Central Ohio Chapter 
Golf Course Superintendents Association

ARTICLE 1 - NAME & PURPOSE

Section 1

Name: Central Ohio Chapter Golf Course Superintendents Association.

Section 2

The records of this association shall be kept by the Secretary at this residence or at any place by the Executive Board.

Section 3

The purpose of the organization shall be to place the golf course superintendent`s profession at the highest possible level of public acceptance through study, cooperation and mutual assistance.

ARTICLE 2 - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

It shall be a condition precedent to admission to membership in this association that each applicant furnishes satisfactory evidence of his qualifications for individual membership. The Executive Board of this association shall be the sole judge of his qualification. Furthermore, with the exception of life of Honorary Members, the applicant must be or must become a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America before acceptance of the applicant in this association. Prior to acceptance, the applicant shall have all the rights and privileges of this association, except the right to vote or to hold office. Upon acceptance by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, the applicant shall have all the rights of this association governed by their GCSAA classification.

Amendment to Section 1: That it is not mandatory for members classified as Affiliate Members to become a member of the GCSSA.

• a) That Affiliate Members be denied the privilege of sponsoring regular meeting of this association by paying for the food and/or drink at such meetings.
• b) That a non-member of this association not be permitted to sponsor a meeting of this association by paying for the food and/or drink consumed at such meeting; could not advertise in association news letter; or be permitted to display or demonstrate any equipment, supplies, etc. without the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 2

Membership Classes: The qualifications and rights of the various classes of membership shall be the same as those qualifications and rights of the corresponding classes of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Section 3

Life Memberships: To qualify for a Life Membership, a member must have been a member of any local and accredited GCSAA for 25 cumulative years, whether or not it has been consecutive and whether or not they are actively employed or retired. A Life Member shall have all the rights and privileges of this association and shall be excused from payment of dues and from any assessments this association may levy.

Section 4

Honorary Memberships: Upon being recommended to the Executive Board by a member of this association, an individual may be extended an Honorary Membership in this association with the following conditions:

• a) That the Executive Board unanimously approve the applicant.
• b) That the voting membership be notified in writing by the Secretary as to he applicant’s name and qualifications.
• c) That the applicant receive a 75% majority approval on the first ballot of the eligible voting members present at the next regular meeting following notification of the membership.
• d) That all rights and privileges of this association be extended to an Honorary Member, except the right to vote and hold office.
• e) That an Honorary Member be excused from the payment of dues and from the payment of any assessment this association may levy.
• f) That the status of existing Honorary Members prior to this amendment shall remain as such.

ARTICLE 3 - DUES, ASSESSMENTS, AND SUSPENSION FOR NON PAYMENT

Section 1

The annual dues shall be the sum recommended by the Executive Board and approved by a majority vote of the members present at any annual meeting.

Section 2

If necessary, the Executive Board may request a vote of the members for additional assessments at any annual meeting.

Section 3

The membership year shall be January 1 through December 31 and dues shall be paid in advance. All members whose dues or assessments remain in arrears for more than thirty (30) days after due date or after notification of any special assessment shall be suspended from this association and shall be deprived of all rights and privileges of the association.

Section 4

The Executive Board may, at its discretion for a good cause shown, temporarily excuse or extend time of payment of annual dues or assessments for any member who for ill health, advanced age, or other good cause shall be unable to make payment within the time fixed.

Section 5

Meeting announcements are to be sent to each member of this association advising that member of the next meeting. So that our host can properly prepare the correct number of meals, each member is required to phone in their reservation by the date and time stipulated in each letter. Failure to attend a meeting for which a reservation has been made will result in a fine, unless the cost of the meeting is paid on or before the next monthly meeting.

Section 6

Board of Directors reserve the right to Assess penalties or additional fees for those members who came to the meeting without making reservations at the correct time.

ARTICLE 4 - AFFILIATIONS

Section 1

Affiliation or withdrawal of this Association with or from a district or national association shall be made only upon approval by ballot of the voting members present at an annual meeting or at a special meeting called for this purpose. A two-thirds affirmative vote is necessary for affiliation or withdrawal.

ARTICLE 5 - VOTING

Section 1

At any meeting of the membership of this association, each voting member may cast his vote on any proposition submitted by the Executive Board.

Section 2

Voting delegates and alternates to the GCSAA Annual Meeting shall be selected at this association’s annual meeting.

ARTICLE 6 - EXPULSION AND RESTORATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

If any member shall be charged with conduct that is in violation of the Central Ohio GCSA Code of Ethics, conduct unbecoming a member of this association, or conduct in the opinion of this association or the Executive Board that is likely to injure or discredit the chapter or interest of this association, and information is therefore filed with the Executive Board, notice of the filing will be presented to the member involved. Then he and his defense will be given opportunity to be heard by the Executive Board.

Section 2

Upon hearing the case, and if judgment of the Executive Board deems such conduct just cause for expulsion, the Board shall give due notice of its judgment to the person so accused.

Section 3

Any expelled member may, after one year from the date of his expulsion, make application for restoration of his membership and shall be heard, approved or rejected as provided for in his original application.

ARTICLE 7 - OFFICERS AND DUTIES

Section 1

Officers and the Executive Board: The Officers of this association shall consist of an Executive Board of ten (10) voting members. They are as follows: the President, the Vice-President and two (2) Directors who are to be elected by voting members at the annual meeting for two-year terms beginning on even years; and the Secretary/Treasurer and three (3) Directors who are to be elected by voting members at the annual meeting on alternate years for two year terms beginning on odd years; the immediate past President, who shall serve for two years following his term as President; and one non-voting Affiliate Member who shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Board for a one-year term. Each year the list of nominees selected by the Nominating Committee will be sent to every voting member prior to the annual meeting.

Section 2

Committee Chairman: All committee chairmen shall be members of the Executive Board and shall be appointed by the President.

Section 3

Vacancies: If vacancies occur in any office except that of the President, the President shall appoint a successor. If the Presidency becomes vacant, the Executive Board shall appoint his successor. These successors are to serve the unexpired term of their predecessors.

Section 4

Duties of the Executive Board: The Executive Board shall have general charge and management of the affairs of this association; shall strive to improve the value of the association to its members; shall at each annual meeting make a full report of its acts and doings during the preceding year; and shall make an audit of the Treasurer’s report to the membership.

Section 5

Duties of the President: The President shall, during recess of the Executive Board, have general charge and supervision of the affairs and property of the association business; shall appoint all committee chairmen and be an exofficio member of each committee; and shall perform generally all duties performed by Presidents of like organizations.

Section 6

Duties of the Vice President: In case of the absence or inability of the President, the Vice President shall, during the period of such absence or inability, perform the duties of the President.

Section 7

Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer: One person elected Secretary-Treasurer shall occupy the offices of the Secretary and Treasurer. He shall attend all meetings of the Executive Board and all association business meetings and shall keep a record of all proceedings at such meetings. He shall give due and proper notice of all meetings of the Executive Board, the association, and the annual meeting. He shall collect all dues, monies, and similar property of the association and shall make all disbursements and pay all bills approved by the Executive Board. He shall keep all financial records and accounts, and shall compose the annual report as prescribed by the Executive Board. These books shall at all times be open to inspection by members of this association. He shall add to the history of the association a summary of the proceedings of the year. He shall not be permitted to release to a non-member a roster if this association that could be used as a mailing list. The exception here would require a 75% affirmative vote at any regular meeting of the voting members present at the time this request reaches the floor. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep a separate accounting of all funds turned over to him by the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be excused from the payment of dues while serving his term in office.

Section 8

Sergeant-at-Arms: The office of the Sergeant-at-Arms shall be filled by Presidential appointment from a list of three (3) regular members that is submitted to the President by the Executive Board. The two remaining names of members on the list shall be appointed by the President to serve as assistant to the Sergeant-at-Arms. The duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms are:

• a) To assist the President in conducting the meetings of this association by quelling any disturbance by members or guests during the meeting or program.
• b) To assist the Secretary-Treasurer in the collection of money for meals served at any such meeting.
• c) The Sergeant-at-Arms has the authority to fine a member for not wearing his nametag where it can be recognized upon being approached. The fine is not to exceed $1.00 per meeting, and all money collected from such fines is to be turned over to the Secretary-Treasurer.
• d) The Sergeant-at-Arms will perform any other duties that may be asked of him by the President in conducting any regular meeting of this association.

ARTICLE 8 - ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Business Meeting shall be held during the month of November on a date and at a place designated by the Executive Board. Special meetings may be called by the President at the request of 25% of the voting members. Regular membership meetings shall be held once a month during those months designated by the Executive Board. The Secretary-Treasurer shall give sufficient notice to members for all regular membership meetings.

ARTICLE 9 - AMENDMENTS

These By-laws may be amended at any annual meeting of the members without previous notice having been sent to members.

ARTICLE 10 - ORDER OF BUSINESS

The order of business at all meetings of the Executive Board and at any business meeting of the association shall be as follows:

1. Roll Call

2. Minutes of the last meeting

3. Treasurer´s report

4. Communications

5. Report of the Officers

6. Reports of the Committees

7. Unfinished Business

8. New Business

9. Adjournment

All matters coming before the Executive Board or the members and not coming within the order of business prescribed above, and all disputed questions of parliamentary practice, shall be controlled by Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE 11 - SCHOLARSHIP / MEMORIAL FUND

Section 1

A memorial fund will be set up by the Association in the name of Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Fund. The Memorial Fund will be used to award an annual scholarship, or support a golf course (turf) research project within the State of Ohio. The determination of whether to award a Scholarship, or support a research project will be determined by the Memorial Fund Committee. The Association, donations from members and others, and a Memorial Tournament will fund the Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Fund. The Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Fund must be maintained in an account apart from the regular association operational funds.

Section 2

The recipient shall be an Ohio turfgrass student who will be selected by the Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Fund Committee under guidelines set up by said committee. The Committee has the right not to award a Scholarship, but to support a research project if there is no qualified Scholarship applicant, or award nothing at all in the calendar year. The Scholarship, or golf course (turf) research award will be awarded in the spring of each calendar year with acknowledgment of award being made at the annual Ohio Turfgrass Foundation Awards Banquet.

ARTICLE 12 - DISSOLUTION

In the event of the dissolution of this Association, after all liabilities and responsibilities have been met, its assets shall be distributed in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code concerning its exempt status or in accordance with State law. The decision of distribution shall be made by the Executive Board.

RECOMMENDED COMMITTEES AND DUTIES

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Composition: Immediate Past President as Chairman and three other Past Presidents.

Duties: To prepare a slate of nominees for President, Vice President, and Executive Board Members which is to be presented to the membership at the annual election.

PROGRAM / EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Composition: Vice President as Chairman, education liaison, and two other members of any composition including the host superintendent as co chairman.

Duties: To prepare a slate of nominees for President, Vice President, and Executive Board Members which is to be presented to the membership at the annual election.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Composition: One member of the Executive Board (Chairman), media and public relations liaison, two Class A or Superintendent members, and one member of any composition.

Duties: To see that the association receives favorable and valuable publicity at any event involving or sponsored by the association, using all forms of media outlets. To prepare and submit articles regarding the association and members to trade publications. To maintain and update the COGCSA website; to produce and distribute a newsletter; and to coordinate, support and staff the COGCSA booth at The Ohio Turfgrass Conference and Show.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Composition: One member of the Executive Board (Chairman) and two other Class A, Superintendent, or Affiliate members.

Duties: To welcome new members and to help them become acquainted with the membership; to encourage those who need encouragement to attend and enjoy the association meetings; and to contact people in our profession who are not members and encourage them to become members of the association.

GOLF COMMITTEE

Composition: One member of the Executive Board (Chairman) and two other Class A, Superintendent, or Affiliate members. Duties: To promote the playing of golf at the regular meetings held during the golfing season; to conduct tournaments and to conduct an annual tournament in the fall of each year; to be responsible for the awarding of prizes and for the awarding of the annual rotation trophy (purchased October 1968) at the fall tournament.

PARTY COMMITTEE

Composition: Affiliate member of Executive Board (Chairman) and two other Class A, Superintendent, or Affiliate members.

Duties: To arrange an annual Christmas Party for the associations membership; to arrange for the purchase of door prizes (if any), the entertainment, and to hold the party at a member’s place of business if at all possible. To arrange a summer function usually during the month of July in lieu of a regular membership meeting.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

Composition: The Immediate Past President shall serve as Chairman, along with the current President, Vice-President, and three other Class A, Superintendent, or Affiliate members.

Duties: To watch over and direct the continual growth of Glenn B. Hudson Memorial Fund as set up by the original Committee (1986-1987). Secondly, to screen applications for scholarship or golf course (turf) research projects with the guidelines set forth from the Committee.

HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

Composition: One member of the executive board (chairman) and three other members of any composition.

Duties: To collect, file, organize, summarize, and preserve information regarding the history of the association such that it can be displayed to the membership periodically upon request.