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 WISCONSIN GOLF COURSE
SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION, INC. 


BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I
NAME, OBJECT

Section 1. Name.
The name of this organization shall be the WISCONSIN GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS  ASSOCIATION, INC.

Section 2.
The Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association, Inc. is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c) (6) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. The purposes of this Association are: to promote research and the interchange of scientific and practical knowledge relating to the care of golf courses and turfgrass operations thus bringing about increased prestige for this association and its members, as well as for the occupation of golf course supervision in general, including the production, maintenance and improvement of turfgrass; to encourage cooperation with other associations and organizations whose interest parallel or compliment those of this association; and to promote justice, benevolence, and education to and for its members.

ARTICLE II
MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Definition.
The term “regular member” as used hereinafter, shall mean only Class “AA”, Class “A” or Class “B” members as defined in Section 2 of this Article. The term “Charter Member” shall mean those Class “All members who were members as of June 30, 1930.

Section 2. Class Definitions
Class “AA” Life Members
To qualify for life membership, a member must have been a Charter Member or a Regular Member for at least twenty-five (25) years, or a former member of the Executive Committee; and must have retired from active service as a golf course Superintendent.
A Life Member shall have all rights and privileges of the Association except that of holding office. A Life Member shall be excused from payment of annual dues and assessments.

Class “A” Golf Course Superintendent
To qualify for Class “A” membership an applicant shall have, at the time of application for membership, at least three (3) years experience as a golf course superintendent and be employed in such capacity. Class “A” members shall have all the privileges of the association.

Class “B” Superintendent Member
To qualify for Class “B” membership, an applicant can be any person of good character, who at the time of application for membership has less than three years experience as a golf course superintendent and is currently serving in such capacity. Class “B” members shall have all the privileges of the Association.

Class “C” Assistant Golf Course Superintendent
To qualify for Class “C” membership, an applicant can be any person of good character who at the time of application for membership is currently employed as an assistant to a Class A or B golf course superintendent. Class “C” members shall have all the privileges of the association. 

Class “D” Associate Member
To qualify for Associate Membership, an applicant could be a golf course official, owner, or active participant wishing to participate in association business.
Employment by a Golf Course Superintendent or Class “E” affiliate company, which are members, shall also qualify individuals for Association Membership.
Non-Superintendent Class “D” members shall be accepted when a majority of the active membership are superintendents.
Associate members shall have all of the privileges of the Association, except those of voting and of holding office.

Class “E” Affiliate
For a company, association or individual to qualify for membership in this Class they must show sufficient interest in growing, management or production of turfgrass, to work for the benefit of the Association.
The annual dues shall be the sum fixed at any annual meeting of the association as approved by a majority vote of the members present at such annual meeting. Affiliate representatives will be allowed to attend and participate at all meetings of the WGCSA. These representatives shall be entitled to all privileges of the Association with the exception of voting and holding office.

Class “EM” Equipment Manager Member

To qualify for Class “EM” membership, an applicant can be any person of good character who at the time of application for membership is currently employed as an Equipment Manager or Technician or Mechanic to a Class A or B golf course superintendent member. Class “EM” members shall have all the privileges of the Association except that he/she shall not vote or hold office.

Class “S” Student Member
To qualify for membership in this Class, an applicant must be a person enrolled in a turf culture at a Wisconsin State University or College, or a turf student out of state, in which to be employed by a Class “A” or Class “B” member of this Association. Class “S” member shall be elected to membership for one (1) year by the Board of Directors, or by two-thirds of the vote of members present at any regular meeting. Such a member shall be excused from payment of annual dues or assessments, and shall be entitled to all privileges of this Association except that he/she shall not vote or hold office.

Class “I” Inactive Member
An Inactive Member is a member who by circumstances such as unemployment, illness, or adverse financial condition is unable to pay dues. Membership in this Class may be granted upon proper application at the discretion of the Executive Committee. In active members may not vote or hold office. An Inactive member shall be excused from the payment of annual dues and assessments. Inactive Member applications will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Class “R” Retired Member
Any Class “A”, Class “B”, Associate or Affiliate Member reaching age fifty-five (55), who is retired and no longer seeking employment within the scope of activities of any membership class of the Association, may apply to the Executive Committee in writing for Retired Membership, the annual dues for which shall be one-half the amount paid by Class “A” members. A Retired Member shall have all the privileges of this Association afforded the member in his/her immediate previous classification, with the exception of holding office.

Class “H” Honorary Member
Honorary Members are such persons upon whom the members of the Association shall, for whatever reason, feel inclined to bestow such membership. Honorary Members shall be elected to membership for one (1) year, by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting, or by the Board of Directors. An Honorary Member shall not be required to pay dues or assessments and shall have all the privileges of the Association except that he/she shall not vote or hold office.

Section 3. Application for Membership.
Any person who desires to become a member of this Association shall file an application, in writing, with the Secretary or with the Membership Committee on an application form which will be furnished by the Association upon request.  Application for membership can also be completed online at the Association Website.  An application shall contain, among other things, a concise statement of the applicant’s training, qualifications and experience. The application must be signed by the applicant. Each applicant for Class A, B, or C membership must have the endorsement of at least two (2) members in good standing upon this application. The Executive Committee may waive the required endorsement. The completed application must be accompanied by a remittance of one (1) year’s dues. In any case where an applicant is refused membership in the Association, the amount remitted with his/her application shall be returned.


Section 4. Membership Classification.
All classifications of members shall be made by the Executive Committee, in accordance with standing rules adopted by it from time to time, or pursuant to directives adopted by the membership at any annual meeting or any special meeting called for that purpose. Effective July 1, 1997 each applicant for Class A or B membership must present an application for membership or evidence of membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and maintain that membership thereafter.

Section 5. Change of Membership Classification.
Any individual member may request a change in his/her membership classification in accord with a change in his/her qualifications for membership. All members, upon renewal of their annual membership, must clearly state their current employment status. This statement of employment status shall be based upon the Association’s officially accepted job listings of job titles. The Executive Committee shall, upon receipt of this statement, determine the appropriate class of membership for each individual and shall be empowered to alter the individual membership classification to properly reflect stated qualifications.

Section 6. Approval or Rejection of Applicant.
Application for membership shall be approved or rejected by a majority of the Executive Committee. In the event that an application for membership is rejected, hearing for reconsideration, if requested, shall be granted by the Executive Committee. Any hearing for reconsideration shall be held at the next meeting of the Executive Committee or at a special meeting called by the Executive Committee for such purpose. Any applicant requesting a hearing for reconsideration shall be notified (30) days in advance of the time and place set for such hearing. Statements in writing and testimony may be presented at such hearing.

ARTICLE III
DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Section 1. Annual Dues.
The annual dues shall be the sum fixed at any annual meeting of the Association as approved by a majority vote of the members present at such annual meeting. Dues shall be payable annually in advance. The membership and fiscal year shall be January 1st through December 31st. (Any dues received after September 30th, shall be considered the following years annual dues).

Section 2. Assessments.
Where necessary in the opinion of a majority of the members in attendance at a regular or a special meeting called for this purpose, there may be levied an assessment in addition to the annual dues for the payment of any existing deficit or potential deficit, provided, however, that such special assessment may not be levied more than once in any fiscal year and shall not exceed an amount equal to the annual dues fixed for such year.

Section 3. Suspension of Dues.
The Executive Committee may at its discretion, for good cause shown, temporarily excuse or extend time payment of annual dues or assessments for any member who because of health, advanced age, or any other good cause shall be unable to make payment within the time fixed.


ARTICLE IV
CONDUCT OF MEMBERS

Section 1. Guest Privileges.
A member shall have the privilege of having not more than three (3) guests per calendar year, and each guest may attend no more than two (2) meetings per calendar year. Greens chairmen and club presidents shall be considered Association guests, not members guests.

Section 2.
No member shall at any time use his/her affiliation with the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association, Inc. for the purpose of promoting schemes, ideas, or objects for private or collective gain.

Section 3.
If any member shall hereafter be charged with conduct unbecoming a member of the Association or conduct that in the opinion of the Executive Committee is likely or is calculated to injure or discredit the character or interests of the Association, and information of such conduct be left with the Secretary, notice of the filing of such information shall be given to the person concerned as well as the opportunity to be heard in reply. Whether or not a reply is filed to such charges, the Executive Committee shall hold a formal hearing on the charge and reply, if any. Such testimony shall be taken at the hearing as the Executive Committee shall deem pertinent and material. In the event that any information of supposed improper conduct shall come to the attention of the Executive Committee or any member thereof, said Executive Committee may, upon its own motion, prepare and file charges with the Secretary.

Section 4.
If after hearing, in the judgment of the Executive Committee, the conduct in question is cause for loss of membership, notice of the Executive Committee’s decision will be given to the member.
Appeal may be taken from the decision of the Executive Committee to the annual meeting of the Association where a hearing shall be held upon a transcript of the oral testimony and the documents presented at the Executive Committee’s hearing. No evidence shall be heard or ordered upon any such appeal before the annual meeting except that incorporated in the hearing before the Executive Committee.

Section 5. Reinstatement of Expelled Member.
Any expelled member, no earlier than one (1) year after the date of his\her loss of membership, may make application for reinstatement. Application shall be made in the manner and form provided in Article II, Section 4.

Section 6. Reinstatement of Members Suspended for Non-payment Of Dues.
Any former member suspended for non-payment of dues desiring to be reinstated to membership will apply for reinstatement in the same manner as provided for an applicant for membership. Application for reinstatement must be accompanied by remittance of one (1) years dues in advance plus a 50% penalty, together with any assessments.

ARTICLE V
OFFICERS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS  & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1.
There shall be elected by a majority vote at the annual meeting of this Association the following named officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer, each of whom must be a Class “A” or Class “B” member of this Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, who shall hold office for a period of one (1) year or until their successors are elected and qualified and who shall perform the duties hereinafter prescribed for each of said offices. No person shall be elected unless he/she is a member in good standing in this Association.
There shall likewise be constituted a Board of Directors composed of five (5) persons, each of whom must be a Class “A” or Class “B” member of this Association, four (4) of whom shall be elected by a majority vote of the membership. Two (2) shall be elected at the annual meeting each year and their term of office shall be two (2) years. The immediate past president of this Association shall serve as a Director for a term of two (2) years or until his/her successor’s term expires, whichever may occur first.
The officers of this Association, as herein above provided for, together with the Board of Directors as above constituted, shall constitute the Executive Committee of this Association. Each member of such Executive Committee shall be entitled to vote at the meetings thereof and a quorum necessary for the transaction of business shall be not less than a majority of said Executive Committee. A majority of the members of the Executive Committee shall be Class “A” or “B” members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Section 2. Vacancies in Office or Director.
Vacancies occurring in any office or in the Board of Directors of the Association shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee. Appointments made under the provisions of this section shall be for the duration of the unexpired term of the office or directorship vacated.

Section 3. Duties and Powers of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee will have general charge and management of the affairs of the Association.

Section 4. Office of the President and Duties Prescribed.
The President shall, during any period when the Executive Committee is not in session, have general charge and supervision of the affairs and property of the Association, subject, however, to such rules and regulations as may from time to time be made by the Executive Committee and shall be Ex-Officio member of all committees. He/she shall, from time to time and as often as may be directed, submit reports to the Executive Committee and give such information touching affairs of the Association as may be required, and make such recommendation as he/she may think proper. He/she shall appoint all committees, said appointments to be subject to approval of the Executive Committee, except that when action is required of such committee or committees prior to any such meeting of the Executive Committee, such approval of appointment shall not be required. 

Section 5. Office of Vice-President and Duties Prescribed.
In case of the absence or inability to act as President, the Vice-President shall, during the period of such absence or disability, perform the duties hereinbefore required of the President.
In the event the office of the President shall become vacant because of his/her death, resignation or removal, the Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President until the annual election or until his\her successor shall be duly elected and qualified. In the event that both the office of the President and Vice-President shall become vacant or those officers are incapacitated to act, then the Directors shall elect one of their members to fill the vacancy of the office of President.

Section 6. Office of Secretary and Duties Prescribed.
The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the members, and of the Board of Directors, and shall record all votes and minutes of all proceedings in a book to be kept for that purpose. He/she shall give or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the members, and of the Board of Directors, and shall perform the duty of being responsible to assure all current and past records are in order at the immediate Association office and other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

Section 7. Office of Treasurer and Duties Prescribed.
The Treasurer shall bill members before October 1st and, if necessary a second billing before November 15th. Anyone who has not paid dues by January 1st will be removed from membership.
The Treasurer shall have custody of the funds of the Association and shall keep full and accurate account or receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Association and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Association in such depositories as may be designated by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI
COMMITTEES

Section 1. Executive Committee.
There shall be an Executive Committee, which shall consist of all of the members of the Board of Directors and officers of the Association. Said Committee shall meet at least twice a year. The first meeting of the year is to be held immediately following the annual meeting of the members and another meeting is to be held at the call of the President of the Association. Said committee shall advise with the aid of the officers of the Association in all matters concerning its interests and management of its business, and shall generally perform such duties and exercise such powers as may be directed and delegated by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Appointed Committees.
The President, shall on or before the first meeting following the annual meeting, appoint the following standard committees on each of which the President shall be an Ex-Officio member.
Membership - Golf & Arrangements - Educational - Auditing - Nominating - Social - Publicity - By-Laws - Historian - Parliamentarian and Assistant Parliamentarian - Scholarships and Research - Environmental and Governmental Regulations Committees.

Section 3. Membership Committee.
The Membership Committee shall consist of three (3) members each of whom must be a charter or regular member. It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to receive and consider all applications for membership, and report its findings and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Section 4. The Golf and Arrangements Committee.
The Golf and Arrangements Committee shall consist of three (3) members of any classification who shall have charge of all accommodations, events or tournaments of the members of this Association and their guests.

Section 5. Educational Committee.
The Educational Committee shall consist of three (3) members of any classification whose duties shall be to promote the interchange of ideas and methods both practical and scientific, and thereby assist in the advancement of the arts and skills of turfgrass management among the members of this Association both individually and collectively.
It shall also endeavor to disseminate scientific and practical knowledge and information either by forum, the use of speakers, demonstrations or in any other manner it may deem advisable.

Section 6. Auditing Committee.
The Auditing Committee shall consist of three (3) members, none of whom shall be an officer or a member of the Board of Directors. The Committee shall examine at least once a year all accounts of the Treasurer and review the records of the Secretary and/or any committee, and report thereon at the annual meeting and whenever so directed by the Board of Directors. The members of this Committee shall be Class “A” and/or Class “B” members.

Section 7. Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) immediate past Presidents of the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association. These three past Presidents shall be members in good standing with the Association, under the discretion of the Board of Directors. If a vacancy exists, the current immediate past President, which is the Committee Chairman, shall nominate a Class “A” or Class “B” member of this Association to fill the vacancy. Their duties shall be to nominate one (1) candidate for the office of President, one (1) or more candidates for the office of Vice-President, one (1) or more candidates for the office of Secretary, one (1) or more candidates for the office of Treasurer and one (1) or more candidates for the Board of Directors for each Director to be elected. Said nominations shall be communicated by written notice to the members at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the annual meeting. Members of this Association may put up for nomination and be elected independent of candidates nominated by the regular Nominating Committee.

Section 8. By-Laws Committee.
This Committee shall review the Association By-Laws and see that they are kept up to date by drafting and presenting for consideration of any additions and/or amendments deemed necessary. The members of this Committee shall be Class “A” and/or Class “B” members.

Section 9. Parliamentarian.
The Parliamentarian shall be consulted on questions of procedure during the meetings of this Association. The Parliamentarian may be of any classification.

Section 10. Historian.
The Historian shall be responsible for maintenance of a historical record of the growth and activities of this Association. He/she shall bring the record up to date each year and shall make this information available in the best possible manner. He/she shall study and make recommendations to the Executive Committee for publishing in comprehensive form the history of this Association. The Historian may be of any classification.

Section 11. Social Committee.
The Social Committee shall consist of three (3) members of any classification whose duties shall be to promote and report to the membership all social functions of this Association.

Section 12. Publicity Committee.
The Publicity Committee shall consist of two (2) members of any classification whose duties shall be to publicize the Association and its members by news release at local and state media, turf publications, or in any other manner that will promote the superintendents and the Association’s image.

Section 13. Scholarship and Research Committee.
This Committee shall be made up of five (5) members of this Association including the Treasurer. These members shall be of any classification.
Proposed dispersal of funds by this committee shall be approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 14. Benevolence Committee.
The Benevolence Committee shall consist of the Treasurer. The Treasurer will be responsible for the timely disbursement of funds and will report his/her actions to the Board of Directors. Notification of the deceased member shall be made directly to the Treasurer.

Section 15. Environmental Committee.
The Environmental Committee shall consist of three (3) members of any classification whose duties shall be to stay abreast of and report to the membership any relevant environmental issues impacting the Association.

Section 16. Governmental Regulations Committee.
The Governmental Regulations Committee shall consist of three (3) members of any classification whose duties shall be to stay abreast of and report to the membership any important issues pertaining to compliance.

Section 17. Class C Committee

The Class C Committee shall consist of up to five (5) members.  The committee shall be Co-Chaired by the Vice President of the Association and a Class C Member who shall be appointed by the Association President.


Section 18. Class EM Committee

The Class EM Committee shall consist of up to five (5) members.  The committee shall be Co-Chaired by the Vice President of the Association and a Class EM Member who shall be appointed by the Association President.

ARTICLE VII
MEETINGS

Section 1. Annual Membership Meetings.
The annual Spring and Fall meetings of the members of this Association shall be held each year at such a place as the Board of Directors may determine.

Section 2. Regular Membership Meetings.
The Regular Membership Meetings shall be held on the second Monday of each calendar month, unless it is deemed advisable by the Board of Directors. In any event, a meeting shall be held each month, March through November.

Section 3. Special Meetings.
Special meetings of the members may be called by the President upon request of a majority of the Executive Committee or upon the request of thirty-three and one-third percent (33 1\3%) of the voting members. At a special meeting, the only business which may be transacted is that pertaining to the purpose or purposes for which the meeting was called.

Section 4. Notice of Meetings.
Notice of the time and place of all meetings of the members shall be given, or cause to be given, by the Secretary, to each member by mailing such notice not less than ten (10) days before the day appointed for such meeting, addressed to the member at his/her address as the same may appear on the records of the Association. Notice of all meetings of members may be waived by a waiver of notice signed by all members entitled to notice of such meeting.

Section 5. Quorums.
Five (5) members in addition to a quorum of the Board of Directors at any meeting shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the votes cast at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be decisive of any action. Members present at any meeting, although less than a quorum, may adjourn such meeting to a later date.


Section 6. Proxy Votes.
Members may vote by proxy at any meeting of the members, but no proxy shall be permitted to vote unless the appointments are in writing and filed with the Secretary at or before the meeting.

ARTICLE VIII
EARNINGS

Section 1.
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and make empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purpose set forth in Article I, section 2, hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these By-Laws, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

ARTICLE IX
DISSOLUTION

Section 1.
Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purpose within the meaning of section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not to be disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principle office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE X
AMENDMENTS

Section 1.
These By-Laws may be amended, modified, altered, or repealed by two-thirds (2\3) of the voting members at the annual meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose. Thirty (30) days notice must be given of any such meeting.

ARTICLE XI

Section 1.
Any order of business not covered by these By-Laws shall be referred to the Roberts Rules of Order.

ARTICLE XII
ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1.
The order of business may be altered by the Board of Directors at any meeting with the exception of the March and November meetings.

1. Call to order.
2. Roll call of officers.
3. Reading of minutes of last meeting.
4. Reading of communications.
5. Reports of officers and committees.
6. Unfinished business.
7. New business.
8. Good of the Association.
9. Closing.

ARTICLE XIII
INDEMNIFICATION

Section 1.
The Association shall indemnify any and all persons who may serve or have served at any time as officers or directors, and their respective heirs, paid administrators, successors and assigns, against any and all expenses, including amounts paid upon judgments, counsel fees and amounts paid in settlement (before or after suit is commenced), actually necessarily incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement or any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which they, or any of them are made parties, or a party, or which may be asserted against them or any of them, by reason of being, or by having been, an officer or director of this Association, except in relation to matters as to which any such officer or director, or former officer or director, shall be adjudged in any action, suit or proceeding to be liable for those acts and omissions arising out of his/her willful misfeasance. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled including such immunities under any law, bylaw agreement, or otherwise. 

BENEVOLENCE 

It is the desire of the Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association to pay benevolence in the amount of $100.00 to the next of kin in the case of death of eligible members.

These By-Laws were last updated on March 3rd, 2021

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