Amended November 14, 2022
ARTICLE I
NAME AND OBJECTIVE
SECTION 1- NAME
The name of this Association shall be the Inland Empire Golf Course Superintendents Association.
SECTION 2- OBJECTIVES
The purposes for this Association are:
- (a) To provide for and enhance the recognition of the golf course superintendent as a professional.
- (b) To unite the golf course superintendents of Inland Empire into a cooperative group for the collection, preservation and dissemination of scientific and practical knowledge, thereby effecting a more efficient and economical maintenance of golf courses and improving and enhancing the prestige and efficiency of its members.
- (c) To foster and promote sound and equitable employment relations policies.
- (d) To further training and education of those connected with or desirous of becomingaffiliated with the industry.
- (e) To cooperate with educational institutions and other agencies in the development andoperation of turf management research and educational programs.
- (f) To afford the manufacturers of materials and equipment used in the growing of turfgrasses and other ornamental landscape plants an opportunity to introduce and demonstrate their products.
SECTION 3- PROFITABILITY
This association is not organized for pecuniary profit. No part of the income of receipts or assets of the Association shall inure to the benefit of any private member or individual, no part of the Association’s activities shall involve carrying on propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, nor shall it participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
SECTION 3- DEFINITIONS
A “Golf Course Superintendent” is one who is entrusted with the management and operation of the tract of land defined as a golf course, including involvement in construction and maintenance of golf courses and related equipment.
ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1- APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
Applicants for membership shall be approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall be the sole judge of an applicant’s qualification for membership. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to establish qualifications, privileges and dues for all classes of membership.
Each applicant for class A or B membership in this association must also present an application for membership or evidence of membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and maintain such membership thereafter.
SECTION 2- MEMBERSHIP CLASSES
Class AA – Life Members: To qualify for Life Membership, one must have retired as a golf course superintendent or assistant golf course superintendent and have been a golf course superintendent or assistant golf course superintendent member of GCSAA for 25 years of which a minimum of 20 years has been as a golf course superintendent. A life Member shall have all the rights and privileges of the Association except that of holding office. Class AA-Life Members will pay no membership dues.
Class A – Golf Course Superintendent: To qualify for Class A membership, an applicant shall have, at the time of application for membership, at least three (3) years’ experience as a golf course superintendent, be employed in such capacity and comply with all additional qualifications adopted by the membership. Class A Members shall have all the privileges of the Association including voting and holding office.
Class B – Golf Course Superintendent: To qualify for Class B membership, an applicant shall, at the time of application, be employed as a golf course superintendent with less than three years’ experience and does not meet the ANY additional qualifications for Class A membership. Superintendent Members shall have all the privileges of the Association including voting and holding office.
Class C – Assistant Golf Course Superintendent: To qualify for Class C Membership, an applicant shall be, at the time of application for membership, an assistant to a golf course superintendent, and shall be presently employed in such capacity. Class C Members shall have all the privileges of the Association including voting and holding office.
Affiliate (D): To qualify for Affiliate Membership, an applicant must be an individual from a business firm or governmental body interested in golf course management and/or in the growing or production of fine turfgrass, either individually or through employment by, or other affiliation with, a company, proprietorship or association, and who does not qualify for membership in another class. Affiliate Members shall have such privileges of the Association including voting and holding office.
Class E – Educators: To qualify for class E Membership, an applicant must be an educator or extension officer. Class E Members shall have such privileges of the Association including those of voting and holding office.
Associate (F): To qualify for Associate Membership, an applicant must be an individual interested in golf management who is not directly responsible for turf management as defined as a Class A, B or C.
Class FM – Facility Membership: A facility membership is available to those facilities that operate with limited resources. The membership is in the name of the facility. However, the recipient of the membership benefits and information can be the superintendent, owner, or other representative selected by a golf facility. The facility is entitled to all privileges of membership, except those of voting and holding office.
Honorary (H): To qualify for Honorary membership the individual must be recognized annually by the Board of Directors for contributing in an outstanding manner to this Association or profession or related field. Honorary members shall have such privileges of the Association as the board of Directors may specify by Standing Rules, except those of voting and holding office.
Student (S): To qualify for Student Membership, an applicant must be a full-time Turfgrass student enrolled in a formal course of education, or have completed his or her formal education less than one (1) year prior to the date of application for membership. Student Members shall have such privileges of the Association as the board of directors may specify by Standing Rules, except those of voting and holding office.
Class A – Retired (A-Ret): To qualify for Class A – Retired status, one must not be currently employed as a golf course superintendent and have a minimum of five years of service as a Class A golf course superintendent member. The years of service as a Inland Empire GCSA member when combined with the member’s age must equal or exceed 75 years. This member shall have all the privileges of the Association afforded that classification, with the exception of holding office.
Retired (RT): Any Member reaching age fifty-five (55), who is retired and no longer seeking employment within the scope of activities of any membership class of the Association, may apply to the Board of Directors in writing for Retired Membership. A Retired Member shall have all the privileges of the Association afforded the member in his or her immediate previous classification, with the exception of holding office.
Inactive (I): An inactive member is a member who, by reason of unemployment, illness or other adverse circumstances, has been placed in this class upon their application. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to act on such application and to place a member on inactive status subject to such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors may specify from time to time by Standing Rules. A, B and C members who no longer fulfill all the requirements for A, B, and C classification due to a position change will be eligible to keep their status for the purpose of resumes, interviews, applications, etc., for a period not to exceed twenty-four (24) months, providing they are actively seeking employment as a Golf Course Superintendent or Assistant. Members in this classification will continue to pay regular dues during this period, and retain all rights and privileges granted under their classification. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to allow a present inactive Board Member to complete the elected/appointed remainder of term, not to exceed twelve months. Any A/B/C Inactive member exceeding twenty-four months of consecutive unemployment will be automatically placed in the appropriate membership classification or dropped from the association.
SECTION 3- RECLASSIFICATION OF MEMBERS
All re-classifications of members shall be made by the Board of Directors.
(a) Voluntary Reclassification: Any member may request a change in his or her membership classification to accord with a change in their qualifications for membership.
(b) Mandatory Reclassification: All members, upon renewal of their annual membership, must clearly state their current employment status. This statement of employment status shall be based upon the Association’s officially accepted job titles. The Board of Directors shall, upon receipt of this statement, determine the appropriate class of membership for each individual and shall be empowered to alter the individual’s membership classification to properly reflect stated qualifications.
SECTION 4- ANNUAL DUES
Annual dues for all classifications of membership shall be established by the Board of Directors. Honorary members pay no dues. The Board of Directors may, at its discretion, for good cause, temporarily excuse or extend time of payment of annual dues for any member.
ARTICLE III
CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
SECTION 1- NON PAYMENT OF DUES
The membership year shall be the calendar year and will be considered delinquent on January 2. All members whose dues are not paid by March 1 of each year shall be dropped from membership in this Association without further notice.
SECTION 2- PROHIBITED CONDUCT
Members are encouraged to abide by the GCSAA Code of Ethics
SECTION 3- PROCEDURE FOR DISCIPLINING OR EXPELLING A MEMBER
A member may be disciplined or expelled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors after compliance with the due process procedures, specifically notice and hearing, and upon a showing of just cause. The Board of directors shall establish, by standing rules, the procedure to be followed to ensure protection of such members’ due process rights. An expelled member may reapply for membership no earlier than one (1) year after the date of such expulsion.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION I – QUALIFICATIONS AND TERMS OF OFFICE
The Board of Directors shall consist of nine members, at least five of who shall be class A or B members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Directors ceasing active employment in the turfgrass industry may serve for up to six months after cessation of employment.
New Board Members shall be elected each year for a three-year term. There shall be an annual election, at the fall meeting, for President, Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and those Director positions whose terms are to expire.
The officers of this Association shall be President, Vice President, and Secretary-Treasurer, all whom shall be class A or B members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. The President shall serve a one-year term but may be re-elected with a limit of two consecutive terms. The Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer shall serve for a term of one year with no limit on terms. Officers and Directors shall take office following the fall meeting.
SECTION 2- VACANCIES
Vacancies occurring in the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors for the unexpired term.
SECTION 3- DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
(a) The Board of Directors shall have general charge and management of the affairs of the Association; shall determine its policies within the limits of these Bylaws; shall determine annual dues for membership and shall have discretion in the disbursement of its funds. All actions of the Board of Directors shall be by majority vote.
(b) The Board of Directors may adopt such rules and regulations needed to conduct the business of this Association.
(c) The Board of Directors shall annually make a full report of its actions during the preceding year and present a reconciliation of the Association’s books to the members.
(d) The Board of Directors shall have discretion in employing or contracting with an Executive Director and such staff as is necessary to conduct the business of this Association. The Executive Director’s duties shall be assigned by the Board of Directors.
(e) The Board of Directors shall have authority to form committees.
SECTION 4- DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT
The President shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Association subject to rules as may be made by the Board of Directors. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and Board of Directors. The President shall have the authority to call meetings of the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint all committee chairpersons, except the Nomination/Election Chairperson, with the approval of the Board of Directors. The President shall have the authority to sign checks.
SECTION 5- DUTIES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
The Vice President, in the absence of the President, shall preside at the meetings of the Association and perform the duties required of the President.
SECTION 6- DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY-TREASURER
The Secretary-Treasurer shall be entrusted to monitor all transactions of the Association and shall be custodian of all Association funds. The Secretary-Treasurer shall have the authority to sign checks.
SECTION 7- LIABILITY
The Board of Directors shall not be personally liable for the debts, liabilities, or other obligations of Inland Empire Golf Course Superintendents Association.
SECTION 8- INDEMNIFICATION
The Board of Directors and Officers shall be indemnified by the Association to the fullest extent permissible under the law.
SECTION 9- POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The duties of the Executive Director shall be to promote and carry out the objectives and purposes of the Association as directed by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall keep the Association records and notify members of all meetings of the Association. The Executive Director shall have the authority to sign checks.
ARTICLE V
COMMITTEES
SECTION I – COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES
The President shall appoint all committee chairpersons, except the Nomination/Election Chairperson, with the approval of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall appoint the Nomination/Election Chairperson.
SECTION 2- STANDING COMMITTEES
The following committees shall be standing committees of this Association:
(a) Nomination/Election Committee The Nomination/Election Committee shall have the responsibility of soliciting members for nomination at the annual election.
Nominations for each seat on the Board of Directors becoming vacant and nominations for President shall be submitted to the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days prior to the election. At the time of the election, nominations will be open from the floor. When nominations have
been closed, the election shall proceed in orderly fashion by secret ballot for all elections of President and Directors. However, if there is but one candidate for President, that election may be held by voice or hand vote.
(b) Ethics Committee The Ethics Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Directors on matters related to maintaining ethical standards.
SECTION 3- OTHER COMMITTEES
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit the appointment of other committees by the Board of Directors for the advancement of the Association.
SECTION 4- LIMITATIONS OF POWERS OF COMMITTEES
No committee shall have authority to bind this Association for the payment of money or the performance of any contract, such authority hereby being reserved expressly for the Board of Directors, or the duly authorized and elected officers of this Association as may be delegated by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VI MEETINGS
SECTION 1- BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) Regular Meetings: The Board of Directors shall meet at least twice a year.
One meeting shall be at the place of the Annual Meeting of the members. The other meeting(s) shall be at the call of the President, who shall give the other members of the Board of Directors at least thirty (30) days written notice of the time and place of the meeting. In the event a public emergency or natural disaster makes the holding of an in-person business meeting of the organization unlawful or impossible, the Inland Empire GCSA may conduct its meetings by electronic or other remote access means as reasonably necessary for the duration of the emergency or disaster. Any action that could be taken at an in-person meeting, including bylaws amendments, may also be taken at a virtual meeting and shall be subject to ratification at the first regular meeting of the organization held after such virtual meeting or meetings.
(b) Special Meetings: Special meetings: of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the president, or shall be called by the President upon the written request of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors, provided the request specifies the purpose of the meeting. If the President, having been so requested, shall refuse or fail to call such special meeting, then a special meeting of the Board of Directors may be called by a majority of the Board of Directors. At least ten (10) days written notice of the time and place of the special meetings shall be given to the members of the Board of Directors.
(c) Quorum: A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
(d) Action without a meeting: any action required, or permitted to be taken, by the board of directors may be taken without a meeting if all voting members of the board consent in writing, including electronic, to the action. The action shall be ratified at the next board meeting and included in the minutes.
SECTION 2- MEMBERS
- (a) Regular Meetings: Will be held as determined by the Board of directors.
- (b) Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of this Association shall be held in the fall of each
year with the newly- elected officers taking office immediately.
(c) Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President upon the request of a majority of the Board of Directors or upon the written request of ten (10) class A members. Such meetings must be preceded by at least ten (10) days written notice to the membership. At a special meeting the only business which may be transacted is that pertaining to the purpose for which the meeting was called.
(d) Quorum: At any meeting of the members, fifteen (15) of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.
SECTION 3- RULES
The rules contained in Robert’s Rule of Order, newly revised, shall govern the Inland Empire Golf Course Superintendents Association in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.
ARTICLE VII AMENDMENTS
SECTION I – PROCEDURE FOR BYLAWS AMENDMENT
(a) These bylaws may be amended at the Annual Meeting, provided all amendments are presented in writing to the members at least thirty (30) days before such meeting.
(b) These bylaws may also be amended at any meeting provided that the amendment(s) be presented by the Board of Directors in writing to members at least thirty (30) days before such meeting.
SECTION 2-VOTE REQUIRED
A two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members present and voting, or represented by proxies, shall be necessary for the adoption of any amendment.
DEDICATION
Believing that the growth of the game of golf and its high standing in this country is largely due to the efforts of its early professional exponents and because of the ideals of sportsmanship and ethical practices, the Inland Empire Golf Course Superintendents Association is dedicated to the perpetuation of these ideals.
DISSOLUTION
In the event of the dissolution of the Association, with all liabilities and responsibilities have been met, its assets shall be distributed in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code concerning its exempt status or in accordance with state law. The decision of dissolution shall be made by the Board.
