Constitution & By Laws Of
The Owner Handlers Association Inc.
Article I
Name & Obejectives
Name of the Association shall be:
Owner Handlers Association Inc
The main objectives of the Association shall be:
- To encourage and promote the sport of owner training and
handling of dogs.
- To encourage and promote sportsmanship among the dog fancy.
- To educate and communicate about the fancy.
Article II
Code Of Ethics
Preamble
I will uphold the Constitution of The Orange Blossom Owner Handlers
Association Of Florida, Inc., further my own and other exhibitors
education in the sport, educate other exhibitors by example and offer
help wherever possible.
I will always endeavor to conduct myself in an exemplary fashion
being aware that my behavior is a direct reflection on my
organization.
I will at all times defend my organization by meeting
misrepresentation with facts and will make every effort to safeguard
it’s good name.
Ownership
I will maintain the highest possible standards of cleanliness in the
care of my dogs.
I will strive to keep my dogs in the best possible physical condition.
I will always keep in mind the safety of other dogs.
I will not jeopardize other dogs or exhibitors by showing an
uncontrollably aggressive or sick animal.
I will not jeopardize the health of my own animals by any action such
as bringing a bitch on the show grounds when due to whelp.
I will try at all times to keep my dog under control so that he may
not annoy my neighbors nor contribute to the excess of unwanted dog
population.
I will refuse to knowingly deal with dog wholesalers, retailers, and
unethical breeders.
I will not deal with any buyer who I have reason to believe will not
properly care for the puppy or dog he purchases.
I will always do my part to keep the grooming area and show grounds
clean and observe all other exhibitors rights.
I will display the most responsible and courteous behavior toward all
people involved in the fancy as well as toward people who serve the
fancy’s needs.
I will always keep motel rooms clean when traveling with dogs and
should soil or damage inadvertently occur, I will report it and assume
all financial responsibility for damages.
I will not use inhumane training methods.
I will conduct myself in an ethical manner if I choose to use the
services of anyone dealing with the fancy.
I will strive to evaluate my own dogs and exhibit only those worthy of
being shown and who been properly trained and groomed.
I will not, in an effort to set a good example for the novice
exhibitor, enter a dog, which is below standard in an effort to
control the number of points.
Sportsmanship
I will be courteous to judges and fellow exhibitors by showing good
sportsmanship.
I will make every effort to stay for the Group showing if my dog
should be chosen Best of Breed or Best of Variety.
I will acquaint myself with and adhere to all the rules and
regulations.
I will make an effort to be on time for my judging and remain in the
ring until excused by the judge or steward.
I will wait at ringside if there is a possibility that my dog may be
needed for further judging.
I will be selective in the shows I enter so that the safety and
comfort of dogs and exhibitors will be protected.
To perpetuate the sport of showing dogs, I will encourage all show
giving clubs to offer Junior Showmanship Classes.
I will wear appropriate attire in the ring to project the proper image
of the owner handler and compliment the total picture of the dog and
handler.
I will show my dog in a clean and well-groomed condition.
I will make every to be on time when showing at a licensed competitive
events. If this is not possible, I will try to accomplish the changes
with the least confusion and inconvenience to the officials and the
exhibitors.
Membership
I will conduct myself in an orderly manner at all the OHA meetings.
I will consider the best interest of the Orange Blossom Owner Handlers
Association of Florida, Inc., to be first and foremost above any
personal considerations and will not engage in any conduct, which will
be injurious to the Association.
I will not use my membership in the Orange Blossom Owner Handlers
Association Of Florida, Inc., solely as a vehicle to further my
personal interest.
I agree that only the Board Of Governors of The Orange Blossom Owner
Handlers Association Of Florida, Inc., or it’s appointed
representatives have the right to represent the Association in any and
all issues.
The Board Of Governors Of The Orange Blossom Owner Handlers
Association Of Florida, Inc shall have approved communications, which
contain any statement of policy of The Orange Blossom Owner Handlers
Association Of Florida, Inc., in writing in advance.
Article III
Membership
Section 1 Regular
Membership is open to any person who subscribes to the purposes of
this Association, agrees to abide by its Constitution and By Laws, is
active in the sport of dogs and is in good standing with recognized
Kennel Clubs.
There shall be three (3) types of membership: Regular Member, Junior
Member, and Honorary Member.
Section 2 Junior Membership
All persons over eight (8) and under eighteen (18) years of age may
apply for Junior Membership. Such members shall have all the
privileges of membership but shall not serve on the Board of Governors
nor vote neither on any business nor in Association elections. At
Eighteen (18) years of age, Junior Members become eligible for Regular
Membership.
Section 3 Honorary Membership
The Board of Governors may confer Honorary Membership in the
Association by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the Governors
present at a Board meeting. An Honorary Member shall have none of the
obligations of membership but shall be entitled to all the privileges
except those of making motions, voting and holding office.
Section 4 Application for Membership
Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form approved by the
Board of Governors, which shall provide that the applicant agrees to
abide by the Association’s Constitution, By Laws, and the Code of
Ethics. One year’s dues shall accompany the membership application.
The Board may institute an initiation fee at its discretion.
Section 5 Election to Membership
The Board of Governors at its next meeting shall vote on all
applications received. Affirmative votes by two-thirds (2/3) of the
Governors present at a meeting of the Board shall be required to elect
an applicant. If membership is denied an applicant, the Board is not
obligated to disclose the reason for denial.
Section 6 Application of Re-submission
Applications, which have received an unfavorable vote by the Board,
may be re-submitted no less than one year from the date of the Boards
decision.
Article IV
Dues
Dues shall be subject to
change by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Board of Governors.
Article V
Directors and Officers
Section 1 Qualifications
To be eligible for nomination to the Board of Governors or serve on
a nominating Committee, a member must have exhibited and/or handled a
minimum of one (1) dog completing the title of Champion of Record,
Field Trial Champion, CD or TD and have at least two (2) years of
active association with the sport of dogs, or not fulfilling the
previous qualifications must have a minimum of five (5) years of
association of the sport of dogs.
Section 2 Board of Governors
The Board shall be comprised of the President, First Vice
President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding
Secretary, and the Treasurer, all of whom shall be elected for one two
year term, and six (6) Directors who will be elected for one four year
term, half of which will be elected at each biennial meeting of the
Association, except in the first election when half of the Board shall
be elected for two (2) years and the other half for four (4) year
terms.
Both Secretaries and the Treasurer may have assistants approved by
the Board. Assistants may not vote at a Board of Governors meeting.
The Executive Committee shall be made up of the President, The
Recording Secretary, The Treasurer and ONE (1) Board member to be
chosen by the Board. The Executive Committee shall act only on
emergencies and only when there is a unanimous vote of its members.
Decisions made but not acted upon by the Executive Committee may be
overruled at the next Board Meeting.
Section 3 Officers
The Association’s Officers, consisting of the President, First Vive
President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding
Secretary, and Treasurer shall serve in their respective capacities as
follows:
The President shall
preside at all meetings of the Association and shall have the duties
and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition
to those particularly specified by these By Laws.
The First Vice President shall
have the powers and exercise the duties of the President in case of
the absence, incapacity or death of the President.
The Second Vice
President shall have
the powers and exercise the duties of the President in case of the
absence, incapacity or death of the President and the First Vice
President. In addition, the Second Vice President shall perform the
duties of Chapter Coordinator.
The Corresponding
Secretary shall have
responsibility of the correspondence of the Association as directed by
the Board or by the President. Copies of all out going correspondence
shall be sent to the President at the time the original correspondence
is sent. The Corresponding Secretary will notify the President of any
correspondence within one week of receipt of that correspondence.
The Recording Secretary shall
take minutes of all meetings of the Association and of the Board and
shall be responsible for their distribution. An agenda shall be
prepared by the President and the Recording Secretary and shall be
enclosed with the meeting notice. The Recording Secretary shall be
responsible for the preparation and distribution of ballots and shall
notify officers and directors.
The Treasurer shall
collect and receive all monies due or belonging to the Association and
shall deposit these funds in the name of the Association in banks
approved by the Board. The accounts shall be in the name of the
Treasurer and the President for the purpose of withdrawal. When ever
practical, monies shall be deposited in an interest bearing account
upon the approval of the Board. The Executive Committee must approve
all checks over $250. All checks over $1000 shall require signatures
of the President and the Treasurer. The books shall at all times be
open for inspection by the Board. The Treasurer shall provide an
itemized report of the Association’s finances at every Board meeting.
At the Association’s Annual Meeting, the Treasurer shall render an
account of all monies received and expended during the current fiscal
year and all outstanding debts owed by the Association. The Treasurer
shall be bonded, and the Association shall pay for premiums for which.
The annual Audit shall be conducted prior to the annual Meeting by a
Committee of three (3) members chosen by the Board, only one of who
shall be a current Board Member.
Section 4 Resignations
Resignation of an Officer is an automatic resignation from the Board
of Governors. Any member of the Board of Governors who misses three
(3) consecutive meetings may be requested, at the discretion of the
Board of Governors, to resign from the Board.
Section 5 Vacancies
Any vacancy occurring on the Board shall be filled as soon as
practical for the unexpired term of office upon a majority vote of the
remaining members of the Board.
Section 6 Term of Office
Members of the Board of Governors may hold office for a two-year term.
No more than one (1) member of the same family, residing in the same
household, may serve on the Board of Governors at the same time. Any
member of the Board of Governors may be re-elected.
Article VI
Committees
Section 1
The Board shall appoint each year standing committees to advance the
work of the Association. 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.
Article VII
Meetings
Section 1 Association Meetings
Meetings of the Association shall be held at a place, date, and
hour designated by the Board of Governors. Written notice of a meeting
shall be mailed to all members at least fourteen (14) days prior to
the date of the meeting.
The quorum for these meetings shall be a minimum of fifteen (15)
members other than members of the Board of Governors.
Section 2 Special Association Meetings
Special Association meetings may be called by the President or by a
majority vote of the members of the Board who are present at the
meeting, who vote by mail, or by the Recording Secretary upon receipt
of a petition signed by fifteen (15) members of the Association who
are in good standing. Such meetings shall be held at a place, date,
and hour designated by the Board of Governors within sixty (60) days
of the receipt of the petition. The Recording Secretary shall mail
written notice of such meeting at least fourteen (14) days prior to
the meeting. The notice of the meeting shall state the purpose of the
meeting and no other Association business may be transacted. The
Quorum of such a meeting shall be the same as that of a regular
Association meeting.
Section 3 Board Meetings
There shall be at least four (4) meetings of the Board of Governors
each year. The Recording Secretary shall mail written notice of each
meeting to each member of the Board at least fourteen (14) calendar
days prior to the date of the meeting. The quorum of such a meeting
shall be six (6) members of the Board. A meeting is defined as a
gathering in person, by telephone, by mail or any other manner in
general acceptance.
Section 4 Conduct of Business
The rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the
Association in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which
they are not inconsistent with the By Laws of the Association.
Article VIII
The Association Year
Section 1
The Association’s fiscal year shall begin on the first (1) day of
November and end on the thirty-first (31) day of October.
Article IX
Nominations
Section 1
No person may be a candidate in the Association election who has
not been nominated in accordance with these By Laws. The Board of
Governors shall choose a Nominating Committee before June 1. The
Committee shall consist of five (5) members in good standing. No more
than one of who shall be a member of the current Board of Governors.
The Board shall name a Chairman of the Committee.
Section 2
The Nominating Committee shall nominate from among the members of
the Association in good standing one (1) candidate for each position
on the Board of Governors. The Committee shall procure written
acceptance and a short biography from each nominee. The Committee
shall then submit it’s slate of candidates and biographies to the
Recording Secretary no later than August 1. The Recording Secretary
shall mail the slate and biographies to each member of the Association
on or before September 1.
Section 3
Additional nominations may be made by written petition which must
be signed by five (5) OBOHA Members in good standing and accompanied
by the Candidate’s written acceptance with a short biography
signifying the nominee’s willingness to be a candidate. This petition
must be sent via express, certified or registered mail and received at
the Recording Secretary’s regular address on or before October 1. No
person shall be a candidate for more than one office.
Section 4
If there is more than one candidate for any office, the Board of
Governors shall pick two (2) members in good standing as Inspectors of
Election to serve with the Recording Secretary in the validation of
ballots.
Article X
Biennial Elections
Section 1
If there is more than one (1) candidate for an office, the
recording secretary must mail, on or before November 1, a ballot to
each member in good standing as of July 1, of the election year. The
ballot shall list all the nominees in alphabetical order together with
the biographical sketches. A blank envelope and a return envelope
addressed to the Recording Secretary and marked ‘ballot’ shall also be
included. Each voter, after marking his ballot, shall seal it in the
blank envelope and place it in the second envelope addressed to the
Recording Secretary. The member must place his name and return address
on the return envelope for validation of the ballot. Any ballot
received without a return address will be invalid and will not be
counted in the election process. Ballots, to be valid, must be
postmarked no later than seven (7) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
Section 2
The Inspectors of Election shall check the returns against the July
31 list of members in good standing prior to opening the outer
envelopes. To certify the eligibility of the voters, after validation,
the sealed blank envelope shall be removed from the outer envelope and
held by the Recording Secretary until the Annual Meeting. Blank
envelopes will be opened at the Annual Meeting and the results of the
voting shall be announced. Ballots shall be kept on file for a period
of sixty (60) days during which time any contesting must be made.
Section 3
If there are no contested positions, no ballot will be sent. The
Recording Secretary will cast one (1) vote electing the uncontested
slate. Nominations cannot be made at the Annual Meeting or in any
manner other than provided In Article IX Sections 1,2, and 3.
Section 4
At the Annual Meeting for the election of the Board of Governors,
the vote shall be conducted by ballot. Ballots, to be valid, must be
received by the Recording Secretary before the opening of the meeting.
A Tabulating Committee of at least three (3) members chosen by the
Chair shall count ballots at the meeting. The Nominees receiving the
largest number of votes shall be elected. If any nominee, at the time
of the meeting, is unable to serve for any reason, the nominee shall
not be elected and the new Board of Governors shall fill the vacancy
so created. The Officers & Directors take office immediately upon the
conclusion of the meeting. Each retiring Officer shall turn over to
his successor in office all properties and records relating to that
office within thirty (30) days after the election.
Article XI
Voting
Section 1
At regular meetings or special meetings of the Association, voting
shall be limited to those members in good standing. Voting by proxy
shall not be permitted. The Board of Governors may decide to submit
other specific questions for discussion of the members by written
ballot cast by mail.
Article XII
Chapters
Section 1
A chapter may be formed by any group of not less than fifteen (15)
members in good standing with the Association. The Board of Governors
must approve the territory covered by the proposed Chapter as well as
its Constitution. If, after approval, the number of members of a
Chapter is reduced to less than fifteen (15) members in good standing,
the chapter may continue as a Chapter or may be dissolved at the
discretion of the Board of Governors.
Section 2 Chapter Representation
To enable each regional Chapter to be represented, one delegate and
one alternate shall be elected by the Chapter to represent it at the
National Board of Governors’ meetings. The delegates are invited to
attend National Board Meetings and to listen to all discussion.
Delegates will not be counted in the legal requirements of a quorum.
Section 3
A delegate attending the Board of Governors meeting may only
discuss chapter business with written instructions from the Chapter,
which will be attached to the Recording Secretary’s minutes of that
meeting. The delegate reserves the right to table the subject after
discussion by the Board on order to report to the Chapter.
Section 4
The Owner Handler Association of America, Inc. is not responsible
for any expense of Chapter Delegates, which may include costs incurred
as part of telephone conference calls.
Section 5
The Chapter Coordinator shall act as liaison with established
Chapter and assist in the formation of new chapters. In the event that
a delegate cannot attend a National Board, the National Chapter
Coordinator will represent the Chapter with the written request from
the Chapter Delegate.
Section 6
A chapter must submit any proposed Constitutional changes to the
Board of Governors, which has authority to disapprove or approve such
changes. In the event of approval, the chapter must wait for written
approval before implementing any changes.
Section 7
A Chapter must notify the Board of Governors immediately of any
change of officers during the fiscal year.
Section 8
At the end of each fiscal year, the Chapter must submit a summery
business report, an up-to-date list of Officers and Board Members, and
send a complete list of general members to the Corresponding
Secretary.
Section 9
An annual Chapter assessment may be established at the discretion
of the National Board.
Article XIII
Amendment Of Constitution And By Laws
Section 1
Any proposed amendments must be submitted in writing, signed by
twenty five (25) members in good standing, and sent to the Recording
Secretary.
Section 2
The Board of Governors will review all proposed amendments. Upon
their approval, by at least two thirds (2/3) of the Board, said
proposed amendments will be submitted to the general membership for
approval.
Section 3
The By Laws may be amended by an affirmative two thirds (2/3)
response of members voting. Voting shall be conducted by mail.
Article XIV
Charges And Board Hearings
Section 1
Any member may prefer charges against a member for alleged
misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the Association.
Written charges with specifications must be filed in duplicate with
the Recording Secretary together with a deposit of fifty dollars (50),
which shall be forfeited if the Board does not sustain such charges.
The Recording Secretary shall promptly notify the Board which shall
fix a date of hearing by the Board not less than three (3) weeks nor
more than two (2) months thereafter. The Recording Secretary shall
promptly send one (1) copy of the charges to the accused member by
certified mail with a notice of the hearings and an assurance that the
defendant may personally appear in his own defense by bring witnesses
if he wishes.
Section 2
Both complainant and defendant shall be treated with uniformity in all
respects. In the event that either complainant, defendant, or both or
their witnesses are unable to attend such a hearing any party will be
allowed to present evidence by affidavit or by deposition or by
interrogatories in the same manner as can be done in a court of law.
Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and
testimony presented by the complainant and defendant, the Board may be
a unanimous vote suspends the defendant from all privileges of the
Association for not more than six (6) months from the date of the
hearing. If it deems that penalty insufficient it may recommend
expulsion in such cases. The suspension shall not restrict the
defendant’s right to appear before the Board at the ensuing meeting
which considers the Board’s recommendation. Immediately after the
Board has reached a decision, its findings shall be put in written
form and filed with the Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary
shall notify the complainant and defendant of the Board’s decision and
penalty, if any.
Article XV
Discipline
Section 1
Any member who is suspended from the privileges of any recognized
Dog Club shall automatically be suspended from any privileges of this
Association for the same period of time. Reinstatement as a member of
this Association shall be decided by unanimous vote of the Board of
Governors.
Article XVI
Termination of Membership
Section 1 Resignation
Any member in good standing may resign from the Association upon
written notice to the Recording Secretary, but no member may resign
when in debt to the Association. Such debt is incurred as of the first
day of the Fiscal year.
Section 2 Lapsing
A member shall be considered as terminated if such member’s dues
remain unpaid sixty (60) days after the first day of the fiscal year.
At the discretion of the Board, memberships maybe reinstated upon
payment of dues.
Section 3 Expulsions
Expulsion of a member from the Association may be accomplished at
the next Board meeting following a Board hearing and upon the Board’s
recommendations as provided in Article XIV, Section 2. The President
shall read the charges. The defendant shall have the privilege of
appearing on his own behalf and providing evidence to this meeting.
The Board shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion.
A unanimous vote of those present at the meeting shall be necessary
for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board’s suspension
shall not stand.
Article XVIII
Dissolution
Section 1
The Association may be dissolved at any time by written consent of
not less than two thirds (2/3) of the members. In the event of
dissolution of the Association whether voluntary or involuntary or
operation of law, none of the property of the Association, nor any
proceeds thereof, nor any assets of the Association shall be
distributed to any members of the Association. After payment of debts
of the Association, its property and assets shall be given to a
charitable organization for the benefit of dogs to be selected by the
members by ballot.
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