CONSTITUTION AND RACE RULES OF THE SRV INVITATIONAL RACING PIGEON CLUB (approved by unanimous vote 6-8-07)
ARTICLE #1
NAME OF ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1. THE CLUB SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE SRV RACING PIGEON CLUB. SRV IS THE ABBREVIATION FOR SNAKE RIVER VALLEY. THE LOGO BEING "SRV".
ARTICLE #2
CLUB OBJECTIVES
SECTION 1.‑‑TO CONDUCT CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR RACING PIGEONS. TO PROMOTE THE SPORT OF BREEDING AND RACING PIGEONS AND CONDUCT AND JOIN IN WORTHY EFFORTS OF OTHERS TO ELEVATE THIS SPORT TO THE HIGHEST PLAIN OF SPORTSMANSHIP, COMPETITION, HONOR, AND FAIR DEALING.
ARTICLE #3
MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
SECTION 1.‑‑THE CLUB IS AN “INVITATIONAL” RACING PIGEON CLUB. THE PROPOSAL OF A NEW MEMBER MUST BE MADE BY AN “ACTIVE MEMBER”. THE PROPOSED NEW MEMBER MUST BE OF GOOD CHARACTER. A PROPOSED NEW MEMBER MUST HAVE A VOTE OF 100% OF THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS” MINUS ONE TO BECOME A MEMBER.
NEW MEMBERS WILL BE A “NEW MEMBER” FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS. IF A MEMBER NEVER QUALIFIES TO BE AN “ACTIVE MEMBER” HE MAY CONTINUE TO BE A “NEW MEMBER”. “NEW MEMBERS” MEMBERSHIP IN THE CLUB MAY BE VOTED ON YEARLY. A “NEW MEMBER” MUST HAVE A VOTE OF 100% OF THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS” MINUS ONE TO RETAIN MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 2.‑‑“ACTIVE MEMBER”: SHALL BE DEFINED AS ONE WHO HAS THEIR DUES PAID, AND HAS ATTENDED HALF OF ALL CLUB MEETINGS IN THE PAST YEAR. IF A MEMBER CAN NOT BE AT A CLUB MEETING, HE CAN BE EXCUSED IF HE CALLS THE PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT WILL THEN DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THAT PERSON CAN BE COUNTED FOR THAT MEETING. THE OBJECT OF COURSE IS TO PROMOTE MEMBERS TO ACTIVILY PARTICIPATE AND BE INVOLVED IN CLUB MAKING DECISIONS. NOTE: SOME “ACTIVE MEMBERS” MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM VOTING ON ITEMS LISTED IN ARTICLE #19.
SECTION 3.-—ANY PERSON THAT HAS BEEN EXPELLED FROM ANOTHER CLUB WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO JOIN THE SRV.
SECTION 4.‑‑AN “ACTIVE MEMBER” SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO HOLD OFFICE, SERVE ON COMMITTEES, AND PARTICIPATE IN ALL CLUB ACTIVITIES AND RACES.
SECTION 5.‑‑NEW MEMBERS MUST HAVE THEIR LOFTS INSPECTED AND APPROVED BEFORE ACCEPTANCE INTO THE CLUB. TWO CLUB OFFICERS OR A COMMITTEE ASSIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT MUST BE PRESENT. THE NEW MEMBERS LOFT WILL BE MEASURED (BY GPS) FOR DISTANCES BY THE RACE COMMITTEE.
ARTICLE #4
OFFICERS
SECTION 1.‑‑THE AFFAIRS OF THE CLUB SHALL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICERS CONSISTING OF A PRESIDENT, RACE SECRETARY, SECRETARY/TREASURER, OR ANY OTHER OFFICE THE CLUB DEEMS NECESSARY.
SECTION 2.‑‑ANY VACANCY IN ANY OFFICE CAN BE FILLED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS” AT ANY CLUB MEETING.
SECTION 3.‑‑IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OFFICER IS INCAPABLE OR UNWILLING TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THEIR OFFICE, THEY MAY BE REMOVED UPON A 2/3 VOTE FROM THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS” IN ATTENDANCE AT ANY CLUB MEETING.
SECTION 4.‑‑“NEW MEMBERS” MAY BE MEMBERS OF COMMITTEES BUT WILL NOT HOLD OFFICES LISTED IN THIS ARTICLE.
ARTICLE #5
COMMITTEES
SECTION 1.‑‑COMMITTEES SHALL BE ASSIGNED AS REQUIRED, BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB. EACH COMMITTEE WILL HAVE ONE CHAIRMAN THAT WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT. ALL COMMITTEES WILL HAVE TWO OR MORE MEMBERS WITH THE PRESIDENT BEING ONE OF THE MEMBERS. THE COMMITTEE WILL REPORT TO THE CLUB OR THE PRESIDENT AS REQUIRED.
ARTICLE #6
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1.‑‑THE OFFICERS SHALL BE ELECTED ANNUALLY AT THE REGULAR ANNUAL WINTER MEETING, AND SHALL SERVE FOR ONE YEAR. A MEMBER MAY BE ELECTED TO THE SAME OFFICE THEY CURRENTLY HOLD, BUT ON A YEAR TO YEAR BASIS.
SECTION 2.‑‑ALL TO BE ELECTED OFFICERS WILL BE NOMINATED FROM THE FLOOR AT THE ANNUAL MEETING. THEY WILL THEN BE VOTED UPON. A SECRET BALLOT CAN BE REQUESTED. THE WINNER MUST HAVE A MAJORITY VOTE. IN CASE OF A TIE, THE VOTE WILL BE TAKEN AGAIN.
ARTICLE #7
MEETINGS
SECTION 1.‑‑THE ANNUAL WINTER MEETING SHALL BE HELD AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE 1ST OF THE NEW YEAR.
SECTION 2.—-OTHER MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AS NEEDED AND MAY BE HELD AT THE CALL OF THE PRESIDENT OR BY WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE PRESIDENT, SIGNED BY 25% OR MORE OF THE ACTIVE CLUB MEMBERS.
SECTION 3.‑‑EACH SHIPPING DAY, WHEN A QUORUM IS PRESENT, IS CONSIDERED A CLUB MEETING.
ARTICLE #8
A QUORUM
SECTION 1.‑‑1/2 THE “ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP” SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS AT ANY MEETING. THIS QUORUM CAN NOT MAKE A CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE, OR REMOVE A PERSON FROM OFFICE. THIS ACTION NEEDS 2/3 VOTE FROM THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS”. A QUORUM CAN CHANGE SCHEDULES, RACE RULES, AND SOLVE VARIOUS CLUB QUESTIONS AND PROBLEMS WITH A MAJORITY VOTE. WHEN FLYING WITH A COMBINE, THE COMBINE RACE RULES SUPERCEDE CLUB RACE RULES. CLUB BUSINESS MAY ALSO BE CONDUCTED VIA INTERNET VOTE.
ARTICLE #9
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
SECTION 1.‑‑PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION AND BY‑LAWS SHALL BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE CLUB MEMBERS, AND SHALL NOT BE VOTED ON FOR AT LEAST 30 DAYS.
SECTION 2.‑‑ALL PROPOSED AMENDMENTS SHALL HAVE A 2/3 VOTE OF THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS”.
ARTICLE #10
DISBANDMENT
SECTION 1.‑‑THIS ORGANIZATION SHALL NOT BE DISSOLVED WITHOUT THE CONSENT IN WRITING OF 3/4 THE CLUBS “ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP” OBTAINED AT ONE MEETING AND CONFIRMED AT ANOTHER MEETING. IF THE ORGANIZATION IS DISSOLVED, THE ASSETS OF THE CLUB WILL BE DISBURSED TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE, AND THE PROCEEDS, ALONG WITH ANY OTHER ASSETS THE CLUB MAY HAVE. THESE ASSETS SHALL BE DIVIDED EQUALLY AMONG THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS”, OR AS THE “ACTIVE MEMBERS” MAY VOTE TO DECIDE UPON.
SECTION 2.--CLUB MEMBERS WILL HAVE CLAIM TO CLUB ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF ONLY IF THEY MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: A. ACTIVE MEMBERS, WHO BOUGHT AN INITIAL EQUAL SHARE IN THE PURCHASE OF ASSETS IN 2007. B. ACTIVE MEMBERS WHO HAVE JOINED SINCE THE 2007 PURCHASE, WHO HAVE FLOWN AT LEAST FIVE OLD BIRD SERIES AND FIVE YOUNG BIRD SERIES WITH THE SRV CLUB. JUNIOR AND DISABLED MEMBERS WILL HAVE NO CLAIM TO CLUB ASSETS. C. A NEW MEMBER MAY ALSO BUY AN EQUAL SHARE, BYPASSING THE FIVE YEAR RULE, BY PAYING $600 UP FRONT. (article 10 section 2 added 11-24-07)
ARTICLE #11
MEMBERSHIP DUES AND FEES
SECTION 1.‑‑MEMBERSHIP DUES SHALL INCLUDE CLUB DUES AND MAY INCLUDE DUES TO A NATIONAL ORGANIZATION. IF THE CLUB IS A MEMBER OF THE AU, AU DUES NEED ONLY BE PAID IN ONE CLUB.
SECTION 2.‑‑THE CLUB DUES WILL BE SET AT EACH ANNUAL MEETING AS TO CLUB NEEDS AND EXPENDITURES. CLUB DUES WILL PROVIDE ALL CLUB OFFICE SUPPLIES, WEBSITE, AND ANY OTHER ITEMS THE CLUB PROPOSES TO PURCHASE AS DISCUSSED AND VOTED UPON BY A QUORUM OF “ACTIVE MEMBERS”.
SECTION 3.‑‑DUES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST OLD BIRD RACE OF THE SEASON.
SECTION 4.‑‑ANY MEMBER JOINING THE CLUB AFTER JULY 1 OF ANY YEAR SHALL PAY THE REQUIRED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION DUES, AND 1/2 THE ESTABLISHED CLUB YEARLY DUES.
SECTION 5.‑‑JUNIOR AND DISABLED MEMBERS SHALL PAY 1/2 THE CLUB DUES AND ALL THE REQUIRED NATIONAL ORGANIZATION DUES. IF A JUNIOR MEMBER JOINS THE CLUB AFTER JULY 1, THEY WILL BE ASSESSED 1/4 THE STANDARD CLUB FEE PLUS AU DUES.
SECTION 6.‑‑MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO PAY THEIR FEES AND DUES ON TIME. IF BILLS ARE NOT PAID IN FULL ON TIME, THE MEMBER WILL BE ON PROBATION FOR ONE MONTH, AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN VOTING RIGHTS OR COMPETE IN CLUB RACES. IF THE BILL IS NOT PAID IN FULL BY THE END OF THE PROBATION MONTH, THE PERSON WILL AUTOMATICALLY CEASE TO BE A MEMBER AND SHALL FORFEIT ALL AWARDS DUE AND SHALL BE DROPPED FROM THE CLUB'S RECORDS. ALSO MEMBERS WHO INTENTIONALLY BREAK RULES IN THIS CONSTITUTION WILL CEASE TO BE A MEMBER AND WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE CLUB’S RECORDS. MEMBERS THAT ARE PUT ON PROBATION WILL RECEIVE A WRITTEN NOTICE AND WILL BE PERSONALLY CONTACTED BY THE PRESIDENT. NOTE: SEE EXCEPTIONS MENTIONED IN SECTION #7.
SECTION 7.‑‑A MEMBER HAVING PROBLEMS WITH PAYMENT OF FEES OR DUES MAY CONTACT THE PRESIDENT IN WRITING STATING THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PRESIDENT WILL DISCUSS THIS WITH THE MAIN BODY OF OFFICERS AND THEY WILL MAKE A RULING ON THE MATTER. IF THE MEMBER IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE RULING, HE MAY APPEAL HIS CASE TO THE CLUB, AT WHICH TIME THE CLUB WILL VOTE ON THE MATTER. THE CLUB'S MAJORITY VOTE WILL BE FINAL.
ARTICLE #12
VOTING RIGHTS
SECTION 1.‑‑EVERY “ACTIVE MEMBER” IN GOOD STANDING SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO CAST ONE VOTE ON ANY QUESTION OR MOTION PUT BEFORE A QUORUM OF THE CLUB. IF THE VOTE IN QUESTION HAS TO DO WITH RACE RULES MENTIONED IN ARTICLE #19, ONLY THOSE “ACTIVE MEMBERS” THAT ARE GOING TO ACTIVELY COMPETE IN THE UPCOMING SERIES OF RACES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO VOTE.
SECTION 2.‑‑UPON REQUEST OF ANY MEMBER, ANY VOTE MAY BE TAKEN IN SECRET, IN WRITING.
SECTION 3.‑‑A JUNIOR/DISABLED MEMBER HAS FULL VOTING RIGHTS ON ALL CLUB MATTERS EXCEPT FOR RACE RULES AND SCHEDULES IN ARTICLE 19. THE AGE LIMIT FOR A JUNIOR MEMBER IS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. ADULTS WHO HAVE A MEDICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, AS DETERMINED BY THE STATE, MAY BE CONCIDERED A JUNIOR MEMBER WITH A 2/3 VOTE OF THE MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 4.‑‑A PROXY VOTE IS ACCEPTABLE IF THAT MEMBER HAS BEEN DISMISSED FROM THE MEETING BY THE PRESIDENT. THAT MEMBER MAY VOTE BY WRITTEN PROXY DELIVERED TO THE MEETING BY THE PRESIDENT OR BY A CLUB OFFICER.
SECTION 5.--IF MULTIPLE MEMBERS, LOFTS, OR TEAMS ARE FLYING FROM ONE LOCATION, THERE SHALL BE ONE VOTE COUNTED FOR EACH PAID RACE FEE, ON ANY ITEM VOTED UPON FOUND IN ARTICLE #19.
ARTICLE #13
DISCIPLINE AND EXPULSION
SECTION 1.‑‑A MEMBER ACCUSED OF DISHONORABLE CONDUCT SHALL BE CITED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE OFFICERS OF THE CLUB, WHO SHALL INVESTIGATE THE CHARGES. THE PRESIDENT WILL THEN REPORT TO THE CLUB THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION. SHOULD THE OFFICERS RECOMMEND THE MEMBER TO BE EXPELLED, A BALLOT IN WRITING WILL BE TAKEN. A 2/3 MAJORITY VOTE IS REQUIRED TO EXPEL A MEMBER. A PERSON THAT HAS BEEN EXPELLED WILL FORFEIT ALL CLAIMS AGAINST THE CLUB. NOTE: SEE EXCEPTION IN SECTION #2.
SECTION 2.‑‑AN EXPELLED MEMBER MAY APPEAL HIS CASE BEFORE THE CLUB QUORUM AND ANOTHER VOTE MAY THEN BE TAKEN ON HIS MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 3.--IF A MEMBER HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CLUB OR A CLUB MEMBER THAT CAN NOT BE SOLVED BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUALS; IT IS TO BE TAKEN TO THE CLUB PRESIDENT. THE CLUB PRESIDENT MAY TAKE THE PROBLEM TO THE OFFICERS FOR APPROPRIATE HEARINGS, DECISION, AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION. THE MEMBER MAY APPEAL THE CLUB OFFICERS DECISION TO THE WHOLE BODY OF THE CLUB. ONLY AFTER ALL OF THE ABOVE STEPS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL, SHOULD THE MEMBER TAKE THE PROBLEM TO THE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION.
ARTICLE #14
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
SECTION 1.‑‑THE PRESIDENT: SHALL PRESIDE OVER ALL MEETINGS WHEN PRESENT, AND SHALL BE A MEMBER OF EVERY COMMITTEE, UNLESS HE HAS DIRECTED ONE OF THE CLUB OFFICERS TO PRESIDE OVER A PARTICULAR COMMITTEE. HE SHALL APPROVE ALL REQUESTS FOR CHECKS OR OTHER PAYMENTS. HE SHALL DIRECT THE GENERAL CLUB AFFAIRS. THE PRESIDENT SHALL SERVE ON THE COMBINE RACE COMMITTEE.
SECTION 2.—SECRETARY-TREASURE: SHALL COMPUTE ALL RACE RESULTS. HE WILL OPERATE THE CLUBS COMPUTERS AND CLOCKS. HE WILL PROVIDE ALL MEMBERS WITH WEEKLY RACE RESULTS VIA THE WEBSITE AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR DIPLOMAS AND AWARDS WON IN RACES.
HE SHALL HANDLE ALL FUNDS OF THE CLUB, AND KEEP AN UP TO DATE ACCOUNT OF ALL CLUBS MONEYS. ALL DISBURSEMENTS OF MONEYS SHOULD BE MADE BY CHECK. THE CHECK WILL BE USED AS THE RECEIPT OF THE TRANSACTION. IF CASH MONEY IS PAID OUT, IT MUST BE VERIFIED BY THE PRESIDENT, AND A RECEIPT WRITTEN OUT FOR PROOF OF TRANSACTION. THIS OFFICER WILL ISSUE ALL BANDS AND KEEP A RECORD OF THE SAME. HIS RECORDS WILL BE AUDITED ANNUALLY BY A COMMITTEE SELECTED BY THE PRESIDENT.
SECTION 3.‑‑RACE SECRETARY: SHALL, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE RACE COMMITTEE, HAVE CHARGE OF ALL DETAILS OF EVERY RACE. HE WILL BE THE PERSON THAT COMMUNICATES WITH RACE LIBERATORS AND WITH THE HELP OF THE RACE COMMITTEE, MAKE ON THE SPOT DECISIONS AS TO RACE SITUATIONS INCLUDING WEATHER. HE WILL MONITOR THE CONDITION OF BIRDS BEING ENTERED IN RACES AND WILL CUT POSSIBLE SICK OR INFECTED BIRDS FROM THE RACE ENTRY FORMS. ALL DECISIONS MADE WILL BE FINAL. HE WILL ALSO BE AN ALTERNATE TO SIGN CLUB CHECKS. THE RACE SECRETARY WILL SERVE ON THE COMBINE RACE COMMITTEE.
ARTICLE #15
ORDER OF BUSINESS
SECTION 1.‑‑THE PRESIDENT WILL CONDUCT CLUB BUSINESS IN AN ORDERLY FASHION, USING A GUIDELINE OR MEETING AGENDA. THIS AGENDA WILL BE EMAILED AND/OR POSTED TO THE WEBSITE ONE WEEK PRIOR TO A SCHEDULED CLUB MEETING. IF A MEMBER WANTS TO DISCUSS NEW BUSINESS IN A MEETING, HE SHOULD NOTIFY THE PRESIDENT PRIOR TO THE POSTING OF THE AGENDAS. THE PRESIDENT WILL EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO DELAY CLUB COMMENT UNTIL THE NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING IF THE NEW BUSINESS IS NOT LISTED ON THE POSTED AGENDA. MEMBERS WITHOUT EMAIL SHOULD MAKE AN ARANGEMENT WITH A CLOSE MEMBER TO NOTIFY THEM OF EMAILS SENT OUT BY THE CLUB.
SECTION 2.‑‑THE AGENDA SHOULD BE SOMEWHAT AS FOLLOWS:
1‑CALL TO ORDER.
2‑ROLL CALL TO ESTABLISH A QUORUM.
3‑MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
4‑FINANCIAL REPORT.
5‑OLD BUSINESS.
6‑NEW BUSINESS.
7‑ADJOURNMENT.
SECTION 3.‑‑ORDER OF BUSINESS AT A SPECIAL MEETING WILL BE DICTATED BY THAT PARTICULAR MEETING, AND THERE MAY NOT BE A WRITTEN AGENDA.
ARTICLE #16
BANDS AND CLOCKS
SECTION 1.‑‑BANDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER JANUARY 1ST OF EACH YEAR. THEY WILL BE ORDERED BY THE CLUB TREASURER AND WILL BE DISBURSED BY THAT OFFICER. THE TREASURER WILL ALSO KEEP AN UP TO DATE LIST OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED BAND NUMBERS, SO AS TO AID IN FINDING THE OWNERS OF LOST BIRDS. THIS LIST WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE.
SECTION 2.--BANDS WILL BE ASSIGNED BY THE RACE COMMITTEE. BANDS NUMBERS WILL BE ASSIGNED SO THAT MEMBERS DO NOT HAVE A SERIES OF NUMBERS THAT THEY HAVE HAD THE PAST 3-4 YEARS. A MEMBER MAY TRADE BANDS WITH ANOTHER FANCIER. IF BANDS ARE TRADED, THE MEMBER MUST NOTIFY THE RACE SECRETARY OF THE BAND NUMBERS. THE BAND LIST WILL BE SENT TO THE RACE SECRETARY FOR POSTING ON THE WEB PAGE. MEMBERS MAY USE PERSONALIZED AU BANDS.
SECTION 3.‑‑ALL BIRDS SHIPPED ON RACES WILL CARRY A SEAMLESS BAND OF PROPER RACING HOMER SIZE AND YEAR.
SECTION 4.‑‑ELECTRONIC BAND SCANNING SYSTEMS (EBSS) ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. OUR CLUB WILL ALLOW BENZING EBBS CLOCKS ONLY, UNLESS OTHERWISE VOTED ON BY THE CLUB.
SECTION 5.—-TAPELESS BENZING COUNTERMARK CLOCKS ARE DISCOURAGED BUT MAY BE USED BY A FANCIER HIS FIRST YEAR. THE OWNER/USER OF A COUNTERMARK CLOCK WILL BE RESPONSIBLE TO MAKE SURE HIS CLOCK IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
SECTION 6.—-EBSS BANDS REGISTERED TO A PIGEON AT THE START OF A RACE SEASON SHALL NOT BE PLACED UPON ANOTHER BIRD FOR THE DURATION OF THE SEASON. BAD BANDS MAY BE REPLACED BY THE CLUB RACE COMMITTEE DURING THE SEASON AND REREGISTERED.
ARTICLE #17
LOFT DISTANCES
SECTION 1.‑‑ALL LOFTS WILL BE MEASURED BY AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS OF THE RACE COMMITTEE. ALL LOFTS WILL BE MEASURED WITH A WAAS ENABLED GPS.
SECTION 2.—-THE CLUB SECRETARY-TREASURER WILL KEEP THE RECORDS OF ALL CLUB MEMBERS LOFT COORDINATES FOR USE BY THE CLUB RACE COMMITTEE AND FOR THE USE OF ANY CLUB MEMBER AND FORWARD ALL RACE INFORMATION TO THE COMBINE RACE SECRETARY.
SECTION 3.-‑ANY NEW STATIONS ELECTED TO FLY, THAT NEED NEW DISTANCES, WILL BE MEASURED OR COMPUTED BY THE SECRETARY-TREASURER OR THE COMBINE RACE SECRETARY.
ARTICLE #18
CLUB OBJECTIVES
SECTION 1.--LONG TERM OBJECTIVES OF THE SRV CLUB. THIS SECTION IS TAKEN FROM THE IWC CONSTITUTION DATED 3-9-97. NOTE: CHANGES HAVE BEEN HIGHLIGHTED. “THE SRV CLUB WAS FORMED TO MAKE A CLUB WITH A "FAMILY" TYPE OF ATMOSPHERE. WE WANT TO SEE THAT GROW IN THE COMBINE. PIGEON RACING IN EAST IDAHO IS GROWING WITH MANY GOOD NEW FLYERS. AS YOU KNOW WE NOW HAVE WELCOME FLYERS FROM INKOM, JACKSON, AND WILL SOON PROBABLY HAVE SOME FROM REXBURG. CLUBS GENERALLY COVER A LIMITED AREA TO MAKE THE RACES CLOSE. COMBINES COVER A LARGER AREA FOR MORE COMPETITION. NORMALLY CLUBS HAVE THEIR OWN RACE SHEETS THAT ARE MERGED TO FORM THE COMBINE RACE SHEET. EVENTUALLY WE BELIEVE THAT WE ALL WANT TO SEE CLUBS SPROUT IN THE OUTLYING AREAS. WE WANT THE SRV CLUB TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE MEMBERS IN THE OUTLYING AREAS UNTIL THERE ARE ENOUGH MEMBERS TO ESTABLISH A CLUB. (THE AU REQUIRES ONLY A MINIMUM OF 3 LOCATIONS WITH A MINIMUM OF 5 MEMBERS TO MAKE A CLUB)” NOTE THAT “IF” REQUIREMENTS ARE LESS RESTRICTIVE THAN AU.
SECTION 2.--CLUB SUPPORT: THE SRV CLUB FLYS BOTH AN OLD BIRD SEASON AND A YOUNG BIRD SEASON. MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO SUPPORT THE CLUB BY FLYING BOTH SEASONS. MEMBERS MUST ALSO SHIP AT LEAST ONE BIRD ON EVERY RACE. MEMBERS CAN ONLY BE RELEASED FROM THESE RESPONSIBILIES FOR SOME KIND OF HARDSHIP, IF EXCUSED BY MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ACTIVE FLYING MEMBERS.
ARTICLE #19
RACE RULES
SECTION 1.‑‑RACE RULES ARE NOT PART OF THE CLUBS CONSTITUTION. THEY WILL NEED TO CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS BROUGHT ON BY THE RACES FLOWN BY THE CLUB. RACE RULES CAN BE CHANGED WITH A MAJORITY VOTE OF “ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP”. THEY CAN ONLY BE VOTED ON WITH A QUORUM PRESENT AT A MEETING, AND BY THOSE INVOLVED IN THAT SERIES OF RACES. IF THEIR NUMBER IS LESS THAN A QUORUM, (IN THIS CASE ONLY, A 2/3 VOTE IS REQUIRED.) IF AN “ACTIVE MEMBER” IS NOT COMPETING IN THE UPCOMING SERIES OF RACES, THEY SHALL NOT VOTE ON ITEMS FOUND IN ARTICLE #19. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE RACE RULES. IF THE RULE DOES NOT FIT THE NEED OF THE CLUB, CHANGE IT BY USING THE PROPER PROCEDURE. RACE RULES MAY BE ADOPTED OR CHANGED IN ANY MEETING WITH A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ACTIVE FLYING MEMBERS. ANY MEMBER REFUSING TO COMPLY WITH THE RACE RULES SHALL FORFEIT ALL RIGHTS AND AWARDS IN THE CLUB, AND MAY BE CHARGED WITH DISHONORABLE CONDUCT. (SEE ARTICLE #12,SECTION 1.)
SECTION 2.—-COMBINE RACE RULES SUPERCEDE CLUB RACE RULES.
SECTION 3.—-ANY CHANGES IN RACE SCHEDULES DURING A SEASON WILL BE DONE BY THE CLUB RACE COMMITTEE. CHANGES MAY BE MADE FOR WEATHER, TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS, DISEASES; ETC. OPTIONS INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO) LETTING THE BIRDS GO SHORT OF THE SCHEDULED STATION, HOLDING THE BIRDS FOR A WHILE, CANCELING THE RACE ETC. A CANCELLED RACE MIGHT BE RESCHEDULED. RACE SCHEDULE CHANGES FOR REASONS OTHER THAN LISTED ABOVE MUST BE DONE BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL ACTIVE FLYERS – AS PER AU RULES.
FLEXIBILITY OF RACE SCHEDULE: FUTURE RACE SCHEDULES WILL LIST A STATION NAME ALONG WITH A RANGE OF DISTANCES. EG. RED 350-510. THIS MEANS THAT THE OPTIMAL PLANNED RACE STATION IS REDSTONE, NEVADA AT 510 MILES BUT PRIOR TO SHIPPING NIGHT, THE PARTICIPATING FLYERS WILL VOTE ON THE ACTUAL RACE STATION. THE RACE COULD BE AS SHORT AS 350 MILES. THIS ALLOWS FOR NEEDED CHANGES (NOT COVERED IN PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH OR AU RULES) TO PREVENT SUBSTANTIAL LOSSES WHEN LARGE TEMPERATURE CHANGES OR OTHER UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS OCCUR. (7-2008)
SECTION 4.‑‑THE SRV RACE RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. ALL BIRDS ENTERED IN ANY CLUB COMPETITION MUST BE HIS
PROPERTY, AND MUST BE FLOWN TO AND CLOCKED AT HIS OWN LOFT.
2. BIRDS ENTERED IN A RACE MUST BE AT THE APPOINTED SHIPPING
PLACE ON TIME. IF THEY ARE NOT AT THE BASKET MEETING ON TIME, THEY WILL NOT COMPETE.
3. THE ENTRY LIMIT FOR EACH RACE WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE CLUB. OPEN RACES WILL HAVE NO LIMIT.
4. THE SHIPPING FEE FOR EACH SERIES, (OLD AND YOUNG) WILL BE
DETERMINED AS BEST POSSIBLE BY THE RACE COMMITTEE. IT WILL COVER THE EXPENSE OF SHIPPING, DIPLOMAS, AWARDS, AND VARIOUS OTHER ITEMS REQUIRED TO CARRY ON A SUCCESSFUL FLYING PROGRAM. ANY ADDITIONAL MONEY NEEDED TO COMPLETE A SEASON, BROUGHT ON BY UNFORESEEN PROBLEMS, WILL BE SHOULDERED BY THE MEMBERS.
5. SICK OR INFESTED BIRDS WILL NOT BE SHIPPED WITH THE RACE BIRDS. THE RACE SECRETARY OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE WILL RULE ON THE MATTER. ANY MEMBERS THAT VACCINATE THEIR BIRDS WITH ANY LIVE OR ATTENUATED VACCINE (eg. POX) MUST DO SO AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST RACE. NON LIVE VACCINES MAY BE GIVEN UP UNTIL TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE FIRST RACE. ALL CLUB RACE COMMITTEES WILL MONITOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS RULE. ANY LOFT WHO VACCINATES LESS THAN THE ABOVE LISTED DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST RACE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO FLY THAT SEASON.
6. ALL CRATES OWNED BY THE CLUB WILL REMAIN PART OF THE TRAILER, AND WILL NOT BE REMOVED FOR PRIVATE USE.
7. ALL BIRDS ENTERED IN ANY RACE SHALL BEAR AN EBBS BAND OR COUNTERMARK. NO PERSON SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ASSIST IN COUNTERMARKING HIS OWN BIRDS, OR BE ALLOWED TO HANDLE THEM AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN COUNTERMARKED. ANY EXCEPTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE RACE COMMITTEE. THE OWNER OF THE BIRDS SHOULD BE THE HANDLER REMOVING BIRDS FROM THE PRIVATE CRATE.
8. ALL CLOCKS MUST BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. ANY CLOCK BEING
MORE THAN 1 SECOND OFF PER HOUR WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. MECHANICAL CLOCKS MUST BE SET BY THE OWNER OR PERSON ASSIGNED BY THE OWNER.
9. ALL EBBS CLOCKS MUST BE SET BY THE CLUB RACE COMMITTEE.
10. ALL CLOCKS TO BE USED IN ANY SERIES OF RACES MUST FIRST BE INSPECTED BY THE RACE SECRETARY AND APPROVED BY HIM.
11. ALL SEALING OF TIMERS, READING OF TIMERS, RACE CALCULATIONS, BASKETING OF RACE BIRDS, WILL BE DONE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE RACE SECRETARY WITH HELP FROM THE RACE COMMITTEE.
12. ALL MANUAL TIMERS WILL BE BENZING 30 BIRD TAPELESS TIMERS.
13. ANY EMPTY HOLE IN THE CLOCKING DRUM WILL NOT BE CALCULATED.
14. ALL TIMERS WILL BE SEALED.
15. NO CLOCK SHALL SHOW SIGNS OF TAMPERING. IF SO, ALL AWARDS WILL BE FORFEITED AND THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL INVESTIGATE.
16. IN THE EVENT A MANUAL TIMER FAILS PRIOR TO BIRDS RETURNING, THE OWNER CAN DO EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING:
A-‑GO TO MEMBERS OF THE RACE COMMITTEE AND GET THE CLOCK RE‑SET AND SEALED IF POSSIBLE.
B-‑WITH A MANUAL CLOCK: UPON ARRIVAL OF FIRST BIRD (ONE ONLY PER RACE) CALL A CLUB MEMBER AND READ HIM THE NUMBERS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE MARKER, STATE THE MARKER COLOR, AND STATE THE COLOR AND BAND NUMBER OF THE BIRD. THAT PERSON WILL THEN DEPOSIT THE INFORMATION IN HIS CLOCK. THE TIME FIGURED WILL BE GIVEN TO THAT ONE BIRD ONLY. ONLY ONE BIRD PER RACE WILL BE DONE ON THIS ORDER. THE OWNER MUST THEN BRING THE MARKER, AND THE UNOPENED CLOCK TO THE CLOCK MEETING TO BE VERIFIED BY THE RACE COMMITTEE.
C--EBBS CLOCK DISPLAY MALFUNCTION - IF A DIGITAL CLOCK DISPLAY IS NOT FUNCTIONING (DISPLAY OUT COMPLETELY OR PARTIALLY), THE CLOCK MAY BE KNOCKED-OFF IN AN UNOPENED CONDITION. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, THE DATA SHALL BE DOWNLOADED AND BE RECORDED MANUALLY BY THE RACE SECRETARY OR A RACE COMMITTEE MEMBER. THIS DATA SHALL BE USED FOR CALCULATING RACE RESULTS. DATA MAY BE PRINTED OUT AND EVALUATED ONLY IF THE DATA IS COMPLETE AND IN THE CORRECT CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. THE RACE SECRETARY SHALL PERFORM VERIFICATIONS ON ANY COMPUTER CLOCK MALFUNCTIONS.
D--EBBS CLOCK DATA CANNOT BE PRINTED - IF THE COMPUTER CLOCK DATA CANNOT BE PRINTED BUT THE CLOCK DISPLAY SHOWS THE COMPLETE RACE DATA INCLUDING KNOCKOFF, A REPORT OF THE DISPLAY SHALL BE MANUALLY GENERATED. THE REPORT CONCERNING THE DEFECT MUST BE CERTIFIED BY A MINIMUM OF TWO RACE COMMITTEE MEMBERS OR TWO RACING COMPETITORS. THE REPORT SHALL BE EQUIVALENT TO A PRINTOUT FROM THE CLOCK. A REPORT GENERATED BY THE OWNER OF THE CLOCK PRIOR TO SYSTEM FAILURE MAY BE USED TO GENERATE A REPORT. IN SUCH CASES, ALL DATA MUST BE COMPARED WITH THE CLOCK DISPLAY AND AUTHENTICATION CERTIFIED.
E--EBBS LOW BATTERY CONDITION - IF THE CLOCK DISPLAYS A LOW BATTERY CONDITION, THE CLOCK MAY BE KNOCKED-OFF IMMEDIATELY WITH ANOTHER RACE COMMITTEE MEMBER. AS A PRECAUTION, A DISPLAY REPORT (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE) IS TO BE GENERATED.
F--PRINTING PROBLEMS - IF THE CLOCK PRINTOUT SHOWS INCOMPLETE OR RANDOM DATA, THE CLOCK MUST BE CONNECTED TO ANOTHER PRINTER. IF THE REVIEWED PRINTOUT CONTINUES TO SHOW IRREGULARITIES, A DISPLAY REPORT SHALL BE GENERATED AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. THE REPORT GENERATED FROM THE CLOCK DISPLAY MAY BE USED WHEN ALL REPORTED DATA HAVE BEEN GENERATED CORRECTLY AND IN PROPER CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER. IF A COMPLETE REPORT CANNOT BE GENERATED OR IF THE DATA CANNOT BE INTERPRETED, THE ENTRIES SHALL NOT BE INCLUDED IN ANY RACE RESULTS.
G—-EBSS OTHER OPTIONS: UPON ARRIVAL OF FIRST BIRD (ONE ONLY) CALL A CLUB MEMBER AND READ HIM THE COMPLETE BAND NUMBER AND STATE THE COLOR AND SEX OF THE BIRD. THE MEMBER WHO IS CALLED WILL WRITE DOWN THE TIME THE CALL WAS RECEIVED. THE CLUB MEMBER WILL BRING THE BIRD AND THE CLOCK TO THE CLUB HOUSE FOR INSPECTION BY THE CLUB RACE COMMITTEE.
17. ALL TIMERS WILL BE STARTED WITH A TIME CUBE, GPS, OR “ATOMIC CLOCK” TIME STANDARD, AND STOPPED WITH ONE. THE LIBERATOR WILL SET HIS WATCH WITH ONE OF THE ABOVE STANDARDS THE NIGHT OF SHIPPING. THE LIBERATOR WILL REPORT THE RELEASE TIME, WEATHER (SKY, WIND, TEMPERATURE), AND OTHER RELEASE INFORMATION TO THE RACE SECRETARY. THE RACE SECRETARY WILL KEEP THE MEMBERS INFORMED OF RELEASE INFORMATION BY POSTING THE RELEASE INFORMATION DIRECTLY ON THE WEBPAGE EARLY ON THE MORNING OF RELEASE, WHEN POSSIBLE.
18. TIME LIMIT FOR RACES THAT LAST LONGER THAN ONE DAY SHALL BE 1/2 HOUR AFTER SUNSET TO 1/2 HOUR BEFORE SUNRISE. THE RACE SECRETARY WILL PROVIDE ACTUAL TIMES TO FIGURE THE RACE. THE RACE WILL BE CALCULATED AS PER THE WINSPEED COMPUTER PROGRAM.
19. THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL DETERMINE WHEN A RACE IS CLOSED. RACES WILL USUALLY NOT BE CALLED UNTIL ALL THE POINTS ARE TAKEN. THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL TAKE CARE TO ALLOW EVERYONE TO CLOCK A BIRD IF THEY RETURN IN REASONABLY GOOD TIME. (7-2008)
20. (EMPTY)
21. ALL LOFTS WILL FLY USING THEIR DISTANCE AS MEASURED BY THEIR CLUB RACE COMMITTEE USING A WAAS ENABLED GPS.
22. DIPLOMAS SHALL BE AWARDED AS PER CLUB RULES.
23. THE POINT SYSTEM WILL COVER THE TOP 20% AND WILL BE CALCULATED AS VOTED UPON BY THE MEMBERS.
24. OVERALL CHAMPION BIRDS WILL BE FIGURED AS SET BY THE CLUB RACE COMMITTEE.
25. IN OLD BIRDS, THERE MAY BE A LONG DISTANCE CHAMPION LOFT AND SHORT-MIDDLE DISTANCE CHAMPION LOFT OR AS VOTED UPON BY THE ACTIVE FLYERS. THERE WILL BE ONE CHAMPION LOFT AND ONE CHAMPION BIRD FOR EACH YOUNG BIRD SERIES OR AS VOTED UPON BY THE CLUB MEMBERS.
26. PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY SERIES, THE CLUB WILL DECIDE ON THE AWARDS THAT ARE TO BE UP FOR GRABS IN THAT SERIES. THESE AWARDS ARE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE RACE SECRETARY, WHO MAY, WITH THE PRESIDENT, ASSIGN A TROPHY COMMITTEE TO SEE TO THE NEEDS OF THE CLUB.
27. ALL RACE ENTRY SHEETS, FOR MANUAL CLOCKS, MUST BE FILLED OUT PROPERLY. A SEPARATE SHEET WILL BE FILLED OUT FOR EACH RACE. ENTRY SHEET MUST INCLUDE DATE, RACE, ALL BAND NUMBER INFORMATION, COLOR, AND SEX. IT WOULD HELP IF ALL NUMBERS BE IN CONSECUTIVE ORDER.
28. JUNIOR OR DISABLED MEMBERS WILL BE CHARGED A REDUCED PRICE FOR FLYING FEES AND WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO DRIVE.
29. A JUNIOR OR DISABLED MEMBER FLYING FROM HIS OWN LOFT HAS THE RIGHT TO FLY A FULL TEAM AND FLY IN COMPETITION WITH ALL THE SENIORS.
30. PRIOR TO THE START OF ANY RACE SEASON, THE ACTIVE FLYING MEMBERS SHALL VOTE AS TO WHICH RACE COURSE WILL BE USED AND THE STATIONS TO BE USED.
32. THERE WILL BE THREE MEMBERS PRESENT AT ALL CLOCK MEETINGS AND BASKET MEETINGS. IF THERE IS A HARDSHIP MATTER, THE RACE COMMITTEE WILL GOVERN.
33. WHEN CLOSING THE RACE, THE RACE SECRETARY OR HIS DESIGNEE SHALL PRINT OUT ALL DATA PRIOR TO TRANSFERRING DATA FROM THE EBSS SYSTEM TO THE COMPUTER. THE PRINTOUT WILL SERVE AS A BACK-UP DOCUMENT FOR LATER REFERENCE, IF NECESSARY. ALL DATA FILES SHOULD BE STORED ON A BACK-UP MEDIA, IN THE EVENT DATA RECONSTRUCTION BECOMES NECESSARY.
34. MID WEEK RACES: IF HELD, ONLY BENZING EBBS CLOCKS WILL BE PERMITTED. THERE WILL BE ONLY ONE RACE FROM ONE RELEASE POINT ON MIDWEEK RACES. SCHEDULING OF SUCH RACES WILL BE MADE WEEK BY WEEK AS TRANSPORTATION AND WEATHER PERMITS. IF ANY POINTS OR AWARDS ARE GIVEN FOR MID WEEK RACES, THEY WILL BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM OTHER SRV POINTS OR AWARDS.
35. THE SRV WILL LOAN A CLOCK TO ANY NEW FLYER (WHEN AVAILABLE) FOR ONE YEAR. AT THAT TIME, THE NEW FLYER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING AN ELECTRONIC CLOCK THAT THE CLUB SUPPORTS AND RETURN THE LOANED CLOCK.
36. SEALING AND RELEASE OF SEALED CRATES: ON SHIPPING NIGHT BEFORE CRATES ARE PLACED IN THE TRAILER, A PLASTIC NON-REUSABLE TIE WRAP WILL BE PLACED ON THE SMALL DOOR OR DOORS OF EACH CRATE. JUST BEFORE THE TRAILER LEAVES THE GARAGE, NON-REUSABLE TIE WRAPS WILL BE PLACED ON THE LARGE DOOR OF EACH CRATE SUCH THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE OR ADD A BIRD.
THE TRANSPORTER WILL TAKE WITH HIM A PAIR OF WIRE CUTTERS (WITH CUTTING EDGE AT THE END) TO CUT THE TIE WRAPS OF CRATES TO BE RELEASED. REPEATED USE OF ANY OTHER KIND OF WIRE CUTTER OR KNIFE MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE CRATES AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO OPEN OR GET INTO A CRATE IN THE TRAILER AFTER IT HAS LEFT THE GARAGE FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN FOR RELEASE OF BIRDS.
THE TRANSPORTER IS REQUIRED TO CALL THE RACE SECRETARY OR SECRETARY BEFORE RELEASING ANY BIRDS FOR THEIR APPROVAL.
THE TRANSPORTER WILL DOUBLE CHECK ALL CRATES AFTER RELEASE TO MAKE SURE ALL BIRDS HAVE EXITED THE TRAILER. IF IT IS LATER (AFTER LEAVING THE RACE STATION) FOUND THAT A CRATE WAS NOT RELEASED OR A BIRD IS STILL IN A CRATE, THE TRANSPORTER IS TO KEEP THE BIRDS CONTAINED IN THE TRAILER. HE WILL THEN REPORT TO THE HOME OF A MEMBER OF THE RACE COMMITTEE, WITH THE CONTAINED BIRDS, WHERE THE BIRDS WILL BE INVENTORIED. THE INVENTORIED BIRDS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FOR THAT DAY’S RACES.
SOME FANCIERS PREFER TO HAVE THEIR BIRDS ALL IN ONE CRATE – NOT MIXED WITH OTHER BIRDS. THIS MAY BE DONE IF THERE ARE SUFFICIENT CRATES. (7-2008)
37. LIBERATOR MUST CONTACT THE RACE COMMITTEE FOR PERMISSION TO RELEASE BIRDS BEFORE ANY BIRDS MAY BE RELEASED FOR A RACE.
LIBERATOR NEEDS TO DOUBLE CHECK CRATES UPON OPENING TO MAKE SURE ALL BIRDS HAVE LEFT THE CRATES. AFTER LEAVING THE RELEASE POINT, ANY BIRDS ARE FOUND TO HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED WITH THE RACE BIRDS, WHICH STAYED IN THE CRATE OR THE CRATE WAS NOT RELEASED, THEY WILL BE BROUGHT HOME IN THE CRATE. THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED FROM THE RACE. THE LIBERATOR MUST BRING THE TRAILER BACK TO THE HOME OF A RACE COMMITTEE MEMBER. A LIST OF DISQUALIFIED BIRDS WILL BE MADE. (7-2008)
38. IF AN SRV CLUB RACE IS SHIPPED WITH LESS THAN FIVE MEMBERS PARTICIPATING, IT WILL STILL BE COUNTED AS AN OFFICIAL CLUB RACE AS LONG AS A MINIMUM OF THREE MEMBERS SHIP AND ALL OTHER AU RULES ARE FOLLOWED. IT WILL NOT BE SUBMITTED TO THE AU NATIONAL DATABASE AND NO AU AWARDS WILL BE GIVEN, ONLY CLUB AWARDS. THE RACE WILL COUNT TOWARDS ALL CLUB AWARDS. IF THE RACE IS SHIPPED ON A COMBINE SUCH AS THE WESTERN OPEN, THE RACE WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE NATIONAL DATA BASE ON A COMBINE LEVEL ONLY. (5-2009)