Article I
Name and Purpose

Section 1:

The name of this organization shall be the Southern California Striders Track Club.

Section 2:

The purpose of the organization shall be to organize and encourage participation in masters and open track & field and long distance running, and to promote physical fitness while fostering fellowship, understanding and cooperation.

Section 3:

This association is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Section 4:

Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation except from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law); or (b) by corporation contributions which are deductible under section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Section 5:

Upon the dissolution of this association, and after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the corporation, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious and/or scientific purposes and which has established its tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article II
Membership and Dues

Section 1:

Membership in the organization shall be open to all who are interested in the programs and purpose of Masters Track and Field regardless of age, sex, race, national origin, creed, sexual orientation, or mental or physical ability. Membership shall be consistent with USATF definitions of Open and Masters participation.

Section 2:

There shall be the following types of members:

1. General Members shall pay annual dues of $60.00 and shall have the right to vote on matters submitted to them by the Board of Directors and to participate in the election of officers. Each member shall receive an annual roster of currently active members.
2. Life Members are non-General Members for whom the annual membership dues have been waived; they have the same rights as General Members. Life Membership is bestowed by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. Past presidents are automatically awarded Life Membership.

Section 3:

1. All dues are due and payable January 1 of each year and are considered delinquent if not paid by April 1. After proper notification by the membership chair, non-dues-paying members shall be deemed delinquent and forfeit their membership. A forfeited membership may be reinstated by payment of the current year's dues.
2. There shall be no reduction in the annual dues because of a shortened year of membership.

Section 4:

Members are required to abide by the Southern California Striders Track Club Code of Conduct and Ethics. Failure to abide by this Code may result in a dismissal from the team.

Article III
Board of Directors

Section 1:

The executive power of the organization shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board manages the affairs and funds of the organization, and the Board has the power to perform all acts and functions in accordance with the Bylaws of the organization.

Section 2:

The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers of the organization: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Communications Director, Past-President, Webmaster; and up to two members-at-large.

1. The elected officers of the organization shall consist of a President, Vice President, Club Secretary and Treasurer;
2. The Communications Director and Webmaster are appointed by the President;
3. At-large members may be nominated by any board member to the President and must be approved by the President.

Section 3:

Any vacancy occurring on the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment by the President with approval of the Board of Directors, except for the office of the President, which shall be filled by the Vice President. All appointments shall be for the duration of the term.

Section 4:

The Board of Directors shall meet monthly for the purpose of determining policies and administrative matters. These meetings are open to the general membership, but participation by non-Board members may be limited by the President when matters requiring confidentiality are to be discussed.

Section 5:

Five members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

Article IV
Nomination, Election and Terms of Elected Officers

Section 1: Nominations

1. By September 1 of even-numbered years, the President shall create a Nominating Committee consisting of 2-4 Board members.
2. By September 15 of election years, the Nominating Committee shall notify the general membership of the upcoming election and:
1. Ask for nominations from the general membership to be turned in to the Nominating Committee by October 1; members may nominate themselves.
2. Ask members to identify that they need a paper ballot since electronic voting shall be the default method (see below).
3. The Nominating Committee shall ask nominees if they are willing to serve and will distribute ballots to general members (by mail or electronically) no later than October 15. Anyone who receives a nomination will appear on the ballot.

Section 2: Election

1. Voting for elected officers shall be done electronically by a method determined by the Nominating Committee; if a member desires to vote by paper ballot, they must notify the Nominating Committee in writing and they will be left off of the email distribution for electronic voting.
2. Paper ballots must be returned and electronic ballots must be cast by November 1.
3. The person receiving the greatest number of votes for any given position shall be elected.
4. In the event of a tie, there will be a second vote taken.
5. Announcement of the elected officers shall be made at the Annual Meeting, usually held in mid-November.

Section 3: Term

The officers shall be elected to serve for a term of two years and shall be eligible for re-election for a second consecutive term to the same office, not to exceed two consecutive terms. An officer may hold only one office at a given time.

Section 4: Resignation

Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the President. Any such resignation shall take effect upon acceptance by the Board of Directors.

Article V
Duties of Officers

Section 1:

The President shall: serve as the Chief Executive Officer; have the authority to convene the Board of Directors; preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors; appoint all committee chairs; appoint a member to take notes at the meetings of the Board of Directors; and is empowered to appoint a Communications Director, Membership Secretary, and two members-at-large subject to ratification by the Board of Directors; and shall oversee all committees with the exception of the Nominating Committee. The President shall only vote to break a tie.

Section 2:

The Vice President shall assist the President and assume the duties of the President in his or her absence, at his or her request, or if for any reason the President is unable to carry out his or her duties due to poor health, resignation, impeachment or death.

Section 3:

The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings; maintain a list of all members of the Board of Directors; and forward notices of all meetings.

Section 4:

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the record keeping of all financial matters.

Section 5:

The Communications Director shall be responsible for keeping members informed of events and news pertinent to the Club; writing articles for the website; and maintaining an up-to-date email distribution list.

Section 6:

The Membership Secretary shall be responsible for sending out welcoming letters to all new members. He or she shall take the initiative in recruiting new members, and send out reminders to all members who are arrears in their dues. The Membership Secretary shall also provide the Board of Directors and/or membership with an up-to-date membership roster, which would include name, address, phone number, date of birth and email address. He or she will also keep the President and Treasurer advised on a monthly basis, via written report, as to what membership dues have been received and changes to membership enrollment.

Section 7:

The Webmaster shall be responsible for maintaining the club website. The website should be updated as needed or as directed by the Board of Directors.

Section 8:

Failure to fulfill their duties may result in the dismissal of the Board member from the Board.

Article VI
Revocation of Membership

The Board may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire board membership, suspend or expel any Member for violation of Bylaws, Code of Conduct and Ethics violations, or any rule, policies or procedures violations. Members may appeal their revocation or suspension in writing to the Board.