ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE Section 1. The name of this organization is the Buckeye Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association shall henceforth be referred to as the parent organization. Section 2. The purpose of this chapter shall reflect the aims of the parent organization in the geographical area of eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania, to foster, improve, promote and protect the versatile hunting dog breeds by such activities as: a) conducting versatile hunting dog tests in this geographical area for the versatile breeds according to the rules of the parent organization; b) acquainting hunters and sporting enthusiasts with the history and use of the versatile hunting dog breeds; c) cooperating with and supporting other hunting dog clubs who have a similar interest in promoting conservation of game species and versatile hunting dogs; d) increasing general awareness of the historic heritage and undiminished value of the trained hunting dog as an indispensable companion for the fair pursuit and conservation of game. Section 3. Buckeye Chapter is a non profit organization.

ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Persons of good standing interested in the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association may become active members upon submission of an application and payment of dues. Active members are those who have paid their dues for the current year. Section 2. Buckeye Chapter members must be members of the parent organization, and must be verified by the Chapter Recording Secretary. Section 3. Expulsion of a member may be made by a majority vote of the membership present for a violation of club rules, misconduct or any action contrary to the conduct of a sporting enthusiast who respects and conserves the natural environment. No refund of dues shall be made. A member thus terminated may petition the executive staff for reinstatement after a period of 12 months. Decisions of the executive staff regarding reinstatements are final. Section 4. The organization may elect to lifetime honorary membership without payment of dues any person who makes an outstanding contribution to the chapter or the parent organization.

ARTICLE III. OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIP Section 1. The officers of the organization are President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Test Secretary, and Training Officer. The office of Recording Secretary and Treasurer may be held by one person at the discretion of the Executive staff of the chapter. For purposes of accepting motions or conducting chapter business, a minimum of 60% of the executive staff must be present at a chapter meeting. To expedite time and travel expenses, chapter business may be conducted electronically, at the discretion of the Executive staff. Section 2. Officers shall serve for two years, and the election shall be carried out in January of even numbered years.  Section 3. The President shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the chapter, shall appoint replacements to vacancies that may arise in the Executive staff between elections, and shall appoint such committees as are necessary to the club's functioning during the year. These committees may include, but not be limited to issues dealing with testing, training, disputes, parent organization issues, and agenda items that may arise in the normal course of chapter business. Section 4. The Vice-President shall serve as the Chief Executive Officer in the event of the absence of the Chapter President, and shall assist the President in the execution of the his duties as deemed necessary by the Chapter President. Section 5 The Recording Secretary is the communications agent of the chapter, and shall be responsible for all chapter correspondence and communication of the chapter, in accordance with its constitution and motions carried by chapter actions. Section 6. The Test Secretary shall make all correspondence and preparations necessary for the conduction of a Chapter test. Section 7. The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records, receive monies, and pay all bills. Section 8. The Training Officer shall conduct those actions necessary for successful training of versatile dogs owned by chapter members. This may include but not be limited to organization and preparation of chapter training days, and procurement of training facilities, equipment, and paperwork needed to conduct such training days. Section 6. All members in good standing 16 years of age and older shall have voting privileges. Members under the age of 16 shall be accorded all rights and privileges in the chapter, but shall not be permitted to vote for officers or motions. Section 7. No person who is now, or who later becomes a member of Buckeye Chapter shall be personally liable to its creditors for any indebtedness or liability, and any and all creditors of this chapter shall look only to the assets of the chapter for payment of debts. Section 8. A chapter delegate representing Buckeye Chapter shall be chosen by vote of the general membership prior to the annual meeting of the parent organization. Delegate expenditures may be reimbursed from chapter funds at the discretion of the Executive staff.

ARTICLE IV. ELECTIONS AND MEETINGS Section 1. The chapter shall have a minimum of four (4) meetings per year. At least one of these meetings shall be in January for the purpose of electing officers when necessary and organizing upcoming activities. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the Executive staff. Section 2. Nominations for office are to be made from the floor at the annual election meeting in January of even numbered years. Election shall be by a majority of the votes of those members present. Nominees must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of taking of office to be considered for election. Section 3. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to conduct the parliamentary business of the organization to the extent practicable. Unless otherwise stated, decisions made by Executive staff or general membership shall be by simple (> 50%) majority. Section 4. The Treasurer shall publish annually a financial statement of the organization, no later than January 31 of each year, for the preceding fiscal year. The fiscal year shall run January 1 to December 31. Section 5. Any change, deletion, addition or modification of the chapter's constitution may be made by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership. Such change must be made available in writing to all chapter members at least two months prior to the meeting at which it will be voted upon. Constitutional changes shall not be retroactive.   ARTICLE V. DUES Section 1. Buckeye Chapter members shall determine the amount of dues. The annual dues are payable no later than January 31 for the ensuing year, except for those members who enter after July 1 on any year, in which case their initial dues entitle them to membership for the entire following year. Membership by a member of an immediate family member shall constitute chapter membership for all members of that immediate family.

ARTICLE VI. DISSOLUTION Section 1. In the event that it becomes necessary to dissolve the chapter, upon payment of any outstanding debts and obligation the remaining monies will be given over to the parent organization. In the event of the dissolution of the parent organization which would dictate the dissolution of the Buckeye Chapter of the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association the monies will be donated to an organization which is worthily and successfully working for the betterment of hunting dogs and the North American hunter. This organization will be chosen by a majority vote of the membership.

ARTICLE VII. AWARDS AT TESTS Section 1. In accordance with International Bylaws policy, awards for the natural ability, utility preparatory, and utility test will be limited to simple awards; every dog qualifying will receive the same award, no other trophies other than those mentioned will be awarded, and no monetary awards will be given at any test. Section 2. All tests will be conducted in accordance with parent organization rules and guidelines, utilizing parent organization certified judges and procedures. Section 3. The Executive Committee will establish entry fees for tests conducted by the chapter, as well as other fees for chapter events. Section 4. All tests and training sessions shall be conducted in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws pertaining to the handling of game, dogs, firearms, and ammunition.

Revised January 2001 Approved January 11, 2001