Sisu Dog Sporting Club of Northern Minnesota
                                                              Bylaws:
Article 1:
This organizations will be known as Sisu Dog Sporting Club of Northern Minnesota. Its membership will be made up of dedicated dog enthusiasts of Northern Minnesota or any person duly elected to membership.
Article 2: Club Purpose
The Purpose of this club will be to promote the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the future of dog related events in and around the community.
            To fulfill this Article, we promise:

1. To hold licensed UKC events that will be run in accordance with all the rules, policies, and procedures of the UKC. (This included but is not limited to, breed standards and the rules for all conformation and performance events.)
2. To dismiss from our membership without hesitation those who violate these bylaws and the principles of good sportsmanship, including fair and honest conduct.
3. The club will not hold any other registry’s events on the same day/location as that of any UKC event without prior approval of UKC.
4. We reserve the right to refuse any entry in our competitions, as well as membership in this club to any individual, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and members. However, no person will be refused entry or membership based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, or national origin.

Article 3: New Membership

1. The method of obtaining membership in this Club will be as follows:

Each application for membership in the club will apply on a Board-approved Application for Membership, which will provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the Constitution, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics of the Club, as well as the rules and regulations of the UKC. The prospective member will submit the completed application and current years dues to the Secretary.

1. Once the membership application and dues have been turned into the secretary, the club will vote on the application at the next club meeting. A simple majority vote is required to accept the application.
2. No application will be accepted to membership in he or she is not in good standing with UKC.
3. There are two types of membership available with this club:

• Family: consisting of two or more adults of the same family residing at the same residents
• Single: consisting of one adult

Article 4: Membership Dues
The dues of this club will be in the amount decided upon by the membership and will be due and payable on January 1st of the current year. Any member who has not paid their dues by March 1st of the current year will be dropped from the rolls. However, in any member is in financial distress, his or her dues may be waived by a majority vote of the Boards on a case by case basis.
 
Article 5: Continued Membership
The following will be conditions of continuing membership:

1. The attendance of as many meetings as possible. Meeting time and location is to be schedules at least 30 days in advance.
2. The attendance and participation in a minimum of two (2) UKC club events per year. The club constitutes an “event” to be one (1) day. A minimum of two (2) days which need not be in the same weekend/show. 
3. Any member known to promote, support, or raise dogs for fighting; knowingly sell, give, or trade dos that will be used for fighting; condone or be associated with the facing off, game testing, rolling or pitting of dogs will have their membership automatically revoked. The member will be reported to the UKC for disciplinary action as well.

Article 6: Officers
The President, Treasurer, and Board Member 1 will be elected at the first meeting of every even year. The Vice President, Secretary, and Board Members 2 and 3 will be elected at the first meeting of every odd year.
            The officers and their respective duties will be as follows:

1. President: The President will preside at all meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors and will have the duties and powers normally pertaining to the office of the President in addition to those specified in these bylaws.
2. Vice President: The Vice President will assist the President whenever possible. The Vice President will have the duties and the powers of the President in case of the President’s death, absence, or incapacity until the office of President is filled by a majority vote of the Board.
3. Secretary: The Secretary will keep a written record of all meetings of the Club and of the Board. The Secretary will have charge over correspondence, including but not limited to:

• Notifying members of meetings and events.
• Notify new members of their election to membership
• Keep a roll of the members and their updated contact information (which is required to be submitted to the UKC by December 31st of each year)
• Send membership cards to each member annually, prior to the last day of January.
• Provide an agenda to the Board and members at least 14 days prior to each club meeting

In the event of resignation, death, or expulsion of the Secretary, records of the Association will be handed over to the Board until the office of Secretary is filled by a majority vote of the Board.

1. Treasurer: The Treasurer will collect and receive all moneys due or belonging to the club. Moneys will be deposited in a bank designated by the board in the name of the Club. The other duties of the Treasurer shall be, but are not limited to:

• The books will at all times be accurate, up to date, and open to inspection by the board.
• A treasury report will be given at every meeting of the condition of the Club’s finances and every item of receipt or payment that was not previously reported.
• At the first meeting of the year, an account will be rendered of all moneys received and expended during the previous fiscal year.

In the event of resignation, death, or expulsion of the Treasurer, all moneys and account books of the Association will be handed over to the Board until the office of Treasurer is filled by a majority vote of the Board.

1. The checks on the account of the Club will be signed by the President and/or Treasurer.
2. The books and accounts of the Treasurer will be audited annually, prior to the first meeting of the year, by a committee appointed by the President.

Article 7: Board of Directors and Committees

1. The Board of Directors of this Club will be comprised of the officers listed in Article 6 and three additional Directors elected at large by the membership as outlined in Article 6.
2. The Board will appoint committees as needed to advance the operation of the Club or to aid the Board on particular projects. Committee decisions will be subject to the final authority of the Board and can be dissolved at any time by a simple majority vote of the Board.

Article 8: Elections

1. The elections of Officers will be conducted by secret written ballot, which must be cast in person. If a nominee goes unopposed, then the person nominated will be declared elected by the Secretary at the first meeting of the year. If multiple nominations have been made, the election will take place at the start of the first meeting of the year. The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office or position on the board we be declared elected by the Chairperson of the Tally Committee at the close of the first meeting of the year.
2. No person may be a candidate for an office or position on the board who has not been nominated. Nominations of eligible members (must be in good standing with this Club for a duration of not less than two calendar years) may be made in person at the last meeting of the year or in writing prior to that time. Nominees may accept the nomination in person at the last meeting of the year or within 14 days of the meeting in writing. Failure to do so will removed the nominees name for nomination. No person shall be nominated for more than one position.
3. Tally Committee: The Board of Directors will select three current members. These members will serve as the Tally Committee in the event that it becomes necessary to hold an election or vote to accept amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, or Code of Ethics. Their duty will be to count and tally the ballots and report the results to the board. All written votes or nominations will be done via email and must be sent to all three Tally Committee members to be counted.
4.  If a club or board vote results in a tie, the President will have the deciding vote.

Article 9: Meetings

1. First Meeting of the Year: The first meeting of the year shall take place not before the first day of January and not after the last day of February.
2. Last Meeting of the Year: The last meeting of the year shall take place not before the first day of November and not after the last day of December.
3. Regular Meetings: This Club shall hold a minimum of two additional club meetings throughout the year.
4. All club meeting times and locations shall be set by the Board and notice of meetings shall be announced to club members a minimum of 30 days prior. If a meeting must be rescheduled, notice will be sent to club members within 7 days, if able. If 7 days notice is not feasible, members shall be informed as soon as the President cancels a meeting.
5. Board Meetings: The first Board meeting shall take place immediately following elections. Board meetings are closed and may only be attended by the Board of Directors and any Committee invited by the Board. Board meeting will take place at a time and location agreed upon by the Board. Notice of a Board meeting will be given 15 days prior to the meeting by the President.

Article 10: Discipline

1. Suspension: Any member who is suspended from the privileges of the UKC will be automatically suspended from the privileges of this club for alike period. Any member suspended from the Club through the process of a Board Hearing will be suspended for no more than one year.
2. Expulsion: Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished only at the next meeting following a Board Hearing and upon the Board’s recommendation as provided in Section 3 of this Article. The respondent will have the privilege of speaking on his or her own behalf, though no evidence will be taken at this meeting. The President will read the charges, findings, and recommendations and will invite the respondent, if present, to speak on their own behalf. The meeting will then vote at the meeting by secret written ballot. A majority vote of those present and voting at the meeting will be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion is not so voted, the Board can proceed with suspension for no more than one year.
3. Board Hearing: The Board will have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend the hearing, but both complainant and respondent will be treated uniformly in that regards. Should the charges be sustained after the hearing, the Board may, by a majority vote of those present, suspend the respondent from all privileges of the club for no more than one year. If the Board deems that punishment insufficient, it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion.in such case, the suspension will not restrict the respondent’s right to appear before their fellow members at the text meeting which considers the Board’s recommendation. Immediately after the Board has reached a decision, its findings will be put in written form and filed with the secretary. The Secretary, in turn, will notify each of the parties of the Board’s decision.

Article 11: Dissolution
The Club may be dissolved at any time by written consent of no less than 2/3 of the members in good standing. In the event of the dissolution of the club, whether voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of the law. Other than for the purpose of reorganization, none of the property of the Club or any assets of the Club will be distributed to any members. After payment of the Club’s debts, it’s property and assets will be given to a charitable organization for the benefit of dogs selected by the Board.

Article 12: Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended a deemed necessary by the Board and must be approved by a simple majority of the members in good standing with the Club in attendance at the meeting where the proposal will be voted. Notice of a proposed change must be in writing and will be distributed to the membership at least 14 days prior to the next meeting where the proposal will be voted on. UKC must be notified in writing of all passed amendments.
All changes to these Bylaws must be approved by the UKC before being implemented.
Article 13: General Regulations

1. Members must conduct themselves as ladies/gentlemen at all Club functions.
2. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages, firearms, or illegal drugs will be allowed on the grounds or in the building while participation in any licensed UKC events.
3. Every applicant must agree to abide by these Bylaws before being accepted into membership.
4. These Bylaws are effective at the first meeting of the Club.
5. All UKC policies will be strictly adhered to during all UKC events.
6. UKC-licensed Clubs are not allowed to start their own dog registry.
7. Under no circumstances shall UKC-licensed Clubs accept registration applications for any dog registry, including UKC.
8. Members must conduct themselves in an honest and sportsman-like manner at all meetings and events.