MCA Bylaws

ARTICLE I: Association Name

The name of this Association shall be “Midwest Curling Association” and hereinafter referred to as the Association and/or the MCA. The previous name “Illinois Curling Association” and “ICA” may be referenced in financial and state records.

ARTICLE II: Definitions and Acronyms

Whenever the following words are capitalized in these bylaws, they shall denote the person(s) or organization(s) indicated and/or shall have the meaning set forth in this paragraph:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS – All members of the MCA Board including the REPRESENTATIVES, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, and the USCA Representative;

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and the Media/Communications Director;

MEMBER CLUB – Any curling club or organization that been accepted for membership in the MCA and the USCA;

MEMBER or MEMBERS – Any individual curler who belongs to a MEMBER CLUB and has paid dues to the MEMBER CLUB, the MCA, and the USCA;

OFFICERS – Members of the Executive Committee;

REGION – The territorial limits of the states of Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa. Locations not covered by other associations may be added from time to time;

REPRESENTATIVES – Individual(s) designated by MEMBER CLUBS to represent their curling club’s interest at meetings of the Association;

USCA – United States Curling Association.

ARTICLE III: Purpose

The Midwest Curling Association was founded to:

1. To promote the game of curling and coordinate efforts of members clubs within the REGION;
2. To maintain friendly relations and affiliations with other state and regional curling clubs or organizations;
3. To conduct, manage, and operate regional playdown events into all national events sanctioned by the USCA;
4. To represent curlers within the REGION in any national or international discussions;
5. To carry out such other objectives as are deemed to be in the best interests of the game of curling as may, from time to time, be approved by a majority of the MEMBER CLUBs.

The Association also has such powers as are now or may hereafter be granted by the General Not For Profit Corporation Act of the State of Illinois.

ARTICLE IV: MEMBERS

Section 1. Qualification

Any curling club that is a MEMBER CLUB or seeks to be a MEMBER CLUB shall meet and/or adhere to all the following requirements:

1. Located within the REGION;
2. Promote the game of curling within the area;
3. Welcome individual members without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, or age (clubs are allowed to set age restrictions for children);
4. Abide by rules of play established by the USCA, the WCF, or a variation thereof approved by the Association;
5. Pay annual membership fee for all MEMBERS to the MCA as detailed in Article XI, Section 1;
6. Pay annual membership fee for all MEMBERS to the USCA as set by the USCA’s Board of Directors, in accordance with USCA By-Laws Section 5.4 and 5.5 (as of July 2020).

Section 2. Application and Election of Membership

Membership applications shall be submitted in written form via email to the Association’s President by the applying club. There is no admission fee for membership application and processing. The application may be considered by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS at any meeting, providing the Association’s President has the application at least 60 days prior to the meeting at which the membership application is discussed. An affirmation by a majority (> 51%) of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS present at the meeting shall constitute membership.

The application form, at the minimum, shall contain:

1. The name of the club;
2. The name of the club’s officers;
3. The names and addresses of all the curlers represented by the applicant;
4. A copy of its Articles of Incorporation/Charter and By-Laws;
5. A request for membership, and a statement that the applicant will actively participate in the conduct of the affairs of the Association and will abide by its rules and regulations;
6. Such other information as the Association may require.

Section 3. Representatives and Voting Rights

Each MEMBER CLUB with 10+ members shall designate a club MEMBER as a REPRESENTATIVE. MEMBER CLUBS, with less than ten members, shall be deemed a Non-Voting Association Club. A Non-voting Associate Club will have a voice but no vote for all actions taken by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. MEMBER CLUBS whose MEMBERS exceed 25% of the total MEMBERS in the MCA are welcome to designate an additional REPRESENTATIVE. REPRESENTATIVES shall act as a voice of their club and shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Section 4. Suspension Of Membership

MEMBER CLUBS which fail to maintain the membership requirements outlined in Article IV, Section 1, shall be suspended from all privileges of the MCA, including voting, and after an appropriate hearing, may be removed from membership in the MCA by the affirmative vote of 51% or more at any regularly constituted meeting.

Section 5. Membership Resignation

Any MEMBER CLUB may resign by filing a written letter of resignation with the Association’s President. However, such resignation shall not relieve the MEMBER CLUB of the obligation to pay any dues, assessments, or other charges theretofore accrued and unpaid.

Section 6. Membership Reinstatement

Any MEMBER CLUB may request reinstatement into the Association by filing a written letter to that effect, signed by an elected officer of the MEMBER CLUB, with the Association’s President. The BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall vote upon such request at the next scheduled meeting. Reinstatement shall require the affirmative vote of > 51% of the members present. Reinstated MEMBER CLUBS are subject to all accrued and unpaid dues, assessments, or other charges to the MCA and the USCA by the former MEMBER CLUB and compliance with any other terms or conditions that the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may deem appropriate.

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

Section 1. Stated Meetings

The OFFICERS, elected from the various MEMBER CLUBS, and the REPRESENTATIVES, designated by each MEMBER CLUB, shall meet a minimum of four times each calendar year, including the annual meeting held in May.

Section 2. Annual Meetings

The annual meeting of BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the Association shall be held during May each year, beginning with the year 1965. Each annual meeting’s agenda shall include a review and approval of the Association’s financial report as prepared by the Treasurer; a recap of previous year’s MCA playdowns, championships, and bonspiels; the election or affirmation of OFFICERS, and business items particular to MCA operations and activities.

Section 3. Special Meetings

A special meeting of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may be called at any time upon at least a five (5) day written notice (email) by the President, Vice President, or Treasurer of the MCA.

Section 4. Notice of Meetings

Written notice or printed notice stating the place, day, and hour of the meeting shall be delivered at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the stated meeting, by email via the Association’s President. In the case of a special meeting, the notice of at least five (5) days is required, and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called must be supplied.

Section 5. Informal Action by Members

Any action required to be taken at a meeting of the Association may be taken without a meeting if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by all of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS entitled to vote with respect to the subject matter thereof.

Section 6. Electronic Attendance

Members of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may participate in any meeting by means of any telecommunication application and device that provides two-way voice conversation, with or without video projection, which allows persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Such participation shall constitute “present in person” at a meeting.

Section 7. Quorum

A majority (> 51%) of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS represented at the meeting shall constitute a quorum and shall be the act of Association in regards to the adoption or rejection of proposals and positions.

ARTICLE VI: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the Association shall consist of REPRESENTATIVES for each MEMBER CLUB, the elected OFFICERS [President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Media/Communicators Director], and the USCA Representative. All BOARD OF DIRECTORS, except in some cases the USCA Rep, must be active, dues-paying, or honorary members of a MEMBER CLUB.

Section 1. General Powers

The BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have the control and management of the affairs and funds of the Association.

Section 2. Representatives

Each MEMBER CLUB with 10+ members shall designate a single REPRESENTATIVE to the Association for the purpose of attending meetings and voting on matters submitted to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. MEMBER CLUBS, with less than ten members, will be deemed a Non-Voting Association Club. A Non-voting Associate Club will have a voice but no vote for all actions taken by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. MEMBER CLUBS whose MEMBERS exceed 25% of the total MEMBERS in the MCA shall be allocated an additional REPRESENTATIVE. Each REPRESENTATIVE shall be entitled to one vote. In the event of a vacancy, the MEMBER CLUB shall notify the Association’s President within 30 days after learning of such vacancy. The MEMBER CLUB shall notify the Association’s President by electronic notice as to who shall represent the said club on the BOARD OF DIRECTORS for the unexpired term.

Section 3. Officers

The Executive Committee of the Association shall consist of the following OFFICERS: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Media/Communications Director. All positions but the Secretary and Media/Communications Director have voting rights. Each OFFICER shall be elected for two-year terms by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS at the regularly scheduled annual meeting. If the election of OFFICERS shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as is conveniently possible.

Section 4. Immediate Past President

The immediate past President shall be a non-voting member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. They shall serve for a maximum of twelve months, following the conclusion of their term, and shall participate in Executive Committee conversations and business, as well as guiding leadership with insight from preceding years’ activities and events.

Section 5. USCA Representative

A duly elected USCA Representative from either the Association or Great Lakes Curling Association (GLCA) shall be appointed by the Associations’ Presidents. The shared position shall alternate between the two regions each term based on the availability of a qualified candidate. The USCA Representative shall represent the interests of the GLCA and MCA at USCA meetings. The individual shall also act as a voting MEMBER if they are an active, dues-paying member of an MCA MEMBER CLUB. The term of office for a USCA Representative shall be two years as prescribed by the USCA, and terms are limited in accordance with USCA By-Laws Section 7.10 (as of July 2020).

ARTICLE VII: Executive Committee

The Executive Committee of this Association consists of the following OFFICERS: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Media/Communications Director, and such other OFFICERS as deemed necessary. OFFICERS shall serve the MCA without compensation. Following approval of the Treasurer and in compliance with MCA Bylaws, the Executive Committee’s OFFICERS may be reimbursed for funds expended while on MCA assignment.

Section 1. Term Length

All OFFICERS shall be elected by the REPRESENTATIVES for two-year terms at the annual meeting. If the election of OFFICERS shall not be held at such meeting, such election shall be held as soon thereafter as is conveniently possible. The President and Vice President shall serve only one term, whereas the Secretary, Treasurer, and Media/Communications Director may serve 4 terms. Two or more offices may be held by the same person, except the offices of President and Secretary. Each officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified.

Section 2. Elections

Nominations for the OFFICERS shall be solicited by the Communications Director at least 45 days before the annual meeting in which elections are being held. Nominations will be passed along to the Executive Committee, and qualified candidates will be presented to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS at least ten (10) days prior to the annual meeting. Nominees must be dues-paying members of a MEMBER CLUB within the MCA. No person shall be eligible for the President or Treasurer position without passing a background check. The USOC/USCA sponsored background check program available through the MCA shall be used, and the cost borne by MCA.

Section 3. Removal

Any OFFICER, elected or appointed, may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS, whenever in the best interests of the Association. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed.

Section 4. Vacancies

A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation, removal, disqualification, or otherwise, the President may recommend a candidate in which the Board of Directors can confirm via a simple majority.

Section 5. Voting Rights

All members of the Executive Committee, except the Secretary and Media/Communications Director, have voting rights. Neither the President, Vice President, or Treasurer shall serve as REPRESENTATIVES of their MEMBER CLUB. They are OFFICERS of the Association only and have voting privileges as members of the Executive Committee.

Section 6. President

The President shall:

1. Be the principal executive officer of the MCA;
2. Supervise and control all of the business and affairs of the MCA;
3. Preside at all meetings of the MCA;
4. Individually execute any contract, agreement, or other instruments necessary for the conduct of the MCA as authorized by the OFFICERS and approved by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS;
5. Perform all duties incident to the office of President and other duties as may be prescribed, from time to time, by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Section 7. Vice President

The Vice President shall:

1. In the absence of the President or in the event of the President’s inability or refusal to act, perform the duties of the President and when so acting shall have the authority of the President;
2. Perform the duties assigned to him or her, from time to time, by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Section 8. Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

1. Have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds and securities of the MCA;
2. Receive and give receipts for monies due and payable to the MCA from any source whatsoever, and deposit all such monies in the name of the MCA in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS;
3. Act as the registered agent for the Association;
4. Complete all necessary tax filing on behalf of the Association;
5. Perform the duties assigned to him or her, from time to time, by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Section 9. Secretary

The Secretary shall:

1. Record and prepare for publication the minutes of all MCA meetings;
2. Keep an updated roster of contact information for each OFFICER and REPRESENTATIVE;
3. Perform the duties assigned to him or her, from time to time, by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Section 10. Media & Communications Director

The Media/Communications Director shall:

1. Be responsible for the MCA’s presence on the internet, including but not limited to the Association’s website, social media, and forums;
2. Collect all calendar events from MEMBER CLUBs and compile a calendar list for distribution;
3. Perform the duties assigned to him or her, from time to time, by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES

Section 1. Establishment of Committees

The Executive Committee, on the recommendation of the Association’s President, shall designate one or more committees, as it shall from time to time deem appropriate. The designation of such committees and the delegation thereto of authority shall not operate to relieve the Executive Committee or any individual OFFICER of any responsibility imposed upon them in the bylaws. Members of each committee shall consist of at least one sponsoring OFFICER. Otherwise, members of each such committee shall be active, dues-paying members of a MEMBER CLUB, and the Association’s President shall appoint the members thereof.

Section 2. Term of Office

Each committee member shall continue as such until the next annual meeting and until his successor is appointed, unless the committee shall be sooner terminated, or unless such member be removed, or unless such member shall cease to qualify as a member thereof.

Section 3. Sponsoring Officer

At least one committee member shall be an OFFICER from the Executive Committee, thereby establishing a clear line of reporting to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Section 4. Vacancies

Vacancies in the membership of any committee may be filled by appointments made in the same manner as the original appointments.

ARTICLE IX: Contracts and Gifts

Section 1. Contracts

The BOARD OF DIRECTORS may authorize any OFFICER or OFFICERS to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association, and such authorization may be general or confined to specific instances.

Section 2. Gifts

The BOARD OF DIRECTORS may accept on behalf of the MCA any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the general purposes or for any special purpose of the Association.

ARTICLE X: Books and Records

The Treasurer shall keep correct and complete books, and the Secretary shall keep minutes and records of the proceedings of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The books and records of the MCA may be inspected by any MEMBER CLUB or its agent or attorney, upon written request, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

ARTICLE XI: FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year of the MCA shall begin on May 1^st and end on April 30^th in each year.

ARTICLE XII: DUES

Section 1. Annual Dues

Each MEMBER CLUB shall pay annual dues for all of its MEMBERS for the current year no later than January 31st, in an amount to be fixed by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the MCA, from time to time. Non-curling members and honorary members are not charged annual dues. Each MEMBER CLUB shall attach to its dues payment a copy of the MEMBER CLUB’s USCA current Membership Summary.

Section 2. Default And Suspension Of Membership

When any MEMBER CLUB shall be in default in the payment of dues for a period of two months from the beginning of the period for which dues become payable, its membership may thereupon be suspended by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS in the manner provided in Article IV, Section 4.

ARTICLE XIII: Amendment to Bylaws

These bylaws may be amended, repealed, or altered, in whole or in part, by a vote of two-thirds (⅔) of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS present. However, no such changes in the bylaws shall be adopted unless the BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have been notified in writing of the proposed change by electronic mail sent at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting at which such changes are to be considered.

Adopted November 9, 2020