The Oklahoma Chess Association

The Official USCF State Affiliate

Bylaws of the Oklahoma Chess Association

Last Modified 30 June 2007

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of the organization shall be the Oklahoma Chess Association, commonly known as the OCA.

ARTICLE II: PURPOSE

The purpose of the OCA shall be to educate, instruct, encourage its members, and to promote and extend the social benefits of chess in Oklahoma, and not for profit. Insofar as the provisions of the law in the State of Oklahoma under which this non-profit corporation is incorporated shall permit, this corporation shall fulfill its State Affiliate duties and responsibilities to all Oklahoma members of the US Chess Federation and members of the Oklahoma Chess Association.

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

III.1 Membership:

· Regular Membership: Any person may become a Regular Member of the OCA upon payment of $10.00 dues for one year.

· Patron Membership: Any person may become a Patron Member of the OCA upon payment of $25.00 dues for one year.

·  Youth Membership: Any youth under 20 years of age may become a Youth Member of the OCA upon payment of $5.00 dues for one year.

·  Family Membership: Any family of parents and their children under age 20 in the household (living at one address) may become a Family Member of the OCA upon payment of $20.00 dues for one year.

In the discretion of the Policy Board, in order to address either financial hardship or as a marketing promotion effort, the regular or youth membership fee may be waived or reduced.

III.2 Rights and Privileges:

Each Member of the OCA shall be entitled to the official state publication, to participate in the Annual Meeting, to hold office, and to enjoy all other rights and privileges of membership, with the following exceptions:

a) any Oklahoma resident OCA member shall be entitled to vote in the Annual Meeting only if he/she is also a current and verifiable USCF member and:
b) or is at least sixteen (16) years of age and is an OCA member under an OCA family membership and at least one family member has a current USCF membership and;
c) any new or renewing Oklahoma resident OCA member shall be entitled to vote in the Annual Meeting only if either

(i) he/she has registered for and played in at least one round on the first day of the current Oklahoma State Championship tournament; or

(ii) his/her OCA membership dues are received by the OCA Secretary, Treasurer or State Championship contact person at least ten (10) business days prior to the first day of the current State Championship tournament.

d) No Member of the OCA under age 18 may hold office.

New memberships and renewals shall extend the term of membership from the date of payment or prior membership expiration, whichever is latest.

Each Member of the OCA, if their email is kept current with the Secretary or Webmaster, shall be included in an email distribution list for Oklahoma chess related news and announcements.

III.3 Removal from Office:

The Policy Board may suspend or remove from office any OCA officer or official for good cause, if approved by three fourths of all the Policy Board Members eligible to vote as provided for in these Bylaws. The Policy Board shall, prior to taking such action, give to the individual 30 days written notice of the proposed action. Within said time, that individual may submit in writing to the Policy Board reasons why such action should not be taken. The Board may thereafter, if it sees fit, act upon written suggestions or set a date for a hearing to be held concerning the proposed action. The actions taken shall be final and without recourse.

III.4 Annual Membership Meeting:

The President shall call and preside at an annual meeting of the membership, held in conjunction with the Oklahoma Open, for the purpose of hearing reports, making suggestions to the Policy Board, and conducting the Annual Election. Twelve members present in person shall constitute a quorum. The Secretary shall publish at least 30 days advance notice of the annual membership meeting in the "Oklahoma Chess Bulletin". The membership meeting will have a minimum of 90 minutes allowed to conduct business. The agenda will be posted on the OCA website at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

III.5 Annual Election: