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PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION BYLAWS
Approved June 21, 1997 (with amendments through 6/23/01)
I. ORGANIZATION NAME
The region of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America (U.S.A.) that includes the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska, or as may be amended by U.S.A., shall be known as the “Pacific Northwest Region.”
II. MEMBERSHIP
The membership shall include all U.S.A. full member clubs, affiliated clubs, and forming clubs having a minimum of five members, with at least 50% of the membership residing within the region. Only full member regional clubs shall have a vote at regional meetings and for other notified regional business. Full member regional clubs in good standing with these bylaws and any regional standing rules shall have a single vote at a regional meeting or for other regional business.
III. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
There shall be a Regional Board made up of the Regional Director, Assistant Regional Director, Regional Secretary, Regional Treasurer, Regional Breed Warden, and Regional Training Director. The members of the board shall be elected from the membership to serve for a two (2) year term. The members of the board serve at the pleasure and direction of the Full Member Regional clubs within the region and under the authority and guidance of these bylaws.
A. Regional Director
The Regional Director shall preside at all meetings of the Region and the Board and have the duties and authority normally appurtenant to that office. Additionally, the Regional Director shall prepare a semi-annual budget to be presented for approval at the Regional Meetings, and an Annual Regional Report to be sent to U.S.A. and all member clubs within the Region.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section III. A. is replaced with the following paragraph:
The Regional Director shall preside at all meetings of the Region and the Board and have the duties and authority normally appurtenant to that office. In addition to those duties outlined in the USA Constitution and Bylaws, Regional Directors will be expected to govern their regions by insuring that all clubs within their respective regions are abiding by the USA Bylaws and rules which pertain to member clubs. Regional Directors will have the authority to withhold or withdraw Event Authorizations for any club that is found to be in violation of USA Bylaws or rules until the violating club comes into compliance with the USA bylaws or rules. Regional Directors will ensure that all clubs within their respective regions are upholding the objectives of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. Regional Directors will submit a quarterly report to the President on all activities within their respective regions. Regional Directors will be voting members of the USA Executive Board, Annual USA Regional Congress and USA General Board Meeting. The Regional Director will be an ex-officio member of all regional committees. The Regional Director may be a club delegate representative with voting privileges provided any such vote is by secret ballot.
B. Assistant Regional Director
The Assistant Regional Director shall perform such duties as are assigned to him/her by the Regional Director and shall perform the duties of the Regional Director in his/her absence. The Assistant Regional Director is also responsible for taking minutes at the Regional Meeting and distributing them to the member clubs within 45 days following the Regional Meeting.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section III. B. is replaced with the following paragraph:
The Assistant Regional Director shall perform such duties as are assigned to him/her by the Regional Director and shall perform the duties of the Regional Director in his/her absence. Assistant Regional Directors will assist the Regional Director and learn the duties of the Regional Director’s office. In the event the Regional Director resigns or is incapacitated the Assistant Regional Director shall assume the position of Regional Director for the remainder of the term. If the Regional Director is unable to attend a meeting of either Board of Directors, the Assistant Regional Director may attend in his/her place and shall have a vote on either USA Board.
C. Regional Secretary (Amendment 8-17-08) Section III. C. is added to the Bylaws:
The Regional Secretary shall take the official minutes of all regional meetings and assist the Regional Director with the distribution of minutes and any other information deemed necessary by the RD. The Regional Secretary will be responsible for implementing a training program for trial secretaries. The Secretary will also establish a log of those members that have been approved as qualified trial secretaries for each club within their respective region.
D. Regional Treasurer
The Regional Treasurer shall keep the financial records of the region. He/she shall be responsible for the collection, custody and control of the funds of the region and shall ensure that all funds are deposited into the regional account in a timely manner. The Region's books shall at all times be open to inspection by the board and any Regional Member Club. The Treasurer shall provide a report to the Region, at every meeting, detailing the condition of the Region's finances and every item of receipt or payment not before recorded. Further, the Treasurer shall provide an annual report to be presented at the regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section III. D. is replaced with the following paragraph:
The Regional Treasurer shall keep the financial records of the region. He/she shall be responsible for the collection, custody and control of the funds of the region and shall ensure that all funds are deposited into the regional account in a timely manner. The Region's books shall at all times be open to inspection by the board and any Regional Member Club. The Treasurer shall provide a written or electronic report to the Region, at every meeting, detailing the condition of the Region's finances and every item of receipt or payment not before recorded. Further, the Treasurer shall provide a written or electronic annual report to be presented at the regional meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship. The Regional Treasurer will be held accountable for the Regional Treasury and disburse funds for training programs and other regional needs as defined in the Regional Bylaws and Regional Policies.
E. Regional Breed Warden (Amendment 8-17-08) Section III.E. is added to the Bylaws:
The Regional Breed Warden shall perform the duties as described in the USA Constitution and Bylaws. The Regional Breed Warden will assist the club chosen within their respective region to host the Regional Conformation Championship and Breed Survey and also serve as the Regional Show Chairperson. In addition all Regional Breed Wardens will be required to attend and assist with the USA Sieger Show.
F. Regional Training Director (current Regional Policy)
Duties: To promote proper, and safe training for trial helpers, training helpers and handlers throughout their region by the use of required educational seminars and organized fun matches. The Regional Training Director will receive direction from the National Helper Committee with regard to the required educational Teaching Helper Program. The Regional Training Director will also work directly with the National Youth Director to help implement all youth training programs on a regional and local level. Regional Training Directors will also establish a line of communication to assist new clubs and their Training Directors. Regional Training Directors shall not advertise their office for personal or professional gain. Reimbursement for Regional Training Directors acting in an official capacity shall be identical to those listed for USA Judges (USA Judge’s Program 6. Judge’s Fees A thru E).
IV. VACANCIES OF THE BOARD
In the event that the Regional Directors position is vacated, the Assistant Regional Director shall assume the position of Regional Director. The Regional Director must call a meeting within forty-five (45) days to fill a vacancy in the Assistant Regional Directors position. A vacancy in the Treasurers position may be filled by the Regional Director appointing an interim Member of the Board to serve until the next Regional Meeting if he/she deems this necessary. In any case, he/she shall solicit nominations from all Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing, and conduct an election from these nominations at the next scheduled Regional Meeting. The elected Board Member shall serve the remainder of the term, until the next regular scheduled election.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section IV is replaced with the following 3 paragraphs:
In the event that the Regional Directors position is vacated, the Assistant Regional Director shall assume the position of Regional Director.
If the position of Assistant Regional Director becomes vacant for any reason an election to fill the office will be held within forty-five (45) days. A majority of votes cast by full member clubs in good standing in attendance is required to elect. Elections may be by held at the next scheduled Regional Meeting, by mail ballot, or by electronic ballot.
Should there be a midterm vacancy of the Regional Breed Warden, Regional Training Director, Regional Secretary, or Regional Treasurer; the Regional Director will appoint a member from their region until an election can be conducted. The Regional Director shall solicit nominations from all Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing, and conduct an election from these nominations at the next scheduled Regional Meeting. The elected Board Member shall serve the remainder of the term, until the next regular scheduled election.
V. REGIONAL MEETINGS AND QUORUMS
There shall be a minimum of two Regional Meetings held annually. One meeting will occur in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship with the other occurring approximately six (6) months later. Additionally a Regional Meeting will be called at any time the Regional Director deems it necessary or if it is requested by two (2) Full Member Clubs in good standing. All Regional Full Member Clubs in good standing must be notified at least one (1) month prior to the meeting. Notification shall be by registered mail and shall contain the time, date, location, and purpose of the meeting.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section V, Paragraph 1 is replaced with the following paragraph:
There shall be a minimum of two Regional Meetings held annually. One meeting will occur in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship with the other occurring approximately six (6) months later. Additionally a Special Regional Meeting will be called at any time the Regional Director deems it necessary or if it is requested by two (2) Full Member Clubs in good standing. All Regional Full Member Clubs in good standing must be notified at least one (1) month prior to the meeting. Notification shall be by electronic or regular mail and shall contain the time, date, location, and purpose of the meeting.
Meetings shall be conducted using Sturgis's "Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure" insofar as they are applicable and not inconsistent with these bylaws. If in conflict these bylaws will take precedence.
In order for business to be conducted a quorum must be present. A quorum shall be deemed to be present if at least one (1) Member of the Board and a majority of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the Regions Full member clubs in good standing are present.
Amendment 6/23/01 (Section V, Quorum, Replace paragraph 3) In Order for business to be conducted a quorum must be present. A quorum shall be deemed to be present if at least one (1) Member of the Board and one third of the Region’s Full Member Clubs in Good Standing are present. The formula for determining a quorum: number of full member clubs in the region divided by three rounded up to the next full number. E.g. 16/3=5.33 rounded up =6.
At all Regional Meetings the order of business, insofar as the character and nature of the meeting permit, shall be as follows:
Roll Call
Reading of the Minutes
Report of the Regional Director
Report of the Treasurer
Report of the Committees
Election of Members of the Board (at the appropriate meeting)
Unfinished Business
New Business
For Good of the Region
Adjournment
The normal order of business may be suspended by a majority vote of the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing attending the meeting.
VI. VOTING
At all meetings of the Region, Voting shall be limited to Full Member Clubs from the Region in good standing and represented at the meeting by a club delegate. Voting by proxy will not be permitted. Each Full Member Regional Club in good standing and represented at the meeting by a club member shall be entitled to cast a single vote on issues. Amendment 6/23/01 (Add the following) In Lieu of calling a special meeting the Regional Director may conduct an electronic-mail ballot among the full member clubs in good standing with respect to specific and/or time sensitive issues. Two weeks shall be allowed for the return of ballots. Complete and factual information on the subject to be voted on must be supplied with each ballot. Electronic-mail balloting shall not involve amendments to Regional Bylaws. The Regional Director shall include all electronic-mail addresses on the ballot. Open discussion on the subject shall be sent to all addresses. To be eligible to vote on electronic-mail ballot issues each full member club in good standing must provide the Regional Director with a current electronic-mail address. Balloting by telephone is prohibited.
VII. NOMINATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Nominations will be taken from the floor at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship prior to electing the new board.
VIII. ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Election of Members of the Board shall be held at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship in every odd numbered year.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section VIII is replaced with the following paragraph:
Election of Members of the Board shall be held at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship. Candidates for all Regional Officers positions may be nominated by a Delegate from a full member club in that particular region. All nominations must be seconded. One need not be nominated to receive votes. "Write in" balloting is permitted. Regional Officers positions shall have a term of office of two (2) years and shall be elected in odd numbered years. Elections may be held at a regional meeting or by electronic or regular mail between the dates of January 1, prior to the annual meeting and 14 days prior to the annual meeting of the USA General Board of Directors, provided, all full member clubs in the region are notified in writing, not less than thirty (30) days prior to said election. If this election is held, the USA Secretary shall be notified of the result within ten (10) days. To be elected a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast by all the full member clubs in good standing in the particular region.
IX. COMMITTEES
Special committees may be appointed by the board to aid in particular projects for the Region. The Regional Director or his/her appointed Member of the Board shall serve on each committee in an advisory capacity. The Regional Director, or the appointed Member of the Board, shall appoint the committee chair.
XI. REGIONAL SCHUTZHUND CHAMPIONSHIP AND REGIONAL CONFORMATION SHOW
A. Regional Schutzhund Championship.
The Region will hold a Regional Schutzhund Championship on an annual basis between May 1 and June 30. The Regional Champion will be the high scoring SchH III at the Regional Championship. There will also be a SchH I and a SchH II champion, but only the high scoring SchH III can be deemed to be the Regional Champion. To be deemed a Champion a passing score must be achieved. If no passing score is achieved by a SchH III dog then no Regional Champion will be declared. Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing may bid to hold the Regional Championship for the following year at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Championship. In the event that more than one club bids to hold the Championship, the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and attending the Regional Meeting will vote and award the Regional Championship to the club receiving the majority vote. The dates for the Regional Schutzhund Championship will be selected by the host club and presented to the Regional Director no later than January 15th of the following year, and will be published in the February issue of the Regional Newsletter. No club will be granted a trial or show date on the weekend of the Regional Schutzhund III Championship.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XI. A. is replaced with the following paragraph:
The Region will hold a Regional Schutzhund Championship on an annual basis between May 1 and 60 days prior to the USA Nationals. The Regional Champion will be the high scoring SchH III at the Regional Championship. There will also be a SchH I and a SchH II champion, but only the high scoring SchH III can be deemed to be the Regional Champion. To be deemed a Champion a passing score must be achieved. If no passing score is achieved by a SchH III dog then no Regional Champion will be declared. Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing may bid to hold the Regional Championship for the following year at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Championship. In the event that more than one club bids to hold the Championship, the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and attending the Regional Meeting will vote and award the Regional Championship to the club receiving the majority vote. The dates for the Regional Schutzhund Championship will be selected by the host club. The hosting club must notify the region no later than 30 days following their selection to host; the dates will be published in the February issue of the Regional Newsletter. No club will be granted a trial or show date on the weekend of the Regional Schutzhund III Championship. Dogs shown at a Regional Championship may enter for a new title or compete for the title they currently hold. Dogs will not be allowed to enter for a lower title at a Regional Championship.
B. Regional Conformation Show.
The Region will hold a Regional Conformation Show for German Shepherd Dogs, on an annual basis, between June1 and July 31. Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing may bid to host the Regional Conformation Show for the following year at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship. In the event that more than one club bids to host the Show, the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and attending the Regional Meeting will vote and award the Regional Conformation Show to the club receiving the majority vote. The dates for the Regional Conformation Show will be selected by the host club and presented to the Regional Director no later than January 15th of the following year, and will be published in the February issue of the Regional News Letter. No club will be granted a trial or show date on the weekend of the Regional Conformation Show. An exception may be granted for a trial to be held in conjunction with the Regional Conformation Show.
C. Amendment7/25/98 (Add Subsection C): Designated Periods Free of Scheduled Events
The Regional Director shall keep the designated periods for the Regional Championship and Regional Conformation Show free of scheduled events until sixty-one (61) days after the selection of the host clubs.
XII. REGIONAL NEWS LETTER
There shall be a regional newsletter issued to each member club and to any other individual or organization who may wish to subscribe for a reasonable fee. This fee will be set by the Region. The purpose of the news letter is to act as a vehicle of communications between the membership and the board pertaining to the sport. Further, the news letter shall be used to inform and educate it's subscribers to the benefits of the sport and the dogs. The regional newsletter shall be published and distributed monthly by a committee, and is to be chaired by an Editor appointed by the Regional Director. The Editor shall submit an accounting report of all expenditures and profits, in addition to a current subscriber's list to the Regional Treasurer which is to be presented with the treasurer’s report at each Regional Meeting.
XIII. REGIONAL FUND
A. Administration.
The Regional Fund shall be maintained in a bank account approved by the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and administered by the Regional Treasurer. The Regional Director will also sign on the account. The fund will be audited by an auditing committee annually. This committee shall consist of the Regional Director and Two (2) representatives of two (2) Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing. This committee shall provide a report at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championships. The clubs providing representatives for the next annual report shall be selected at this meeting. The clubs themselves will select the representatives.
B. Limits.
There shall be an upper limit of $1,500.00 on the balance of the Regional Fund. If at the end of the year the balance exceeds this amount the excess shall be used to reduce the entry costs for participants in regional fund raisers.
C. Authorized use of funds.
All expenses must be supported be receipts. No bill shall be paid in advance or without a receipt and prior authorization from the Region as per the budget. The Region will reimburse the Regional Director for air fare and a maximum of two (2) nights hotel costs which exceed the amount given him/her by U.S.A. for attending the National meeting held in conjunction with the U.S.A. National Schutzhund III Championship, provided that the Regional Director Attends all meetings pertinent to Regional and National business, and providing that the amount does not exceed $300.00. The cost of preparing and presenting the Region's official seminars shall be paid for in their entirety from the Regional Fund, however entry fees may be charged for participating and spectating. These entry/spectator fees will be use only to replenish the Regional Fund. The Region shall support the Regional Schutzhund III Champion by reimbursing his/her entry fee into the U.S.A. National Schutzhund III Championship should he/she enter and compete.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XIII. C. is replaced with the following 2 paragraphs:
All requests for reimbursement must be supported by receipts. No regional event or other expense shall be paid in advance or reimbursed without a receipt and prior authorization from the Region. An official regional event shall be defined as any show, seminar, championship, breed survey, training education event, or any other USA-sanctioned and/or regional activity so designated by the region and its officers. The cost of preparing and presenting the Region's official events may be paid for in their entirety from the Regional Fund. Clubs hosting officially designated and authorized regional events may retain any profits over and above expenses once the Regional Fund has been reimbursed for any money withdrawn from the fund in support of the regional event.
The Region will reimburse the Regional Director for air fare and a maximum of two (2) nights hotel costs which exceed the amount given him/her by U.S.A. for attending the National meeting held in conjunction with the U.S.A. National Schutzhund III Championship, provided that the Regional Director attends all meetings pertinent to Regional and National business, and providing that the amount does not exceed $300. The Region shall support the Regional Schutzhund III Champion by reimbursing his/her entry fee into the U.S.A. National Schutzhund III Championship should he/she enter and compete.
XIV. AMENDMENTS
The bylaws may be amended at any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed via registered mail by the Regional Director to each Full Member Regional Club in good standing at least thirty (30) days prior to the next Regional Meeting. The Amendment shall be voted on at the next Regional Meeting. Alternately an amendment may be proposed at a Regional Meeting but shall not be voted on until the next Regional Meeting. An amendment to these bylaws will require a three-fourth (3/4) majority vote in favor by the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing in attendance at the Regional Meeting.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XIV. is replaced with the following paragraph:
The bylaws may be amended at any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed via regular or electronic mail by the Regional Director (or Regional Secretary as delegated by the Regional Director) to each full member club in good standing at least 30 days prior to the next regional meeting. If amendments to specific articles of these bylaws are proposed in compliance with this provision, further amendments may be made from the floor of the Regional meeting for that respective article. An amendment to these bylaws will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote in favor by the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing in attendance at the Regional Meeting.
XV. STANDING RULES
In addition to these bylaws, a list of standing rules will be maintained by the Region. Standing Rules may not override or conflict with the bylaws of the Region. Standing rules can be enacted at any Regional Meeting by a simple majority vote of the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and who are in attendance, provided there is a Quorum.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XV. is replaced with the following paragraph:
In addition to these bylaws, a list of standing rules will be maintained by the Region. Standing Rules may not override or conflict with the bylaws of the Region. Standing rules can be enacted, amended, or deleted at any Regional Meeting by a simple majority vote of the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and who are in attendance, provided there is a Quorum. All clubs in the region must be notified in writing no less than thirty days before the meeting is to take place. All Regional Standing Rules must be in compliance with the USA Constitution and Bylaws and must be filed with the Secretary of the USA.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION BYLAWS
Approved June 21, 1997 (with amendments through 8/17/08)
III. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section III. A. is replaced with the following:
The Regional Director shall preside at all meetings of the Region and the Board and have the duties and authority normally appurtenant to that office. In addition to those duties outlined in the USA Constitution and Bylaws, Regional Directors will be expected to govern their regions by insuring that all clubs within their respective regions are abiding by the USA Bylaws and rules which pertain to member clubs. Regional Directors will have the authority to withhold or withdraw Event Authorizations for any club that is found to be in violation of USA Bylaws or rules until the violating club comes into compliance with the USA bylaws or rules. Regional Directors will ensure that all clubs within their respective regions are upholding the objectives of the United Schutzhund Clubs of America. Regional Directors will submit a quarterly report to the President on all activities within their respective regions. Regional Directors will be voting members of the USA Executive Board, Annual USA Regional Congress and USA General Board Meeting. The Regional Director will be an ex-officio member of all regional committees. The Regional Director may be a club delegate representative with voting privileges provided any such vote is by secret ballot
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section III. B. is replaced with the following:
The Assistant Regional Director shall perform such duties as are assigned to him/her by the Regional Director and shall perform the duties of the Regional Director in his/her absence. Assistant Regional Directors will assist the Regional Director and learn the duties of the Regional Director’s office. In the event the Regional Director resigns or is incapacitated the Assistant Regional Director shall assume the position of Regional Director for the remainder of the term. If the Regional Director is unable to attend a meeting of either Board of Directors, the Assistant Regional Director may attend in his/her place and shall have a vote on either USA Board.
C. Regional Secretary (Amendment 8-17-08) Section III. C. is added to the Bylaws:
The Regional Secretary shall take the official minutes of all regional meetings and assist the Regional Director with the distribution of minutes and any other information deemed necessary by the RD. The Regional Secretary will be responsible for implementing a training program for trial secretaries. The Secretary will also establish a log of those members that have been approved as qualified trial secretaries for each club within their respective region.
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section III. D. is replaced with the following:
The Regional Treasurer shall keep the financial records of the region. He/she shall be responsible for the collection, custody and control of the funds of the region and shall ensure that all funds are deposited into the regional account in a timely manner. The Region's books shall at all times be open to inspection by the board and any Regional Member Club. The Treasurer shall provide a written or electronic report to the Region, at every meeting, detailing the condition of the Region's finances and every item of receipt or payment not before recorded. Further, the Treasurer shall provide a written or electronic annual report to be presented at the regional meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship. The Regional Treasurer will be held accountable for the Regional Treasury and disburse funds for training programs and other regional needs as defined in the Regional Bylaws and Regional Policies.
E. Regional Breed Warden (Amendment 8-17-08) Section III.E. is added to the Bylaws:
The Regional Breed Warden shall perform the duties as described in the USA Constitution and Bylaws. The Regional Breed Warden will assist the club chosen within their respective region to host the Regional Conformation Championship and Breed Survey and also serve as the Regional Show Chairperson. In addition all Regional Breed Wardens will be required to attend and assist with the USA Sieger Show.
IV. VACANCIES OF THE BOARD
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section IV is replaced with the following:
In the event that the Regional Directors position is vacated, the Assistant Regional Director shall assume the position of Regional Director.
If the position of Assistant Regional Director becomes vacant for any reason an election to fill the office will be held within forty-five (45) days. A majority of votes cast by full member clubs in good standing in attendance is required to elect. Elections may be by held at the next scheduled Regional Meeting, by mail ballot, or by electronic ballot.
Should there be a midterm vacancy of the Regional Breed Warden, Regional Training Director, Regional Secretary, or Regional Treasurer; the Regional Director will appoint a member from their region until an election can be conducted. The Regional Director shall solicit nominations from all Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing, and conduct an election from these nominations at the next scheduled Regional Meeting. The elected Board Member shall serve the remainder of the term, until the next regular scheduled election.
V. REGIONAL MEETINGS AND QUORUMS
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section V, Paragraph 1 is replaced with the following:
There shall be a minimum of two Regional Meetings held annually. One meeting will occur in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship with the other occurring approximately six (6) months later. Additionally a Special Regional Meeting will be called at any time the Regional Director deems it necessary or if it is requested by two (2) Full Member Clubs in good standing. All Regional Full Member Clubs in good standing must be notified at least one (1) month prior to the meeting. Notification shall be by electronic or regular mail and shall contain the time, date, location, and purpose of the meeting.
Amendment made at the 7/8/00 special meeting, Tenino WA. Section V, Quorum, Replace paragraph 3 In Order for business to be conducted a quorum must be present. A quorum shall be deemed to be present is at least one (1) Member of the Board and one third of the Regions Full Member Clubs in Good Standing are present. The formula for determining a quorum, number of full member clubs in the region divided by three rounded up to the next full number. E.g. 16/3=5.33 rounded up =6. Amendment corrected: 6/23/01 - Woodburn OR Minutes of Special Meeting. 7/8/00 corrected to reflect the correct amendment as passed.
VI. VOTING
Amendment made at the 7/8/00 Special Meeting, Tenino WA. Add the following to paragraph 1. In Lieu of calling a special meeting the Regional Director may conduct an electronic -mail ballot among the full member clubs in good standing with respect to specific and/or time sensitive issues. Two weeks shall be allowed for the return of ballots. Complete and factual information on the subject to be vote on must be supplied with each ballot. Electronic-mail balloting shall not involve amendments to Regional Bylaws. The Regional Director shall include all electronic-mail addresses on the ballot. Open discussion on the subject shall be sent to all addresses. To be eligible to vote on electronic-mail ballot issues each full member club in good standing must provide the Regional Director with a current electronic-mail address. Balloting by telephone is prohibited. Amendment corrected: 6/23/01 - Woodburn OR Minutes of Special Meeting. 7/8/00 corrected to reflect the correct amendment as passed.
VIII. ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section VIII is replaced with the following:
Election of Members of the Board shall be held at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Schutzhund Championship. Candidates for all Regional Officers positions may be nominated by a Delegate from a full member club in that particular region. All nominations must be seconded. One need not be nominated to receive votes. "Write in" balloting is permitted. Regional Officers positions shall have a term of office of two (2) years and shall be elected in odd numbered years. Elections may be held at a regional meeting or by electronic or regular mail between the dates of January 1, prior to the annual meeting and 14 days prior to the annual meeting of the USA General Board of Directors, provided, all full member clubs in the region are notified in writing, not less than thirty (30) days prior to said election. If this election is held, the USA Secretary shall be notified of the result within ten (10) days. To be elected a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast by all the full member clubs in good standing in the particular region
XI. REGIONAL SCHUTZHUND CHAMPIONSHIP AND REGIONAL CONFORMATION SHOW
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XI. A. is replaced with the following:
The Region will hold a Regional Schutzhund Championship on an annual basis between May 1 and 60 days prior to the USA Nationals. The Regional Champion will be the high scoring SchH III at the Regional Championship. There will also be a SchH I and a SchH II champion, but only the high scoring SchH III can be deemed to be the Regional Champion. To be deemed a Champion a passing score must be achieved. If no passing score is achieved by a SchH III dog then no Regional Champion will be declared. Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing may bid to hold the Regional Championship for the following year at the Regional Meeting held in conjunction with the Regional Championship. In the event that more than one club bids to hold the Championship, the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and attending the Regional Meeting will vote and award the Regional Championship to the club receiving the majority vote. The dates for the Regional Schutzhund Championship will be selected by the host club. The hosting club must notify the region no later than 30 days following their selection to host; the dates will be published in the February issue of the Regional Newsletter. No club will be granted a trial or show date on the weekend of the Regional Schutzhund III Championship. Dogs shown at a Regional Championship may enter for a new title or compete for the title they currently hold. Dogs will not be allowed to enter for a lower title at a Regional Championship.
Amendment made at the 7/25/98 meeting, Tenino, WA. Section XI: Motion made from the floor to amend Section XI by the addition of Subsection "C": The Regional Director shall keep the designated periods for the Regional Championship and Regional Conformation Show free of scheduled events until sixty-one (61) days after the selection of the host clubs. Motion Carried.
XIII. REGIONAL FUND
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XIII. C. is replaced with the following:
All requests for reimbursement must be supported by receipts. No regional event or other expense shall be paid in advance or reimbursed without a receipt and prior authorization from the Region. An official regional event shall be defined as any show, seminar, championship, breed survey, training education event, or any other USA-sanctioned and/or regional activity so designated by the region and its officers. The cost of preparing and presenting the Region's official events may be paid for in their entirety from the Regional Fund. Clubs hosting officially designated and authorized regional events may retain any profits over and above expenses once the Regional Fund has been reimbursed for any money withdrawn from the fund in support of the regional event.
The Region will reimburse the Regional Director for air fare and a maximum of two (2) nights hotel costs which exceed the amount given him/her by U.S.A. for attending the National meeting held in conjunction with the U.S.A. National Schutzhund III Championship, provided that the Regional Director attends all meetings pertinent to Regional and National business, and providing that the amount does not exceed $300. The Region shall support the Regional Schutzhund III Champion by reimbursing his/her entry fee into the U.S.A. National Schutzhund III Championship should he/she enter and compete.
XIV. AMENDMENTS
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XIV. is replaced with the following:
The bylaws may be amended at any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been mailed via regular or electronic mail by the Regional Director (or Regional Secretary as delegated by the Regional Director) to each full member club in good standing at least 30 days prior to the next regional meeting. If amendments to specific articles of these bylaws are proposed in compliance with this provision, further amendments may be made from the floor of the Regional meeting for that respective article. An amendment to these bylaws will require a two-thirds (2/3) vote in favor by the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing in attendance at the Regional Meeting.
XV. STANDING RULES
(Amendment 8-17-08) above Section XV. is replaced with the following:
In addition to these bylaws, a list of standing rules will be maintained by the Region. Standing Rules may not override or conflict with the bylaws of the Region. Standing rules can be enacted, amended, or deleted at any Regional Meeting by a simple majority vote of the Full Member Regional Clubs in good standing and who are in attendance, provided there is a Quorum. All clubs in the region must be notified in writing no less than thirty days before the meeting is to take place. All Regional Standing Rules must be in compliance with the USA Constitution and Bylaws and must be filed with the Secretary of the USA.
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