Bylaws

I. Name:

The official name of this organization is The Fellowship of Christian Sportsmen (FCS).

II. Statement of Purpose:

The Fellowship of Christian Sportsmen (FCS) is a non-denominational, non-political, brotherhood organization, founded in Austin, Texas in 1988 by a group of Christian sportsmen.  FCS is a ministry to the hunting and fishing world.

The purpose of the Club shall be to encourage Christian fellowship opportunities for men (and each man’s wife and adult female relatives) who like to hunt, shoot, and fish.  We exist to:

1. Share the joy and experience of hunting and fishing with other Christian Sportsmen.
2. Encourage Christian fellowship among men.
3. Challenge men to establish and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

4. Encourage serving the Lord Jesus.

5. Encourage fellowship in a local church.

III. Membership:

1. FCS membership is available to men, 18 years old and older, (and each man’s wife and female relatives) and Youth Club membership is available to minor males (under 18 years old) and minor female relatives of male members without regard to race, national origin, age, denominational preference, or political persuasion.
2. Members shall consist of those men (and each man’s wife and adult female relatives) who have:
   1. Expressed a desire to be a member by completing a membership application.
   2. Have paid an annual club membership due.  Current dues are $20.00 a year.
3. A directory of members will be maintained by the Club officers.
4. Current membership benefits include:
   • FCS Gear options as detailed on our FCS Gear webpage (shipping is extra for some options)
   • Quarterly newsletter (for members who do not have Web access)
   • Annual calendar (for members who do not have Web access)
   • Annual Membership Directory (for members who do not have Web access)

• Make proposals for changes or additions to the Club Bylaws, Statement of Faith, Annual Calendar of Events, or Fiscal Year Budget.
• Participate in all active Club member votes.
• Check out (borrow) items from the Club tape and book library and equipment inventory.

E. Active members who decline a FCS Gear membership benefit (T-shirt for example) will have the option of whether to designate the portion of their dues that would have been dedicated to cover the cost of the Gear to either go to cover general expenses or to be contributed to a FCS Scholarship Fund that will be used to help active Club members and youths who need help in paying for FCS events.  No revenues from the FCS budgets will be dedicated to the Scholarship Fund.

F. Youth Club membership is available to minor male offspring of Club members.  Said offspring are not required to complete an application and do not pay a membership due.

G. Other minor males, whose father's are not members of the Club, can become youth members.  To do so they must complete a youth membership application but they do not pay a membership due.  Youth Club members in this category must also secure parent or guardian permission in order to purchase Club Apparel.  A youth membership application is required to be completed for all youth whose fathers are not Club members prior to participation in Club events.

H. Prospective members (men who have never attended a FCS event) will receive e-mails and/or a one-time mail out of materials at their request or the request of a Club member.  After a prospect has been sent a mail out of materials he will be removed from the mailing list and not reinstated unless he becomes a member.  Prospective members also will not be allowed membership benefits until they become members.  Newsletters, flyers, and other FCS publications will continue to be made available to prospective members at FCS events.

I.  Inactive members (men who have at one time been active members of the Club but who have not renewed their memberships) become active members upon receipt of a membership due.  Inactive members will not be allowed membership benefits until they renew their memberships.

J.  Members and Youth members may be removed from active membership by their own request, by failure to renew their memberships, or as is determined necessary by a majority vote of Club members.

K. Married male Club member's wives and female relatives and single male Club member's female relatives can participate in all Club outings with their male sponsor.  Single male Club member's girl friends (and single female Club member's boy friends) can participate in all Club day events with their male Club member/sponsor.  For events that involve overnight camping, stays at motels, sleeping in bunk houses, etc., single male Club member's girl friends must be sponsored by a female Club member, who they will share quarters with and single female Club member's boy friends must be sponsored by a male Club member, who they will share quarters with.  In all cases single couples must sleep in separate quarters.  Single women who are not related to a male Club member or women who are married but their husbands are not Club members can participate in all Club events but cannot participate in events that involve overnight camping, stays at motels, sleeping in bunk houses, etc. unless they have at least a son or daughter with them who is interested in learning how to hunt, shoot, or fish and they are sponsored by a female Club member, who they will share quarters with.

IV. Officers:

1. Officer positions shall consist of a President and such other positions that are deemed necessary by a majority vote of the active Club members.  All Club officers are expected to set the example for the FCS membership by following the bylaws and through attendance at FCS events.  All Club officers are expected to participate in scheduling, planning, and promoting all Club meetings and outings.  All Club Officers will serve two year terms.  Officer Elections will be held no later than the month before the expiration of the present officer's terms.  All Club officers are expected to be current in their membership dues.
2. The Club President will be in charge of all of the Club’s chapters.  When circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a meeting, the Club President is responsible to secure a replacement officer to lead the meeting (in the following order of preference: Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, a Chapter President, or a Chapter Vice President).  The Club President is expected to attend at least one half of all Club Chapter meetings.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead all Officer and Club meetings.  Responsible to obtain a substitute leader for Officer or Club meetings when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending.
2. Responsible to ensure that the other Chapter President(s) and the Club officers in his own Chapter (if he is also a Chapter President) fulfill their job descriptions.
3. Responsible to fulfill the other Chapter President(s) and the Club officers in his own Chapter (if he is also a Chapter President) job descriptions in their absence.

4. Responsible to ensure that all active Club members are given an opportunity to ponder and discuss a proposed vote for a minimum of one week before a vote on the proposal is scheduled to be held.  Discussions can be held by e-mail, mail, or phone.

5. Responsible to ensure that votes on Bi-annual and called officer elections by the active Club members, votes on the Annual Fiscal Year Budget and Annual Calendar of Events by the Club officers, and votes on additions, cancellations, and date, time, or location changes to the Annual Calendar of Events by the Club officers take place, and the results are tabulated and reported to the active Club members within seven days of the vote.  An attempt must be made to obtain votes from all active Club members or Club officers (as applicable) via e-mail and mail or phone proxy (for active Club members or Club officers who do not have an e-mail address).  All active Club members or Club officers must be given, at a minimum, one week to respond to all votes (if possible).  Any candidate or proposal approved by a majority vote of the active Club members or Club officers (as applicable) shall constitute as an official action of the Club.  If there is not a majority vote a runoff vote must be held using the same procedure as above, except without a minimum one week discussion period.  If there are multiple options in a vote, and a runoff must be held, the options that statistically cannot win will be eliminated from the ballot.  The Club officers can, in situations where it is impossible, due to time constraints, to hold a minimum one week discussion by the active Club members followed by a minimum one week vote of the active Club members, make Executive Decisions (officer only votes).  The Club President must attempt to obtain votes from the Club officers as soon as possible in order to make an Executive Decision.  Any Executive Decision can later be overturned by a majority vote of the active Club members (an active Club member would have to propose a full vote on the Executive Decision).

6. Responsible to ensure that votes on proposed changes or additions to the Bylaws and Statement of Events or any other proposals from active Club members take place, using the procedure from #5 and the results are tabulated and reported to the active Club members within seven days of the vote.

1. Responsible to lead Club meetings in the absence of the Club President (as delegated).
2. Responsible to develop a proposed FCS Annual Calendar of Events and submit it to the Club President no later than the first day of November each year.
3. Responsible to enter Club events into the FCS Calendar on the mycalendars.net website within seven days of an event's approval.
4. Responsible to notify the Club President that a new event(s) has been entered in the FCS Calendar on the mycalendars.net website.
5. Responsible to lead FCS outings.  Responsible to obtain a responsible party (leader) for FCS outings that he is not able to attend.
6. Responsible to ensure that the FCS Annual Calendar of Events is implemented.  Will plan outings far enough in advance to ensure maximum participation (obtain adequate information, make reservations, collect outfitter/guide fees and submit them by the due date, plan carpools, plan motel room pairings, etc.).  If not able to attend an outing he can delegate some tasks to the leader that he obtains by mutual agreement.

D: The Vice President (Ministries) is responsible to notify the Club President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a scheduled Club meeting.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead Club meetings in the absence of the Club President (as delegated).

2. Responsible to lead devotionals or Bible studies at Club Meetings and Dove Retreats.  Responsible to obtain a responsible party (Bible study leader) for Club Meetings and Dove Retreats that he is not able to attend.

3. Responsible to plan and lead at least an Annual FCS Ministry Project.  Responsible to obtain a responsible party (leader) for ministry projects that he is not able to attend.

4. Responsible to contact individuals who have posted a prayer request on the FCS website that have a specific event scheduled (e.g., surgery, medical tests, medical examination) within seven days of the event to determine their status.  Will notify the Webmaster of needed changes to the Prayer Requests and Praises Webpage.

5. Responsible to contact all other individuals who have posted a prayer request on the FCS website on at least a quarterly basis to determine their status.  Will notify the Webmaster of needed changes.

6. Responsible to contact FCS members who have volunteered to be prayer warriors to remind them to pray for an upcoming event (e.g., surgery, medical tests, medical examination) before the event occurs.

E. The Chapter President is responsible to notify his Chapter Vice President or the Club Treasurer (in that order) when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a scheduled meeting of his chapter.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead his chapters Officer and Chapter meetings.  Responsible to obtain a substitute leader for officer or chapter meetings when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending.
2. Responsible to distribute an agenda of his chapters Officer meetings to all of his chapters officers seven days prior to all of his chapters Officer meetings.
3. Responsible to ensure that the minutes of all of his chapters Chapter meetings and chapters Officer meetings are recorded.
4. Responsible to ensure that FCS literature is distributed to all guests at his chapters Chapter meetings.
5. Responsible to ensure that the other officers in his chapter fulfill their job descriptions.

F. The Chapter Vice President is responsible to notify the Chapter President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a scheduled meeting of his chapter.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead his chapters Officer and Chapter meetings in the absence of his chapters Chapter President (as delegated).
2. Responsible to complete assignments as delegated by his chapters Chapter President.

G. The Club Treasurer is responsible to notify the Club President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a Club meeting or a meeting of the Club chapter that he usually attends.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead FCS Officer meetings in the absence of the Club President, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Vice Presidents (as delegated by the Club President).
2. Responsible to lead Club Meetings (as delegated by the Club President).  Responsible to lead his chapters Officer and Chapter meetings in the absence of the Chapter President and Chapter Vice President (as delegated by the Chapter President).
3. Responsible to deposit Club funds promptly.
4. Responsible to pay debts promptly.
5. Responsible to promptly balance the FCS check register on a monthly basis with the bank statement.  Responsible to submit a report of this reconciliation to the President.

H. The Club Secretary/Chapter Secretary is responsible to notify the Chapter President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a meeting.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead his chapters Officer and Chapter meetings in the absence of his chapters Chapter President and Chapter Vice President (as delegated).
2. Responsible to record the minutes of all Club officer, Club meetings, and his chapters meetings and to write a report on all of the events that he attends.  Responsible to submit his chapters meeting minutes and event reports to the Club President and his chapters President within seven days of the event.
3. Responsible to produce, print, photocopy, and mail quarterly newsletters and flyers pertaining to FCS events (as requested by the President) to active Club members who do not have e-mail addresses or web access (and others as requested by the President).
4. Responsible to print or e-mail sign up sheets for events, Dove Retreat logs, and other documents at the request of the president.

5. Responsible to distribute an agenda of Club officer meetings (as supplied by the President) to all Club officers at least one week prior to all Club officer meetings.

6. Responsible to ensure that FCS literature is distributed to all guests at FCS events that he attends.

7. Responsible to ensure that ballot surveys are distributed to all active Club members at least one week prior to Bi-annual and called elections via e-mail and mail or phone proxy (for active members who do not have e-mail addresses).

I. The Membership Director is responsible notify the Chapter President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a meeting.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead FCS Officer meetings in the absence of the Club President, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Vice Presidents (as delegated by the Club President).

2. Responsible to send all new members a "Welcome to the Club" e-mail or letter (for those members who do not have e-mail).

3. Responsible to mail new and renewing members their membership benefits.

4. Responsible to be the contact person for general questions about the Club from new members and to answer questions promptly.

5. Responsible to remind active members that their memberships are about to expire and encourage them to renew their memberships.

6. Responsible to participate in FCS promotions at churches, sporting goods stores, etc.

J. The Webmaster is responsible to notify the Chapter President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a meeting.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead FCS Officer and Club meetings in the absence of Club President, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Vice Presidents as delegated by the Club President).

2. Responsible to convert website submissions from the President into htm and upload them to the website within seven days of receipt.

3. Responsible to notify the Club President when submissions have been uploaded.

K. The Club Chaplain/Chapter Chaplain is responsible to notify the Chapter President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a meeting.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to preach, lead devotionals or Bible studies, etc. at FCS outings and meetings as requested by the Club President (for Club functions) or Chapter President (for Chapter functions).
2. Responsible to lead his chapters Officer and Chapter meetings in the absence of the Chapter President and Chapter Vice President (as delegated by the Chapter President).

L: The Prayer Coordinator is responsible to notify the Club President when circumstances beyond his control preclude him from attending a scheduled Club meeting.  Specific expectations:

1. Responsible to lead FCS Officer and Club meetings in the absence of Club President, Chapter Presidents, and Chapter Vice Presidents (as delegated by the Club President).
2. Responsible to contact individuals who have posted a prayer request on the FCS website that have a specific event scheduled (e.g., surgery, medical tests, medical examination) within seven days of the event to determine their status.  Will notify the Webmaster of needed changes to the Prayer Requests and Praises Webpage.
3. Responsible to contact all other individuals who have posted a prayer request on the FCS website on at least a quarterly basis to determine their status.  Will notify the Webmaster of needed changes.
4. Responsible to contact FCS members who have volunteered to be prayer warriors to remind them to pray for an upcoming event (e.g., surgery, medical tests, medical examination) before the event occurs.

M. Future elections for unopposed Club officers/active Club members (as determined by Ballot Surveys) will not be held.  An unopposed Club officer will automatically receive another two year term.  An unopposed active Club member will automatically receive the job he applied for.

N. Members can vote in chapter officer elections for their chapter only.

O. The Club officers shall maintain an Annual Fiscal Year Budget (beginning each September the 1st).  The proposed Annual Fiscal Year Budget must be approved by a majority vote of the Club officers prior to implementation.  Any proposed unplanned purchase(s) of $50.00 or more must be approved by a majority vote of the Club officers prior to the purchase(s).

P. The Club officers shall maintain an Annual Club Calendar of Events.  The proposed Annual Calendar of Events must be approved by a majority vote of the Club officers prior to implementation.  Any proposed event during a specific year that was not already on that years Annual Calendar of Events must be approved by a majority vote of the Club officers prior to implementation.  Any cancellation of and date, time, or location changes to an already approved event must be approved by a majority vote of the Club officers prior to implementation.

V. Chapters

A. A minimum of two active Club members are needed to start a chapter.  These two active Club members must serve as officers for their local chapter (one as Chapter President and one as Chapter Vice President).  Additional approved Chapter officer positions include Chapter Secretary and Chapter Chaplin.  All Chapter members must also be active Club members.

B. Each chapter will be governed by the FCS Bylaws and Statement of Faith.  Chapters may organize their own meetings and events but these activities must be approved by a majority vote of the Club officers prior to implementation.  Approved activities will be added to the Annual Club Calendar of Events.

VI. Meetings:

1. Official meetings will be held according to the schedule of the Annual Calendar of Events that was approved by a majority vote of the Club officers.  The President, or a majority of the other Club officers, or the majority of active Club members can also call a meeting.  Attempts must be made to notify all active Club members at least 72 hours in advance of called meetings via e-mail and mail or phone proxy (for active members who do not have an e-mail address).  The ranking Club officer or most tenured member (in the event that no Club officers are involved) is responsible to attempt to notify all active Club members.

VII. Amendment proposals to the Bylaws, Statement of Faith, Annual Calendar of Events, or Fiscal Year Budget:

1. Active members (only) can make amendment proposals.
2. Amendment proposals must be made to the Club President and can be in written (preferably) or oral form.
3. Amendment proposals do not require a "second" in order to be put to a vote.

VIII. Conduct:

Members agree to uphold the traditions of the Club that were established when its name was The Burp & Poot (B & P) Club.  These include:

Fellowship

1. To burp and poot at every opportunity at functions of the Club (with the exception of the sweethearts dinner).
2. To never say excuse me when engaging in the above at Club events.
3. To play Killer UNO.
4. To eat chili.
5. To treat Charlie Batts with respect.
6. To drink IBC root beer.
7. To sing the "Lumberjack Song" when rising at Club overnight outings.
8. To "let their hair down" and have fun.

Christian walk

1. To bear other members burdens.
2. To pray for needs within our membership body.
3. To never hunt or fish on special occasions (anniversary, wife's or children's birthdays, etc.).
4. To refrain from consuming alcohol, taking illegal drugs, and using profanity while on FCS outings (the use of tobacco products is also strongly discouraged.
5. To obey all laws of the United States of America while on FCS outings (this includes while traveling to and from outings).

Safety and shooting practices

1. To obey the rules of safe weapon/rod handling.
2. To drive vehicles and four wheelers at leases and operate boats in a safe manner.
3. To acquire marksmanship skills that will assure clean kills.

Hunting and Fishing practices

1. To respect the property of the landowner (picking up trash and empty shells, closing gates that they open, etc.).
2. To learn the rules of the host or landowner and follow them (staying put until the agreed upon hour, for example).
3. To carry our fair share of the load.  This includes paying a fair share of gas money and other expenses and doing a fair share of chores.
4. To be unselfish in our hunting and fishing practices (permitting a new hunter first shot at a bird, assigning new hunters and anglers to the prime spots, not shooting at a bird that is heading directly for another hunter, permitting a new angler to fight the first fish on a chartered boat, etc.).
5. To never take advantage of a game bird, animal or fish (shooting at a unwounded bird on the ground or in a tree, for example).
6. To never become possessed with who can bag the most birds, shoot the largest racked deer, or catch the most fish.
7. To never shoot at unidentified furry or flying objects (UFO's).
8. To obey all hunting and fishing regulations.  Examples of frequently violated laws include: buying your child a hunting and/or fishing license for the purpose of harvesting more game or fish for yourself and saying that your child harvested them, harvesting game or fish over the limit and giving the excess to others, and harvesting game or fish over the limit and eating the excess.