The name of this non-profit organization shall be the
Missouri Dressage Association (hereinafter referred to as MDA)
The purpose of Missouri Dressage Association is to:
Promote and
support the art and sport of dressage by facilitating educational opportunities
for MDA members emphasizing horsemanship and sportsmanship; Provide public
awareness, understanding and appreciation for the discipline of dressage; serve
as an entry point for riders new to dressage
Article III – Membership
Membership year: Shall be from December 1
through November 30 of each year.
Membership Applicants: Applicants may apply at
anytime in the year. Memberships will
be presented to the Membership Committee who will then prepare recommendations
to the Board for approval or denial.
Membership type: The Missouri Dressage Association offers two
levels of membership:
Level I: Is designed for members who compete at a
progressive rate and maintain an aggressive posture in the art of Dressage
riding. These members interact
regionally and nationally with dressage riders who have equal interest in
Dressage. These members represent the
driving interest for the Missouri Dressage Association and as a result may
serve on the Board. These members
demonstrate their interest by competing in rated shows, attending clinics, and
are thereby demonstrating a continuing involvement in dressage.
Level II: This membership represents another large category of dressage enthusiast. These members may serve on committees and contribute to the Association without meeting the requirements of Level I. These riders may have the same interest and passion for Dressage, but have not yet demonstrated the criteria required to be a Level I member. This level provided membership for persons who are retiring from the sport, have had an injury to a horse or themselves. This level also provides memberships to persons who do not ride, but want to support or maintain affiliation with the MDA.
Level I Qualifications: Members requesting
Level I status must meet the following criteria:
a. Must have competed in at least one rated
show per year.
b. Must have ridden in at least two clinics in the past two years
and/or must be actively taking
lessons from one or more recognized trainers.
c. Must have ridden in at least six
dressage tests (any level) in the past two years.
Condition of
Membership: All applicants agree that as a condition of
membership, their status may be disciplined or revoked at any time. Applicants agree that discipline or revocation will be final and not subject to mediation or other review process.
Membership Revocation: A two-thirds voite of the Board members may discipline or revoke a membership for issues of unprofessional conduct and other acts. Applicants understand specifically that negative remarks to judges and clinicians will not be tolerated by MDA. Actions by a member that brings the Association into disrepute may cause the Board to initiate the process of discipline or revocation. Any such member proposed to be disciplined, censured or revoked shall be entitled to at least ten (10) days notice in writing by mail of the meeting at which such action will be considered.
Charter members: Will enter as a Level I member but must qualify each subsequent year.
Honorary Members: At the discretion of the Board, there may be up to ten honorary memberships granted annually
Article IV - Amending the By-Laws
A. The by-laws may be added
to, altered, or amended at any general membership meeting by a vote of two-thirds vote of the Board. Any proposed change must be published for at least 30
days before being brought to a vote.
A. The Board of Directors shall consist of at least six (6) members of which no less than three (3) shall be Level I members. For the purposes of conducting Association business. Four Board members shall constitute a quorum. Within the Board of Directors there shall be a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer plus three additional Board Members.
B.
The Board Members may remove
from office any officer whose actions are judged to be detrimental to the best
interest of the association. Removal will be accomplished by a two-thirds vote of the total Board membership.
C.
It shall be the duty of the
current membership to elect the Board Members for the upcoming
year.
D.
Officers shall serve a two
year term. Their terms shall coincide with the club year (December 1st
thru November 30th).
E.
The duties of the Board
shall, in a cooperative role, perform the following: approve membership and level of membership, preside over the meetings,
decide questions of order, serve as a point of contact for the Association, appoint
committees, aid in establishing and meeting Association goals. The Board shall make and enforce the rules
of the Association. The Board may
establish procedures for censure or expulsion of any member of the Association
found in violation of its rules or whose conduct shall be deemed detrimental to
the best interest of the Association.
F.
The Duties of the Chairman-
Prepare agenda and preside over the formal meetings of the Association.
G.
The duties of the Secretary
shall be to take the minutes of the meetings, maintain the correspondence
of the association, maintain club related forms, maintain the membership list
including enrollment forms and email contact lists, serve as Chairman of the
Communication Committee
H.
The duties of the Treasurer
shall include the collection, care, and custody of all monies involving the
association, the maintenance of proper books, and documenting all financial
transactions.
I.
Should a position become
vacant, it shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board at the next regular meeting.
A.
The general membership meetings will be four (4) times a year to coincide with
educational activities. Additional meetings may be called by the Board if
needed. Notice of meetings shall be given by U.S. Mail, e-mail or personal
contact no less than two (2) weeks
before the set date.
Section IV – Association Rules
1. Support all riders in a friendly
manner
2.
Encourage young and new riders
3
Help others reach their goals
4.
Be supportive of MDA and other clubs
5.
Present a professional demeanor towards all Judges, TD’s and host
organizations
6.
Offer assistance to any rider in need of such
7.
Make all persons feel welcome at MDA events
Section V : Removal of
Members or Chapter Officers
Any MDA member, regardless of classification, may be removed from membership by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Board, at any annual or special meeting called for that purpose, for conduct detrimental to the interests of MDA.
Any such member of officer proposed to be disciplined, censured or revoked shall be entitled to at least ten (10) days notice in writing by mail of the meeting at which such removal will be considered.
A. In the event the club should dissolve, dissolution will require a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors. After all club debts are paid, the remaining club money will be donated to a local charitable foundation.