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Heartland Racing
Pigeon Federation
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS
Adopted 01-01-05
ARTICLE I.
Section 1. Name & Location The name of this organization
shall be the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation located East
& North East Minnesota & North & Central Wisconsin).
Members cannot be excluded because they have been successful
in competition.
Section 2. Affiliation. This Organization shall be chartered
with the American Racing Pigeon Union (AU ) It will compete
and conduct its activities in compliance with the AU rules
and Competition Standards. Members may affiliate with any
other club or national organization as an individual as
desired.
Section 3. Purpose. The Purpose of this Organization is to
engage in the friendly competition of racing registered
Homing Pigeons and to foster a positive social environment
for members and their families while promoting the Sport of
Racing Pigeons.
Section 4. Motto “Competition is for testing Pigeons, not
relationships.”
Section 5. Sportsmanship. Members of the Heartland racing
Pigeon Federation agree to conduct themselves in the spirit
of friendly sportsmanship, fairness and in accordance with
the AU Code of Ethics.
ARTICLE II. - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Active Members: Any Homing Pigeon fancier who has
participated in at least one race(s) of Old Birds & Young
Birds during the previous year, and is current in all dues
and fees of the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation and
national organizations is considered an Active Flying
Member. All other members who are current of all dues and
fees and did not fly are considered by the Heartland Racing
Pigeon Federation as Active members. Members must be of good
character and have never been expelled by a recognized
national racing pigeon organization.
Section 2. New Members: Recommendations of individuals as
new members in the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation may be
made by any active member of the federation. A prospective
member who has never been a member shall be eligible for
membership if he is eligible to be an AU member. Membership
shall not be denied based on anyone’s sex, race, creed or
religion. Acceptance of the applicant as a member is
constituted by a majority vote in favor by those current
members present and voting.
Section 4. Probationary Membership: Any new member duly
accepted by the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation shall be
a probationary member for twelve (12) months upon being
accepted. During the probationary period, the new member has
full entitlement to participate in races and other
activities sponsored by the Heartland Racing Pigeon
Federation. Probationary members may have limited rights and
voting privileges during this period. At the first regular
meeting following completion of the member’s probationary
period, they shall stand for voting into full active member
status. A simple majority of active members present may vote
to install full active membership status. Once a new member
has completed this probationary membership period, the
organization shall vote on them prior to conducting any
other business and the new member shall be entitled to vote
on all items of business considered at the meeting.
Section 5. Junior Membership in the Heartland Racing Pigeon
Federation is defined as any person less than eighteen (18)
years of age and accepted by the majority vote of the active
members present. (Junior members may not be allowed voting
privileges,
Section 6. Associate Membership: is defined as any former
flying member of the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation who
is not presently engaged in racing pigeons. Associates and
Junior members are not eligible to vote on Heartland Racing
Pigeon Federation business.
Section 6. Partnership lofts: shall be limited to one (1)
vote each, (unless they are flying separate teams and/or
paying separate dues) and one physical address as defined in
the AU Policies 100.02.
Section 7. Family Lofts: Shall be considered a partnership
and the loft may be limited to only one vote.
ARTICLE III- GOVERNMENT
Section 1. Voting: A ¾ vote of the active members present is
required to amend or delete any provisions of articles I,
II, III. A majority vote of the members present is required
on any other issue such as race schedules, race rules,
shipping and the election of officers of the Heartland
Racing Pigeon Federation, except where otherwise noted. All
Active members shall have the right to make and second
motions from the floor.
Executive Committee. is made up of the elected officers of
the Organization and is chaired by the President. Additional
members may be added to the Executive Committee as appointed
by the President.
Section 2. Election of officers: Officers of the Heartland
Racing Pigeon Federation shall include a President,
Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and a Race Secretary.
Election of officers shall take place at the annual
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation meeting during the month
of December or January. Nominations will be made from the
floor of the meeting and upon being made, the President
shall order that they be added to the list of nominees. All
nominees shall have the privilege to decline nomination.
Newly elected officers will take charge of their office at
the January meeting. All terms are for two years and no
person shall hold more then one office at a time. Should an
office become open during the year due to resignation or any
other cause, the President will appoint a replacement.
Section 3. Duty of Officers.
a. President: The President shall preside over all regular
or special meetings and in such a manner as to transact all
business. The President shall break all tie votes and shall
automatically be on all committees in an advisory capacity.
He is the spokesman for the Heartland Racing Pigeon
Federation and will meet the public should the need arise.
b. Vice-President: The Vice-President will preside at all
meetings in the absence of the President, and heads up
special committees as appointed by the president, (i.e.
publicity or Race committee) The Vice President will also
serve as the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation Constitution
& Bylaws Advisor to make sure the Heartland Racing Pigeon
Federation operates as intended, and it’s constitution and
bylaws are kept up to date.
c. Secretary: The Secretary shall issue notices of all
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation meetings at least a week
in advance, and shall attend and keep the complete minutes
of same. It is the Secretary who will order and issue the
bands, and keep the records in accordance with the policies
of the AU. The Secretary is responsible for keeping the
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation by-laws and Race Rules
current and issues all revisions to the members. It is the
responsibility of the Secretary to make sure the AU
secretary kits with band or diploma orders are returned to
the national office in a timely manner.
d. Treasurer. The Treasurer is responsible for the financial
assets of the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation The
Treasurer will submit a financial accounting to the
membership quarterly, or as directed by the President. The
Treasurer shall keep the president informed as to any
delinquent member accounts, and shall pay the Heartland
Racing Pigeon Federation bills with the President’s
co-signature on all checks exceeding $1500. The Treasurer
shall keep in his custody all books and records pertaining
to the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation and deposit all
monies received for dues, bands, surplus received from
shipping or any other sources into the Heartland Racing
Pigeon Federation official bank account, in a timely manner.
The Treasurer will be sure that bank account signature cards
are kept current.
At the termination of his office, the Treasurer shall
immediately surrender to the President or new Treasurer, all
books, records, and related papers together with such funds
or monies in his possession. An audit shall always be made
by the incoming Treasurer and two (2) members of the
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federations appointed by the
President.
e. Race Secretary: The Race Secretary is responsible for the
conduct of the Heartland Racing Pigeon federation races.
He/she shall chair the Race Committee, consisting also of
members (at least two), appointed by the President and
recorded in the minutes The Race secretary is responsible
for conduction and maintaining a record of all loft surveys
and shall coordinate the race liberations and make
provisions for notifying Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation
members of release times . He shall manage all race-figuring
activities, and is responsible for publishing race results
and distributing diplomas and awards. The race secretary
will also chair the Loft Registration committee.
ARTICLE IV- ADMENDMENTS:
Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws can only be acted
upon at the annual meeting. A three-quarters (3/4) majority
vote of the active members in attendance shall be required
for adoption.
ARTICLE V- DISPUTES:
Disputes (other than race disputes, which are to be handled
by the Race Secretary,) are to be settled as follows: They
shall first be referred to the Heartland Racing Pigeon
Federation President for settlement. If his decision is
appealed by either party in the dispute, the matter shall be
taken up by the Organization’s officers for settlement. If
their decision is appealed by either party in the dispute,
the entire Organization membership, other than the parties
in the dispute, shall decide the issues by majority vote. If
the dispute can not be remedied through the local
organization or its affiliates,( i.e., Club to
Combine/Concourse, or Federation), and an AU rule is
involved, then a complaint may be filed with the AU national
office.
ARTICLE VI- EXPULSION/ SUSPENSION: A member accused
of dishonorable conduct as outlined by the AU Rules of
Conduct (see AU Bylaw14.), shall be notified to appear
before the officers of the Heartland Racing pigeon
Federation who will investigate the charges. Such
notification to appear shall be in writing at least seven
(7) days before the date of the hearing and shall specify
the charges. As a result of the investigation, the officers
shall present their findings to the membership of the
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation at the next regular
meeting or at a special meeting. A secret written ballot
will be taken, and a three-quarters (3/4) majority vote of
all active members would be required to expel or suspend a
member. The hearing must follow procedures outlined in the
AU’s Constitution and Bylaws (see Sec. 15 Disciplinary
Rules), and must assure the charged individual is afforded
“due process.” An expelled or suspended member shall forfeit
all privileges and claims against the organization.
ARTICLE VII- DISSOLUTION OF ASSOCIATION: The
(organization) shall not be dissolved without the consent,
in writing, of two-thirds (2/3) of its active members,
obtained in one and confirmed in another special meeting
convened for consideration of such dissolution. Upon
dissolution, the property of the Heartland Racing Pigeon
Federation shall be disposed of, to the best advantage, and
the proceeds, after all bills and obligations have been
paid, shall be equally divided among the whole of the
membership in good standing as of the date of the initial
dissolution meeting (or as provided in that organization’s
specific Constitution & Bylaws).
BY-LAWS OF Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation
1.00 MEETINGS: The order for all meetings should be by
Agenda, which should be distributed to all attending the
meeting at the beginning (or prior to the meeting). Items
may be added to the agenda from the floor, prior to the
meeting being called to order (or as time permits at the
conclusion). Meetings should start and end promptly on time.
1.01 QUORUM: One Third (1/3) of the active members shall
constitute a quorum at any meeting.
If the Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation is unable to
obtain a quorum, then a vote may be taken by telephone with
the same requirements for action.
1.02 Annual meeting: The annual meeting shall be held in
December or January The business of that meeting shall
include the election of officers, consideration of any
changes to the Constitution and Bylaws; and payment of dues.
All members shall be provided written notice of the annual
meeting at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
1.03 Regular Meetings: Regularly scheduled meetings shall be
held not less than annually, or as voted by the membership.
1.04 Special meetings may be called by the President or in
his absence the Vice-President, if deemed necessary.
Notice of such meeting shall be given each member at least
one week in advance of the date of the meeting either in
writing, personal contact, or by a direct phone call to the
member. The President shall call a special meeting within 10
days of receipt of a signed request from 25% or more of the
active members of the federation.
1.05 Order of Business: The normal agenda of business at
regular Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation meetings shall
include:
Roll Call; Minutes of Previous Meeting; Proposals for
Membership
Financial Report; Committee Reports; Communications
Unfinished Business; New Business; Date of next meeting
Good of the Sport; Adjournment
1.06 MEETING DECORUM Meetings should always be
conducted in an orderly manner, without side talking or
distractions during the regular course of the meeting.
Drinking of alcohol beverages during any meeting, shipping
or closing a race should be prohibited until the meeting is
adjourned or business at hand is complete. Exceptions could
be special events (shows, auctions, futurities, etc. )
2.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES: Annual dues for members shall
be determined at the annual meeting December or January by a
majority vote of the active members present. Heartland
Racing Pigeon Federation dues, as well as those associated
with other organizations, which the (organization) is
affiliated, are due, and payable at the annual meeting.
Members are not allowed to race or purchase bands until dues
have been paid. Other fees of include specific work parties
or events as part of the membership “Obligation,” and charge
additional $25.00 fee if a member does not participate.
2.01 Annual Dues shall be used for affiliation dues, and all
other necessary operating expenses.
2.02 Partnership lofts shall each pay dues per year in the
same manner provided above. Each individual composing the
partnership shall each be assessed the annual dues as per AU
membership policy. (Sec. 210.23) (Whether partnerships pay
organization dues individually or as one loft is up to the
organization as how they are allowed to vote.)
2.03 Junior members are those members who have not reached
their 18th birthday. He/she shall pay the prescribed AU dues
for Juniors and whatever portion of the Heartland Racing
Pigeon Federation dues that the regular members decide. As
of 01/10/05 Junior member dues are at no charge until their
18th birthday
2.04 Pro-rated Dues Members joining after July 1 of the year
are required to pay full AU Dues, plus any Late Fees, and
the pro-rated amount of Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation
dues assessed for that year. The fiscal year for the
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation dues shall begin January
1st and end on December 31st of each year.
3.00 RACE RULES
Race rules, special races, diplomas, trophies and other
prizes shall be left to the wishes of the current membership
provided they do not conflict with the Official AU
Competition Standards.
No changes shall be made during the race season in which the
above mentioned items are initiated unless approved by ¾ of
the actively flying members. Race rules, schedules and
release times will be reviewed at the annual meeting. A copy
of the rules and race schedule shall be give to each member
annually.
4.00 COMITTEES. Regular and temporary committees
shall be appointed by the President who shall designate a
chairman of each.
4.01 Race Committee. The Race Secretary will chair the Race
Committee, consisting also of at least two (2) members,
appointed by the President and recorded in the minutes. This
committee shall have charge of all race details and shall
conduct every race according to these by-laws, and AU
Competition Standards as well as any additional rules the
Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation has. It will also resolve
all questions and disputes regarding racing or competition,
ensure that racing supplies are adequately maintained, and
manage all race-figuring activities.
4.02 Loft Registration Committee. The race secretary will
also chair the loft registration committee, with a minimum
of one other member, to inspect, photograph, and survey
member’s lofts and send in documentation into the national
office.
5.00 RESIGNATION Any member wishing to resign from
the organization must tender his or her resignation in
writing to the Secretary-Treasurer and must pay all
indebtedness which may be due the organization by them, and
forfeit all rights and claims to the (organization’s)
property.
6.00 SHORTAGE OF OPERATING FUNDS (Federation) Any
shortages of funds shall be assessed equally to all members
and restored to the Federation treasury. In the event of an
assessment of over (select amount), each member may be given
the opportunity to pay their portion of the assessment in
three or more installments. Any agreement to money given,
invested, or loaned to the Federation must be recorded in
the minutes and a written agreement or contract provided, as
appropriate, signed by the Federation’s officers.
Race Rules
Adopted 01/01/2005
All rules and regulations of the AU, American Racing Pigeon
Union, and. Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation, Inc Race
Rules shall be adhered to. Should any part of the Heartland
Racing Pigeon Federation race rules be in conflict, AU rules
will prevail.
Metropolitan Racers Combine, Inc Race Rules can be changed
by a 3/4 majority vote at the next annual meeting of the
Combine
1. Race Authority: The Race Secretary & Liberator shall be
in control of all races and the chairman of the race ( Race
secretary before shipping, Liberator after shipping is
complete)
Committee. The Race Committee shall consist of selected
concourse members appointed by the President. This committee
will render an interpretation of any of these rules and
By-Laws and an immediate decision
Shall be rendered regarding the rule, infraction or dispute.
The Race Committee’s decision shall be final in all cases.
The Race Secretary shall ascertain from the Treasurer that
all member clubs are current in dues before the
First race in order to ship.
The Race Secretary shall be in charge of all race
liberation’s that are Concourse released races.
All requests for special transportation, pickups, training
or problems with the trucker or truck shall be directed to
the Concourse Race Secretary.
2. Shipping Crates: All participating clubs shall be
responsible for the conditions of their own crates and
Assist in loading and unloading their crates.
All Crates must be numbered and have all doors sealed.
Unsealed crates will be disqualified.
All crates must have feeders or the ability to feed the
birds on the truck.
Material to be used on the floor of all shipping crates must
be approved by the Combine Board of Delegates.
3. Minimum Lofts: A club must have a minimum of three (3)
members shipping from three physical loft addresses to
compete at Combine level. (See AU race rule 4.10) If a club
drops below this required number, then they must ship with
another member club to compete.
4. Awards, Diplomas & Race Sheet: All birds entered will be
eligible for AU and Combine awards. All Point birds will be
placed on the race sheet. Other lofts will also receive
recognition by the listing of the first bird clocked.
Diplomas will be issued at a ratio of one for every twenty
birds entered or fraction thereof with a maximum of 50 per
race. Trophies and other awards will be decided at the
Combine’s annual meeting, or a regular meeting held prior to
the season.
5. Average Speed shall be figured by the total distance
divided by the total elapsed time.
Average speed races shall be selected and voted on at a
meeting prior to the first race of the season.
6. Champion (High Point) Bird: An accepted and approved
Point System will be used on all average speed races and a
Championship Point Diploma awarded for each series. A
minimum of 2 diplomas shall be issued by the Combine. (1 for
OB and 1 for YB) These birds as well as others deemed
suitable by the committee shall be submitted to the (State)
and AU for Hall-of-Fame consideration.
7. Clocks & Clocking: Each member shall be responsible for
his clock being wound, filled with tape and in good
mechanical condition. Electronic clocks shall have the
antenna or scanner located at or inside the loft entrance or
drop holes to comply with AU rules. (See AU Rule 16.00)
Only those clocks designed for use as capsules may be used
without capsules. All others must use capsules, with the
exception of the newer Electronic Clocking systems.
8. Race Results: Each club Race Secretary shall forward
their club’s results to the Federation Race Preparer by
Sunday night so that the race results may be prepared.
9. Knock-off: All clocks are to be sealed and started at the
same time using Coordinated Universal Time.
10. Limits:
a. There is to be no clocking limit as per AU competition
standards.
b. There is to be no shipping limits as per this Heartland
Racing Pigeon Federation Race Rule.
11. Dead Time: Standard “Dead Time” shall apply for all
two-day races as per AU rules. (10 P.M. to 5 A.M.) for Old
birds. 1/2 hour after Sunset to 1/2 hour before Sunrise for
Young birds as published in the (Pick local regional
newspaper).
12. Partnerships: Two or more members may fly from the same
location/loft providing a flying roster is furnished to the
Race Secretary for each member before the first race of the
season and is observed throughout the season. A single clock
may be used following the above guidelines.
13. Bands: Only birds with unaltered seamless racing pigeon
sized bands, approved by the AU may be entered. (See AU rule
7.09)
14. Sick Birds: No sick, mite-infested or birds with Pox
will be allowed to be shipped on races.
The Race
Secretary’s decision will prevail.
15. Race Course Old Birds: The Course is south. The course
follows Interstate 35. Stations will be located in this
general direction and can deviate from I-35 only when
mileage and/or moderate change of direction is for the
improvement for the transportation of the race. Young birds:
The course is south. down I-35.
16. Time of Liberation: Shall be one half hour after local
sunrise at the release point on races 300 miles and under.
weather permitting. Races greater than 300 miles may be
released at local sunrise at release point. weather
permitting.
17. Race Change: When circumstances warrant, the liberation
committee has the option to return race birds to a nearer
station on scheduled race day. If birds are brought back
from a long station to a short race station the race shall
be omitted from long average speed. If birds are brought
back to central pick up, for clubs to pick up, the race will
be cancelled and the race can be rescheduled by a simple
majority of the Race Committee. The liberators do have the
authority to delay the race due to the weather. Delayed
releases and holdovers are not to be ignored as a solution
to inclement weather. Note: If a condition warrants the race
can be shipped at an earlier or a Later date.
The resolution for a race scheduled that can not be
liberated at the scheduled station is that the liberators
are empowered to move any direction for a good liberation.
Average Speed will be determined by distance.
If conditions for either Old or Young Bird Schedule where
the races become smash events, for the good of the Sport,
and the humane aspect,. the Race Committee has the power to
alter the race schedule.
18. Shipping Change: Shipping of race 100 miles to 300 miles
can change to Saturday as a solution to weather forecasts
that limit the possibility of good liberations and return of
race birds. This recommendation will be made by the
liberators and the Metropolitan Racers Combine Race
Secretary
19 Closing of Races: the following time will be used to
officially close Combine races: 100-300 miles 48 hours after
release, 400 to 600 miles 72 hours after release.
20 Loft Surveys: If a flying loft(s) is moved from its
original survey spot it must be resurveyed. Multiple flying
lofts must be within 25 feet of each other or each loft must
be surveyed separately. Loft survey and Race Stations will
be measured with GPS w/ “WASS” capabilities. No exceptions!
21. Promotion: To help foster participation, junior members
will not be required to pay Federation Dues. Dues will be
required to first year adult members.
22. Season Start: Old bird races shall not begin earlier
than the first Saturday in May. Young bird races shall not
begin earlier than the second Saturday in August.
25. Disputes: Any dispute not covered by these race rules
will be decided by the Club and Combine Race Secretaries The
Combine will then enact a rule to cover it in anticipation
of future disputes any rule enacted must not conflict with
the Official Club Race Rules of the American Racing Pigeon
Union
© Copyright - 2005 Heartland Racing Pigeon Federation Inc.
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