NEW CLUB CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS                                     revised 2/8/13

(CLUB NAME)  ________________________________________________________ 

ARTICLE I
This Organization shall be known as the (insert club name or initials) 

______________________________________________________________________________

Its membership shall be made up of dedicated purebred dog enthusiasts of (insert location) _____________________________________ and surrounding areas, or any person duly elected to membership. 

ARTICLE II
The purpose of this club shall be to promote _________________
To fulfill this Article, we promise: 
1. To hold licensed UKC events that will be run in accordance with all the rules, policies, and procedures of the United Kennel Club for any UKC event the club is licensed for. 
2. To dismiss from our membership without hesitation those who violate these by-laws and the principles of good sportsmanship and fair and honest conduct.
(Clubs may add other objectives as they see fit) 
3. The club will not hold any other registry’s events on the same day/location as that of any UKC event without the prior approval of UKC. 
4. No UKC licensed or provisional status club may be given /handed over to/acquired/ purchased by any other group or persons at any time, for any reason.  The changing of officers or handing over any officer designation does not apply unless the club follows their normal election of officers as outlined in their Constitution & By-Laws. Upon the club voting to demise their club status with UKC (dissolved), UKC must receive in writing, a letter signed by all officers stating that the club is to be dissolved, and any/all assets are to be donated to dog related charities. 

                                                                ARTICLE III
We reserve the right to refuse any entry in our competitions, as well as membership in this Club to any individual, at the discretion of the Officers, Board of Directors, and members. However, no person shall be refused entry or membership on a basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, or national origin. 
The method of obtaining membership in this Club shall be as follows: 
1. Be sponsored by a UKC member in good standing, and supply the following information: 
 	Name   
 	Address and phone number
 	Occupation  
2. Application shall be in writing to the Secretary.  
3. Once application and dues are received by the Secretary, applicant will be notified that their membership has been accepted. 
4. No applicant will be accepted to membership if he or she has been convicted of a felony, unless specifically approved by a majority vote of the Officers/Board and members. 

ARTICLE IV
The following shall be the conditions of continuing membership: 
1. The attendance of as many meetings as possible. 
2. The attendance of and participation in all Club activities and shows/events to the satisfaction of the Officers/Board. However, the attendance clauses of Article IV, sections 1 and 2 shall be waived due to illness, disability, conflict with employment, excessive distance, or bona-fide previous commitments. 
3. Any member known to: promote, support, raise dogs for fighting; knowingly sell, give, or trade dogs that will be used for fighting; condone or be associated with the facing off, game testing, rolling or pitting of dogs will have their membership automatically revoked. The member shall also be reported to United Kennel Club for disciplinary action as well. 

ARTICLE V
The Officers shall be elected at the (insert date) _______________ meeting every (insert term) _____________ year(s). Any Officer may succeed themselves. All elections shall be by secret ballot and decided by a simple majority. The officers and their respective duties shall be as follows: 
This article shall be used to govern the Officers of the Club. 
1. PRESIDENT: shall preside at all meetings and conduct good order and discipline. 
2. VICE-PRESIDENT: shall assist the president in the discharge of duties, and will preside in their absence. 
3. SECRETARY/TREASURER: shall keep an accurate record of all meetings and events. They shall keep an accurate account received and be responsible for the proper collection and distribution of all funds and accounts, under the direction of the Board. They shall preside in the absence of the other elected officers. 
The secretary will send into the United Kennel Club by December 31 of each year the updated officers list and a current membership list of all members in good standing with the club. 
4. The checks on the account(s) of this Club will be signed by the (list officer(s)) ____________________________________________________. 
5. The books and accounts of the Secretary/Treasurer shall be audited annually, prior to the election of officers, by a committee appointed by the President. 

ARTICLE VI
The Board of Directors of this Club shall be ____ (_) in number, and elected at large by the membership, and shall include one alternate director. The alternate should attend all Board meetings, and shall have a vote if one or more directors are absent.  
ARTICLE VII
The dues of this Club shall be in the amount decided upon by the membership and shall be due and payable on (insert date) __________________. Any member who has not paid their dues by ___________________ (insert date) shall be dropped from the rolls. However, if any member is in financial distress, his dues may be waived by a majority vote of the Officers/Board, on a case by case basis. 

ARTICLE  VIII
The meetings of this Club shall be held on ________________________________ (insert meeting date) at a location decided upon by the Officers/Board. 

ARTICLE IX
These By-Laws may be amended as deemed necessary by the Officers/Board and must be approved by a simple majority of the members present. Notice of a proposed change must be in writing, and the membership properly notified. UKC must be notified in writing.
All changes to By Laws must be approved by UKC before becoming active. 

ARTICLE X
General Regulations: 
1. Members shall conduct themselves as ladies/gentlemen at all Club functions.
2.  Absolutely no alcoholic beverages, firearms, or illegal drugs will be allowed on the grounds or in the buildings while participating in any club or licensed event. 
3. These By-Laws shall be read to every applicant before being accepted into membership. 
4.  These By-Laws shall become effective at the (insert date) ____________ meeting. 
5. To become effective, these By-Laws must be approved by a majority vote of all members present when the vote is taken. 
6. All United Kennel Club policies will be strictly adhered to during all UKC events. 
7. Members shall conduct themselves in an honest and sportsman like manner at all meetings and events. 
8. The Officers/Board of Directors of the (insert club name) _______________________________________________ shall have the inherent rights and powers to dismiss ANY member who is continually disruptive to the detriment of the orderly conduct of our meetings and/or events. 
9. The Officers and Board shall serve as the nomination committee for all offices, board vacancies, and award recipients; however, any member in good standing shall have the right to make nominations from the floor. 
10. Any individual suspended by United Kennel Club shall automatically be suspended from the club as well. 

Read and approved by Officers/Board:______________________________________________________________ 

Read and approved by Membership on this date::______________________________ 

President: _________________________________________________________________

Vice President:  ____________________________________________________________ 

Board members:  ___________________________________________________________

Officers must place signatures on form. Agreeing to all of the above.