DTCA BYLAWS
BYLAWS
DAKOTA TERRITORY CURLING ASSOCIATION
Section 1 – Name
The name of this association shall be “Dakota Territory Curling Association,” herein referred to as DTCA.
Section 2 – Purpose
The DTCA has been formed and is maintained to:
Eligibility rules for regional events leading to USAC sanctioned national events are established by the USAC and related appeals shall be made to the USAC.
On DTCA matters equal opportunity will be provided to amateur athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators, and officials to participate in amateur athletic competition without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, or national origin.
Section 6 – Grievance Procedure
On matters not governed by the USAC, any individual member who feels that he or she has been wronged in the interpretation of the DTCA’s rules or bylaws has the right to seek relief in the following manner:
Each member club shall pay annual dues in an amount established by the Board of Directors. Annual dues shall be paid to the treasurer of the DTCA on or before January 15 of each year. Documentation accompanying the dues payment shall be in the form prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 8 – Dividends
No dividends shall be paid and no part of the income of the DTCA shall be distributed to its members, directors, or officials. The DTCA may, however, pay compensation in a reasonable amount to member clubs, directors, or officers for services rendered and may confer benefits in conformity with its purposes.
Section 9 – Meetings
The Board of Directors shall control and manage the affairs of the DTCA. The Board of Directors shall be compromised of members of the Executive Committee and two directors from each member club. Clubs are encouraged to elect/appoint directors that will regularly attend DTCA Board meetings and thereby facilitate continuity at such meetings.
Section 11- Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, immediate past president, and the DTCA representatives to the USAC Board of Directors. The president shall have the right to appoint additional non-voting members as she or she deems necessary to enable the committee to carry out its functions as effectively as possible.
The attendance of at least three voting members shall be required for the committee to conduct business. The committee shall have and exercise all the authority of the Board of Directors during the interim between meetings of the Board of Directors. The vote of a majority of the members present shall govern with respect to any proposal. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors at its next meeting. Actions of the Executive Committee may be rescinded by a majority vote of the Board.
Members of the Executive Committee shall, at the request of the president, chair committees created by the president or the Executive Committee (committee on finance, competitive curling, members, and promotions, etc.).
Section 12 – Officers
Officers shall be elected for a term of two years at the spring meeting in even numbered years. Officers elected will be the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The officers of secretary and treasurer may be combined at any election at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
A vacancy in any officer for any reason may be filled by the Executive Committee for the unexpired term. A vote of at least four of the voting members of the Executive Committee is required to fill vacancies. Any officer or agent of the DTCA, whether elected or appointed, may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever, in its judgement, such a removal would best serve the interests of the DTCA.
President – The president shall be the principle executive officer of the DTCA and shall supervise and control all its business and affairs. The president shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The president may execute any contract, agreement, or instrument necessary to conduct the business of the DTCA and in general shall perform all duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Vice President – In the absence of the president or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the vice president shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the office of the president. The vice president shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the president or the Board of Directors.
Secretary – The secretary shall keep the minutes of the Board of Director and Executive Committee meetings and keep them in one or more books provided for that purpose. The secretary shall also see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as may be required by law, be the custodian of the records of the DTCA, keep a record of the post office address of each member club and its officers, and in general perform all duties as may be assigned by the president or the Board of Directors.
Treasurer – The treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the DTCA, receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the DTCA, and deposit all such monies in the name of the DTCA in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Executive Committee. The treasurer shall also perform all the duties incident to the office of treasurer and other such duties as may be assigned by the president or Board of Directors. If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be bonded for the faithful discharge of his or her duties. The size of the bond shall be in an amount deemed appropriate by the Board.
Section 13 – Books and Records
The DTCA shall keep correct and complete books and records of all accounts and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Board of Director and Executive Committee. All books and records of the DTCA may be inspected by any individual member, or his or her agent, for any proper purpose at any time.
Section 14 – USAC Representation
The Board of Directors shall elect the number of representatives to which the DTCA is entitled on the USAC’s Board of Directors. These representatives shall serve three-year terms; this term shall, however, be subject to the elected representative remaining a member in good standing in the DTCA. USCA representatives shall notify the Board of Directors of all rule changes proposed and/or enacted by the USAC and to purpose rules specific to the DTCA.
Section 15 – Championships
Member clubs shall appoint a chairperson of each DTCA championship to be hosted by them. This person is to be in charge of specific arrangements and shall serve as liaison to the Executive Committee. Regional event chairperson positions shall be filled no later than August 1st of the year prior to the championship; the name of the chairperson shall be reported to the secretary of the DTCA and to the USAC if applicable, immediately upon appointment. The host club shall report to the Board of Directors at the Board’s next meeting following the championship.
Sections 16 – Amendments
Bylaws are to be reviewed every four years or as needed. These bylaws may be repealed or amended in whole or in part by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. However, no such changes shall be adopted unless the member clubs have been notified in writing of the subject of the proposed change by mail (electronically) at least 20 days prior to the meeting unless each such club not so notified executes a waiver of such notice.
Section 17 – Rules of Order
Should circumstances arise not covered by these bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised shall apply. Should conflicts exist or arise between these bylaws and those of the USAC, these bylaws shall yield.
Section 18 – State-Sponsored Events
Youth U-14 Tournament – The DTCA may sponsor one or more tournaments for players who are under the age of 14 at the time of the event. Teams may be comprised of any combination of gender. These events are intended to promote youth curling and competitive play. It is encouraged that as many team members as possible be from the same member club. All players must be a member of a club in good standing within the DTCA. The Executive Committee may grant variances to these rules.
High School Tournament – The DTCA may sponsor one or more high school tournaments for players who are in grade school, middle school, junior high, high school, or home school and are age 19 or younger at the time of the tournament. Teams may be comprised of all of a single gender. These events are intended to promote youth curling and competitive play. It is encouraged that as many team members as possible be from the same member club. All players must be a member of a club in good standing within the DTCA. The Executive Committee may grant variances to these rules.
The DTCA may sponsor other such events as it deems appropriate to promote the sport of curling in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.
Adopted:
October 2024
Harmen Steele – Secretary
DAKOTA TERRITORY CURLING ASSOCIATION
Section 1 – Name
The name of this association shall be “Dakota Territory Curling Association,” herein referred to as DTCA.
Section 2 – Purpose
The DTCA has been formed and is maintained to:
- Promote the sport of curling and represent all curling organizations in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.
- Maintain friendly relations and affiliations with the USA Curling (USAC) and the North Dakota Curling Foundation.
- Represent North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana curlers in USAC discussions.
- Conduct, manage, and operate all regional competitions that lead to USAC sanctioned championships and other competitions sponsored by the DTCA.
- Curler – any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official active in the sport of curling.
- Curling Club – a group of curlers sharing a common curling facility.
- Member Club – any curling club accepted into membership in the DTCA.
- Individual Member – any curler who belongs to a member club.
- USAC– USA Curling
- Board of Directors – See Section 10
- Executive Committee – See Section 11
- Membership in the DTCA shall be open to any curling club in the State of North Dakota, South Dakota, or Montana that is a member of the USAC, who has 20 or more individual members, and which has an indoor ice facility that is being actively used for curling. Its facility must not be shared by another member club. Exceptions may be granted by the Executive Committee.
- Each member club shall:
- Adhere to the rules of play adopted by the USAC and the DTCA;
- Support in word and action the policies, goals, and programs of the DTCA and the USAC;
- Accept individual members without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, or national origin; and
- Pay annual membership fees set by the Board of Directors of the DTCA.
- The procedure for applying for club membership shall be:
- Written application for membership shall be DTCA made to the secretary of the at least 30 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the DTCA.
- The application shall contain:
- The name of the applicant club;
- a statement affirming that the club is a member of the USAC;
- a request for membership into the DTCA and a statement that the applicant club will actively participate in and support the DTCA and abide by its rules;
- applicable DTCA fees; and
- other such information as the DTCA my require.
- The election to membership shall be by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors voting at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the DTCA or by a majority of the Executive Committee at a scheduled meeting, subject to confirmation at the next meeting of the Board.
- Any member club may withdraw from the DTCA by filing a written notice with the secretary. Such resignation shall not relieve the club of unpaid obligations to the DTCA.
- Former member clubs may seek reinstatement in the DTCA. Such requests must be in writing and filed with the secretary. Provided that all unpaid obligations to the DTCA have been paid, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors may, by an affirmative vote of three-fourth of those voting, reinstate such former club member. The Executive Committee may establish other terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.
Eligibility rules for regional events leading to USAC sanctioned national events are established by the USAC and related appeals shall be made to the USAC.
On DTCA matters equal opportunity will be provided to amateur athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators, and officials to participate in amateur athletic competition without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender, or national origin.
Section 6 – Grievance Procedure
On matters not governed by the USAC, any individual member who feels that he or she has been wronged in the interpretation of the DTCA’s rules or bylaws has the right to seek relief in the following manner:
- For complaints involving eligibility in an upcoming competition, the complainant shall submit a written complaint to the secretary of the DTCA stating clearly the grievance and all the facts relating thereto. Said complaint must be received by the secretary at least three full days prior to the start of the involved competition.
- The written complaint will then be submitted by the secretary to the Executive Committee for review and ruling.
- For complaints involving eligibility, a written decision shall be present to the complaining member within at least 24 hours prior to the start of the subject competition. For all other issues, written decisions shall be issues within 30 days of the date that the written complaint if received by the secretary.
Each member club shall pay annual dues in an amount established by the Board of Directors. Annual dues shall be paid to the treasurer of the DTCA on or before January 15 of each year. Documentation accompanying the dues payment shall be in the form prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 8 – Dividends
No dividends shall be paid and no part of the income of the DTCA shall be distributed to its members, directors, or officials. The DTCA may, however, pay compensation in a reasonable amount to member clubs, directors, or officers for services rendered and may confer benefits in conformity with its purposes.
Section 9 – Meetings
- The DTCA shall meet in the spring and the fall of each year at a time and place designated by the Executive Committee to conduct such business as may properly come before it. Special meetings may be called by the president or any officer directed to do so by five member clubs. Meetings may be held in person or via conference call.
- Notice of regularly scheduled meeting shall by mailed (electronically) at least 20 days prior to the meeting to the president of record of each member club; 20 day notice does not apply to special meetings. The notice of special meetings shall state the purpose to which the meeting is called.
- The presence of representatives of five eligible member clubs shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all DTCA meetings. All votes must be cast by members of the Executive Committee and up to two individual members of the member club; no proxy voting shall be permitted. Members of the Executive Committee may not cast votes on behalf of the club they represent. Member clubs are not entitled to vote if they are not a member in good standing with the DTCA. The president shall vote only when necessary to break tie votes.
The Board of Directors shall control and manage the affairs of the DTCA. The Board of Directors shall be compromised of members of the Executive Committee and two directors from each member club. Clubs are encouraged to elect/appoint directors that will regularly attend DTCA Board meetings and thereby facilitate continuity at such meetings.
Section 11- Executive Committee
The Executive Committee shall consist of the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, immediate past president, and the DTCA representatives to the USAC Board of Directors. The president shall have the right to appoint additional non-voting members as she or she deems necessary to enable the committee to carry out its functions as effectively as possible.
The attendance of at least three voting members shall be required for the committee to conduct business. The committee shall have and exercise all the authority of the Board of Directors during the interim between meetings of the Board of Directors. The vote of a majority of the members present shall govern with respect to any proposal. The actions of the Executive Committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors at its next meeting. Actions of the Executive Committee may be rescinded by a majority vote of the Board.
Members of the Executive Committee shall, at the request of the president, chair committees created by the president or the Executive Committee (committee on finance, competitive curling, members, and promotions, etc.).
Section 12 – Officers
Officers shall be elected for a term of two years at the spring meeting in even numbered years. Officers elected will be the president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The officers of secretary and treasurer may be combined at any election at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
A vacancy in any officer for any reason may be filled by the Executive Committee for the unexpired term. A vote of at least four of the voting members of the Executive Committee is required to fill vacancies. Any officer or agent of the DTCA, whether elected or appointed, may be removed by the Board of Directors whenever, in its judgement, such a removal would best serve the interests of the DTCA.
President – The president shall be the principle executive officer of the DTCA and shall supervise and control all its business and affairs. The president shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee. The president may execute any contract, agreement, or instrument necessary to conduct the business of the DTCA and in general shall perform all duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Vice President – In the absence of the president or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, the vice president shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting shall have the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the office of the president. The vice president shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the president or the Board of Directors.
Secretary – The secretary shall keep the minutes of the Board of Director and Executive Committee meetings and keep them in one or more books provided for that purpose. The secretary shall also see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws or as may be required by law, be the custodian of the records of the DTCA, keep a record of the post office address of each member club and its officers, and in general perform all duties as may be assigned by the president or the Board of Directors.
Treasurer – The treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the DTCA, receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the DTCA, and deposit all such monies in the name of the DTCA in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Executive Committee. The treasurer shall also perform all the duties incident to the office of treasurer and other such duties as may be assigned by the president or Board of Directors. If required by the Board of Directors, the treasurer shall be bonded for the faithful discharge of his or her duties. The size of the bond shall be in an amount deemed appropriate by the Board.
Section 13 – Books and Records
The DTCA shall keep correct and complete books and records of all accounts and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings of its Board of Director and Executive Committee. All books and records of the DTCA may be inspected by any individual member, or his or her agent, for any proper purpose at any time.
Section 14 – USAC Representation
The Board of Directors shall elect the number of representatives to which the DTCA is entitled on the USAC’s Board of Directors. These representatives shall serve three-year terms; this term shall, however, be subject to the elected representative remaining a member in good standing in the DTCA. USCA representatives shall notify the Board of Directors of all rule changes proposed and/or enacted by the USAC and to purpose rules specific to the DTCA.
Section 15 – Championships
Member clubs shall appoint a chairperson of each DTCA championship to be hosted by them. This person is to be in charge of specific arrangements and shall serve as liaison to the Executive Committee. Regional event chairperson positions shall be filled no later than August 1st of the year prior to the championship; the name of the chairperson shall be reported to the secretary of the DTCA and to the USAC if applicable, immediately upon appointment. The host club shall report to the Board of Directors at the Board’s next meeting following the championship.
Sections 16 – Amendments
Bylaws are to be reviewed every four years or as needed. These bylaws may be repealed or amended in whole or in part by two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. However, no such changes shall be adopted unless the member clubs have been notified in writing of the subject of the proposed change by mail (electronically) at least 20 days prior to the meeting unless each such club not so notified executes a waiver of such notice.
Section 17 – Rules of Order
Should circumstances arise not covered by these bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised shall apply. Should conflicts exist or arise between these bylaws and those of the USAC, these bylaws shall yield.
Section 18 – State-Sponsored Events
Youth U-14 Tournament – The DTCA may sponsor one or more tournaments for players who are under the age of 14 at the time of the event. Teams may be comprised of any combination of gender. These events are intended to promote youth curling and competitive play. It is encouraged that as many team members as possible be from the same member club. All players must be a member of a club in good standing within the DTCA. The Executive Committee may grant variances to these rules.
High School Tournament – The DTCA may sponsor one or more high school tournaments for players who are in grade school, middle school, junior high, high school, or home school and are age 19 or younger at the time of the tournament. Teams may be comprised of all of a single gender. These events are intended to promote youth curling and competitive play. It is encouraged that as many team members as possible be from the same member club. All players must be a member of a club in good standing within the DTCA. The Executive Committee may grant variances to these rules.
The DTCA may sponsor other such events as it deems appropriate to promote the sport of curling in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana.
Adopted:
October 2024
Harmen Steele – Secretary
| dtca-bylaws-october2024.docx |
