Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club
of Southern Arizona


CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

 

April 2, 2008

Constitution

 

ARTICLE I—NAME AND OBJECTS

Section 1. The Name of the club shall be The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Southern Arizona hereinafter in these documents referred to as "the Club".

Section 2. The objectives of the Club will be:

(a) To encourage and promote quality in the breeding of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and to do all things possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.

(b) To urge members to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel shall be judged.

(c) To do all things in its power to protect and advance the interest of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels through quality education programs and by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, obedience trials, agility events and other dog events.

(d) To conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows, obedience and agility trials and any other AKC event for which the club is eligible under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club.

Section 3. Not for Profit: CKCSC of Southern Arizona shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profit or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.

Section 4. Bylaws and Revision of Bylaws: The members of the Club shall adopt and may from time to time revise such Bylaws as may be required to carry out these objectives

 

ARTICLE I—MEMBERSHIP

Section1. Membership Eligibility: There shall be six types of membership open to all persons 18 years of age and older who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of the club. While membership is to be unrestricted as to residence, the club’s primary purpose is to be representative of the breeders and exhibitors in its immediate area.

Regular (individual): Enjoys all club privileges including the right to vote and hold office. At the discretion of the Board, a regular member applicant may be given an associate membership for a period of time. At the end of one year, applicant may reapply for regular membership following the application procedure guidelines

Household: Two adult members residing in the same household, each eligible to vote and hold office.

Associate: Entitled to all club privileges except voting and office holding.

Junior: Open to youth under eighteen (18) years of age; a non-voting/non-office holding membership which may automatically convert to regular membership at age eighteen (18).

Honorary: An individual who has made significant contributions to the Sport, Breed or Club; honorary members pay no dues and are not eligible to vote, but can maintain regular or household membership if they pay dues.

Life: For those individuals who have been members for a long time (usually 20+ years); Life members pay no dues but are eligible to vote and hold office.

Sponsors: All applicants must be sponsored by two regular members for at least a one year period. They must not be from the same household not from the household of the applicant. A regular member may sponsor no more than two (2) regular member applicants and two (2) associate members in any calendar year.

Section 2. Dues: Membership dues shall not exceed $45.00 per year, payable on or before the first day of January of each year. No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. During the month of October, the Treasurer shall send to each member a statement of dues for the ensuing year. The $45.00 per year maximum applies to all dues paying memberships. Dues are determined by the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting. Annual dues will be: Fifteen dollars ($15.00) for regular membership, Twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for household membership, Fifteen dollars ($15.00) for associate membership, Five dollars ($5.00) for junior membership. No dues are to be prorated.

Section 3. Election to membership: Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board of Directors that shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by this Constitution and Bylaws, the rules of this Club, and the rules of the American Kennel Club. The application shall state the name, address, and occupation of the applicant and it shall carry the endorsement of two members in good standing who are not from the same household. Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year. All applications are to be filed with the Secretary and will be forwarded to the Membership Committee for verification of information. After verification, the application will be forwarded to the Board of Directors and is to be read at the first meeting of the Board following its receipt. The application will be voted on by secret ballot by the members of the Board present at the meeting. An approval by 2/3 majority is required to elect the application. Applicants who have been rejected must wait a minimum of one year after the rejection to reapply for membership. All regular members attending meetings who are in good standing prior to the first annual meeting will be deemed Charter Members .and as such will be exempt from regular membership requirements.

Section 4. Termination of Membership: Members may be terminated by:

a. Resignation: Any member in good standing may resign from the club upon written notice to the Secretary, but no member may resign when in debt to the club. Obligations other than dues are considered a debt to the club and must be paid in full prior to resignation.

b. Lapsing: A membership will be considered as lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid after 90 days from the first day (January 1st) of the current fiscal year except that the Board may grant an additional 90 days of grace to such delinquent members in meritorious cases. In no case may a person be entitled to vote at a meeting whose dues are unpaid as of the date of that meeting.

c. Expulsion: A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in these Bylaws.

 

ARTICLE II— MEETING AND VOTING

Section 1. Club Meetings: Meeting of the Club shall be held a minimum of six (6) times annually in Tucson at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board of Directors. The Club shall meet the first Wednesday of each month from August to May at 6:30 PM at the Eastside City Hall, 7575 East Speedway, Tucson, AZ. The Secretary shall mail or e-mail notice of each meeting at least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for such meeting shall be 20% of the regular members in good standing.

Section 2. Special Club Meetings: Special Club meetings may be called by the President or by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors who are present and voting at any regular or special meeting of the Board and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by five (5) regular members of the club who are in good standing. Such special meeting shall be held in Tucson, at such place, date and hour, as may be designated by the person or persons authorized herein to call such meetings. Written notice of a special club meeting shall be mailed or e-mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days and not more than fifteen (15) days prior to the date of the meeting, said notice shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other Club business may be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting shall be twenty (20) percent of the members in good standing.

Section 3. Board Meetings: Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held at least six (6) times annually in Tucson at the Eastside City Hall, 7575 E. Speedway, at 6:00 P.M. prior to the monthly Club meeting or at such hour and place as may be designated by the Board. Written notice of each such meeting shall be mailed/e-mailed by the Secretary at least (5) days prior to the meeting. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a meeting of the Board.

Section 4. Special Board Meetings: Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President, and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a written request signed by at least three (3) members of the Board. Such special meetings shall be held in Tucson at such place, date and hour as may be designated by the person authorized herein to call such meetings. Written notice of such meetings shall be mailed/e-mailed by the Secretary at least five (5) days and not more than ten (10) days prior to the date of the meeting. Any such notice shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other business shall be transacted thereat. The quorum for such a meeting shall be a majority of the Board.

Section 5. Voting: Each regular member in good standing whose dues are paid for the current year shall be entitled to one vote at any meeting of the Club at which they are present. Proxy voting will not be permitted at any Club meeting or election.

Club Notices: All Club notices must be sent either via U.S. Postal Service or e-mail in accordance with current AKC policy.

 

ARTICLE III—DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Section 1. Board of Directors: The Board shall be comprised of the officers and three (3) Directors, all of whom shall be regular members in good standing and all of whom shall be elected for a two-year term at the Club’s annual meeting as provided in Article IV of the By-Laws and shall serve until their successors are elected. General management of the Club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors. Two of the three Directors of the original Board shall serve for a period of three years to provide for continuity in the Board.

Section 2. Officers: The Club’s Officers, consisting of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, shall serve in their respective capacities both with regard to the Club and its meetings and the Board and its meetings.

a. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and the Board, and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those specified in the Bylaws. The President shall be a co-signer of all checks of the Club.

b. The Vice President shall have the duties and exercise the powers of the President in case of the President’s death, absence or incapacity. The Vice President will also be responsible for the monthly programs of the Club.

c. The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and of the Board and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club; have charge of the correspondence, and notify members of meetings, notify new members of their election to membership, notify officers and directors of their election to office, keep a roll of the members of the club with their addresses and carry out such duties as are prescribed in these Bylaws.

d. The Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due or belonging to the Club. Monies shall be deposited in a bank designated by the Board in the name of the Club. The books shall be at all times open to inspection by the Board and a report shall be given at every meeting of the condition of the Club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported, and at the annual meeting an accounting shall be rendered of all monies received and expended during the previous year.

Section 3. Vacancies: Any vacancies occurring on the Board or among the offices during the year shall be filled until the next annual meeting by a majority vote of all the then members of the Board at its first regular meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a special Board meeting called for that purpose; except that a vacancy in the office of President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President and the resulting vacancy in the office of Vice President shall be filled by the Board.

 

ARTICLE IV—THE CLUB YEAR, ANNUAL MEETINGS, AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. Club Year: The Club’s fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the last day of December. The Club’s official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the annual meeting and shall continue through the election at the next annual meeting.

Section 2. Annual Meeting: The annual meeting shall be held in the month of November. At the annual meeting, officers and directors for the ensuing year shall be elected by secret ballot from among those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this article. They shall take office January 1 of the ensuing year and each retiring officer shall turn over to the successor in office all properties and records relating to that office no later than January 31st of the year following the election.

Section 3. Elections: The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. The nominated candidates for other positions on the Board who receive the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected.

Section 4. Nominations: No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated. The Board shall select a Nominating Committee consisting of three members and two alternates, not more than one of whom shall be a member of the Board by the 15th day of August. The Secretary shall immediately notify the committeemen and alternates of their selection. The Board shall name a chairman for the committee and it shall be such person’s duty to call a committee meeting which shall be held on or before the first day of September.

a. The committee shall nominate one candidate for each office and position on the Board and, after securing the consent of each person so nominated, shall immediately report his or her nominations to the Secretary in writing.

b. Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Secretary shall notify each of the nominated candidates in writing at least two weeks prior to the October meeting.

c. Additional nominations may be made at the October meeting by any member in attendance, provided that the person so nominated does not decline when their name is proposed, and provided further, that if the proposed candidate is not in attendance at this meeting, the proposer shall present to the Secretary a written statement from the proposed candidate signifying willingness to be a candidate. No person may be a candidate for more than one position.

d. Nominations cannot be made at the Annual Meeting or in any manner other than as provide in this Section.

 

ARTICLE V—COMMITTEES

Section 1. Committee Appointments: The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as dog shows, obedience trials, agility, rescue, trophies, membership, and other fields which may well be served by committees. Such committees shall always be subject to the final authority of the Board. Special Committees may also be appointed by the Board to aid it on particular projects. Special Standing Committees may include: Membership, Public Relations and Education, Hospitality, Newsletter, Cavalier Pet Sitter Coordinator, and Website Coordinator.

Section 2. Termination of Committee Appointments: Any committee appointment may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board upon written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose services have been terminated.

 

ARTICLE VI—DISCIPLINE

Section 1. American Kennel Club Suspension: Any member who is suspended from the Privileges of the American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.

Section 2. Charges: An individual member may prefer charges against another individual member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed. Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with the Secretary together with a deposit of $100.00, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board following a hearing. The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to each member of the Board or present them at a Board meetings and the Board shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the Club. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct that would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date for a hearing by the Board not less than three (3) weeks or more than six (6) weeks from thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in their own defense and bring witnesses if desired.

Section 3,. Board Hearing: The Board shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard. Should the charges be sustained after hearing all of the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board may, by a majority vote of those present, reprimand or suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six(6) months from the date of the hearing. And, if it deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. Should the defendant be a Board member and the charges are sustained, said Board member’s term shall be terminated immediately and a replacement shall be chosen by the Board and voted on by the Board. Said replacement shall be decided by a majority vote of the Board. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before their fellow members at the ensuing club meeting which considers the Board’s recommendation..Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision and penalty, if any.

Section 4. Expulsion: Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at a meeting of the Club following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section of this Article. Such proceeding may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Club, to be held within sixty (60) days but not earlier than thirty (30) days after the date of the Board’s recommendations of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege to appearing in his own behalf, though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the Board’s finding and recommendation, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his or her own behalf if he or she wishes. The members shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2/3 vote of the members in good standing present and voting at the meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension will stand.

 

ARTICLE VII—AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Proposing amendments: Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by twenty (20) percent of the regular membership in good standing. Amendments proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three (3) months of the date when the Secretary received the petition.

Section 2. Notice and Voting: The Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) secret vote of the members in good standing present and voting at any regular or special meeting called for the purpose provided the proposed amendments have been included in the notice of the meeting and mailed to each member at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII—DISSOLUTION

Section 1. Dissolution: The Club may be dissolved at any time by the written consent of not less and two-thirds (2/3) of the regular members in good stand. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of few, none of the property of the Club, or any proceeds thereof, nor any assets of the Club shall be distributed to any members of the Club. But after payment of the debts of the Club, its property and assets shall be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board of Directors.

 

ARTICLE IX—ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1. Meeting Agenda: At meetings of the Club, the order of business, so far as the character and nature of the meeting may permit, shall be as follows:

Roll Call

Minutes of last meeting

Report of President

Report of Vice President

Report of Secretary

Report of Treasurer

Report of Committees

Election of Officers and Board of Directors (at the annual meeting)

Unfinished Business

New Business

Adjournment

Section 2. Board of Directors Meeting Agenda: At meeting of the Board of Directors, the order of business, unless otherwise directed by the majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:

Reading of Minutes of last meeting

Report of Secretary

Report of Treasurer

Report of Committees

Election of New Members

New Business

Adjournment

 

ARTICLE X—PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1. Parliamentary Authority: The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the Club in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any other special rules of order the Club may adopt.

 

By-Laws

Code of Ethics

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Southern Arizona, Inc. is a club composed of members devoted to the continued betterment of the breed. The focus of our club will be public education, breeder education, providing cavalier rescue, sponsoring health clinics, putting on dog shows (one of the main purposes of AKC) and promoting responsible dog ownership.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Southern Arizona, Inc. hereby sets forth the following Code of Ethics and Guidelines it believes are important to the general conduct of its members, the breeding of Cavaliers, and the care and transfer of puppies and dogs.

 

General Conduct of Members

1. As a CKCSCOSA member, I will maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date records in accordance with AKC Rules and Regulations.

2. I will always strive to show consideration and good sportsmanship to others, both inside and outside of the show ring.

3. I will never commit slander or libel against another member, nor will I maliciously degrade another members Cavaliers, kennel, or practices.

4. I will never knowingly sell or supply Cavaliers for auctions, raffles, pet shops, pet shop wholesalers, or brokers. I will also never sell or supply Cavaliers to any individual that I suspect of such activity. I will never sell puppies in litter lots or broker puppies in any way.

5. I will never knowingly supply a stud service to a pet shop or wholesaler, nor to an individual known to sell to pet shops or wholesalers.

Breeding

1. As a CKCSCOSA member, I will seek to do selective breeding with the intent of enhancing the soundness and improving the quality of Cavaliers. I will never cross breed.

2. When owning a brood bitch, I will neither breed her before she reaches the age of fourteen months nor before her second season, and only then if she is sufficiently mature and in excellent health. I will not allow a bitch to whelp more than two litters in three consecutive seasons, nor allow a bitch to carry to term and rear more than 5 litters in her lifetime or after the age of eight years, whichever comes first.

3. Puppies not sold as a show/breeding prospect shall be sold or placed with a spay/neuter agreement or with a limited

registration. This concept shall be relayed to any person using a member’s stud dog.

4. As a stud dog owner, I will only use my dog on bitches I feel are an asset to the breed, and whose owners agree to

conform to this Code of Ethics.

5. As a stud dog owner, I will offer assistance to the owner of the bitch in the placement of any resulting puppies if

necessary.

6. As a CKCSCOSA member, I am strongly encouraged to have heart, eye, hip, and patella health clearances prior to breeding any bitch or dog. I will also encourage all other Cavalier owners to take advantage of such testing.

 

Care and Transfer of Puppies and Dogs

1. I will never allow a puppy to be released to a new home prior to 10 weeks of age.

2. I will be available to take back or help re-home any puppy that I have bred should it become necessary.

3. I will be available for ongoing consultation regarding the care and proper training of any puppy.

4. I will make sure that each of my puppies, upon release to the new owners, be accompanied with a pedigree showing at least 3 generations, and signed by me as the breeder.

5. I will make sure that each of my puppies, upon release to the new owners, be accompanied with membership forms for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Southern Arizona, Inc. Violations of any portion of this code may result in discipline as prescribed in Article VI of the Constitution and By Laws of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of Southern Arizona, Inc.

 

This information is for the sole use of the members of the Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Club of Southern Arizona.