasons:
    • 10.12.1. Election of Corporate officers
    • 10.12.2. Votes of No Confidence on Corporate Officers.
    • 10.12.3. Votes required due to pending litigation
    • 10.12.4 Changes required to resolve a persistent deadlock situation which has lasted over at least 6 months and 3 votes where no quorum has been reached on any vote, other than previously called emergency votes. This may include votes for the addition of new voting realms or temporary removal of negligent realms from the WC, but under no circumstances may an emergency vote be called for dissolution of the WC.
    • 10.12.5 The emergency voting period will last for exactly 28 days.
  • 10.13. In the event an emergency vote has been called, all realms will be contacted by the Secretary at the beginning of the voting period and approximately 2 weeks into the voting period if they have not yet responded.
    • 10.13.1. If necessary, alternate methods of contact such as telephone calls will be used.
    • 10.13.2. So long as these procedures have been followed, all realms will be considered in attendance for the Emergency Vote.
  • 10.14. Proxy votes will not be allowed. WC votes must be submitted by the designated realm representatives.

Article 11: Finances

  • 11.1.Each Realm is responsible for its own finances and is must adhere to the appropriate state and federal laws.
  • 11.2. In case of dissolution of the corporation, the assets will pay off all indebtedness and all creditors. Any remaining monies shall be given to a non-profit organization(s) in the state of incorporation. And no part of the net income or assets of this organization shall inure to the benefit of any private persons. Upon the dissolution or winding up of the corporation its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes meeting the requirements for exemption provided by Section 214 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and which has established its tax exempt status under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • 11.3.1 The properties and assets of BMCS are irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes. No part of the net earnings, properties, or assets of this corporation, on dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the benefit of any private person or individual, or any member, Director or officer of the BMCS.
  • 11.3.2 Whenever a director or officer has a financial or personal interest in any matter coming before the board of directors, the affected person shall a) fully disclose the nature of the interest and b) withdraw from voting on the matter. Any transaction or vote involving a potential conflict of interest shall be approved only when a majority of disinterested directors determine that it is in the best interest of the corporation to do so. The minutes of meetings at which such votes are taken shall record such disclosure, abstention and rationale for approval.
  • 11.4.1. Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Officers of BMCS or otherwise required by law, formal contracts and other corporate instruments and documents shall be executed, signed or endorsed by the President, Vice-President, and by the Treasurer.
  • 11.4.2. All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositories of funds to the credit of the corporation, or on special accounts of BMCS, shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board shall authorize to do so.
  • 11.5.1. The Officers may accept on behalf of BMCS any contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purposes of or for any special purpose of BMCS not inconsistent with the charitable limitations in the Articles of Incorporation. Upon receipt, the officer will immediately issue a receipt to the donor and submit copies for Officers and War Council records. A report of contributions received must be disclosed quarterly to War Council.
  • 11.5.2. The Officers may distribute, to an authorized person, any portion of a contribution, gift, bequest, or devise for the general purposes of or for any special purpose of BMCS not inconsistent with the BMCS Articles of Incorporation. Officers may require authorized persons to sign a notarized statement of conduct indicating that they understand contributions are distributed for local non-profit activities only, and that they cannot be used for personal gain. BMCS Officers may also require all receipts from local activities supported by the distributed contributions as proof that activities are in accordance with our mission and the BMCS Articles of Incorporation. A report of contributions distributed to authorized persons, the receipts from those activities, and the notarized statements of conduct must be disclosed quarterly to War Council.
  • 11.5.3. If a contribution, gift, bequest, or devise is donated to BMCS and earmarked by the donator for a specific purpose of BMCS not inconsistent with the charitable limitations in the Articles of Incorporation, than Officers of BMCS may choose whether to accept the earmarked donation. If the donation cannot be used as earmarked by the donator, it should be refused. Earmarked contributions that are accepted by the Officers of BMCS are supplemental to the annual budget and may be immediately used for a specific purpose of BMCS not inconsistent with the charitable limitations in the Articles of Incorporation. The Officers of BMCS have the ability to accept and use earmarked funds without necessitating a WC vote to change the annual budget. Accepted donations that are distributed to authorized persons must follow the rules set forth in 11.5.2. BMCS Officers may refuse donations for any reason. Any accepted or refused donation must be included in a quarterly report to War Council. Any donation that is earmarked for purposes inconsistent with the charitable limitations in the Articles of Incorporation must be refused.
  • 11.6.1. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the BMCS may indemnify its Directors, officers, employees, and other persons described in Section 5238(a) of the California Corporations Code including persons formerly occupying any such position, against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements, and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred by them in connection with any “proceeding,” as that term is used in said section 5238(a), and including an action by or in the right of BMCS, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a person described in that Section. “Expenses” shall have the same meaning as in said Section.
  • 11.6.2. To the fullest extent permitted by law and except as otherwise determined by the Board in a specific instance, expenses incurred by a person seeking indemnification in defending any “proceeding” may be advanced by BMCS before final disposition of the proceeding upon receipt by BMCS of a contract from that person to repay such amount unless it is ultimately determined that the person is entitled to be indemnified by the BMCS for those expenses.
  • 11.6.3. BMCS shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance to the full extent permitted by law on behalf of its officers, directors, employees and other agents, against any liability asserted against or incurred by such persons in such capacity or arising out of the person’s status as such.
  • 11.7. BMCS shall keep correct and complete books of account and records and shall also keep Minutes of the proceedings of the meetings of its Officers. The books of account may be inspected by any member or member’s agent, for any reasonable purpose at any reasonable time.
  • 11.8. The Fiscal Year of the corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.
  • 11.9.1. Newly elected BMCS Officers shall propose an annual budget draft that covers BMCS operating expenses from July 1st after their election to June 30th the following fiscal year. Officers must present the budget to War Council 30 days before the first voting period after officer elections. This annual budget will include a proposal for maintaining an online presence and executing BMCS official events.
  • 11.9.2. A voting realm may motion to make an addition to the annual budget draft by proposing funding for an additional project or projects that are in accordance with our mission statement and articles of incorporation during the first voting period. Once a motion is seconded, BMCS Officers must make a statement of the proposals’ feasibility within 48 hours. If the motion is passed by a 2/3 majority vote as defined in Article 10, then the additional project is to be included in the annual budget draft.
  • 11.9.3. After the first voting period, Officers of BMCS will finalize the annual budget draft, ensure that it is fiscally feasible, and examine that its implementation is in accordance with our mission statement and articles of incorporation. The BMCS Officers will present a completed annual budget to War Council one week before the first day of the second voting session (June 1st) along with a statement from the Treasurer endorsing the fiscal feasibility of the budget and a statement of endorsement from the President indicating how its implementation is in accordance with the BMCS non-profit mission. As an exception to Article 10, a motion for voting on the annual budget may be accepted before June 1st to facilitate early voting. A voting realm must motion to vote on the annual budget. A separate voting realm must second that motion.
  • 11.9.4. The Annual budget must be passed by a 2/3 majority vote as defined in Article 10. Once the budget has been passed, it is implemented by BMCS Officers starting July 1st.
  • 11.9.5. If the annual budget is not passed by WC or if an emergency arises that requires expenditures outside of the annual budget, the President has the ability to call an emergency vote to pass a new budget. In the absence of a passed annual budget, Officers of BMCS may continue financial operations and implement items from the previous passed annual budget. Officers of BMCS may expend funds in an emergency as long as an emergency vote has been called. Any expenditures during an emergency vote must be recorded and presented to WC after the closing of the emergency vote.

Article 12: Amendments

  • 12.1. Any issue relevant to these by-laws may be reported by any member to the War Council through a War Council representative.
  • 12.2 The addition of new speaking realms need only a simple majority vote.
  • 12.3. Votes on new additions or changes in the Bylaws or Book of War requires a ⅔ majority.
  • 12.4. Adding or removing voting realms from the WC requires a ⅔ majority vote.
  • 12.5. The election of corporate officers and votes of No-Confidence for corporate officers are outlined in Article 7 above.

Article 13: Code of Ethical Guidelines

  • 13.1. The following guidelines shall be adhered to by the BMCS to advise the most ethical course of action in the various matters which may arise.
  • 13.2. Ethical Responsibility to the Public
    • 13.2.1. BMCS members shall:
      • 13.2.1.1. Recognize a primary commitment to present the public with any information that will promote the BMCS.
      • 13.2.1.2 Actively support the BMCS by any means available under law.
      • 13.2.1.3 Encourage the members of the BMCS to uphold the involvement of educational awareness of local realms and the disposition of materials for the growth of the BMCS.
      • 13.2.1.4. Encourage careful compliance with procedures specified in state and federal law regarding the use of lands or facilities for the purpose of the BMCS populace.
      • 13.2.1.5. Realm leaders are responsible for contacting local park services to ensure all aspects of local law and codes are being maintained by their respective realms.
    • 13.2.2. A BMCS member shall not:
      • 13.2.2.1. Advocate destruction of any site or cause damage to any property that the BMCS is using.
      • 13.2.2.2. Allow his or her name to be used in the support of illegal or unethical activity in which any BMCS event is taking place.
      • 13.2.2.3. Knowingly misrepresent oneself as "qualified" in matters for which there is a reasonable doubt of qualification such as weapons checker, marshal, medical personnel, or any other office at the Realm or National levels.
      • 13.2.2.4. Violate any local or federal laws while at a BMCS event.
  • 13.3. If a member has been found to be in violation of Article 13:
    • 13.3.1. In the case that the violation occurs at any local or regional inter-realm event or any intra-realm event, at their sole discretion, the event coordinator(s) may take any action they deem appropriate and/or necessary including, but not limited to: removal from the field of play, ejection from the event, a semi-permanent or permanent ban.
    • 13.3.2. In the case that the violation occurs at a national or international event funded and sponsored by BMCS, the event coordinator(s) may take any action they deem appropriate and/or necessary, up to a ban from all events funded and sponsored by BMCS for a period of one year beginning after the conclusion of the event in question.
    • 13.3.3. For any situation occurring at a Local or Regional inter-realm event that results in a punishment longer than the duration of the event in question (i.e. ejection from the event), the event coordinator(s) must submit to the BoD a description of the events and outcomes, the names of the involved persons as well as the actions taken by the event coordinator(s) within 90 days from the incident.
      • 13.3.3.1. After receiving the report, the BoD will review the situation and report findings to the WC.
      • 13.3.3.1.1. The BoD can, at their discretion, omit a victim's name from the report to the WC.
      • 13.3.3.2. WC can review and discuss the report. If necessary, the event coordinator(s) should be ready to provide clarification or further evidence at the WC's request. Based on this discussion, the WC may issue warnings, suspensions or bans from events funded and run by the BMCS.
      • 13.3.3.3. The full discussion and conclusion shall be made publicly available for all realms to review and, at their discretion, impose their own restrictions.

Article 14: Policy of non-discrimination

  • 14.1. Belegarth shall be nonprofit and nonsectarian. There shall be no discrimination in membership, employment or services due to race, color, sex, gender identity, age, lifestyle, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, mental disability, or physical disability.
    • 14.1.2 BMCS retains the right to refuse participation in simulated combat to members with medical conditions that would pose a safety risk to themselves or other members. The risk is to be determined by the head marshal of the event. This ruling shall apply only to simulated combat and will not bar any person from any other aspect of participation

Article 15: Realms

  • 15.1. A Realm is a community or territory that has an active status in the BMCS.
  • 15.2. An active realm in BMCS:
    • 15.2.1. Must have and maintain at least ten (10) active members.
      • 15.2.1.1. An active member is defined as a person who has signed a waiver and either attends practice once a month during the practice season and/or attends three inter-realm events in a calendar year.
      • 15.2.1.2. Minimum active membership shall not include members of another realm.
    • 15.2.2. Must register with the BMCS by contacting an Officer of BMCS.
    • 15.2.3. Must use the rules for combat based on those contained within the Book of War of the BMCS for any inter-realm event they run.
      • 15.2.3.1. Realms may have their own set of rules specific to their location.
      • 15.2.3.2. These rules may be used in place of the national BMCS rules at inter-realm events only if differences are posted for other attending realms to see at least one month prior to the event.
      • 15.2.3.3. Any event sponsored and funded by BMCS as a national event shall use the full national BMCS rules, without modification.
    • 15.2.4. Must not be within 20 miles of another BMCS realm. Alternatively, if the realm in question is within 20 miles of another BMCS realm, it must have at least ten (10) active members separate from the other realm.
    • 15.2.5. Must have a regularly scheduled practice at least once per month as space and weather permits.
    • 15.2.6. Must have a written constitution and/or bylaws. These will be submitted to the WC for review prior to being granted speaking or voting status.
  • 15.3. Becoming a Speaking Realm.
    • 15.3.1. Meet all the criteria from section 15.2 with the following exceptions or additions:
      • 15.3.1.1. Must submit their bylaws to the WC at the time of being nominated for speaking rights. Failure to do so invalidates their nomination.
      • 15.3.1.2. Must have been an active realm for a period of one calendar year before being nominated for speaking rights.
      • 15.3.1.3. An Officer of BMCS, and/or voting member of the WC must sponsor a new realm before they are granted a seat on the WC.
    • 15.3.2. Speaking realms are allowed two (2) representatives to the private WC Forum. They may voice their realm's opinions, but may not make motions, or vote, on any business.
  • 15.4. Becoming a Voting Realm.
    • 15.4.1. Meet all the criteria from section 15.2 and 15.3 with the following exceptions or additions:
      • 15.4.1.1. The realm in question is sponsored by a currently voting realm.
      • 15.4.1.2. The realm in question has maintained speaking rights in good standing for one calendar year before being brought up for voting rights
      • 15.4.1.3. A WC vote of 2/3rds majority is needed to move a realm from speaking status to voting status.
  • 15.5. Duties and responsibilities of a sponsor realm:
    • 15.5.1. Designate points of contacts for both the sponsor and sponsored realms.
    • 15.5.2. Exchange contact information including names, addresses, phone numbers, and email.
    • 15.5.3. Make an attempt to visit the sponsored realm’s practice or event at least once every six months.
    • 15.5.4. Once this is done, the sponsorship needs to be addressed by the WC and a vote taken.
    • 15.5.5. A simple majority vote by WC is needed to give a realm speaking rights.
    • 15.5.6. Any voting realm may nominate any speaking realm for voting status as long as the requirements of 15.5 are met.
  • 15.6 Duties of a Voting Realm
    • 15.6.1 Each Realm is only allowed one vote.
    • 15.6.2 Each Realm is allowed two (2) representatives to the private WC Forums.
    • 15.6.3 A voting realm is considered in attendance at all online votes so long as By-law 10.5.1 has been followed.
    • 15.6.4 Realms must always strive to be respondent.
      • 15.6.4.1 If a realm plans to abstain, they should respond as such.
    • 15.6.5 WC Representatives must contact the President or Secretary as immediately with changes to their representation
  • 15.7. Removal of a Realm:
    • 15.7.1. All votes to remove voting rights for any reason require a 2/3rds majority vote by the WC.
      • 15.7.1.1. If for some reason a realm does not fulfill the requirements of section 15.2, 15.3, 15.5, or 15.6 the WC may remove the voting status of the realm in question.
      • 15.7.1.2. If a Realm knowingly violates local or federal law, the realm may lose voting rights by order of the WC.
      • 15.7.1.3. Voting rights may be removed if WC determines that a realm does not represent BMCS in a positive manner.
    • 15.7.2. If a realm is dissolved or states its wish to no longer be associated with the BMCS, the realm will forfeit its voting and speaking rights.
    • 15.7.3. A realm may voluntarily choose to reduce its status from voting to speaking rights. To regain its voting rights, it must follow the procedures in sections 15.2, 15.3 and 15.5 of this article.

Votes History:

27 Realms / 25 Responding / 21 Aye / 1 Nay / 3 Abstain

Voting ended on 10/02/15

21 Realms / 14 Responding / 14 Aye / 0 Nay / 0 Abstain

Voting ended on 4/10/06


See Also

Personal tools
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For Craftsman
Leadership