Constitution of the State Archery Association of Massachusetts

Revised 11/13/2023

Article One – Name

The name of this association shall be the State Archery Association of Massachusetts. The official acronym of the organization is SAAM.

Article Two – Purpose

This Association is devoted to the development of archery as a means of recreation and physical fitness, while maintaining high standards of fair play and good sportsmanship. The Association is open to athletes and others without regard to race, creed, color, national origin or physical disabilities. This Association is formed for the following purposes in association and affiliation with USA Archery, formerly the National Archery Association of the United States (NAA):

– To act as the State Governing Body for Archery in the State of Massachusetts;

– To provide the means and facilities for the promotion and education of target archery in the State of Massachusetts.

– To encourage, sanction, promote and engage in archery tournaments in accordance with USA Archery and WA rules, and provide a ranking of all member archers each year.

– To promote Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) clubs for the purpose of teaching target archery to youth;

– To do any and all things necessary or incident thereto.

This organization is organized exclusively for the charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the organization shall not carry any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) or (b) by an organization contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

Upon winding up and dissolution of this organization, after paying or adequately providing for the debts and obligations of the organization, the remaining assets shall be distributed to a non-profit fund, foundation, or corporation which is organized and operating exclusively for charitable, educational, religious and or scientific purposes and which has established its tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

However, if the named recipient is not in existence or no longer a qualified to distribute, or unwilling or unable to accept the distribution, the assets of this organization shall be distributed to a fund, foundation, or organization which is organized and operated exclusively for the purposes specified in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article Three – Membership

Any Massachusetts resident that is a USA Archery member in good standing is automatically a regular member of SAAM. An out-of-state member of USA Archery that affiliates solely with a Massachusetts archery club with current USA Archery membership will also be considered a member of SAAM

Article Four – Fees and Dues

SAAM members shall pay no dues other than those required to maintain current membership directly with USA Archery

Article Five – Voting Rights

Voting rights in the State Archery Association of Massachusetts shall be restricted to Regular members in good standing. Each member shall be entitled to one vote in the affairs of the Association as established by the Board of Directors.

Article Six – Dismissals

The Board of Directors may expel any member for just cause provided the member has been given written notice of the charges and an opportunity to present a defense.

Article Seven – Board of Directors and Officers

Board of Directors – The Board of Directors shall be comprised of seven active members. Members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by the active members by at the annual meeting. The immediate Past President shall be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors for the year after their term expires.

Elected Officers – The officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. They shall be elected from the Board of Directors by the Board of Directors at the first meeting following the Annual Meeting.

Other Officers – Other offices and officers may be established and appointed or elected by the active members of the Association at the regular annual meeting on recommendation of the Board of Directors.

Eligibility for Election – To be eligible for election to the Board of Directors, a candidate must be a regular member in good standing and 18 years old or older. Board members of other Archery Associations are not to seek election to the State Archery Association of Massachusetts Board of Directors.

Article Eight – Meetings

Annual Meeting – There shall be an annual meeting of the Association during the annual outdoor championship tournament, unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, for the purpose of electing board members, receiving reports, and transacting other business. Meetings shall be open to all members of the Association. Notice of the annual meeting, issued by the secretary, shall be published on the Mass Archery website at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.

Other Meetings – Other meetings will be held from time to time as called by the Board of Directors or by petition of the membership. All special meetings will be posted on the Mass Archery website as soon as the meeting date has been determined. It will also specify the reason for the meeting.

Board of Directors – The Board of Directors will meet at least once in each calendar quarter; the annual meeting will count as one of these meetings.

All questions at any legally convened Association meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast.

Article Nine – Bylaws

Bylaws will hereafter be adopted. Such bylaws may be amended or repealed, in whole or in part, in any manner provided therein; the amendment to the bylaws shall be binding on all members, including those who may have voted against them.

Article Ten – Distribution of Property

In the event of dissolution of this Association, its property shall be distributed as provided in Article Two of the Constitution of the State Archery Association of Massachusetts and Article Ten of the Bylaws of the State Archery Association of Massachusetts.

Article Eleven – Principal Office

The principal office of the Association shall be maintained within the State of Massachusetts. The Association may have such other offices as designated, from time to time, by the Board of Directors.

Article Twelve – Powers

In furtherance of the objectives described above but not in limitation thereof, the Association shall have the power to collect and disseminate statistics and other information, to conduct investigations, to engage in various fund-raising activities, including advertising and publicity, in or by any suitable manner or medium, and to hold property as is necessary to accomplish its purpose.

Article Thirteen – Constitutional Amendments

A proposed amendment to this constitution may be initiated by one of the following processes:

– Petition directed to the Board of Directors and signed by at least one percent, but no less than 20, of the voting members and approved by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of those members present and voting at a legally convened meeting;

– The Board of Directors by a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting at a legally convened meeting;

– The adoption or rejection of a proposed amendment shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting.