NIH Chess Club CONSTITUTION

NIH CHESS CLUB
5000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda,Md. 20814

                Founded: Mar.20,1972                            Rev.#l, Nov 5,1973
                Constituted: Jun 5,1972 
                Rev #2, Jun 1,1976                              Rev #3, Oct 22,1984  Rev #4 May 8 1998

ART. I PURPOSE
The purpose of this club shall be to develop and encourage interest in the game of Chess, to promote the popularity of the game, and to foster a spirit of sportsmanship and social fellowship.

ART.II MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

(a)     The club shall be open for membership to all individuals who support the purposes of the club.

(b)     Membership dues will be payable by the calendar year.  The Executive Committee will set the amount of the dues prior to the beginning of each year.  The dues shall not exceed twenty  dollars per year.

ART.III OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a)     The club members shall elect from among their number the following officers:

    President                               Secretary-Treasurer
    Vice-President of Advertising   Assistant Secr./Tres
    Vice-President of Activities     Assistant V.P. of Activities


(b)     Should an officer vacancy occur between elections, it may be filled by presidential appointment, or upon demand of any three members of the Executive Committee by the majority vote of the Committee.

(c)     The election of new officers shall take place during a club meeting in may.  The new officers will take office at the close of the meeting.

(d)     The Executive Committee will consist of the six above elected officers, plus the most immediate Past President available. In addition the  President may appoint an individual to the Committee (1) as an honorarium, or (2) for unusual service to the club, ie DC Chess League Team Captain.


ART.  IV  DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a)     The Executive Committee shall conduct the business of the club between  membership meetings.  It will:
Formulate a program for their term of office, and publish it as a calendar of activities.
Set the necessary policies and procedures for the club.
Authorize all expenditures over one hundred dollars.

(b)     The President shall preside at business meetings, appoint all committees and Team Captains, authorize disbursements of
$100 or less, and be responsible for implementing the program and policies of the Executive Committee.  He shall officially represent the club to outside organizations.

(c)     The Vice-President of Advertising shall be responsible for the promotion of the club and its activities.  He shall publish a club newsletter periodically, and frequently publish articles in news media such as: the Maryland Chess Newsletter, the Kings File, and in the local daily newspapers.

In the absence of the President, he shall exercise the duties of the President.

(d)     The Vice-President of Activities and his Assistant shall arrange for the planning and execution of club events as directed by the President and the Executive Committee.

The Secretary-Treasurer and his Assistant shall assume all functions related to membership and fees.

He shall maintain a name and address list of members, and publish it several times a year.
He shall be custodian of all club funds and keep such records as are required.  He will prepare a financial report for each Executive Committee meeting.
He shall carry on the club correspondence, send notices to the members, and keep the minutes of meetings.

(f)     The Past President will serve as an advisor.  He will be an ambassador of goodwill within the club and from the club outside organizations.

ART.  V    MEETINGS

(a)     The Executive Committee shall meet several times per Year, including once in May in conjunction with the annual meeting;, Any C@ttee r may call a meeting, giving notice to all Officers.

(b)     A general business meeting for all members will be held at least once a year.  Members shall be notified at least ten days in advance either in writing, by telephone, or by posting at the club.

ART.  VI        AMENDMENTS

This Constitution may be changed or amended by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at the first general business meeting after a proposed change has been submitted in writing to the President.


BY LAWS

1.      A general ledger of income/expense shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer.  Requests for payment of expenses must be approved by the President or Executive Committee, and should be accompanied by receipts or an expense statement.

2.      Contributions of money to the Jewish Community Center in compensation for privileges and facilities will be made several times during a calendar year.

3.      A quorum of the Executive Committee shall be at least four (4) members, three of which must be elected officers.

4.      An appointed committee will prepare a slate of nominees for the annual elections.  The nominee for President should have previously served as an elected officer. In the election, the voting will be by ballot, a majority vote being required for election.  If no candidate has a majority, the name of the candidate with the fewest votes shall be dropped and another vote taken.  This procedure shall be followed until a candidate is selected.

5.      A member whose conduct is unbecoming to the best interests of the club may be suspended upon the recommendation of three members of the Executive Committee, and will remain suspended until reinstated by the Executive Committee.

6.      These By-Laws may be changed or amended by a majority vote of the membership present at a general business meeting.