Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Inc.
Mission Statement: The Clumber Spaniel Club of America supports Clumber Spaniels and their owners’ participation in conformation, obedience, rally, agility, hunting, tracking and other events in which the breed is eligible to participate. These activities are further supported by education of owners, breeders, dog show judges, veterinarians, and the general public and through the CSCA’s concern about the health and welfare of Clumber Spaniels by its support of health research and rescue activities.
Vision Statement: The CSCA serves as the authoritative source for information about Clumber Spaniels via communications on the web site, Clumber Chronicles, articles in publications respected in the dog fancy and through outreach, public education, and rescue activities. Opportunities to spotlight Clumber Spaniels are encouraged through the annual National Specialty show, Meet the Breeds activities, during the Westminster Kennel Club show, support of regional Clumber Spaniel clubs, support of entries of Clumber Spaniels and other events. (Approved March 23, 2015 SMSH)
Clumber Chronicles:
1-The listing of the Club officers, Board of Directors and Committee Chairmen shall be on the inside front cover unless it is sold for advertising in which case it shall be printed on the first page. Ways and Means advertising shall be free and shall be printed on the
inside back cover unless it is sold for advertising in which case is shall be on the last page.
2- The Clumber Chronicles will be published twice a year. There will be a National Specialty issue and a year in review issue (digital only).
3- Non-members shall be allowed to advertise in the Clumber Chronicles (Sept. 22,2014, SMSH) at a cost that is 50% above that which the members pay. Non-members may not advertise dogs for sale. Any non-member placing a commercial ad will receive a copy of the Clumber Chronicles at no charge.
4- The CSCA publishes two issues of the Clumber Chronicles each calendar year.
a. The ‘National Issue’ recaps the National Specialty Show in the spring. It is a paper edition that is mailed to each of the regular club members.
b. The ‘Fall Issue’ is done digitally and is emailed to each of the regular club members.
Advertising rates*:
National Issue:
Type of Ad |
Color Ad Cost – For Members |
Color Ad Cost – Non-Members |
Black & White Ad Cost – For Members |
Black & White Ad Cost – For Non-Members |
Regular |
$200.00 |
$300.00 |
$100.00 |
$200.00 |
2-page spread |
$300.00 |
$400.00 |
$200.00 |
$300.00 |
Inside front |
$300.00 |
$400.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
Inside back |
$300.00 |
$400.00 |
N/A |
N/A |
New |
$150.00 |
$250.00 |
$75.00 |
$175.00 |
Digital Issue:
All ads for the digital issue are color and cost $75.00 per full page ad for members and $100.00 for non-members.
*Please note – for the National Issue, non-CSCA members will be mailed a complimentary copy. Final publication of ads submitted are subject to the discretion of the CSCA editor/CSCA board of directors.
5- The Clumber Chronicles will not contain half page ads.
6- One (1) set of Specialty pictures is needed for the Clumber Chronicles and is then sent to the Archives. They shall be paid for by the club if necessary.
7- The Clumber Chronicle shall be mailed at the most reasonable price. (Sept. 22, 2014 SMSH)
8- The front cover of the Clumber Chronicles shall never be sold for advertising.
9- If space is limited, the Editor has the right to limit the number of ads per advertiser/dog before refusing individual ads. New Titles have priority over advertising.
10- The amount allocated, by the Club, for the publication of the Clumber Chronicles shall be based on a dollar amount per household to which the Clumber Chronicles is mailed. The annual allocation to be determined by an evaluation made in May of each year.
11- We accept subscriptions to the Clumber Chronicles and for that we charge $50.00 per year. Outside the US the charge may be slightly higher. No membership list will be included in any non-member Clumber Chronicles.
12- The Clumber Chronicles with the exception of the National issue will be kept to 28 pages plus covers for a total of 32 pages.
13- Back copies of the Clumber Chronicles shall be available from the Editor. A reasonable supply of extra copies of each issue shall be printed with “reasonable” to be determined by the printer/distributor. The cost per copy shall be $25.00 plus postage and handling.
14- The Editor will provide the CSCA President with a draft newsletter for review and approval prior to final publication. (2/11)
15- The Club will commence to use CONSTANT CONTACT effective 8/2019 to keep in touch with its membership. The Board will work to touch membership every 6 weeks with an update and Board actions.
Standing Rules numbers 3 and 5 deleted (April 11, 2016 SMSH)
Standing Rules re-numbered (April 11, 2016 SMSH)
Standing Rules numbers 10, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 18 deleted (5/25/20 TG)
Standing rules re-aligned and re-numbered (5/25/20 TG)
Standing Rule # 4 added Digital Ad fee (1/24/22 TG)
CLUB BUSINESS:
1- Any unauthorized release of Board Correspondence will be considered prejudicial to the Club.
1-(A) – Standing Rules can only be suspended or repealed with a 2/3 majority vote and must have a quorum. A quorum is defined as six members. (added 5/25/20 TG)
2 –The Treasurer will submit an annual operating budget to the CSCA board, with input from the committees. The budget is to be submitted at the interim board meeting. (added 5/25/20 TG)
2-(A) The Secretary shall update Standing Rules monthly. Standing Rules shall be reviewed by the Board annually. (moved from # 22 and updated 5/25/20 TG)
3 –Annually the board will visit the membership dues to determine if an increase is warranted based on the club’s annual budget and in sync with other dog clubs.(added 5/25/20 TG)
4 -Board members are encouraged to discuss all items of concern with CSCA members. (updated April 30, 2017 DLM).
5- All motions made by the Board will be recorded by the Secretary.
6-All Officers of the CSCA Board shall have access to all programs and files, be provided with usernames and passwords of said programs and files, and all programs and files shall have 2 officers as verified users on each program/file. (5/25/20 TG)
7 – When the board must replace an officer or board member the replacement will finish that position’s term; rather than the next election. This standing rule cannot be suspended without the unanimous vote of the board. (added 4/27/20 TG)
8-In case of a challenge to the application of a new member to the Club, the Secretary shall send the sponsor the following letter: “The Board has received a challenge to the application of (applicant’s name), whom you sponsored. Would you please provide any additional information that you may have concerning this application you signed. Upon receipt of such information it will be forwarded to the Board for consideration.”
9-The nominating committee shall secure from each candidate for the Board a brief resume (up to 150 words maximum) for circulation to the membership along with the ballot. (updated 5/25/20 TG)
9-(A) Committee expenditures that are non-regular or un-budgeted must have Board approval. B) The CSCA will provide reimbursement to members engaged in club
business provided approval is given by the Board prior to the event and that receipts or other documentation is provided before the reimbursement is issued. (updated April 30, 2017 DLM).
10-The club Secretary may select a member to serve as Membership Secretary, subject to Board approval, and may delegate any tasks that do not involve confidential Board correspondence.
11-Districting of the Club into Regions must be voted upon by the entire membership and must be timed to have minimal impact upon elections and/or the selection of the site of the National Specialty. The question cannot be brought before the membership more than once every three years.
12-The results of Board votes shall be published. (updated April 30, 2017 DLM).
13-Payments from foreign banks are not permitted. Payments must be made through the Clumber closet. (April 11, 2016 SMSH)
14-The CSCA shall contribute $50.00 toward the trophies of any official supported entry show. Any member may apply to the CSCA Board for a supported entry, by writing or emailing the CSCA Secretary. Requests for supported entries must be submitted for each show on a yearly basis. (Jan. 2014, SMSH). The Board asks that the member applying for the supported entry submit a brief report following the show, including the entry breakdown. Exceptions to this rule are as follows: The CSCA will support the entry of Clumber Spaniels at the trailer show(s) for the National Specialty each year as designated by each National Specialty show committee. Applications for supported entries must be approved by the Board.
15-Committee heads are expected to send in reports semi-annually, for the interim and annual Board meetings. If no interim board meeting is held, reports will be due Oct. 15.
15-(A)-Committee members should be an active part of their respective committee for at least one year before being considered for a position of committee head. (updated November 13, 2017 DLM).
15-(B)-No person shall hold a board position or be an officer and hold a board position or be an officer in one of the affiliated nonprofits associated with the CSCA (examples Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation or The Clumber Spaniel Rescue Charitable Trust) other than outlined in MOA with each group. (Added 5/25/2020 TG)
16-Nominating committee: Two alternates will be appointed each year and will automatically serve on the next year’s committee. One additional new member and two new alternates will be voted on in order to maintain a measure of continuity to this committee. The exception is when an Officer or Board Member has completed their term of office, he or she is automatically asked to chair the Committee according to the Constitution and Bylaws.
17-The Secretary shall notify all committee appointees in writing within 10 days of their appointment. In turn, they must accept or decline their appointments in writing within 30 days of said notification. The Secretary will also notify terminated committee members in writing within 10 days of their termination.
17-(A) Committee leads are to be limited to a 3-year term with a year break before rejoining the same position. Effective August 1, 2018. (Voted and approved on October 26, 2018. added on 5/25/20 TG)
18-(A)-When a standing rule is removed, the entire rule must be listed as removed at the end of the Standing Rules document and the reasoning for
the removal. (Added 5/25/2020 TG)
19- The Treasurer will be responsible for an annual review of the Security Policy. Recommended changes must be approved by the Board. (updated
April 30, 2017 DLM) (Consolidated # 18 and 28 5/25/20 TG)
20- Results of all elections, including but not limited to votes related to the national specialty Judges selection and the general election shall be posted to the Club’s website and e-mail list as soon as possible after votes are counted.
21-The CSCA Board shall draft or shall approve a contract with every vendor who performs a service for CSCA in excess of $500.
22-CSCA will secure and maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance liability policy up to 9 job titles with coverage limit of at least $50,000. (April 11, 2016 SMSH)
23-The CSCA shall, through its Board or Committees, require competitive bids for any service valued in excess of $250.
24-CSCA will accept and post announcements related to the Clumber Spaniel Club of America or to the health and welfare of the Clumber Spaniel on its website as approved by the Board of Directors. For-profit links are generally not appropriate for inclusion on the CSCA website; however, for-profit health links recommended by the CSCA Health Committee will be considered. Announcements approved by the board of Directors will be forwarded to the Website web master for posting. (updated April 30, 2017 DLM)
25-Any cover or inside cover of a CSCA publication with the exception of the Clumber Chronicles shall be a non-show picture or portrait of a Clumber or Clumbers that are not identified on said cover. (9/08)
26-The CSCA Standing Internal Audit Committee consists of at least one Board Member and 2 CSCA general members-in-good-standing. The purpose of this committee is to audit the Club’s financial records annually. (9/08)
27- A board member shall be designated as the second signer on all bank accounts and may be appointed to transact banking business, including making payments, in the event the Treasurer is unable to fulfill this responsibility. (Feb. 25, 2013) (updated
5/25/20 – TG)
Standing rule number one: Eliminated June 23, 214 (SMSH) Standing rules re-numbered. (SMSH June 23, 2014)
Standing rule number 4 deleted April 11, 2016 (SMSH) Standing rules re-numbered. (SMSH)
Original standing rule number 10 deleted on April 30, 2017 (DLM).
Standing rule # 7 added 4/27/20 (TG)
Standing rules numbers 1(A), 2, 2(A), 3, 6, 15-(B), 17(A) and 18-(A) added on May 25, 2020 (TG)
NATIONAL SPECIALTY SHOW:
1 – The CSCA National Specialty will be planned, executed, reported and wound-up by the show giving club in accordance with the rules, policies and guidance contained in CSCA National Specialty Show Guidelines, as revised, and is incorporated as reference herein. (added 5/25/20 TG)
2 – All items detailed in the National Specialty Show Standing Rules section are intended to apply to this single, annual event unless otherwise noted throughout this section. (added November 13, 2017 DLM).
3- For the purposes of this standing rule section, excepting rule 9, “dog” shall refer to either sex. (added 5/25/20 TG)
4 – Selection of a National
4A – The National Specialty Show shall rotate among the three (3) geographical regions. These regions shall have closely equivalent membership population. The central region shall consist of ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, MN, IA, MO, AR, IL, LA, MI, WI, IN, OH, KY, TN, MS and AL. The remaining states shall be in the eastern or western regions. The most recent evaluation was done in October 1993.
4B – The National Specialty show shall be held in the spring (Start date occurring in March through June). Unless the show has to be postponed due to unforeseeable circumstances, such as an act of God, in which case the National Specialty Show may be held in the fall. For the purposes of these Standing Rules, the rotation shall be in the central region in 1994, the western region in 1995, the eastern region in 1996, and returning to the central region in 1997. If the geographical rotation is to be changed, it must be approved by a majority of the membership. (updated 5/25/20 TG)
4C – The Board will consider all National Specialty proposals from the designated region received on or before March 1st, approximately 3 years in advance of the National. If no acceptable proposals are received by that date, proposals will continue to be considered from the designated region. After September 1st, approximately 2.5 years prior to the National, proposals will be considered from any region in the order received. (Updated October 15, 2016 DLM) If no proposals are received by the next September 1st, approximately 1.5 years prior to the National, the CSCA Board of Directors will assume responsibility for putting on the National. (5/25/20 TG)
4D – All of the deadlines for proposal submissions will be communicated to the membership. Acceptable means of communication may include the www.Clumbers.org
website, announcements published in the clumber Chronicles or other means deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors to reach as many members as possible. (November 8, 2014, SMSH)
4E – The Show Chairs listed on the accepted proposal may not change without prior approval of the Board of Directors. Requests to change the show chairs must be received by the Board of Directors with sufficient time to act on the request and ensure all documents are filed on time with the AKC for the National Specialty Show. (November 8, 2014, SMSH))
4F – The Show Chairs are to receive copies of the CSCA National Specialty Show Guidelines and the proposal submitted by them must contain an affirmative statement to follow these Guidelines. (November 8, 2014, SMSH)
4G – There shall be a regional specialty or an independent specialty held in conjunction with the National Specialty beginning in 2015. (April 28, 2013, SMSH).
4H – The Club may officially support two (2) or more all-breed shows held in the area of the National Specialty show (known as trailer shows). The selection of these shows shall be made by the National Specialty Show Committee. (updated 5/25/20 TG)
4I – Tracking and Hunting Test shall be on separate days.
4J – The Board of Directors of the CSCA recommends to the show-giving club Committee that Tracking and Hunting be held before the National Specialty, with the final decision being left to the committee.
4K – The National Show committee shall leave the time & date of the Annual General Meeting, held at the National location, up to the Board of Directors as stated in the by- laws under Article II, section 1- meetings.
4L – The CSCA Treasurer shall serve as the National Show Treasurer, however, the CSCA President may name a National Specialty & Associated Regional and Trial
Assistant Treasurer to the show committee. This individual is required to be present at National events. (updated 5/25/20 TG)
4M – There may be up to a $3500.00 advance for the National Specialty expenses. Any amount over this requires Board approval. (updated April 30, 2017 DLM)
5 – Judges
5A – National and Regional Judges shall be precluded for 10 years from the ballot following their judging assignment. This first applies in 2019. (Updated October 15, 2016 DLM)
5B -The selection of the National Specialty show Judge shall be made each year by the membership. The Secretary shall mail a preliminary judges ballot consisting of those judges regularly approved by the AKC who live in the United States and are licensed to judge Clumber Spaniels as of 14 days prior to the mailing of the ballot to the membership. Members in good standing may write in candidates directly on the preliminary ballot, but must include on a separate sheet of paper the following: judge’s name, contact information including address, phone number and email address, and in what country the judge is licensed.
5C – Expenses to be covered are travel, lodging, meals, and judging fee.
5D – The CSCA National or CSCA Specialty judge is required to refrain from judging Clumber Spaniel classes for six months prior to their judging assignment. (July 28, 2014 SMSH)
5E- The show committee shall be responsible for making travel arrangements for the Judge. For purposes of economy, the show committee shall strive to assign
sweepstakes and regional show Judges from the pool of Judges participating in the associated trailer shows. (updated 5/25/20)
5F – The Show Committee shall select a Sweepstakes Judge. Preference shall be given to present and former breeders and breed handlers.
5G – The club shall not pay a judge’s fee or transportation expenses to Sweepstakes Judges, but will pay one nights lodging either the night before or the night after the schedule date of Sweepstakes Judging and 2 meals. Lodging expenses will not exceed the room fee charged by the Show Headquarters hotel.
6 -Entries and Competition
6A – In connection with the Best of Breed competition, the Judge may select up to two (2) dogs and up to two (2) bitches to receive an Award(s) of Merit. These awards shall be given to those not receiving Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Select dog or Select Bitch. (July 2012)
6B – The dog designated as Reserve Winners dog and the bitch designated as Reserve Winners bitch shall receive a three-point major provided there are twice the number required for a five-point major in the winners’ sex at the National Specialty. (AKC Chapter 16, section 1) (Sept. 2012 SMSH).
6C – Dogs entered in the National Sweepstakes must be entered in a regular class at the National show, (excluding the Regional and trailer shows). This requirement does not apply to Gun Dog or Veteran Sweepstakes. (March 10, 2014, SMSH)
6D – Clumber Champions may be shown in the Sweepstakes.
6E – Dogs entered in Gun Dog Sweeps must have earned a minimum of one leg toward an AKC hunt title. (March 10, 2014, SMSH).
6F – Dogs can show in Gun Dog Sweeps and/or Veterans Sweeps if spayed or neutered. (April 30, 2017 DLM) (updated 5/25/20 TG)
7 – Trophies
7A – All trophies offered at the National Specialty Show shall bear the likeness of a Clumber Spaniel and /or the letters “CSCA” and the year of the award.
7B – After the National is completed, the un-awarded trophies can be distributed at the discretion of the Board. These trophies are not to be offered for sale (May 23, 2016 SMSH)
7C – CSCA Regional Specialties are not required to offer trophies. (SMSH Nov. 2013)
7D – Trophies for the supported entry all0breed trailer shows shall be paid for by the Club at an amount not to exceed $75 and shall include Best of Breed and High in Obedience Trial.
8 – Communication
8A – There is to be a full page in the National Specialty Show catalog each year for the Best of Breed Winner and the High in Trial Winner of the previous year.
8B – A list of all previous Best of Breed and High in Obedience Trial winners shall be printed in the show catalog.
8C – The CSCA National Specialty Committee will supply information related to the National Specialty and associated seminars, events, etc. necessary for a successful National Specialty directly to the CSCA Website sub-committee for posting. No prior approval from the Board will be required for National Specialty information to be posted. (3/08)
Rules # 1 and # 3 added 5/25/25 (TG)
AWARDS:
Awards shall be tabulated: 1) according the AKC records or 2) based on criteria set in the award applications or 3) by the CSCA Board of Directors, and shall run from January 1st through December 31st each year. The awards shall be presented at the Annual Banquet.
For People:
The Edie Donovan Good Sportsmanship Award
The President’s Award
The Bill Blakely Memorial Humanitarian Award
The Rae Furness Memorial Award
The Cypress Woods Breeder of Best Puppy Award
The Clussexx Challenge Cup
The Darrell Reeves Memorial Hunting Award
The Pat Fraser Field Excellence Award
The CSCA Award of Merit Award
The AKC Sportsmanship Award
The Junior Showmanship Award
For Dogs:
The Sporting Dog Cup
The Companion Award
The Curtis Challenge Trophy
The Oakhill Stud Dog Award
The Ashley Brood Bitch Award
The Canterbury Cup
The Drumhill Ladies Cup
The Luke Cup
The CSCA Versatility Award
The Companion Award
The Breakaway-Cajun Cup (Dog)
The Breakaway-Cajun Cup (Bitch)
The National Specialty Versatility Award
High Scoring Obedience Dog
High Scoring Obedience – Novice
The CSCA Field Cup Trophy
The CSCA Award of Versatility
The Gable Versatility Award
The Clumber Spaniel Club of America shall supply one (1) small trophy/award for each perpetual trophy/award to be taken home by the owner, with the exception of those that have a tie. If the winning dog is co-owned, additional small trophies/awards may be purchased at the co-owners(s) expense. The exception to this is the Curtis Challenge Trophy.
BREEDER REFERRAL:
1- The following items are required of a member petitioning to be placed on the Clumber Spaniel Club of America breeder referral list per the revision to Breeder Referral by CSCA Officer and Board of Directors on March 28, 2008:
Requirements for Membership on the CSCA Breeder Referral List And Breeders Wishing to List Clumber Spaniel Litters
1A – Application for membership on the CSCA Breeder Referral List must be completed, signed and dated.
1B – Breeder Referral List members must be member(s) in good standing of the CSCA for a minimum of three (3) years.
1C – Breeder(s) listing a litter must be a member in food standing of the CSCA for minimum of 1 (1) year.
Guidelines for those on the CSCA Breeder Referral List and for Breeders Listing a Litter.
1 – Breeder(s) of litter agrees to cooperate with CSCA Rescue & Placement (if need arises) in assisting with placement of any Clumber produced from a litter placed on this list.
2 – Breeder(s) have an obligation to treat those contacting them for information about Clumber Spaniels in a fair, honest and courteous manner.
3 – It is recommended that the sire and dam be at least 24 months of age before breeding. But, if either the sire or dam is less than 24 months, it is recommended that preliminary hip x-rays, Penn hip evaluation or veterinary hip x-ray evaluation has been done.
4 – When requested by prospective buyers, a copy of the documents supporting the following health evaluations be made available to the prospective buyer:
A) Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
B) CAER evaluation (eyes) CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry with OFA)
C) PDP1 Testing
I – Testing is required when either the sire and/or dm is/are a carrier(s).
II – Testing is not necessary if the sire and dam are the result of PDP1 clear litters. Breeder should obtain documentation of PDP1 clear status and copies be made available to prospective buyer upon request.
D) It is strongly recommended to also complete the Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) testing as outlined by the CSHF. Adhering to these guidelines is viewed as being in the best interest of the Clumber Spaniel breed. Failure to do so will result in a 3-year moratorium for inclusion on the list.
Deleted Rules:
Clumber Chronicles; Rule # 10 – National Specialty Committee shall have one (1) page free advertising per issue, except for that issue immediately preceding their deadlines in which they shall have two (2) pages. These ads shall have no photos. The National Specialty Committee will be permitted to submit
one set of inserts to the Clumber Chronicles Editor at a minimum of 4 months in advance of the National for publication with one newsletter. Printing costs of the inserts to be borne by the committee and any difference in the mailing costs to be bourne by the committee.
Rule # 12 – The Clumber Column from the Gazette should be re-printed in the Clumber Chronicles after it has been published in the Gazette
Rule # 13 – Any and all “inserts” in the Clumber Chronicles will be allowed provided they pertain to information pertinent to the general membership, that they adhere to the Editorial Policy and Guidelines of the Clumber chronicles, and that they do not increase the cost of publishing or mailing the Clumber Chronicles over budget.
Rule # 15 – The Clumber Chronicle shall contain a Brag Column. There will be no charge for up to 50 words. Over 50 words, there will be a charge of $10.00.
Rule # 17 – The Clumber Chronicles will be published quarterly. There will also be a National Specialty Issue, the date of publication being dependent on the timing of the National Specialty Meeting and show. The issues will be called Spring to include the months of April/May/June; Summer to include July/August/September; Fall to include the months of October/November/December; and Winter to include January/February/March.
NOTE: Rules # 10, 12, 13, 15 and 17 are outdated, and as such, the Board had voted to delete them.
Revised & approved January 24, 2022
Revised & approved May 25, 2020
Revised & approved April 27, 2020, Revised & approved November 13, 2017,
Revised & approved April 30, 2017, Revised & approved October 15, 2016
Revised & approved June 22, 2011, Revised July 30, 2009
Approved September 26, 2007
Updated as changes have occurred, with dates noted.
Schedule A
CSCA National Specialty Proposal Schedule
CLUMBER SPANIEL CLUB OF AMERICA, INC CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1
Name and Objects
Section 1
The name of the Club shall be the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Inc., a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the State of Oklahoma, all assets of the association subject to all the liabilities thereof.
Section 2
The objects of the Club shall be:
to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of purebred Clumber Spaniels and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection, including but not limited to preserving their natural instincts and qualities as a gun dog.
to encourage the organization of independent local Clumber Spaniel Specialty Clubs in those localities where there are sufficient fanciers of the breed to meet the requirements of the American Kennel Club, to urge member and breeders to accept the Breed Standard as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Clumber Spaniels shall be judged,
to do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed and to encourage participation in and sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, tracking and hunt tests, agility, field, obedience and rally trials and other similar events. To conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows and other competitions and trials, for which the club is eligible as set forth in Section 2 (d) herein, under the rules and regulations of The American Kennel Club (“AKC”).
Section 3
The Club shall not be conducted or operated for profit and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from any dues or donations to the Club shall inure to the benefit of any member or individual.
Section 4
The members of the Club shall adopt and from time to time revise such bylaws as may be required to carry out these objectives.
CLUMBER SPANIEL CLUB OF AMERICA, INC BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1
Membership and Dues
Section 1 Eligibility
(a) There shall be three types of voting membership
Regular Membership: Regular membership shall be open to all persons 18 years of age or older who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club and have voting rights and privileges.
Household Membership: Household memberships shall be open to two adults, 18 years of age and older living in the same household. Each individual is permitted one vote.
Life Membership: Life Members shall include persons of outstanding achievement or service to the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, or to the breed, placed in this category by unanimous vote of the Board. Life members must be 18 years of age or older, who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club (“AKC”) and who subscribe to the purposes of this Club. These members shall be eligible to vote and to hold office but are not required to pay dues. Any Club member in good standing may nominate persons for this type of membership. The nomination must be sent to the current secretary for forwarding to the full Board, whose decision of which shall be final.
Membership is open to both residents of the United States and persons who reside outside the United States, regardless of citizenship; however, members who are not residents of the United States are not eligible to vote unless they were admitted to membership prior the adoption of these Bylaws, as amended by the membership and their approval by the AKC in or about 2010/2011. Members who were admitted to membership prior to the adoption of these Bylaw, as amended by the membership and their approval by the AKC in or about 2010/2011 are eligible to vote, but are not eligible for election as an officer, director or AKC delegate.
(b) There shall be three types of non-voting membership:
Associate Membership: Associate membership shall be open to all US citizens eighteen years of age or older who subscribe to the purposes of this Club and who wish to assist the Club in pursuing its objectives. No sponsors will be required so it is open to individuals who are unable to secure the sponsorship of two CSCA members required for Regular membership. Associate members cannot vote (not counted in a quorum) and are not eligible for election as an officer, director or AKC Delegate. They may not be added to the Breeder Referral List, and they may not sponsor applicants for membership or chair committees. Associate members will not receive USPS correspondence. Associate members may choose to change to Regular membership at the next renewal period provided all eligibility requirements are met.
Junior Membership: Open to all persons 10 through 17 years of age, who subscribe to the purposes of this Club. Junior members may convert to regular membership upon reaching their 18th birthday. Junior members cannot vote and are not eligible for election as an officer, director or AKC delegate.
Honorary Membership: Honorary membership shall include persons of outstanding service to the Clumber Spaniel Club of America or to the breed, placed in this category by unanimous vote of the Board. This class of membership is to recognize special service to the Club or to the breed rendered by a person outside the Club or the breed. Honorary members cannot vote and are not eligible for election as an officer, director or AKC delegate, but are not required to pay dues.
Section 2 Dues
Membership dues shall be assessed annually for all Regular, Associate and Junior members, and shall be payable on or before the 1st day of January of each year. The amount of the dues for each membership category shall be determined by a majority decision of the full Board, but shall not exceed $70.00 per year for a single membership, $100.00 per year for a household membership (two adults living at the same address), $10.00 per year for an Associate membership and
$25.00 per year for a Junior Membership.
Dues for members residing outside the United States may include an additional assessment, as determined from time to time by majority decision of the Board, to cover any additional expenses, including but not limited to mailing costs.
No member may vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. Dues received from new members on or after October 1 will be considered to include dues for the ensuing year. A request for payment of dues shall be published in the Club bulletin in the last issue of each calendar year and a statement may be sent to each member by regular mail and/or electronic mail, as determined from time to time by majority decision of the Board. “Regular mail” and “mail” are defined herein as mail sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Section 3 Election to Membership
Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as approved by the Board, which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the Constitution and Bylaws of this Club and the rules and regulations of the AKC and the AKC’s Code of Sportsmanship. The application shall state the name, address and occupation of the applicant and carry the endorsement of two persons who are members in good standing of the Club(endorsement is not required on an application for Associate membership). Accompanying the application, the prospective member shall submit dues payment for the current year.
Applicants may be elected by secret ballot at any meeting of the Board or by secret vote of the Board by mail. Affirmative votes of 2/3 of the Board voting at a meeting of the Board or 2/3 of the entire Board voting by mail shall be required to elect an applicant.
An application, which has received a negative vote by the Board may be presented by one of the applicant’s endorsees at the next Annual Meeting of the Club and the members may elect such applicant by secret ballot and a favorable vote of 2/3 of the members present and voting.
Persons whose application for membership has been voted on and rejected by the Board and/or the membership may not reapply for membership within 12 months after such rejection.
Section 4 Termination of Membership
Memberships may be terminated:
By 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.
By lapsing. A membership will be considered lapsed and automatically terminated if such member’s dues remain unpaid March 1. In no case may a member vote whose dues are not paid for the current year. If a member wishes to be reinstated after March 1, a $10.00 administrative fee will be charged. If a member allows his/her membership to lapse for a calendar year said former member must reapply on an approved application form and pay the full dues required.
By expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided for in Article VI of these Bylaws.
ARTICLE II
Meetings
Section 1 Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of the Club shall be held, if possible, in conjunction with the Club’s Annual Specialty Show at a place, date, and hour designated by the Board. Written notice of the Annual Meeting shall be printed in the Club newsletter and/or sent by the Secretary to each member, by regular and/or electronic mail, at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for the Annual Meeting shall be 10% of the members in good standing. The Annual Meeting shall take place March, April or May.
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 who are present at a meeting of the Board or who vote by mail, and shall be called by the Secretary upon receipt of a petition signed by 10% of the members in good standing. Such meeting shall be held at such place, date, and hour as may be designated by the Board. The Secretary shall send written notice of such meetings, by regular and/or electronic mail, at least 14 days and not more than 30 days prior to the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the meeting and no other Club business may be transacted. The quorum for such a meeting will be 10% of the members in good standing.
Section 3 Board Meetings
The first meeting of the Board shall be held as soon as practical, immediately following the Annual Election. Other meetings of the Board shall be held at such times and places as designated by the President or a majority vote of the entire Board with the exception that one meeting of the Board shall be held on or shortly after August 1 of each year, following the announcement of election results as set forth in Article IV. Written notice of each such other Board meeting shall be sent by the Secretary via regular or electronic mail to each member of the Board at least 14 days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum for a Board meeting shall be a majority of the Board voting in person or by regular and/or electronic mail or by telephone/video conference call.
Section 4 Conducting Business
Provided it does not conflict with any other provisions of these Bylaws or State Law. The Board may also conduct business by telephone/video conference call, mail, fax and/or electronic mail provided it does not conflict with any other provision of these Bylaws. Items voted upon must be confirmed in writing by the Secretary within seven days.
ARTICLE III
Directors and Officers
Section 1 Board
The Board shall be composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five other persons, all of whom shall be members in good standing who are residents of the United States. They shall be elected by ballot to serve for the terms set forth in Article IV, Section 3, or until their successor is elected, unless earlier removed from office as provided in Article IV, Section 4. General management of the Club’s affairs shall be entrusted to the Board and no members of the same household shall serve on the Board at the same time.
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 meeting and the Board and its meetings.
The President shall preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board and shall have duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of the President in addition to those particularly specified in these Bylaws.
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 Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings of the Club and of the Board and of all votes taken and all matters of which the Club shall order a record. He or she shall have charge of the correspondence, notify members of meetings, notify officers and directors of their election to office and notify new members of their election to membership, keep a roll of the members of the Club with their addresses, which shall be sent to any member in good standing, upon written request, not more than once every club year, and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in these Bylaws.
The Treasurer shall collect and receive all monies due or belonging to the Club. Monies shall be deposited in a bank approved by the Board, in the name of the Club. The Treasurer’s books shall be open for inspection by the Board at all times. The Treasurer shall report to the Board at every Board meeting about the condition of the Club’s finances, to include all receipts and payments not previously reported. At the Annual Meeting of the Club, the Treasurer shall render an accounting of all monies received and expended during the previous calendar year. At the time of the Annual Meeting of the Club, the Treasurer’s books shall be present and open to review by any member in good standing. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board shall determine.
The Delegate to the American Kennel Club (AKC) shall represent the Club at AKC delegate meetings and present the views of this Club as directed by the Board or vote his/her conscience in the absence of specific direction, considering the best interests of the Club and the breed, and serve the Club in any other capacity connected with the AKC, which shall further the interest of this Club. The AKC delegate shall report to the Board all pertinent actions and matters discussed at the AKC delegate meetings. The AKC delegate is an elected position and may not be a member of the Board but can attend Board meetings in a non- voting capacity.
Section 3 Vacancies
A vacancy in the Office of the President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President until that position’s class term expires; the resulting vacancy in the office of the Vice President shall be filled from within the Board until that position’s class term expires. If the Vice President’s position becomes vacant, that position will be filled by one of the current Board of Directors until that position’s class term expires. Positions of Secretary and Treasurer will be elected by the board to finish out that position’s term. Should the elected position of the AKC Delegate become open mid-term, the Board shall appoint a member in good standing deemed qualified to complete the AKC Delegate’s term, once we apply to the office of AKC Executive Secretary for approval of Delegate’s credentials. If a Board Member position becomes open and the remaining time of the position class is nine months or less that position will be filled by a vote of the board until the next election. All other vacancies on the Board shall be filled by a special election to be voted on by CSCA members with three names submitted by the current board to fill the remaining time on that position’s class term
ARTICLE IV
The Club Year, Voting, Nominations, Elections
Section 1 Club Year
The Club’s fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the 31st day of December. The Club’s official year shall begin on the 1st day of August and continue through the 31st day of July the following year. The elected officers and directors shall take office on the 1st day of August and each retiring officer shall turn over all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election to his or her successor in office.
Section 2 Voting
At the Annual Meeting or at a special meeting of the Club, voting shall be limited to those members in good standing who are present at the meeting, except for the annual election of Officers, Delegate and Directors, and the amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws and the Breed Standard which shall be decided by secret ballot cast by regular mail conducted in any manner provided under the guidelines of the State of Oklahoma or by electronic balloting through an independent firm in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma and AKC policy. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. In the case of a household membership each individual shall be permitted one vote. The Board may decide to submit other specific questions for decision by the members.
Section 3 Nominations and Ballots
No person may be a candidate in a Club election who has not been nominated in accordance with these Bylaws. The Board shall choose a nominating committee before January 15. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three members and two alternates from different areas of the United States of America, all members in good standing, not more than one of whom shall be a member of the current Board. The highest-ranking Board member whose term is expiring shall be chairman, or the Board shall name a chairman if no board member will be leaving the board. The Nominating Committee may conduct its business by mail, telephone conference call or electronic-mail in accordance with the policy approved for the Board.
The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the Club members who are in good standing, are residents of the United States at the time of nomination and are otherwise eligible for election as set forth in Article I. Nominations shall include at least one candidate for each office and a minimum of two candidates for Class I directors and a minimum of three candidates for Class II directors. The classes shall be voted on in alternating years as designated below:
Class I: President, Treasurer, Directors 1 & 5, AKC Delegate
Class II: Vice President, Secretary, Directors 2, 3 and 4
whether they are residents of the United States and the type of membership they hold, a list of the names of officers and directors noting their current terms of service and a copy of the sections of the Bylaws pertaining to the duties of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall submit its slate of candidates by May 10 to the Secretary, who shall send the list, including the full name of each candidate and the name of the state in which he or she resides, by regular or electronic mail to each member of the Club on or before May 15 so that additional nominations may be made by the members if they so desire.
Additional nominations of Club members who are in good standing, are residents of the United States at the time of nomination and are otherwise eligible for election as set forth in Article I, may be made by written petition for each nominee addressed to the Secretary and received at the Secretary’s regular address on or before June 15, signed by 10 members in good standing for each nomination and accompanied by written acceptance of each additional nominee signifying his or her willingness to be a candidate.
No person shall be a candidate for more than one elected office or position. No person holding an elected office or position that is not expiring may be a candidate for any other elected office or position without first resigning his/her current elected office or position. Additional nominations, which are provided for herein, may be made only from among those members who have not accepted a nomination of the Nominating Committee.
When the Nominating Committee nominates candidates for the Board and/or one or more valid additional nominations are received by the Secretary on or before June 15, the Secretary shall send, by regular mail or sent through a board approved, independent organization which specializes in electronic balloting, on or before June 20, to each member in good standing a ballot listing all of the nominees for each position in alphabetical order as follows: Nominee Name and name of his/her State of residence; if the process is handled manually with regular mail, an envelope will be marked only with the word “BALLOT” and a return envelope bearing the member’s name and address in the upper left-hand corner.
For a manual ballot process only to ensure the ballots remain secret, each member shall:
Mark the ballot.
Seal same in the ballot envelope marked “BALLOT”.
Place the ballot envelope inside the enclosed, pre-addressed return envelope.
Mail the sealed outer envelope with the enclosed sealed ballot envelope.
Ballots must be received on or before July 10.
For electronic balloting, the process must provide the ability to keep votes secret. The voting process must be completed on or before July 10.
For a manual ballot process only: The Secretary shall present all unopened ballot return envelopes to two additional inspectors for a total of three inspectors. These inspectors shall be members in good standing of the Club, who are not candidates on the ballot and whom the Board has approved. The inspectors of the election shall check all returns against the list of eligible voters, thereby certifying the eligibility of the voters. The inspectors then shall count the votes and certify the results of the election.
For electronic balloting, the process is handled by the service with oversight by the Secretary.
The person nominated for each office and for AKC delegate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected for those offices and delegate positions; the top two (Class I) or top three (Class II) persons nominated to be directors who receive the greatest number of votes shall be declared elected as directors.
The results of the elections shall be announced on the Club’s web page, on the Club’s members-only Internet message board or by other electronic means, as determined by Board policy.
ARTICLE V
Committees
Section 1
The Board may each year appoint standing committees to advance the work of the Club in such matters as dog shows, hunting, tracking, obedience and rally, trophies, annual prizes, membership and other areas which well may 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.
Section 2
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 service has been terminated.
ARTICLE VI
Discipline
Section 1 American Kennel Club Suspension
Any member who is suspended from any of the privileges of the American Kennel Club automatically shall be suspended from the privileges of this Club for a like period.
Section 2 Charges
Any member may prefer charges against a 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 $50, which shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the Board or a Board committee, as set forth below, 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 meeting.
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 or the breed. If the Board considers that the charges do not allege conduct which would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Club or the breed it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction. If the Board entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall fix a date of a hearing by the Board or a committee of not less than three members of the Board, not less than three weeks nor more than six weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send one copy of the charges to the accused member (hereinafter “defendant”) by Certified Mail, together with a notice of the hearing and the assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.
Section 3 Board Hearing
A Board Hearing under this article may be held by videoconference by teleconference or in person, in the sole discretion of the Board.
The Board or Board committee 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 the evidence and testimony presented by the complainant and defendant, the Board or Board committee may by a majority vote of those present 1) reprimand or 2) suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Club for not more than six months from the date of the hearing. A written reprimand directed exclusively to the member may be detailed, but an official (published) reprimand should only indicate that subsequent to a Board meeting “…, member (X) was officially reprimanded as a result of charges filed by member (Y).” If the Board or Board committee deems a suspension insufficient, it may recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such cases, the suspension may extend beyond six months, until the next annual meeting, at which the expulsion will be considered, as provided for in Section 4 of this Article. The suspension shall not restrict the defendant’s right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing Club meeting which considers the recommendation of the Board or Board committee.
Immediately after the Board or Board committee has reached its decision, its findings shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The Secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the decision and penalty, if any
Section 4 Expulsion
Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at the Annual Meeting of the Club following a hearing and the recommendation of the Board or Board committee as provided in Section 3 of this Article. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing on his or her own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the findings, and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf. The membership shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2/3 vote of those present and voting at the Annual Meeting, as set forth in Article II, Section 1, shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the suspension shall stand.
Section 5 Removal of Club Officer, Club Director, or AKC Delegate
Club officers, directors or the AKC Delegate may be suspended or removed, for cause, by a 2/3 secret vote of the Board. “Cause” shall include, but shall not be limited to, misconduct, neglect of duty or violation of the Club Constitution and Bylaws, all as determined in the sole discretion of the Board voting on the suspension or removal.
No final action under this section shall be taken until the officer, director or AKC Delegate has been advised of the specific proposed action in writing, has been given 30 days from the time the notice of action is received to prepare and submit a written response to the Board, and has been afforded an opportunity to address a quorum of Board by either teleconference or in person, at the election of a majority of the entire Board. If the officer, director or AKC Delegate subject to suspension or removal fails to timely respond and/or elects not to appear before the Board, those rights shall be considered waived, and the Board may proceed to take final action.
An officer, director or AKC Delegate shall automatically be removed from office if the individual ceases to be a member in good standing of the Club. The Board may summarily remove any officer, director or AKC delegate who is suspended any of the privileges of the AKC or who is suspended or expelled under the provisions of Article VI.
Club officers, directors or the AKC Delegate may be removed, for cause, by the Club membership. “Cause” shall include, but shall not be limited to, misconduct, neglect of duty or violation of the Club Constitution and Bylaws. The Club membership may seek to remove an officer, director, or the AKC Delegate by filing a petition for removal with the Board, which must include at least 20% of signatures of all those voting in the election for the affected office in the preceding annual election. Once the petition is filed with the Board, a general vote will be conducted in accordance with this article within two months of the filing of the petition. A Club officer, director or AKC Delegate will be immediately removed from office if 2/3 of the votes cast are in favor of removal.
The Board shall fill any resulting vacancy in accordance with the provisions of Article III, Section 3. Any appointment shall be published to the membership in the same manner as set forth in Article IV Section 3(j).
ARTICLE VII
Amendments
Section 1
Amendments to the constitution and bylaws or breed standard may be proposed by the Board or by written petition addressed to the Secretary signed by 20% of the membership in good standing. Amendments to the bylaws proposed by such petition shall be promptly considered by the Board and must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a vote within three months of the date when the petition was received by the Secretary. Proposed amendments to the standard for the breed must be submitted to the members with recommendations of the Board by the Secretary for a secret vote following the procedures established by the AKC Board of Directors.
Section 2
The constitution and bylaws may be amended at any time or the Standard for the breed in accordance with AKC policies, provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been sent by the Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of mailing, by regular mail or by electronic mail, accompanied by a ballot on which a choice for or against the action to be taken shall be indicated. Dual-envelope and balloting procedures described in Article VI, Section 3(d) or by secure secret electronic ballots shall be followed in handling such ballots, to assure secrecy of the vote. Notice sent to each member with such ballot shall specify a date not less than 30 days after the date received, by which date the ballots must be returned to the Secretary to be counted. A favorable vote of 2⁄3 of the members in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to effect any such amendment.
No amendment to the constitution bylaws that is adopted by the club shall become effective until it has been approved by the Board of Directors of The American Kennel Club.
The Constitution and Bylaws and the Breed Standard may be amended at any time provided a copy of the proposed amendment has been sent by regular mail or by electronic mail by the Secretary to each member in good standing on the date of the mailing accompanied by a ballot on which he/she may indicate his/her choice for or against the action to be taken. The notice shall specify a date no less than 30 days after the date of mailing by which date the ballots must be returned to the Secretary to be counted. The favorable vote of 2/3 of the members in good standing who return valid ballots within the time limit shall be required to affect any such amendment.
No Amendment to the Constitution and Bylaws or to the Breed Standard that is adopted by the Club shall become effective until it has been approved by the Board of Directors of the American Kennel Club.
ARTICLE VIII
Dissolution
Section 1
The Club may be dissolved at any time by written consent of not less than 2/3 of the members in good standing. In the event of dissolution of the Club other than for purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club nor any proceeds thereof nor any assets of the property 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 unless prohibited by state law.
ARTICLE IX
Order Of Business
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 the last meeting Report of the President Report of the Secretary Report of the Treasurer Report of Committees Unfinished Business
New Business Adjournment
Section 2
At meetings of the Board, order of business, unless otherwise directed by a majority vote of those present, shall be as follows:
Reading of minutes of last meeting Report of the Secretary
Report of the Treasurer Reports of Committees Unfinished Business New Business
Election of New Members Adjournment
ARTICLE X
Parliamentary Authority
Section 1
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 Board may adopt.
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