Contest Club Ontario (CCO) Constitution

We, the undersigned, wishing to secure for ourselves the pleasures and benefits of an association of persons commonly interested in Amateur Radio and Radiosport, constitute ourselves CONTEST CLUB ONTARIO and enact this constitution as our governing law. It shall be our purpose to foster and encourage the growth of radiosport (amateur radio contesting), to further the exchange of information and cooperation between members, to promote radio knowledge, fraternalism and individual operating efficiency, and to so conduct club programs and activities as to advance the general interest and welfare of Amateur Radio in the community.

Membership: Article I

All persons interested in Amateur Radio contesting and residing within an area designated by the sponsors of individual competitions shall be eligible for membership. Membership shall be by application and election upon such terms as the club shall provide in its By-Laws.

Officers: Article II

Sec. 1. The officers of this club shall be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Communications and Past President. see also executive

Sec. 2 - The officers of this club shall be elected for a term of one year by ballot or general consensus of the members present, provided there be a quorum, at the annual meeting (or its designated substitute).

Sec. 3 - Vacancies occurring between elections must be filled by special elections at the first regular meeting following the withdrawal or resignation.

Sec. 4 - Officers may be removed by a three-fourths vote of the membership.

Sec. 5 - Members nominated for a position shall be advised of the nomination prior to elections.

Sec. 6 - If no nominations are received for an open position prior to a specified date then the officers may appoint a member upon agreement of the member.

Sec. 7 - In the event of a vacancy of the Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer, the President shall appoint a member of CCO to the vacant office until an election is held at the next appointed meeting. In the event of a vacancy in the office of a President, the Vice-President shall resume all powers and privileges of the office of President effective immediately until the scheduled elections are held.

Duties of Officers: Article III

Sec. 1 - The President shall preside at all meetings of this club, and conduct them according to the rules adopted. He/she shall enforce due observance of this Constitution and By-Laws; decide all questions of order; sign all official documents adopted by the club, and perform all other duties pertaining to the office of President.

Sec. 2 - The Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President in his/her absence. In addition, he/she shall organize club activities, plan and recommend contests for operating benefits, and advance club interest and activity as approved by the club.

Sec. 3 - The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of all meetings, keep a roll of members, submit membership applications, carry on all correspondence, read communications at each meeting, and mail or e-mail written meeting notices to each member. At the expiration of his/her term he/she shall turn over all items belonging to the club to his/her successor.

Sec. 4 - The Treasurer shall receive and receipt for all monies paid to the club; keep an accurate account of all monies received and expended; pay no bills without proper authorization (by the club or its officers constituting a business committee). At the end of each quarter he/she shall submit an itemized statement of disbursements and receipts. At the end of his/her term he/she shall turn over everything in his/her possession belonging to the club to his/her successor.

Sec. 4 - The Director of Communications bears the following duties: design, prepare, maintain and update the Club website; shall maintain, update, and otherwise moderate the Club e-group and e-mail reflector; and shall advance club interest and activity as approved by the club.

Meetings - Article IV

The By-Laws shall provide for regular and special meetings. At meetings, a minimum of one-third of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Dues: - Article V

The club, by majority vote of those present at any regular meeting, may levy upon the general membership such dues or assessments as shall be deemed necessary for the business of the organization. Non-payment of such dues or assessments shall be cause for expulsion from the club within the discretion of the membership.

Membership Assistance: Article VI

The club, through designated Interference, Public Relations, and Operating Committees may provide technical advice to members concerning equipment design and operation to assist in frequency observance, clean signals, uniform practice, and absence of spurious radiations from club member-stations. The club may also maintain a program to foster and guide public relations.

Amendments: - Article VII

This constitution or the By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Proposals for amendments shall be submitted in writing at a regular meeting and shall be voted on at the next following regular meeting, provided all members have been notified by mail of the intent to amend the constitution and/or By-Laws at said meeting.

Robert's Rules shall govern proceedings.

By-Laws:

1. Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep the constitution and By-Laws of the club and have the same with him/her at every meeting. He/she shall note all amendments, changes and additions on the constitution and shall permit it to be consulted by members upon request.

2. Membership. Full membership is open to licensed amateurs interested in amateur radio contesting (radiosport). Full membership includes all club privileges as well as rights to hold a club office and to vote for club officers. Applications for membership may be submitted at any time to any Club Officer for consideration.

3. Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held at the discretion of the Club Executive, and shall be scheduled so as to meet the formal meetings attendance requirement as stipulated under the ARRL Club Competition rules and the CQ Communications Club Competition rules. Special meetings may be called by the President upon the written request of any five club members. Notices shall be sent to members concerning special meetings and the business to be transacted. Only such business as designated shall be transacted. Such notices shall be sent so that they arrive not less than 24 hours before the meeting.

4. Dues. A regular monthly assessment of $NIL per member is hereby assessed in accordance with the provisions of Article V of the constitution for the purpose of providing funds for expenses.

5. Interference committee. This committee may consist of five members (appointed by the club President). The committee (if deemed necessary and consequently established) shall direct investigation, invite proper inquiries, establish technical facts and testimony and report its results to the club.