BY-LAWS

 *Revised (February 2021)

ARTICLE 1 Name

Section 1 Name

The name of this organization shall be:

 “The New Jersey Beach Buggy Association Incorporated,”

ARTICLE 2 Organization

Section 1 Purpose

The purpose of the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association shall be, to foster, perpetuate and promote a closer relationship among all owners of beach buggies and surf fishing people. To work for the proper conservation of marine waters, beaches and marine sport fisheries. To encourage its members to adhere strictly to the Associations Code of Ethics and to the Laws of the Country, State, and Municipalities where surf fishing and beach buggies are allowed to operate.

Section 2 Code of Ethics

To further the above ideas, the following Code of Ethics is part of these By-Laws:

• To enter and leave beaches in prescribed ways.
• To eliminate speeding and reckless driving.
• To respect local ordinances and the rights of property owners.
• To offer aid to any person fishing or buggy owner in trouble on the beach.
• To respect picnicking and bathing groups by:
• Avoiding them where ever possible.
• By slowing to minimum speed when passing these groups.
• To avoid littering the beach with trash, cans, etc. by using trash barrels when available, or by taking it with you when leaving the area.
• To avoid overcrowding any one area and elbowing other anglers out of their chosen spots. This is particularly important where persons without buggies are concentrated.
• To leave the track when a halt is made, so that other buggies will not be forced to detour.
• To fill in holes after getting stuck and to avoid indiscriminately crisscrossing tracks.
• To simplify the passing of vehicles meeting head-on in a single track; the driver who has the dunes on his right will be required to turn out of the track to the right. This rule is to be tempered common sense in difficult situations.
• To ask those who park their gear in the middle of the track if they will move it and in a courteous manner explain why.
• Do not drive a night without lights, but when approaching anyone fishing, drive behind them and avoid shining lights on them and the water.

To realize that fishing is a God given sport and to keep on a high plane so that others may enjoy it as well as you.

Section 3 Nature

As this association is formed for the perpetuation of the sport of fishing in all of its legitimate phases, it is hereby made part of the By-Laws and that any member found guilty of violating the fishing laws of the Country, State, or municipality or maliciously destroying or damaging property, real or personal, shall be deemed unworthy of membership and the Board of Directors shall pursue whatever course seems necessary under Article 5 Membership, Section 10, Suspension of Members, Section 11 Expulsion of Members, Section 12 Registration of Expelled Members.

ARTICLE 3 Governing Body

Section 1 Officers

The Officers of the N.J.B.B.A. shall be:
A. President
B. 1st Vice President
C. 2nd Vice President
D. Recording Secretary
E. Corresponding Secretary
F. Treasurer
G. Membership Secretary
H. Eleven Directors (9 for 3 years)
(2 for 1 year terms)
I. Board of Trustees

Section 2 Elections and Appointment of Officers and Directors

A. (1) Nominations and elections for those officers shall be made annually at the annual meeting. The term of the office of President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer shall be for one year, and for Membership Secretary two years, all starting at the close of elections and the end of their terms.
B. (2) The President shall only be permitted to serve for five (5) consecutive terms. The terms of office for Directors shall be for three years beginning at the closing of the election and ending at the beginning of the election three years hence. Three Directors will be elected annually for a three (3) year term and two Directors for one (1) year terms.
C. Every member present in good standing shall be entitled to nominate a member in good standing, for any office at the Annual Meeting.
D. In the event of the resignation, dismissal, or death of an Officer, a temporary officer shall be appointed by the Board of Directors, within sixty days to fill out the term of office or until a special election can be held.

E. In the event of the resignation, dismissal, or death of a Director, a temporary director must be appointed by the Board of Directors to fill out the remaining portion of the term ending with the next regularly scheduled elections. The remainder of the term will then be open for election at said elections.

F. Unsuccessful nominees for Officer or Director shall be given first consideration for a vacated office in order of most votes received.

G. The President shall appoint a judge and two tellers to take care of the election of officers and directors.
H. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting, it shall be the duty of the President to appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of at least five (5) members of good standing. The Nominating Committee shall report its nominations of two (2) or more nominees for each office and for the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.
I. A member may not be elected to either office or directorship without their consent.

J. No member may hold an appointment or elected office unless the member’s dues are current.

Section 3 Powers and Duties of Officers

A. President - The duties of the President shall be: to preside over all meetings, appoint committees, preserve order and perform any other duties that pertain to the office and shall be a member exofficia of all committees.
B. 1st Vice President - Shall perform all of the duties of the President in the absence of the President and perform any duties that pertain to the office and those duties directed by the President.
C. 2nd Vice President - Shall perform ant duties that pertain to the office and those duties directed by the President.
D. The Recording Secretary - shall make proper records at all of the proceedings of each meeting of the association and any other business pertaining to the association. The Recording Secretary shall promptly turn over to the successor any and all records and property pertaining to the association.
E. Corresponding Secretary - shall conduct all of the association’s official correspondence and shall promptly turn over to the successor any and all records and property belonging to the association.
F. Treasurer:
(1) has custody of all the funds of the association and shall keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements and report the same at each regular meeting;
(2) shall give the Recording Secretary a receipt for all the monies turned over to him or her;
(3) shall pay all orders drawn from the funds of the association, when the same are properly countersigned by the President or 1st Vice President and approved by a majority vote of the members present entitled to vote at a regular meeting;
(4) Upon retirement from office shall promptly turn over all books, records, property, etc. to the successor.
G. Membership Secretary:
(1) shall collect all monies due to the association;
(2) keep all records of the same and pay all monies collected, over to the Treasurer for the same;
(3) keep a roll call of members and their records, report all delinquents and perform any other duties required of the office;
(4) Promptly turn over to his or her successor any and all records and property belonging to the association.
H. Board of Directors - The affairs, properties of the N.J.B.B.A. shall be managed, subject to any
Determination of the Board of Directors. The President shall be the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the elected offices and the elected Board Members. The regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly. The meeting of the Board of Directors shall be open to all members of the N.J.B.B.A. members may attend these meetings and exercise their rights. In the event that a meeting falls on a holiday, the President will designate an alternate date. A quorum shall consist of at least eight members of the Board of Directors present and voting.
I. Board of Trustees - Board consisting of all N.J.B.B.A. Life Members. The purpose of the Board of Trustees would be to provide the current office holders with the bank of knowledge, wisdom and experience of past leaders. All Board of Trustee members would receive monthly Board of Director Meeting minutes and the Chairman (last outgoing Life Member president or member appointed by the Board of Trustees), would sit on the Board of Directors as a regular member without having to make attendance requirements.

Section 4 Committees

Committees shall be appointed by the President whenever they shall be deemed necessary.

ARTICLE 4 Meetings

Section 1 Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the N.J.B.B.A. shall be held on a Sunday in February. In the event that these meeting dates
are not permissible, the Board of Directors shall select an appropriate date for that meeting. All other meetings shall
be by the call of the President.

Section 2 Quorum

A quorum for all special/general membership meetings shall be ten or more members in good standing.

Section 3 Special Meetings

All special meetings shall be called by the President or by request of ten members in good standing and by giving
seven days notice in writing to all members.

Section 4 Meeting Attendance

Elected officers and directors shall be automatically dismissed from the Board of Directors after having missed three consecutive meetings of such board. After having missed two in a row the President shall direct the Recording Secretary to notify said member of the rule. In the event there is no Recording Secretary, the President shall do the notifying. Automatic dismissal shall take place at the first meeting after said delinquent member has missed (3) in a row. The dismissed member may appeal in writing or in person at the next scheduled board meeting and a two-thirds vote of the board present can reinstate said member to the office previously held. A second offense brings dismissal following the same procedure except all members present at the board meeting must vote to reinstate on an appeal. Any member who has missed seven (7) board meetings in one year without excuse of illness shall be dismissed with appeals as stated for a first offense above.

Section 5 Conduction of Meetings

All meetings shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure.

Section 6 Order of Business

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call of Officers
3. Reading of Minutes of the Previous Meeting
4. Officers’ and Committee Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Payment of Bills
7. Communications
8. Unfinished Business
9. Nominating and Election of Officers (Annual Meeting)
10. New Business
11. Announcements
12. Suggestions for the Good of the Association

13. Adjournment

Section 7 General Meetings

There will be one (1) mandatory General Membership meeting per year; the annual meeting shall constitute that meeting. A second meeting may be held at the discretion of the Board of Directors and advertized to all members in writing either by the N.J.B.B.A. News or by special mailing at least seven (7) days prior to such meeting.

Section 8 Electronic Voting for Emergency Matters

In the event of an emergency matter, where the President needs to make a decision on behalf of the NJBBA and time is of the essence, he or his designate, will solicit electronically the Board of Directors for their opinion and vote on the matter at hand by the deadline set. A quorum must be met. The President must then at the next Board meeting report the tally of the vote, the action taken and allow discussion of the event, all of which to become a record in the minutes of the Board meeting. Types of electronic solicitation may include: telephone calls, email messages or fax messages.

ARTICLE 5 Membership

Section 1 Eligibility

Any person of good moral character, having an interest in the purpose of the N.J.B.B.A. shall be eligible for membership.

Section 2 Application and Dues Fee

All applications shall be accompanied by the annual dues fee.

Section 3 Denial

If the application for any reason is denied, then the annual dues fee shall be returned promptly.

Section 4 General Member

Those t hat pay the regular dues whether new or renewal. General members enjoy all association benefits and privileges.

Section 5 Senior Membership

A. Any member who has been a member in good standing for five consecutive years or more, having attained the age of 65 shall become a Senior Member with all of the benefits and privileges as the dues paying member.
B. Any member who has joined in 1986 or later and has been a member in good standing for ten consecutive years or more, having attained the age of 65 shall become a Senior Member with all of the benefits and privileges as the dues paying members.
C. Senior members have no further financial obligations and enjoy all the benefits and privileges of general members.

Section 6 Life Membership

A. Any member who has served in the capacity of President for three (3) consecutive years shall be deemed a “Life Member” of the association and shall be given all considerations and benefits of a paid membership. This “Life Member” shall also be eligible to sit on Executive Board meetings of the Association.
B. Any member who has served in the capacity of Membership Secretary for four consecutive full years shall be deemed a “Life Member” of the Association and shall be given all the considerations and benefits of a paid membership. This “Life Member” shall also be eligible to sit on Executive Board meetings of the Association.

C. Any member who has served in the capacity of 1st Vice President; 2nd Vice President; Recording Secretary; Corresponding Secretary; Treasurer; or any combination of offices consecutively for five (5) years or more, shall be deemed a “Life Member” of the Association and shall be given all consideration and benefits of paid membership. This “Life Member” shall also be eligible to sit on Executive Board meetings of the Association.

D. Any member who has served in the capacity of Director for ten (10) consecutive years shall be deemed a “Life Member” of the association and shall be given all the considerations and benefits of a paid member. This “Life Member” shall also be eligible to sit on Executive Board meetings of the Association.

E. Any member who has served on the Executive Board as Officer, or Director for a combination of consecutive years adding up to five (5) shall become a “Life Member” of the association and shall be given all the considerations and benefits of a paid membership. This “Life Member” shall be eligible to sit on the Executive Board meetings of the association. The formula to determine the number needed to reach five shall be one for each year as any Officer and ½ for each year as a Director.

Section 7 Honorary Membership

Honorary Membership may be awarded by a majority vote of the Executive Board and Board of Directors to an individual who they deem has earned this recognition through exemplary performance in furthering the goals of the “Association.”

Section 8 Family Membership

A. Any relative of any regular member (paid regular dues or any Life, Senior, or Sustaining member) living at the same address can join as a family member for one half the regular annual fees. Each family member must make application individually and pay the applicable fee. Family membership is purely optional.
B. Each family would receive one license plate, one newspaper, and one vote at any meeting. Each member of each family would receive in addition their own membership card, tournament affidavits, and other handouts when available.
C. When application is made the Family member will receive an official N.J.B.B.A. decal or small patch.
D. Each family member will be eligible to participate in all N.J.B.B.A. functions and can earn points in all N.J.B.B.A. activities when they apply.

E. The starting age limit for a family member is eight (8). A senior or sustaining membership cannot be attained unless regular requirements are met.

F. A family member can be elected to an office or directorship of the N.J.B.B.A. At that time they must pay full rate so as to have the right to vote as an individual. But they may keep their family membership number if they wish.

G. Family member numbers will be assigned as follows:
Regular member number (EXAMPLE: 124); family numbers would continue from that (EXAMPLE: 124A, 124B, etc.).
H. In the event that the regular member (or Life, Senior, or Sustaining) dies, those family members can continue to use that number for the remainder of the paid year. Where after they may elect to have another family member become a regular member and may choose another number or keep the same one.
Numbers under fifty (50) to be approved by a simple majority of the Board of Directors.

Section 9 Sustaining Membership

A. Any member in good standing and fully paid for five (5) consecutive years can become a Sustaining Member for the fee of ten (10) times the annual dues, payable within six months, paid to the Treasurer, upon application and approval by the Board of Directors.
B. A Sustaining Member would have all the same rights and privileges as a fully paid member and will receive all the same benefits without having to pay any further annual dues.
C. A Sustaining Member has no more rights than any regular member.
D. Those monies received by the Treasurer will be set aside in a separate account, or a separate accounting, and the interest derived from the principal can be used for organization purposes.

Section 10 Resignation of a Member

A member may terminate affiliation with the N.J.B.B.A. by written notice of resignation. Upon acceptance of
Such resignation by the Board of Directors, said member shall forthwith cease to have any right, title or interest in the affairs, conduct, or property or the N.J.B.B.A.

Section 11 Suspension of Member

Any member by resolution of the Board of Directors may be suspended from membership in the N.J.B.B.A., fo
cause, as the Board of Directors may see fit. The period of a member’s suspension shall be not less than thirty (30)
days or more than one calendar year.
A. Method of Suspension - Upon receipt of the resolution proposing to suspend a member, as prescribed above, the Board of Directors will carefully investigate all charges. If sufficient cause is found to seek suspension, the Board of Directors will hold a Special Meeting specifically for the purpose at which time the member against whom such action is proposed may state the case and be assured of a fair hearing. Said member must be notified of all charges, and of the meeting date. If full and sufficient cause is found, the Board of Directors may, on simple majority vote, then suspend said member.
B. Rights of Suspended Member - Any member suspended by means prescribed above shall cease to have any privileges in the N.J.B.B.A. and shall not be allowed to vote, serve on committees nor preside at any meeting during the period of suspension. The member shall not be deemed to be in good standing.

Section 12 Expulsion of Member

Any member by resolution of the Board of Directors may be expelled from membership in the N.J.B.B.A. for any
willful act or course of conduct contrary to the best interest of the N.J.B.B.A. or its principles, which are recognized
as having been officially condoned by said member. The resolution proposing such action may be presented in
writing to the Board of Directors by a Member in good standing.
A. Upon receipt of the resolution proposing to expel a member as prescribed above the Board of Directors will carefully investigate all charges. If sufficient cause is found to seek expulsion, the Board of Directors will hold a special meeting specifically for the purpose at which time the member against whom such action is proposed may state the case and be assured of a fair hearing. Said member must be notified of all charges and of the meeting date. If full and sufficient cause is found, the Board of Directors may on simple majority vote, then expel said member.
B. Rights of Expelled Member - Any Member expelled by means prescribed above, shall from the date of the expulsion cease to have any right, title, or interest in the affairs, conduct or property of the N.J.B.B.A.

Section 13 Appeal of Suspension or Expulsion

Any member against whom action has been taken by the Board of Directors, for either suspension or expulsion, has the right to appeal the action of the Board at the next annual meeting of the N.J.B.B.A. The N.J.B.B.A. may at that time by simple majority vote, overrule the decision of the Board of Directors and reinstate said member to full privileges.

Section 14 Registration Number of Expelled Member

A. The registration number of any member expelled from the N.J.B.B.A. shall not be reassigned, but retired forever, in disgrace.
B. It is understood that any member who has been expelled will return upon request from a member of the Board of Directors all N.J.B.B.A. license plates and decals possessed without compensation.

Section 15 Retiring of a Number of a Deceased Member

A. Requirement:

1 . Member must be a life member or have 25 years of consecutive membership and have made a significant contribution to the organization in the way of an officer, director, courtesy patrol member or other activities,
B. Request:
1. Made by the member prior to their passing; OR
2. Made by the family after the member’s passing.
C. Retirement will be voted on by the General Membership.
D. The family will receive a Certificate of Recognition upon retiring the member’s number.

ARTICLE 6 Annual Dues

Section 1 Annual Dues

A. The annual dues fee for membership shall be payable in advance.
B. Dues shall be due on the annual anniversary of said member’s initial enrollment or the date set by the Membership Secretary.
C. The duly elected members of the Board of Directors may increase or decrease the amount of dues charged to the membership with a ¾ vote of those members present. A motion to have a change in dues shall be made at one Board of Directors meeting. All duly elected members shall then be notified prior to voting at the next regularly scheduled meeting of said upcoming vote.

Section 2 Initiation Fee

A. An additional fee shall be charged to all new members. Such fee shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
B. Any member in arrears for up to one year from the date of their annual anniversary will not have to repay the initiation fee.

Section 3 Arrears

A. Any member who shall remain in arrears in the payment of dues for a period of ninety (90) days unless extended or exempted by the Board of Directors, shall be deemed to have forfeited membership in the N.J.B.B.A.
B. Any member who has been found to be in arrears for six (6) months shall forthwith cease to have right, title, or interest in the affairs, conduct, or property belonging to the Association and shall return to an officer of the Association any property belonging to the Association.

ARTICLE 7 By-Laws

Section 1 Amendments

A. Amendments to the by-laws may be made by being proposed in writing and submitted to the By-Law Committee or chairperson of the Board of Directors. The proposed change must include the Article, Section and Title.
B. Such amendments shall be printed in the N.J.B.B.A. News or other publication, to be considered as the first reading, and shall be read prior to voting.
C. The meeting where the proposed by-law changes are to be voted shall be properly advertised to all members in writing either by the N.J.B.B.A. News or by a special mailing noting such and sent at least seven (7) days prior to such meeting.
D. A majority vote of two-thirds of the members in good standing present shall be required to pass the proposed amendments at the stated meeting.
E. Notification of the N.J.B.B.A. membership of either passage or failure on each proposed amendment and the vote (in number) shall be printed in the next edition of the N.J.B.B.A. News.

ARTICLE 8 Emergency Fund

Section 1 Purpose

A. To establish funding for emergency fees and/or maintenance costs incurred while preserving the goals and/or philosophies of the Association.
B. Some of the monies transferred into the emergency fund will come from the regular N.J.B.B.A. Treasury at the closing of the books each year. No more than 25% of the total balance may be transferred from the general account by approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2 Criteria for Use

A. All emergency actions undertaken must be approved by a simple majority of the general membership present at a membership meeting.
B. Expenses incurred in an emergency action may be paid when due, using monies in the emergency fund with approval of a simple majority of the Board of Directors present at a directors meeting.

ARTICLE 9 Jeff Paul Scholarship Fund

Section 1 Purpose

New Jersey Beach Buggy Association will establish a fund known as the Jeff Paul Scholarship Fund. Named in memory of M. Jeffries Paul. There will be two (2) awards each year in the amount of $750.00 (seven hundred fifty) each to a member in good standing for at least two years. This applies to a members children or grandchildren to further their education. All monies in this fund will be monitored by the N.J.B.B.A. Treasurer.

Section 2 Applicant Selection

A. The applicant will be required to complete an application for consideration of the Jeff Paul Scholarship Fund. All applications will be decided by a formula set up by the New Jersey Beach buggy Association. There shall be a committee of five (5) determining who the recipient will be.

B. The following guidelines are to be used in determining the recipient of the scholarship award: scholastic ability, Civic involvement, principal recommendation, and personal investment. In case of a tie, the decision of the committee will be final.

Section 3 Committee Selection

The Scholarship Committee will be selected by the following method. One by the N.J.B.B.A. President, two by the Board of Directors, one by the Board of Trustees, and one volunteer chairperson.

ARTICLE 10 Dissolution or Liquidation of Assets

If and when the NJBBA should be dissolved, and after meeting all outstanding obligations and liabilities, the Board of Directors will transfer all remaining assets to a non-profit organization (s) with similar goals and ethics to that of the NJBBA. In no case shall the assets be distributed to the membership