Constitution and Bylaws of Keowee Bowmen, Inc.

Rev. 15 as amended December 2022

Article I — Name and Location

The name of this organization shall be KEOWEE BOWMEN, INC. and the principal office shall be the address of the club Secretary. Hereafter, Keowee Bowmen, Inc. may be referred to as “the club” or the “corporation”.

Article II — Purpose

To foster, expand, and perpetuate the sport of archery.
To cooperate with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) to protect, preserve, and improve the hunting rights of bow hunters.
To cooperate with organizations in the conservation of game animals and natural resources as deemed appropriate by the club.
To unify archers in our area into an organized club and promote fellowship among all archers.
To sponsor archery tournaments for the sport and enjoyment of all archers, run under rules set forth by SCAA or other organizations as the club sees fit.

Article III — Seal

The seal shall include the corporation name, year of incorporation, and “Incorporated” or “Inc.”
The Secretary maintains custody of the seal.
The seal or its facsimile may be impressed/affixed as needed for official documents.

Article IV — Membership

Membership is open to persons of good moral character who support the club’s purpose. Applicants submit a membership application and dues to the Board via the Secretary. Voting privileges are granted only to members in good standing.

In addition to Student, Individual, and Family memberships, the following special memberships exist:

Life Memberships

Honorary Life Membership: Bestowed for exceptional service by unanimous decision of the Board. Pays no annual dues.
Paid Life Membership: One-time payment of $1,000. A life membership for an individual 65+ years of age is available for $300.

The Board may suspend or expel, without refund of dues, any member for conduct detrimental to the best interest of the club (see Article XIII). The Board may refuse membership to individuals with known violations as described in Article XIII.

Article V — Annual Business Meetings

Two membership business meetings are held each year at the clubhouse:
- Bowhunter’s Banquet (Jan–Feb): install new officers (elected previous December), report state of affairs/finances, and conduct other business. President and Treasurer provide detailed reports.
- Christmas Banquet (first Friday in December): elect officers for the following year and conduct other necessary business. Notices for annual meetings are communicated to each head-of-household member at least 14 days prior.
Special meetings may be called by the President; notice should be communicated to each head-of-household at least five days in advance.
A quorum consists of those present, provided proper notice per this Article has been given.

Article VI — Officers, Elections and Terms

Club Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Bowhunter Chairman, Field Tournament Manager, Bowhunter Tournament Manager — each serves a two-year term.
Board of Directors: Seven members: a minimum of four Club Officers + three Directors-at-Large. Director-at-Large term: five years.
Dual office holders have one vote at Board meetings. Officers/Directors-at-Large may make routine decisions within the Constitution/Bylaws; full Board authorization is required for items outside their realm.
Elections cadence: Even years — President, Treasurer, Bowhunter Chairman, Field Tournament Manager. Odd years — Vice President, Secretary, Bowhunter Tournament Manager. One Director-at-Large is elected as needed each year.

Article VII — Duties of Officers

President

Overall responsibility for club operations and officer performance.
Presides over meetings; ensures alternate presider if absent.
Appoints committees.
Performs duties incidental to the office.

Vice President

Acts as President when absent or in permanent vacancy.
Serves as public relations officer; keeps SCAA informed on pertinent club activities.
Sends appropriate news releases; assists/advises the President; performs incidental duties.

Secretary

Records and maintains minutes of club and Board meetings.
Presides when President and Vice President are absent.
Serves notice of meetings; furnishes membership lists to officers on request.
Posts upcoming shoots/events to past and current year shooters; performs incidental duties.

Treasurer

Receives and deposits all club funds; maintains accurate accounts/records.
Presents formal financial statements at Board meetings and an annual report at the Bowhunter’s Banquet.
Performs incidental duties.

Bowhunter Chairman

Directs bowhunting activities; communicates hunting-related activities.
Provides rules/paperwork for trophies; secures trophies/plaques.
Ensures “Big Buck Award” antlers are measured by total inches; awards presented at Bowhunter Banquet.

Bowhunter Tournament Manager

Ultimately responsible for 3D and bowhunter-type tournaments.
Secures Bowhunter Tournament Directors; ensures setup, registration, kitchen help, trophies, course inspections.
Assists Tournament Directors as needed to ensure success; performs incidental duties.

Bowhunter Tournament Director

Prepares and runs an individual bowhunter-type tournament with support from the Bowhunter Tournament Manager and Board. Ensures safe, orderly, professional operation before, during, and after the event.

Field Tournament Manager

Overall responsibility for field, indoor, and target tournaments.
Secures Field Tournament Directors; ensures setup, registration, kitchen help, trophies, inspections.
Assists Directors as needed; performs incidental duties.

Field Tournament Director

Chosen per event by the Field Tournament Manager with Board input; prepares and runs the event with Board support, ensuring professional, safe operation before, during, and after.

Board of Directors

Composed of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Field Tournament Manager, Bowhunter Tournament Manager, and three Directors-at-Large. Empowered to act on club business per Constitution/Bylaws. Presiding officer breaks tie votes.
Responsible for overall operation: activities, socials, shoots, workdays, tournaments, clubhouse/grounds/range maintenance, and financial responsibilities.
Exercises powers consistent with SC Code of Laws for non-profit corporations financed by federal/state loans (Title 33).

Director-at-Large

Maintains awareness of club activities; assists officers; may assume activity responsibilities in emergencies.
Offers suggestions and guidance in the club’s best interest.
Engages membership, relays feedback to the Board.

Article VIII — Nomination and Election Procedures

Nomination of Officers

Nomination information is provided to membership at least 30 days prior to elections.
Nominations must be submitted to the Secretary; nominees acknowledge duties and commit to serving per Constitution/Bylaws.

Election of Officers

Secretary forwards nominations to all heads-of-household by the Board-determined date.
Elections occur during the Annual Christmas Banquet Business Meeting; floor nominations accepted prior to voting.
Only current head-of-household voting members vote. Majority wins; ties go to a run-off within 15 days.

Terms of Office

Director-at-Large: five-year term; one elected each year.
All Officers and Directors installed at the Bowhunter’s Banquet.
Impeachment: Board may terminate an Officer’s term following a 2/3 preliminary vote and formal hearing with 15-day notice.
Vacancies: Board appoints to fill unexpired terms; appointees may run for a full term in the next cycle.
All club officers serve two-year terms.

Indoctrination of Officers-Elect

Outgoing officers assist incoming officers to ensure continuity; incoming officers confirm understanding of duties before assuming office.

Article IX — Board of Directors Meetings

Board meets at least 10 times per year, typically second Monday at 7:00 PM or as determined by the Board.
Any Executive Officer may call an emergency meeting of the membership or Board.
Members may attend Board meetings, offer input, but only Board members/proxies vote.
Quorum: minimum of five Board members.

Article X — Tournaments and Schedules

Tournament Manager (Bowhunter or Field) proposes annual events with Board approval prior to SCAA scheduling.
Club submits/bids events to SCAA or other governing bodies as required.
Club representative attends SCAA scheduling with full authority to act for the club.
Club abides by governing rules (SCAA, NFAA, ASA, etc.).
Protests: written to Tournament Director within one hour of day’s shooting; $50 (or Board-set) fee returned if upheld.
Members may question officials respectfully; unresolved issues proceed via formal protest; appointed protest board’s decision is final.

Article XI — Membership Responsibilities

Each member is responsible for obligations and indebtedness incurred by themselves, their guests, or family using club facilities under their membership. Rules/resolutions adopted by the Board will be communicated appropriately.
The Board may expel/suspend/fine/limit facilities for members failing to meet obligations or for good cause, following notice and opportunity to respond. Failure to pay dues within the time limit automatically terminates membership and privileges.

Article XII — Conduct of Affairs

Financial affairs are conducted on a nonprofit basis; accurate accounts/records maintained.
Secretary and Treasurer maintain understandable records of activities and transactions.
Upon dissolution, assets are distributed for charitable and/or educational purposes as determined by the Board, consistent with South Carolina law.

Article XIII — The Code of Ethics

Members are responsible for their actions and equipment safety at any club-sponsored activity.
By registering for a tournament, members agree to learn and abide by tournament rules and treat officials respectfully.
Profane language/obscene gestures are violations; false accusations are violations.
No alcoholic beverages on any club archery range (inside or outside).
Members shall conduct themselves respectfully and honorably at all times and report violations to a club officer.
Accused members may request a Board hearing; unfounded accusations constitute a violation by the accuser.
Violations result in a Board hearing within 15 days; actions determined case-by-case.

Article XIV — Contributions

For contributions of $100 or more, the club issues a Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation to the individual or business.

Article XV — Amendments to the Constitution

Amendments require a majority vote of the Board plus a majority of votes returned by the voting membership. Members receive proposed changes by mail and have 10 days to review before voting.
Amendments become effective after favorable votes by the Board and the membership.

Article XVI — The Club Bylaws

Bylaws govern administrative operations and shall not conflict with the Constitution. Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds Board vote and become effective upon notification to current members.

A. Use of Facilities

Facilities/grounds/ranges limited to archery equipment as defined by law. Crossbows may be used on Keowee property only during a 3D tournament, under rules set yearly by the Board. No firearms may be discharged on club property.

B. Membership Fees

Board sets membership fees annually or as needed; membership is notified of changes.

C. Dues and Grace Period

Dues are paid annually on January 1 with a one-month grace period. Unpaid by February 1 results in forfeiture until paid.
New members may pay a prorated amount (one-twelfth of annual dues per remaining month), not less than half the yearly dues.
Returning members the following year pay the full year’s fees regardless of payment timing. Secretary notifies members of fees and due date.

D. Officer Affiliations

President, Vice President, and Secretary should be members of SCAA/NFAA.

E. Compensation

Secretary and Treasurer may be compensated at rates deemed feasible and reasonable by the Board.

F. Records and Display

Secretary maintains the Constitution and Bylaws and current listings of the Board and Officers; a display is posted in the clubhouse.

G. Insurance

The club carries liability and real estate property insurance.

H. Bonus Point System

Members can work off dues via bonus points earned per hour for club maintenance or tournament work (e.g., setup, registration, targets). Three points per hour; one point = one dollar applied toward the next year’s dues, limited to that year’s membership fees.
Hours recorded on a bonus point worksheet kept in the clubhouse; provided and documented by the Secretary.

I. Annual Contests (awarded at Bowhunter’s Banquet)

Best Story Contest: Best-written story; prize set annually by the Board.
Top Recruiter Contest: Most new members (with second/third place); records maintained by the Secretary; prizes set annually.
Top Archer of the Year: Based on skills and event participation.
Big Game Award: Plaque for harvesting a big game animal; plates added each successful year.
Big Buck Award: Highest-scoring antlers (bow and arrow). One award for in-state and one for out-of-state; trophy engraved and displayed at clubhouse.
Big Fish Award: Largest fish by weight (bow and arrow); weighed on certified scales and witnessed.
Big Doe Award: Largest doe by weight; weighed and witnessed; affidavit of date and weight.
Big Hog Award: Largest wild feral hog by weight; weighed and witnessed; affidavit of date and weight.

J. Animals Policy

Keowee Bowmen Policy Concerning Animals: Animals must be controlled (leash, harness, etc.). No animals in food prep/eating areas, except trained service animals for disabled individuals.

K. Facilities Use Policy

Keowee Bowmen Facilities Policy

A club member should be present during activities unless the Board approves otherwise. Arrange keys and return; keep doors locked when not in use; turn off HVAC/lights and secure building on exit.
Club-purchased supplies (decor, accessories, disposable plates/cups) are reserved for club events and not for general use.
Trash disposal is the reserving party’s responsibility and must be handled immediately after the function.
Members will be notified at least two weeks in advance of scheduled activities.
Acceptable activities: Archery-related and community-service activities, especially educational (e.g., Scouts, hunter education, archery classes) with qualified instructors and safety support.
Benefits/fundraisers may be held with Board approval.
Liability waivers required for activities involving archery equipment.
A nominal fee may be charged (with Board approval) for printed materials/targets.
An oversight person (may or may not be a club member) will be established and is responsible for property damage/misuse. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult or under direct supervision.

We are organized to foster, expand and perpetuate the sport of archery and good fellowship among all archers