ARTICLE I – NAME
ARTICLE II – NONPROFIT CORPORATION AND CHARTER
ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MANAGEMENT
ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS
ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES
ARTICLE IX – DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XI – FISCAL YEAR
ARTICLE XII - INDEMNIFICATION

ARTICLE II – NONPROFIT CORPORATION AND CHARTER
Section A. Nonprofit Corporation
The association is organized as a nonprofit corporation and operates consistent with the requirements of an organization classified as tax exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).

Section B. Charter
The association shall be chartered by USBC and subject to its authority. To maintain its charter, the association must:
1. Provide services for men, women and youth.
2. Adopt bylaws approved by USBC.
3. Not enact any bylaws or rules inconsistent with USBC’s bylaws.
4. Adhere to Performance Standards and stated requirements as set forth in the USBC Association Operations Manual.
5. Apply for renewal of its charter every five years (See the Suspension and Reinstatement Chapter for suspension, revocation and appeal procedures.).

ARTICLE III – PURPOSE
The purposes of the association as stated in the Articles of Incorporation, include, but are not limited to:
1. Providing equal opportunity for all in the sport of bowling without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, or national origin.
2. Promoting the game of American Tenpins.
3. Conducting and supporting bowling competition.
4. Engaging in any other activities permitted by an organization classified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Individuals who have obtained USBC and local association membership, in accordance with USBC and local association bylaws, become members of this association through the payment of applicable annual state dues, if any. The delegates representing adult membership, by two-thirds vote, determine and adopt adult dues, if any. The annual state adult dues are one dollar ($1.00) (Cannot exceed $1.00)
The board, by two-thirds vote, determines and adopts youth dues, if any, based on the recommendation of the Youth Committee. The annual state youth dues are twenty-five cents $0.25. (Cannot exceed $0.25 current YABA maximum.)
The board may waive all or part of state dues for:
1. Members of other USBC associations having a reciprocal agreement with the association.
2. Other groups, such as, seniors, etc., as determined by the board.
The association cannot charge additional non-dues assessments.

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS – MANAGEMENT

Section A. Board Composition, Authority and Duties
The management and governance of the association is vested in the board of directors. The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives determine the number of directors. The total number of the Board is twenty (20), consisting of five (5) officers and fifteen (15) directors. Of the total number, no more than three (3) adult representatives may come from any one jurisdictional area. At least 20% of the total number of directors will be elected by the Youth Committee. The number of directors elected by the Youth Committee is four (4). The board shall not engage in any acts constituting a conflict of interest. The board’s duties include but are not limited to:
1. Enforcing the bylaws.
2. Complying with the USBC Association Operations Manual.
3. Ensuring adherence to all USBC Performance Standards.
4. Adopting youth dues, up to the maximum established by USBC, based on the recommendation of the Youth Committee.
5. Conducting championship level competition for its membership constituency (men, women and youth) and complying with state and local laws in their area.
6 Providing education, training, evaluations, recognition and other services as determined by USBC.
7. Implementing USBC programs.
8. Selecting/appointing and evaluating the performance of the Association Manager.
9. Approving use of membership records.

Section B. Eligibility
A candidate for the board must be:
1. A member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term.
2. Elected or appointed without regard to race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, or age, other than the minimum age of 14, unless state laws mandate a specific age, and be reasonably representative of the membership.
a. Any member of the board authorized to sign contracts or acting as a signatory on association accounts must be of legal contractual minimum age.
b. At least 20% of the board must be represented by youth and elected by and from the Youth Committee.
c. A maximum of three bowling center proprietors may serve on the board at one time. A proprietor is an individual who is the owner, partner, or corporate officer of a bowling center or group of bowling centers. Excluded from the definition of proprietor is an individual who owns 25% or less of the equity shares, or who is inactive in the management of the bowling center and remains so during a term as an officer or director.
Additional eligibility requirements, if any, will be developed by the nominating committee to be approved by the delegates representing adults and Youth Representatives.

Section C. Election of Directors
Directors whose positions are subject to election by the delegates representing adults are elected by a majority vote* of the delegates, present and voting, from:
1. A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.
2. Nominations from the floor. Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
At least 20% of the board is elected by the Youth committee.
Voting will be by ballot if there is more than one nominee for each position.
*If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest vote total is dropped and balloting continues until a candidate receives a majority vote.

Section D. Term
The term for directors is three (3) years. After the initial election, all terms are three (3) years. The following stagger system shall be employed for election of directors:

Section E. Resignation, Removal, and Vacancies
1. Resignation. A board member may resign from the board of directors by providing written notice of resignation to the president or, in the case of the president, to the board.
2. Removal for Ineligibility. A board member who is no longer eligible to serve on the board may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the board when a quorum is present.
3. Removal for Cause. When a board member is accused, in writing, of failure to properly perform the duties of their office or otherwise engaging in improper or unfair activities or conduct, the board may conduct a hearing following the Removal Procedures in the Suspension and Reinstatement Chapter. An appeal may be filed with USBC within 15 days of the removal. Two-thirds written consent of the full board is required to seek re-election and/or re-appointment to the board.
4. Vacancies. Vacancies in positions on the board are filled for the un-expired portion of each term as follows:
a. If elected by the delegates representing adult membership, vacancies are filled by the president, subject to approval by the board.
b. If elected by the Youth Committee, vacancies are filled by the Youth Committee.
c. The board fills vacancies in officer positions.

ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS
Section A. President, Vice Presidents, and Sgt at Arms
The officers of this association shall include a president, three (3) vice presidents, and a sergeant-at-arms. Their duties and responsibilities to be placed in the USBC Association Operations Manual.

Section B. Election
Officers are elected by a majority vote* of the delegates representing adult membership present and voting from:
1. A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.
2. Nominations from the floor. Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
Voting will be by ballot if there is more than one nominee for each position.
*If a majority vote is not reached on the first ballot, the candidate receiving the lowest vote total is dropped and balloting continues until a candidate receives a majority vote.

Section C. Term
The term for elected officers is three (3) years. After the initial election, all terms are three (3) years. The following stagger system shall be employed for election of directors:

Section D. Authority and Duties
1. President
a. Presides at all meetings.
b. Acts as spokesperson for the association.
c. Serves as the liaison to the state proprietors association, if applicable.
d. Appoints committees, except nominating and youth, with board approval.

Note: All committees except nominating should be composed of both board members and non-board members.

2. First Vice President
a. Presides at all meetings when the President is absent.
b. Performs other duties as prescribed by the board or requested by the president.

3. Second Vice President
a. Presides at all meetings when the President and First Vice President are absent.
b. Performs other duties as prescribed by the board or requested by the president.

4. Third Vice President
a. Presides at all meetings when the President, First and Second Vice President are absent.
b. Performs other duties as prescribed by the board or requested by the president.

5. Sgt at Arms

6. Association Manager
The Association Manager is:
a. Selected/appointed by and accountable to the board.
b. Responsible for implementation of USBC’s Performance Standards.
c. Acting as the ex officio non-voting secretary/treasurer of the board or such other officer designation as required by law and determined by the board.
d. Responsible for other duties as prescribed by the board and in the USBC Association Operations Manual.

ARTICLE VII – MEETINGS
Section A. Annual Meeting
An Annual Meeting of association delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives shall be held at a time and place approved by the board of directors. (See Article IX, Section C for the time frame for election of delegates and alternates to the USBC Annual Meeting.) Attendance is open to all members. Voting officers, directors, delegates/alternates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives/alternates must be at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age.

1. The association invites all associations within its jurisdiction, as follows:
a. Associations serving men, women and youth are entitled to delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives/alternates.
1) Delegates/alternates.
a) Only adult membership will be used to determine the number of adult delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.
2) Youth Representatives/alternates
a) Only youth membership will be used to determine the number of Youth Representatives/alternates to which an association is entitled.
b. Associations serving men and women only (BA):
1) Delegates/alternates.
a) Association membership will be used to determine the number of delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.
c. Associations serving women only (WBA):
1) Delegates/alternates.
a) Association membership will be used to determine the number of delegates/alternates to which an association is entitled.
d. Associations serving youth only (Youth Association):
1) Youth Representatives/alternates.
a) Association membership will be used to determine the number of Youth Representatives/alternates to which an association is entitled.
b) Youth Representatives/alternates are defined as members, at least 14 years of age unless state laws mandate a specific age, elected by chartered local associations.

Chartered MERGED, NON-MERGED, and AFFILLIATE associations shall be entitled to delegates adult and youth based on the membership of the association. The total number of Adult Delegates for the association will be based on the combined adult membership chart below.

The total number of Youth Delegates will be based on the chart below.

A local association is not eligible to send delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives/alternates if it is declared delinquent or USBC has revoked its charter.

e. Credentials
Credentials are forwarded to the state association at least sixty (60) days prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
2. Voice and Vote
Voting officers and directors, delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives, at least 14 years of age, unless state laws mandate a specific age, have voice and vote. Other members may attend with voice only. Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.
3. Responsibilities
a. Delegates representing adult membership shall:
1) Adopt bylaws, with the exception of youth dues.
2) Adopt state adult dues up to the established maximum.
3) Elect up to 80% of the officers and directors to the board.
4) Elect two adult delegates and two alternates for the USBC Annual Meeting.
b. Youth Representatives shall:
1) Adopt bylaws with the exception of adult and youth dues.
2) Elect the Youth Committee.
4. Meeting Notice
Written notice of the meeting shall be forwarded to the board, delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives, at least 15 days prior to the annual meeting. Special meetings may be called by the president or upon written request of at least three board members.

5. Quorum
a. Forty-one (41) delegates representing adult membership constitute a quorum. The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives determine the number.
Note: An association that has not processed dues for the current season shall be considered delinquent.
b. Nine (9) Youth Representatives constitute a quorum for youth related elections and activities. The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives determine the number.
(See the USBC Association Operations Manual for suggested quorums.)
6. Action
A majority vote of the delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives, state officers and directors present and voting, at a properly noticed meeting, when a quorum has been established, is required to take action, unless otherwise provided by law or these bylaws. Elections of officers and directors require a majority vote. Elections of delegates and alternates require a plurality vote. Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

Section B. Board Meeting
The board shall meet at least annually. Special meetings may be held upon the request of any board member if a majority of the board approves.
1. Notice. Written notice for all regular and special meetings shall be forwarded to the board at least 15 days prior to the meeting.
2. Quorum. Eleven (11) board members constitute a quorum. The delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives determine the number.
3. Action. A majority vote of the officers and directors, present and voting, at a properly noticed meeting, when a quorum has been established, is required to take action, unless otherwise provided by law or these bylaws. Absentee and proxy voting are not permitted.

Section C. Parliamentary Procedure
The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, shall govern all meetings.

.

ARTICLE VIII – COMMITTEES
Section A. Standing Committees
The association shall have the following Standing Committees: Nominating, Youth, and Finance.
1. Nominating Committee. The committee reviews candidates and prepares slates for adult board, delegates representing adult membership and alternate positions. The committee will prepare slates for the Youth Committee based on the recommendation of the Youth Committee. The committee publicizes criteria and procedures for the elected positions.
(See the USBC Association Operations Manual for composition of the Nominating Committee.)
2. Youth Committee. The Youth Committee is elected by the Youth Representatives and is responsible for:
a. Developing eligibility requirements for board members representing the youth.
b. Electing at least 20% of the board members from the Youth Committee.
c. Developing eligibility requirements for the Youth Committee, subject to approval of the board of directors.
d. Recommending youth dues, to be approved by the board.
e. Monitoring, promoting, reviewing and recommending youth programs conducted by the association.
3. Finance Committee. The committee is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the annual budget and other financial matters.

Section B. Other Committees
The president may establish other committees, with board approval.

ARTICLE IX – DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
Section A. USBC Annual Meeting
Two adult delegates and two adult alternates are elected by plurality vote* of those delegates representing adult and youth membership, present and voting. (See Article VI, Section A of the national bylaws for representation.)

Section B. Eligibility
Delegates and Alternates must be:
1. Elected by the delegates representing adult and youth membership.
2. At least 18 years of age.
3. A member in good standing of the association at the time of election and throughout their term.
If a member is elected to represent more than one association to attend the same meeting, the first election shall stand and any succeeding election shall be declared null and void.

Section C. Election
Delegates and alternates serve for one year, beginning August 1, and are elected by:
1. A slate provided by the Nominating Committee.
2. Nominations from the floor. Qualifications must be submitted to the Nominating Committee at least 24 hours prior to the opening of the annual meeting.
3. Plurality vote*. The election shall be by ballot, except that a voice vote may be taken when the number of candidates does not exceed the number of positions to be filled.
4. Alternates shall serve in order of their election.
The election is to be held in compliance with the USBC Annual Meeting requirements.

Section D. Vacancies
Vacancies in delegate positions are filled for the un-expired portion of each term by the alternates, in the order in which they were elected. If a vacancy still exists, the president fills the vacant position by appointment.
The appointee must also meet the same eligibility requirements as elected positions.
Note: If the association’s charter has been revoked they are ineligible to send delegates to the USBC Annual Meeting.
*A plurality vote is the largest number of votes cast for a given candidate. The candidate(s) receiving the most votes is(are) elected.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS
Section A. Procedure
Any member of the association may submit proposed amendments to these bylaws. The state association bylaws may be amended at any delegate/Youth Representative meeting by a two-thirds vote of the delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives present and voting. The amendment must be:
1. Submitted in writing to the Association Manager or president.
2. Submitted at least 60 days (date or number of days to be set by the delegates) prior to the meeting when the association is considering the proposal. (See Section B Change in Dues.)
3. Forwarded by the state association at least 15 days before the meeting to:
a. Local Association Managers.
b. Board of Directors.
c. Delegates representing adult membership and Youth Representatives eligible to vote.

Section B. Change in Dues
1. Adult dues. Forward a notice to each delegate representing adult membership and Youth Representative at least 15 days prior to the meeting at which the proposed change is considered. The notice must:
a. Be in writing.
b. Specify the amount of the change.
c. Specify the reason for the change.
2. Youth dues. Changes in youth dues are adopted by the board, based on recommendations of the Youth Committee. Notification of any adopted change in dues and the reason for the change will be forwarded in writing to each local association.

Section C. Effective Date
All amendments are effective August 1 following adoption, unless otherwise specified when adopted.

ARTICLE XI – FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of this association is August 1 through July 31.

ARTICLE XII - INDEMNIFICATION
Directors, officers, and other authorized volunteers, employees or agents shall be indemnified against claims for personal and individual liability arising in connection with their positions or service on behalf of the association to the full extent permitted by law.