Michigan Bass Federation Bylaws

MICHIGAN BASS FEDERATION, INC.
BYLAWS

ARTICLE I – NAME, OFFICES, AND PURPOSE

Section 1. Name.
The name of this organization shall be MICHIGAN BASS FEDERATION, INC. (the “MI Federation”).

Section 2. Principal Office.
The MI Federation shall maintain its principal office in the State of Michigan at such location as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.

Section 3. Purpose.
The MI Federation is organized to promote the sport of recreational and competitive bass fishing in a safe, ethical, and conservation-minded manner; to support youth fishing and education; to encourage fellowship among anglers; to advocate for responsible fisheries  management, public access, clean water, and habitat protection; and to function as an effective state link with The Bass Federation, Inc. (TBF) and other like-minded organizations.

Section 4. Nonprofit Character.
The MI Federation shall operate as a nonprofit organization and shall use its assets and revenues solely to further its organizational purposes. No part of the net earnings of the MI Federation shall inure to the benefit of any private individual except as reasonable  compensation for authorized services or reimbursements.

ARTICLE II – MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATION

Section 1. Membership Structure.
Membership in the MI Federation shall be comprised of affiliated Michigan clubs or chapters and their individual members in good standing with the MI Federation, TBF, and any required affiliated program or membership platform then designated by TBF.

Section 2. Minimum Club Requirements.
To affiliate with the MI Federation, a club shall maintain at least six (6) members, adopt bylaws and tournament rules acceptable to the MI Federation and TBF, submit a complete roster and officer listing, and satisfy all dues and affiliation requirements established by the MI Federation and TBF.

Section 3. Nondiscrimination.
No person shall be denied membership on account of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or sex.

Section 4. Member Obligations.
Each affiliated club and member shall support the purposes of the MI Federation; maintain good standing with TBF and the MI Federation; observe all bylaws, standing rules, tournament rules, and codes of conduct; promote safety, sportsmanship, and conservation; and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects credit upon the MI Federation and the sport of fishing.

Section 5. Dues and Fees.
Annual dues and fees for clubs and individual members shall be set by the Board of Directors, subject to any dues or fee structure required by TBF. Failure to timely pay required dues may result in loss of voting rights, event eligibility, or suspension of membership  privileges until cured.

Section 6. Roster Maintenance.
Affiliated clubs shall keep their membership rosters, officer information, contact information, and any required reports current in the TBF membership system and with the MI Federation Secretary or Membership Chair, as applicable.

Section 7. Good Standing.
A club or member shall be considered in good standing only when all dues, roster requirements, and other obligations to the MI Federation and TBF have been satisfied.

ARTICLE III – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Governing Body.
The business and affairs of the MI Federation shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of a minimum of six (6) Directors. The Board shall have all powers necessary for the efficient conduct of the MI Federation between membership meetings, except as otherwise limited by these bylaws.

Section 2. Eligibility.
Each Director must be a member in good standing of an active affiliated Michigan club for at least one (1) year prior to nomination,  unless waived by the membership for the initial organizational year.

Section 3. Terms.
Directors shall serve staggered three (3) year terms, with approximately one-third of the Board elected each year. Each director may, at their discretion, choose to resign from their position at the end of any calendar year. To stay in good standing as a member, they shall put  up for nomination a new candidate to be voted on by membership at the next applicable meeting.

Section 4. Election of Directors.
Directors shall be elected at the first general membership meeting of each operating year by the eligible voting delegates present. Each affiliated Adult or “Regular” (non-youth) club in good standing may cast one (1) vote per vacancy, with no more than one (1) vote cast for any one candidate for each vacancy. Election shall be by secret ballot, either in person or via electronic proxy vote; unless the membership unanimously consents to another method.

Section 5. Vacancies.
Any vacancy on the Board shall be filled by majority vote of the eligible voting delegates present at the next regular or special membership meeting, and the person elected shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Section 6. Removal.
Any Director may be removed for cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board, provided the Director has been given notice of the proposed action and an opportunity to be heard.

Section 7. Attendance.
Directors are expected to attend all regular Board and membership meetings unless excused for emergency or other good cause recognized by the Board.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers.
The officers of the MI Federation shall be a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Conservation Director, Youth Director, and Tournament Director. The Board may also create or recognize other officer-level positions as standing positions, as needed for the work  of the MI Federation. Each officer will receive only one vote. The Treasurer and Secretary positions may be combined into a single role, but if combined shall receive only one vote.

Section 2. President.
The President shall preside over Board and membership meetings, direct official business, supervise MI Federation activities, appoint committee chairs unless otherwise provided, serve as ex officio member of committees, and act as the official representative of the MI Federation. The President shall vote only in the event of a tie, unless also serving as a duly elected Director whose vote is otherwise required by law.

Section 3. Vice President.
The Vice President shall assist the President, preside in the absence of the President, and assume the duties of the President until the vacancy is filled if the office of President becomes vacant.

Section 4. Secretary.
The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of meetings, maintain official records, provide required notices, preserve bylaws and standing rules, manage official correspondence, and maintain liaison with affiliated clubs and TBF as assigned.

Section 5. Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all authorized funds, maintain accurate financial records, present current financial reports to the Board and membership, assist with budgeting, and ensure the proper custody of MI Federation funds. The Board may require the  Treasurer or any officer handling funds to be bonded.

Section 6. Tournament Director.
The Tournament Director shall plan, organize, and administer MI Federation tournaments and related events; recommend tournament sites, dates, and rules; maintain tournament records and waivers; and investigate tournament-related protests for recommendation to the Board, as applicable. A Co-Tournament Director may be appointed as deemed necessary, offering assistance to the Tournament Director and will in the absence of the Tournament Director fulfill the duties of the Tournament Director. The appointment of a Co-Tournament Director shall not include an additional vote.\

Section 7. Youth Director.
The Youth Director shall develop and support youth fishing programs, education, recruitment, and related activities, consistent with all safety, and supervision standards adopted by the MI Federation or required by TBF. A Co-Youth Director may be appointed as deemed necessary, offering assistance to the Youth Director and will in the absence of the Youth Director fulfill the duties of the Youth Director. The appointment of a Co-Youth Director shall not include an additional vote.

Section 8. Conservation Director.
The Conservation Director shall promote fisheries conservation, environmental protection, habitat improvement, water quality awareness, public stewardship, and liaison with state and national conservation entities.

Section 9. Additional Officer Roles.
Any Board-recognized Public Relations Coordinator, Membership Chair, or similar officer or chair shall perform the duties assigned by these bylaws, standing rules, or the Board. Additional roles will not include board voting power, unless explicitly ratified by a majority vote of the standing officers.

ARTICLE V – MEETINGS, QUORUM, AND VOTING

Section 1. Operating Year.
The MI Federation operating year shall run from November 1 through October 31, unless changed by amendment to these bylaws or by applicable law.

Section 2. Membership Meetings.
The MI Federation shall hold at least one (1) general membership meeting each operating year at dates and locations established by the Board. Additional meetings may be called by the President or by majority vote of the voting delegates present at a regular meeting.

Section 3. Board Meetings.
The Board shall meet as needed to conduct MI Federation business. Special Board meetings may be called by the President or by a majority of the Directors.

Section 4. Notice.
Reasonable notice of all membership and Board meetings shall be provided by mail, electronic mail, or other reliable communication method.

Section 5. Quorum for Membership Meetings.
A quorum for a membership meeting shall consist of a majority of the affiliated Adult or “Regular” (non-youth) clubs in good standing represented at the meeting.

Section 6. Quorum for Board Meetings.
A quorum for a Board meeting shall consist of a majority of the Directors then in office.

Section 7. Voting Rights.
Each affiliated Adult or “Regular” (non-youth) club in good standing shall have one (1) vote through its president or designated delegate at membership meetings. The MI Federation’s State Board of Directors as a group shall also cast one (1) vote on the boards behalf for matters submitted to the membership, if it chooses to do so. Except that the President shall vote only to break a tie in the board vote or in a final vote unless otherwise required.

Section 8. Voting Thresholds.
Unless these bylaws require a greater vote, actions of the membership or Board shall be approved by a majority of those entitled to vote and present at a meeting at which a quorum exists.

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees.
The President may appoint, subject to Board oversight, such standing committees as are needed for the work of the MI Federation. Standing committees may include, without limitation: Tournament, Youth Activities, Environmental and Conservation, Membership, Bylaws, Finance, Nominating, and Public Relations.

Section 2. Committee Authority.
Committees shall act in an advisory or administrative capacity as delegated by the Board. The Board retains final authority over all committee recommendations, actions, and expenditures unless expressly delegated otherwise.

ARTICLE VII – TOURNAMENTS, SAFETY, AND CONDUCT

Section 1. Tournament Rules.
All MI Federation tournaments shall be governed by tournament rules adopted by the MI Federation. Tournament rules may be adopted or amended by the membership or by the Board via majority vote.

Section 2. Safe Boating and Conduct.
All participants in MI Federation activities shall comply with applicable laws, boating regulations, event rules, and safety requirements. The MI Federation may require waivers, emergency contact information, insurance-related documents, boater education compliance, and other reasonable participation requirements.

Section 3. Sportsmanship.
Members and participants shall display honesty, integrity, courtesy, and good sportsmanship at all times. Cheating, falsification, harassment, threatening behavior, intentional rules violations, or conduct detrimental to the MI Federation may result in discipline.

Section 4. Alcohol and Drugs.
The possession, use, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or non-prescribed controlled substances during any MI Federation-sponsored event is prohibited. The Board or Tournament Director may also prohibit alcohol use during tournament hours or at other MI Federation activities where safety or integrity so requires.

Section 5. External Disqualifications.
Suspension or disqualification from any recognized fishing tournament organization for illegal or unethical conduct may be considered grounds for reciprocal discipline by the MI Federation.

ARTICLE VIII – DISCIPLINE, SUSPENSION, AND APPEAL

Section 1. Grounds for Discipline.
A club or individual member may be disciplined, suspended, declared ineligible, or removed from membership for failure to satisfy dues or affiliation obligations; violation of these bylaws, standing rules, or tournament rules; conduct dishonorable or detrimental to the MI Federation; cheating or falsification; unsafe conduct; drug-related violations; or any other conduct materially inconsistent with the MI Federation’s purposes.

Section 2. Interim Suspension.
When the Board determines that immediate action is necessary to protect the integrity, safety, or reputation of the MI Federation, it may temporarily suspend a club, member, or participant pending review at the next Board or membership meeting, as appropriate.

Section 3. Procedures.
Charges should be submitted in writing, dated, and signed, with reasonable detail. The accused person or club shall receive written notice of the alleged violation and an opportunity to be heard. The Board may investigate, gather statements, and determine appropriate discipline.

Section 4. Sanctions.
Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, warning, probation, loss of voting rights, refusal of membership or competition entry, disqualification, suspension for a defined period, reimbursement obligations, or permanent expulsion.

Section 5. Vote Required.
Unless otherwise provided in these bylaws, disciplinary action by the Board shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Directors present at a meeting where a quorum exists.

Section 6. Appeal.
A disciplined club or member may submit a written appeal within thirty (30) days of notice of the action. The Board shall review the appeal at its next practical meeting, and its determination shall be final unless the membership, by two-thirds (2/3) vote at a properly noticed meeting, elects to modify that determination.

ARTICLE IX – FINANCES AND RECORDS

Section 1. Fiscal Controls.
The Board shall establish appropriate fiscal controls for receipt, custody, disbursement, and reporting of funds. MI Federation funds shall be held in accounts authorized by the Board.

Section 2. Budget and Reporting.
The Treasurer shall present current financial reports at regular membership meetings and such interim reports as the Board may require. The Board may adopt an annual budget at the beginning of each operating year.

Section 3. Reimbursements.
Federation officers, Directors, and authorized volunteers may be reimbursed for reasonable MI Federation-related expenses when documented and approved in accordance with Board policy.

Section 4. Audit or Review.
The Board shall arrange for an annual financial review, audit, or other examination appropriate to the size and complexity of the MI Federation’s finances.

Section 5. Records Inspection.
The MI Federation shall maintain bylaws, minutes, financial records, and such other records as required by law or good governance practices. Such records shall be available for inspection as required by law or under procedures established by the Board.

ARTICLE X – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY, STANDING RULES, AND AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Parliamentary Authority.
The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the MI Federation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws, any special rules of order, or applicable law.

Section 2. Standing Rules and Policies.
The membership may adopt standing rules and policies relating to the administration and operation of the MI Federation, including meeting schedules, dues collection procedures, tournament administration, reimbursement rules, and other matters not inconsistent with these bylaws. Unless a greater vote is required by these bylaws, standing rules may be adopted or amended by 2/3 majority vote.

Section 3. Proposed Amendments.
Any affiliated club in good standing or any Director may propose a bylaw amendment by submitting the proposed language in writing to the Secretary at a regular membership meeting or at least thirty (30) days before the next membership meeting.

Section 4. Notice of Amendment.
The Secretary shall provide the text or a fair summary of any proposed bylaw amendment to all affiliated clubs and Directors at least thirty (30) days before the meeting at which the amendment will be considered.

Section 5. Adoption of Amendments.
These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the votes cast at a membership meeting where a quorum exists.

ARTICLE XI – DISSOLUTION

Section 1. Dissolution.
In the event the MI Federation ceases to exist, all debts and obligations shall first be paid or provided for. Thereafter, the remaining assets shall be distributed to the 501©3 – Future Fisherman’s Foundation (F3)

CERTIFICATION AND ADOPTION
These bylaws were adopted by the Michigan Bass Federation, Inc. on the _14_ day of
_APRIL____________, 2026__, and shall remain in effect until amended or repealed in accordance
with Article X.