Club Bylaws and Rules


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QUABOAG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB, INC. BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

The name of the club shall be Quaboag Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. Established September 1, 1936

ARTICLE 2 - PURPOSE

A. The purpose of the Corporation shall be to protect, maintain and uphold the Second Amendment; Improve hunting and fishing; Conserve wildlife and natural resources in cooperation with other organizations having like aims; Promote the enactment and observance of laws relating to the improvement of these purposes; and Encourage rifle, handgun, shotgun and archery shooting among the people, with a view toward a better knowledge of the safe handling and care of firearms, as well as improved marksmanship.

B. It shall be our further objective to promote the development of the Characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team play and self-reliance, which are the essentials of good sportsmanship

C. The property of the Quaboag Sportsmen’s Club, Inc. belongs to the Corporation. Therefore, we as members are caretakers and must take the responsibility to see that no damage is done to any of the facilities or the property. “Without us this Club won’t work”

ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP

A. REGULAR MEMBERSHIP: Any person sixteen (16) year of age or older, who is in sympathy with the club’s purpose and complies with its bylaws, shall be eligible for Regular membership.

B. FAMILY MEMBERSHIP: Family membership will consist of a couple with unmarried children under the age of eighteen (18).

C. JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP: Any person under sixteen (16) years of age shall be eligible for Junior membership, but without voting privileges.

D. LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Eligibility for Life membership shall consist of the following: the candidate must have been a participating Regular or Family member for at least five (5) consecutive years. To be eligible for Senior Life membership, the individual must have attained age 70 and have been a participating Regular or Family member for at least five (5) consecutive years. All Life membership applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.

Upon submittal of initiation fee and annual dues, and after given a majority vote of members present at any regular meeting, candidates shall be declared members. In the event of a negative vote, all monies will be refunded. All new Regular members will not have voting privileges for their first year of membership as a probationary period.

Each member must sign a Waiver and Hold Harmless form when first obtaining or renewing membership. Signature of the mother and/or father will also be binding on all minor children under a Family Membership. Junior members must sign a Waiver and Hold Harmless form as well as parent or legal guardian.

E. HARDSHIP CASES: A member in good standing for 5 or more years may claim a hardship. The member, by personal contact with a board of director member or by letter to the board, may request a hardship meeting. The results of the board meeting will not be discussed at an open meeting. If approved the board will direct the membership coordinator to issue the proper documents to the member claiming the hardship.

F. MILITARY SERVICE: A member who has entered into active military service, is relocated and is then honorably discharged will be afforded full reinstatement and all rights and privileges of a regular member upon his return. No fees for delinquencies will be assessed.

G. DUES:

• Regular membership annual dues shall be $35.
• Family membership annual dues shall be $40.
• Junior membership annual dues shall be $5.
• Life Membership dues shall be $500 for Regular membership and $600 for Family membership.
• Senior Life Membership dues shall be $250. Membership dues monies shall be non-refundable.

Dues are payable annually in January. In addition, new or delinquent members must pay a $10 initiation fee prior to acceptance by the club membership. New Junior members are excluded from paying an initiation fee. Any member whose dues remain unpaid after March 31st will be considered a delinquent member and shall automatically lose membership and all rights and privileges in the club.

One dollar of Regular and Family membership dues will be set aside for donations for sportsmen’s rights. This donation will be made at the last quarter of the calendar year.

H. Club members may be suspended from membership or expelled from the club as may be determined by the Board of Directors for willful disobedience to these By-laws, the club’s safety rules and other regulations, local ordinances, or any other statutory requirements.

I. The gates surrounding the rifle and pistol range parking lot must be locked and kept locked. A combination lock will be installed, and the combination changed every January. When the membership is renewed the new combination will be noted on the membership card.

J. A member in good standing is allowed to bring a guest to the range and shoot. A member is allowed to bring a guest 3 times a year. IT SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBER TO PROVIDE HIS/HER GUEST WITH A WAIVER AND HOLD HARMLESS FORM PRIOR TO USING THE CLUB FACILITIES. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBER SPONSORING THE GUEST TO ASSURE THIS IS COMPLETED PRIOR TO ANY FIREARMS HANDLING ON THE PROPERTY OF THE QUABOAG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB. (THE MEMBER WILL TURN IN THE COMPLETED FORM AT THE NEXT SCHEDULED MONTHLY MEETING, EITHER IN HAND OR BY MAIL).

ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS

The officers of the Corporation shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Three (3) elected Directors. The Current Past President becomes a board member at the end of his/her term and remains on the Board of Directors until he/she is replaced by the next past president. They shall have customary powers and duties of such offices and such special duties as may be herein afterwards defined. Applications for nominations are to be submitted to the Board of Directors at the September meeting. The Board of Directors will review all applications of nominations before the November meeting. The officers will be elected from among the club members by a majority paper ballot at the Annual Meeting and shall serve until their successors take office, with the exception of the elected Directors whose term will be three (3) years, one to be elected annually.

A. THE PRESIDENT: Shall preside at all club meetings. President shall have all the customary duties of this office. The President is, Ex-Officio, on all Committees.

B. THE VICE PRESIDENT: Shall have the customary duties of this office and shall become President if a vacancy occurs.

C. THE SECRETARY: The Secretary shall keep a true record of all meetings, handle correspondence and have custody of all books and papers of the club. The Secretary shall notify all banks, in writing, where accounts are open, of the name of the Treasurer elected at the Annual Meeting of the club, along with the names of the President, Vice President and Secretary, within 10 days of the annual meeting.

D. THE TREASURER: The Treasurer shall receive all applications for membership and collect all fees and dues. The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the Corporation and place such funds in bank, such money to be withdrawn only on a check signed by the Treasurer for payment of such bills as approved by members except for the regular club operating expenditures. Checks in excess of $1,000 require the signature of the Treasurer and another club officer after majority approval of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate record of all transactions and furnish a report at each regular meeting. The Treasurer shall furnish a detailed report at the January meeting.

E. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Board of Directors shall fill any vacancies occurring below the office of President. The Board of Directors will meet annually with Coordinators/Committees to go over inventory and any concerns they may have with their departments.

ARTICLE 5- COMMITTEES/COORDINATORS

NON-MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS ON COMMITTEES MUST SIGN WAIVER AND HOLD HARMLESS FORMS.

Any club-sponsored activity, which takes place on or off club property, must be documented in a written report. This report must indicate the title and the date of the event, list all members and non-members who attended and what each attendee paid if funds were collected. The Coordinator must submit to the Secretary a written report with supporting documents. Funds collected are be turned over to the Treasurer at the monthly meeting after the activity, or if the activity is an ongoing event, on a monthly basis.

The President shall appoint the COORDINATOR to all committees.

The Coordinator has the authority to establish a committee of a size he/she deems necessary. The Coordinator will submit a budget to the membership for approval by the end of the first quarter of the year. Expenditures beyond the budget must be approved by the membership at a regular monthly meeting.

A. A MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR shall keep and maintain current membership records and advise delinquent members by post card or email, and make every effort to secure new members.

B. A FISH AND GAME COORDINATOR shall aid in the distribution, propagation and conservation of fish and game.

C. A G.O.A.L. LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR shall be responsible for keeping the club updated on sportsmen related laws at both the state and national level.

D. A GROUNDS COORDINATOR shall have charge of clubhouse, outbuildings and grounds maintenance. Any and all permanent changes must have Board of Directors’ approval. A maintenance log must be kept for each piece of equipment.

E. An AUDITING COMMITTEE shall audit all financial reports and records within 30 days of an annual meeting, and report its findings at the next scheduled monthly meeting.

F. An ARCHERY COORDINATOR shall be responsible for providing and maintaining a practice range where members can improve their archery skills as well as representing Quaboag Sportsmen’s Club in any organization of clubs that schedule shoots that the committee deems essential to promote the growth of archery within the club.

G. A KITCHEN COORDINATOR shall be responsible for purchasing and preparing all refreshments for all club events as well as maintenance of all kitchen related tools and equipment.

H. A NEWSLETTER/PUBLICITY COORDINATOR shall be responsible for compiling, printing, and mailing newsletters, according to a schedule set by the coordinator, in a timely manner that will provide pertinent information concerning events, work parties, and the general activities taking place at the club. The Coordinator is also responsible for publicizing club events.

I. A TRAP and SKEET COORDINATOR shall be responsible for the promotion of safe trap and skeet shooting at the club, maintaining a supply of clay flyers, as well as the maintenance of all the club’s trap and skeet machines.

J. A RIFLE AND PISTOL RANGE COORDINATOR shall be responsible for the promotion of safe target shooting at the club, and for maintenance and improvement of the shooting range.

K. A WEB SITE COORDINATOR shall be responsible for the maintenance and updating of the web site.

L. A FIELD DAY COORDINATOR shall be responsible for keeping track of the planning of the field day activities; setting the date of the Field Day; coordinating all activities; arranging for activity chairpersons; establishing procedures for each activity chairperson in order to maintain financial accountability; presenting a summary report at the next monthly meeting and a detailed annual report at the January meeting.

M. A FORESTRY COORDINATOR shall be responsible for following the guidelines of the Forestry Plan under Chapter 61 and submitting proposals under the plan to the Board of Directors.

N. A PISTOL MATCH COORDINATOR shall be responsible for the promotion of safe pistol activities at the club.

O. A PLANNING COORDINATOR shall be responsible for future planning and coordinating new events.

ARTICLE 6 – MEETINGS

A. THE ANNUAL MEETING shall be held at 7:00 p.m., the second Wednesday in December. REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS shall be held on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m. thereafter.

B. REGULAR MONTHLY MEETINGS shall be held at the club grounds or at such place as selected by the President or Board of Directors. Seven (7) members shall constitute a quorum at any regular meeting.

C. MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS may be held at the call of the President or three (3) Directors on three (3) days notice or at any regular club meeting without notice. Four (4) Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. All other details of their meetings such as time and place may be fixed by the Directors.

D. SPECIAL MEETINGS: The PRESIDENT MAY CALL A SPECIAL MEETING AT ANY TIME, THAT QUORUM TO CONSIST OF THE PRESIDENT AND (3) CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

E. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAY CALL A SPECIAL MEETING AT ANY TIME, THAT QUORUM TO CONSIST OF (4) BOARD MEMBERS. No appropriations may be made or business transacted other than that for which the meeting was called.

ARTICLE 7 – FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year shall be the calendar year.

ARTICLE 8 – PARLIAMENTARY RULES

The parliamentary rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, revised, shall govern club meetings except as otherwise provided in the bylaws.

A vote by ballot may be taken on any question where opposition is evident and such action is requested by a member.

All purchases over $500 involving contracts and/or contractors will require three (3) written estimates to be submitted to the Board of Directors before being acted upon by members at a regular monthly meeting. Purchases of materials over $500 will require approval of members at a regular monthly meeting. In the event of an emergency, the Board of Directors will have discretionary power to act on critical items.

The membership of the Club is the highest authority, the Board of Directors next and the President being the lowest.

ARTICLE 9

A motion to disband this club may not be entertained at any meeting unless all current members are notified of the proposed action ten (10) days in advance of such meeting. Such a motion to be carried must have an affirmative ballot vote of two-thirds of members present. In case of disbanding of the club, all tangible assets are to be liquidated by the Board of Directors and the proceeds to benefit sportsmen’s causes in the State of Massachusetts.

ARTICLE 10

These bylaws may be amended at any regular meeting of the club provided that notice incorporating the substance of the proposed amendment is mailed to club officers and members ten (10) days before said meeting by the Membership Committee Coordinator. Proposed amendments to the bylaws must be signed by ten (10) members and submitted to the President fifteen (15) days before regular monthly meeting at which time such action is to be taken. President will turn over a revised copy to the Membership Coordinator to be mailed to all current members.

ARTICLE 11 - NON-MEMBER CLUB USE

MAILING ADDRESS: QUABOAG SPORTSMEN’S CLUB INC., ATTN: CLUB USE REQUEST, BOX 677, WARREN, MA 01083-0677

A request to use the club facilities must be made in writing using a “Club Use Request Form” detailing the event with an approximate number of attendees, dates, and times needed. Such request must be submitted 20 business days before the event to the President who will contact the Board of Directors for the approval.

State and Local law enforcement and any civic, municipal and private organizations may request permission to use club facilities.

The dates of the activities will be posted to the club web-site and at the club grounds. This posting will be done 10 business days before the activity.

CLUB GROUNDS MUST BE LEFT AS FOUND-WE HAVE A CARRY IN-CARRY OUT POLICY.


Range Rules

ARCHERY RANGE RULES

THESE SAFETY RULES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLUB, TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL WHO USE THE FACILITY. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO RESTRICT ANYONE’S USE OR ENJOYMENT OF THE RANGES. HOWEVER, WE MUST ENSURE THAT NO ONE IS EVER INJURED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOOTING SPORTS. COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY; VIOLATORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1. All general range safety rules will be followed at all times -- use common sense and courtesy.

2. All members using range facilities must display their membership cards on outer clothing.

3. Shoot only at approved targets.

4. Adult members are responsible for guests or under age children (under age 18) while on club grounds.

5. Shoot from authorized shooting positions only.

6. Use only authorized archery equipment on the range. No firearms or broadheads allowed.

7. All ranges subject to closure for maintenance when posted.

8. When looking for lost arrows, station a shooter or your bow in front of the backstop before proceeding behind it to look.

9. Archery Coordinator will control and enforce safety regulations during organized shoots.

10. Targets must be placed on or directly in front of backstop.

TRAP/SKEET RANGE RULES

THESE SAFETY RULES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLUB, TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL WHO USE THE FACILITY. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO RESTRICT ANYONE’S USE OR ENJOYMENT OF THE RANGES. HOWEVER, WE MUST ENSURE THAT NO ONE IS EVER INJURED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOOTING SPORTS. COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY; VIOLATORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1. All general range safety rules will be followed at all times -- use common sense and courtesy.

2. All members using range facilities must display their membership cards on outer clothing.

3. All ranges subject to closure for maintenance when posted.

4. Do not put a shell in your gun or close the action until you are at your station and ready to shoot.

5. Put only one shell in your gun at a time except when match rules require otherwise.

6. Do not pick up empties until the end of the squad.

7. Who ever shoots first always shoots first, after the squad changes station.

8. Keep actions open at all times when not on the firing line.

9. Only target loads are allowed. Approved shot sizes are 7 ½, 8 and 9.

10. Eye and ear protection is mandatory for all shooters and spectators in the immediate vicinity of the firing line.

11. If a shooter wishes to do anything different from normal trap etiquette, the shooter must get prior approval from the coordinator.

FIREARMS RANGE RULES

THESE SAFETY RULES HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLUB, TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF ALL WHO USE THE FACILITY. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO RESTRICT ANYONE’S USE OR ENJOYMENT OF THE RANGES. HOWEVER, WE MUST ENSURE THAT NO ONE IS EVER INJURED WHILE PARTICIPATING IN THE SHOOTING SPORTS. COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY; VIOLATORS WILL BE SUBJECT TO TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

1. All general range safety rules will be followed at all times -- use common sense and courtesy.

2. All members using range facilities must display their membership cards on outer clothing.

3. All ranges subject to closure for maintenance when posted.

4. Do NOT handle any firearm while any person is downrange; step back from the firing line.

5. Do NOT move forward of the firing line while any firearm is being handled: wait until a Cease Fire is called and the range is declared safe.

6. Keep all firearms pointed in a safe direction at all times.

7. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

8. Keep the action open and the firearm unloaded until ready to shoot.

9. Eye and ear protection is mandatory for all shooters and spectators in the immediate vicinity of the firing line.

10. Consumption of alcohol or drugs before or while shooting is strictly prohibited.

11. Know how to use your firearm safely, and ensure that each firearm is safe to use.

12. The use of any glass object as a target is prohibited.

A. If other than paper targets are used, you must remove all debris and fragments from the impact area and all litter from the firing line before you leave the range.

B. Targets other than clay pigeons must be positioned properly and sufficiently elevated above the ground to allow all bullets to strike the backstop, and not ricochet off the ground.

C. If you damage a target holder, you are required to dispose of the wood properly. It will be appreciated if you will also repair or replace the target holder without delay.

D. Target holders may not be used when firing shotguns. The shotgun shooter must bring and remove his own target holder.

13. The use of tracer, incendiary or explosive ammunition, or explosive targets, is prohibited, without written authorization from the Board of Directors.

14. After shooting, wash your hands and face before eating or drinking.

15. Muzzle loading firearms:

A. No smoking while loading, on the firing line or loading bench area or places where black powder is stored.

B. Use only the appropriate powder for the firearm. Refer to owners manual.

C. Do not load your firearm until you have wiped the barrel of excess oil and grease.

D. Do not overload your firearm.

E. Do not load your firearm directly from a flask or powder horn.

F. Do not cap percussion or prime a flintlock until you are on the firing line.

G. Do not carry a muzzle loading firearm with the hammer at full cock.

H. Make sure your muzzle loading firearm is safe to shoot. If you have any doubt, take it to a qualified gunsmith.

I. Seat the load directly on the black powder in the breech of the barrel. Shooting an improperly loaded firearm risks almost certain damage to yourself and others around you, and to your firearm.

J. Do not prime or cap any muzzle loading firearm until in position on the firing line.

K. When a Cease Fire is called, a muzzle loading firearm is considered unloaded when the barrel is void of powder and ball.


RANGE HOURS ARE 7:00 A.M. TO HALF AN HOUR AFTER SUNSET