About Join Location Practice Schedule Members Club History Constitution

Club Constitution and Code of Conduct

University of Minnesota Fencing Club Constitution

Section 1:
This organization shall be known as the University of Minnesota Fencing Club, hereinafter referred to as "the Club" It shall be a member organization of the Sports Club Department, hereinafter referred to as "Sports Clubs,” and shall abide by all rules and regulations established by the Sports Clubs, as well as those established by the University of Minnesota.
Section 2:
The Club shall operate as a non-profit organization.
Section 3:
The Club shall abide by the applicable rules and policies of the University of Minnesota pertaining to student organizations.
Section 4:
The Purpose of the Club is to promote the sport of fencing at the University of Minnesota, and the following guidelines shall be followed to ensure the continued existence of the Club as a viable organization.
A. The Club shall supply information about the sport of fencing to the campus and the greater community.
B. The Club shall provide a creative recreational experience.
C. The Club shall encourage social interaction among people with a similar interest in fencing.
D. The Club shall provide opportunities and support for competitive endeavors.
top

Section 1:
Voting membership is open to all students, faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota.
Section 2:
No more than 25% of the voting membership shall consist of non-students.
Section 3:
Membership is open to all students without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, creed, marital status, public assistance status, or sexual orientation.
Section 4:
To fence in the Club, as a member or otherwise (e.g. a guest) you must complete a liability waiver (form), and return it to the Secretary of the Club. In addition to completing a liability waiver, members must also pay Club dues for the semester or the year.
Section 5:
The Club shall have the following categories of membership.
A. All currently registered University of Minnesota post-secondary, undergraduate, and graduate students paying the student services fee are eligible to become student members of the Club, upon payment of annual or semester Club dues. Only student members who are enrolled full-time may hold an elective office in the Club.
B. University of Minnesota staff, faculty, and currently registered students who have not paid the student services fee may become Associate members upon payment of Club dues, in addition to purchasing a Recreational Sports affiliate card or a Recreation Center membership card. Associate members must provide for their own insurance against injury.
C. Non-University persons 18 years of age or older may become Affiliate members where participation in the Club will enhance the purposes of the Club as stated in Article I, Section 4. Such members shall provide their own insurance against injury. Affiliate members shall pay a Sports Club guest fee and purchase a Recreational Sports affiliate card or a Recreation Center membership card, in addition to any dues or assessments of the Club. Those persons who are under the age of 18 must also fill out a Minority Age Waver to be signed by a parent or legal guardian, which will be turned in with the Participation (liability) Waver specified in Article II, Section 4.Affiliate members who are not students, faculty, or staff of the University of Minnesota shall be allowed to speak on matters presented to the membership for voting, but shall exercise no vote.
Section 6:
A Club member shall be considered to be in good standing if said member owes no delinquent debts to the Club and has fulfilled all membership obligations required in Article II, Sections 4 and 5. Members who are not in good standing may not vote or have any privileges of membership, where membership privileges are defined as the opportunities to use Club equipment, utilize Club practice time, and represent the University of Minnesota Fencing Club in any tournament whether fenced individually or as part of a team.
Section 7:
Termination of Membership
A. Termination shall be permanent.
B. Grounds for immediate termination: The Club shall withdraw membership from any persons for failure to meet any of the requirements in Article II, Sections 4 and 5. In addition, membership may be withdrawn by the Club for any flagrant violation of the rules of the Sports Clubs department or the University of Minnesota.
C. Grounds for probation with a possibility for termination of membership: By unanimous action of the Executive Board, as defined in Article III, Section I, the Club may initiate a probationary period for any member who poses a threat to the Club, its members, or any person or thing associated with the Club. Any probationary period so passed must not be shorter than one week or longer than one calendar year from the time of the decision to enact probation. Any decision so made must be relayed to the person(s) involved within three fencing days. During probation, any second offense, upon unanimous motion of the Board, will result in immediate termination of membership. Written notification of termination shall be sent to the person(s) involved within three fencing days, and copies shall be filed with the Sports Club Office and with the Fencing Club Secretary.
top

Section 1:
The Club shall elect from its student membership by a majority vote of its student membership (as defined in Article II, Section 5A), the following Executive Officers (these officers serve as the Executive Board):
A. President
Duties include:
1) Preside over Club meetings and conduct Club business.
2) Promote/seek out fund-raising opportunities.
3) Delegate authority/tasks in the Club.
4) Oversee that all assigned tasks are completed by club members and other officers.
5) Ensure that the clubs reputation with the University, Department of Recreational Sports, and the Sports Club Program is consistently improved upon.
6) Meet deadlines for semester end forms and facilities requests forms.
7) Keep strong positive relations going between Club members.
8) Attend all necessary campus meetings that pertain to the Club.
9) Approve the budget before it is turned into the Sports Club office.
10) Approve all club spending with the Treasurer.
11) Develop and encourage new leadership within the Club.

B. Vice-President
Duties include:
1) Fill in for the President whenever the President is unable to fulfill Presidential duties.
2) Have a full understanding of the University, Department of Recreational Sports and Sports Clubs Program Travel policies and ensure that the code of conduct is upheld while traveling and ensure that members traveling with the club also understand these policies.
3) Organize Away competitive events-coordinate with team captains, post sign-up sheets, turn in Travel Authorization Forms into Sports Club Office, and arrange for transportation, lodging, and payment of lodging in advance.
4) Collect and keep record of driver’s licenses for all potential drivers and turn into Sports Clubs.
5) Organize Home competitive events-Arrange dates for events with the appropriate Division at that Division's fall scheduling meeting, determine who will set up strips, contact other Clubs about bringing reels and boxes, present dates to Sports Clubs for approval, make facilities request, and make sure the site is accessible (doors open, signs up, etc.).
6) The Vice-President may delegate as necessary to ensure that all competitive events run smoothly.
7) Assist the Treasurer with budget preparation.

C. Treasurer
Duties include:
1) Keep budget records up to date and legible.
2) Prepare budget and budget request, which shall be reviewed by the Executive board and approved by a majority thereof.
3) Pay Club bills and coaches.
4) Collect Club dues from membership.
5) Set up payment plans and collect payment from membership for equipment or other dues owed to the Club. No payment plan shall be valid unless approved by the Treasurer.
6) Order equipment when necessary-with review by the Officer-at-Large and any acting team Captains.
7) Keep CUFS and TCF ledgers up to date and legible.
8) Meet with Sports Club Program Manager or Coordinator once per month to discuss payment plans and team agendas for up coming months.
9) Attend the annual budget training sessions.
10) Ensure that Club money is deposited immediately into either the clubs CUFS or TCF accounts.

D. Secretary
Duties include:
1) Record minutes and agendas of Sports Clubs meetings and Club meetings.
2) Prepare a Club roster of members, keep it current and submit Liability and travel liability forms to Sports Clubs.
3) Make sure everyone has signed a liability waiver for the current year before they fence!
4) Prepare Club promotional publicity (beginners' meetings, flyers, etc.)
5) Maintain relations with Divisions and other Clubs.
6) Report new officer updates to Sports Clubs and the Student Activities Office before last day in office.
7) Check the Clubs mailbox weekly.
8) Make sure the Club constitution is up to date and on file.
9) Put all Club Competition results, news, calendar and updated roster on the Club website within three days of receiving it.

E. Officer-at-Large
Duties include:
1) Make an inventory of equipment at the beginning of each semester, and also order new equipment.
2) Cleaning uniforms is the responsibility of the Officer-at-Large, who may delegate as necessary to ensure that the uniforms are clean and ready for the next semester.
3) Ensure that the equipment room is vacuumed at least once a semester.
4) Report Club Competition results and other Club news to the Fencing Club Secretary, the Sports Club Office, the Daily, and other local media within three business days of receiving the information.
5) Purchase awards for home tournaments.

F. Safety Officer
Duties include:
1) Keep first aid box stocked and current with Sports Clubs.
2) Participate in officer meetings.
3) This is NOT a voting position.
4) Make sure first aid and CPR AED training is completed for required number of members and that said members are registered with Sports Clubs at the beginning of the year.
5) Make sure a CPR and First Aid certified club member is present at all practices.
6) Assist in officer and club projects as needed.
Section 2:
Other Officers
A. Team Captains. A Team Captain for any given weapon shall be elected by and from Team members, where Team members are those members who primarily fence in that weapon. The office of Team Captain is not a Board position, although Executive Board members may hold these posts.
B. Duties of Team Captains shall include:
1) Encourage team members to attend Club and competitive events, and coordinate with the Vice President to do so.
2) Recruit members to fill out weapon teams as needed for tournaments.
3) Checking on a bimonthly basis to see that a sufficient amount of equipment is in working condition for practices and tournaments.
4) Encourage the instruction of production of equipment and ensure that the construction and maintenance occurs.
5) Ensuring that equipment returns from tournaments.
6) Representing the Team (Squad) in meetings held at competitions.
7) Record all competitive results for that Captain's Team (Squad) and report them to the Fencing Club Secretary and the Fencing Club Officer-at-Large within three business days of returning from the tournament.
Section 3:
Election of Officers
A. Election of Board Officers shall occur annually during the latter half of Spring Semester of each academic year, by a majority vote of the Club student membership. The term of office shall be one year (June 1st to May 31st) except for Officers selected to fill offices vacated during the year; in such cases the terms will be less than one year.
B. Election of Team Captains shall occur by the end of the fourth week of each semester. Any Team Captain, one week prior to the middle of the semester, may give notice to the Executive Board that he or she wishes to step down at the end of that week. The position must then be filled within the week after the middle of the semester. The term of duty, regardless of when the Captain was elected, will be to the end of the semester.
C. Vacated or unfilled offices will be filled by a majority vote of the student membership as soon as candidates are found to fill the office.
Section 4:
Failure to Fulfill Duties
Any Officer may be removed from office by a 2/3 majority vote of the student membership of the Club, provided that notice of the intent to remove the Officer shall have been made available to all members at least one week in advance of the vote.
top

Section 1:
To hire coaches and instructors the 12 step policy set forth by Sports Clubs must be followed before the coach/instructor shall be hired by the Club. When a coach/ instructor is found suitable for the open position the decision to hire shall be passed on a majority vote by the Club Executive Board. The coach/ instructor must complete the necessary steps through the Sports Club office before starting. To remove a coach/instructor, the Executive Board must draft a Resolution of Removal, listing reason for removal, which then must be ratified by a 2/3 majority vote of the student membership. Evaluation of coaching shall be carried out on a semester by semester basis by the Executive Board, with intention of retaining effective coaches while releasing unsatisfactory coaches.
Section 2:
Coaching Guidelines, in addition to any contract provided by the Sports Club Office, shall be as follows:
A. Head Coach: A person approved by the Executive Board to maintain all practices and instruction in the sport of fencing perform and provide a positive learning environment to all members of the club while helping them to achieve the goals we hold as a club and their own. To encourage growth in the sport of fencing and provide knowledgeable and up to date information that will aid in the strengthening of the Club as a whole as well as individual fencers in a professional manner. This position may be a paid position only if it is within the limits of the Clubs budget and within the rules and guidelines set up by the Sports Clubs Office.

1. Head Coach Duties include:
a. Complete required paperwork
b. Maintain certifications
c. Understand and uphold University, Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Clubs Program guidelines and policies.
d. Determine a lesson Plan for new fencers as a Group.
e. Make up lesson plans for any fencer who desires long-term goals.
f. Learn new drills and new techniques for implementation in the club.
g. Guide all fencing members in the current etiquette, rules and regulations of a chosen weapon.
h. Attend continuing education for coaching/directing when Club funds permit.
i. Responsible for guiding all members to fence in a manner that is safe and displays good sportsmanship.
j. Discipline, club cohesion, finances, travel arrangements, and general club direction are the responsibility of the club officers. Recommendations will be taken as suggestions by the officers.
k. Understand and uphold University, Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Clubs Program guidelines and policies.
l. Perform a variety of duties related to the function of the club. The employer reserves the right to assign other duties.
m. Treat all club members equally and respectfully
n. Serve as a positive role model to club members, spectators, and peers.
o. Promote safety and good sportsmanship
p. Supervise and coach practices
q. Develop training programs
r. Maintain contact with other teams, coaches, alumni and organizations
s. Organize practice (lead stretches, lead footwork drills, set up and run blade drills).
t. Attend all practices within reason, and give advance notice of an expected absence to the officers and other Coaches whenever possible.
u. Offer one-on-one lessons.
v. Supervise bouts in order to evaluate the fencers involved.
w. Coordinate, direct, and supervise the efforts of any other person who wishes to take on a coaching role in the Club.
x. Encourage all members to enjoy fencing and help all fencers to reach their desired potential.
y. Must report, to the Executive Board, any member that is deliberately and repeatedly flouting the rules, policies, or Constitution of the Club in regards to fencing behavior.
z. Attend all tournaments.
aa. Help fencers evaluate their performance after each competition.
bb. Make announcements during practice as requested to do so by any Officer.
cc. Delegate as necessary to other Coaches, Instructors, and Club members in order to accomplish these duties.
dd. Assist with on-campus recruiting.

B. Assistant Coach: A person approved by the Executive Board to help with the Head coaches responsibilities and provide a positive learning environment to all members of the club while helping them to achieve the goals we hold as a club and their own. This position shall only be paid if the Head Coach position is paid.
1. Assistant Coach Duties include:
a. Complete required paperwork.
b. Maintain certification.
c. Understand and uphold University, Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Clubs Program Guidelines and policies.
d. Help head coach conduct practices.
e. Implement lesson plans for beginner groups as was developed by the head coach.
f. Learn new drills and techniques for implementation in the Club.
g. Guide Practice if head coach is unable.
h. Make up lesson plans for any fencer in weapon beginning level that asks.
i. Attend continuing education for coaching/directing when Club funds permit.
j. Responsible to help guide all members to fence in a manner that is safe and displays good sportsmanship.
k. Discipline, Club cohesion, finances, travel arrangements, and general Club direction are the responsibility of the club officers. Recommendations will be taken as suggestions by the officers.
l. Understand and uphold University, Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Clubs Program Guidelines and policies.
m. Perform a variety of duties related to the function of the Club, the employer reserves the right to assign other duties.
n. Treat all other club members equally and respectfully.
o. Serve as a positive role model to club members, spectators, and peers.
p. Promote safety and good sportsmanship.
q. Supervise and help coach practices.
r. Implement training programs when necessary.
s. Help organize practices.
t. Attend all practices within reason, and give advance notice of an expected absence to Sports Clubs, Club officers and other coaches whenever possible.
u. Offer one-on-one lessons.
v. Supervise bouts in order to evaluate the fencers involved.
w. Encourage all members to enjoy fencing and help fencers to reach their desired potential.
x. Attend all tournaments.
y. Help fencers evaluate their performance after each competition.
z. Direct bouts as requested in practice unless otherwise coaching other members.
aa. Make announcements during practice as requested to do so by any officer.
bb. Constructively instruct members on technical skill and technique.
cc. Contact club officers the day before practice if unable to attend.
dd. Create a fun learning environment that encourages development and involvement.
ee. Assist with on-campus recruiting.

C. Instructors: The persons who provide lessons to members of the club in correspondence with the member and club goals to reach a higher degree of fencing.
1. Instructors Duties include:
a. Complete required paperwork.
b. Maintain certification.
c. Understand and uphold University, Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Clubs Program Guidelines and policies.
d. Learn new drills and techniques for implementation in lessons.
e. Make up lesson plans for any fencer in any weapon if asked.
f. Responsible to help guide all members to fence in a manner that is safe and displays good sportsmanship.
g. Discipline, club cohesion, finances, travel arrangements, and general club direction are the responsibility of the club officers. Recommendations will be taken as suggestions by the officers.
h. Understand and uphold University, Department of Recreational Sports, Sports Clubs Program Guidelines and policies.
i. Treat all other club members equally and respectfully.
j. Serve as a positive role model to club members, spectators, and peers.
k. Promote safety and good sportsmanship.
l. Attend all scheduled lesson practices that total 3 hours per week, and give at least a 24 hour advance notice of an expected absence to Club officers and other coaches whenever possible.
m. Offer one-on-one lessons.
n. Encourage all members to enjoy fencing and help fencers to reach their desired potential.
o. May attend all tournaments.
p. Help fencers evaluate their performance after each competition if attended by instructor.
q. Constructively instruct members on technical skill and technique.
r. Create a fun learning environment that encourages development and involvement.
s. Perform a variety of duties related to the function of the club. The employer reserves the right to assign duties.

D. Restrictions on Coaches
1. No Coach may have a vote in any matter that comes to the Club membership for voting, although Coaches may present their views if the topic is brought to the membership for discussion.
2. No Executive Board member may be established as any Coach.
3. No Executive Board member shall receive payment for coaching.
4. No Coach may be allowed to continue coaching if he or she obstructs the Purpose of the Club or the Guidelines for achieving that Purpose, as stated in Article I, Section 2.

E. Restrictions on Instructors
1. Non-member Instructors may not have any vote or voice in Club affairs.
2. Instructors may only give individual, one-on-one lessons when teaching at Club practice, and may do so only to Club members.
3. Instructors may not instruct more than one fencer at any time.
4. Instructors may not oversee a fencer's development, but may offer suggestions to the Head Coach in ways to do so.
5. No Instructor may be allowed to continue instructing if he or she obstructs the Purpose of the Club or the Guidelines for achieving that Purpose, as stated in Article I, Section 2.
top

Section 1:
The Board must convene in a meeting at least once every four weeks or more often as needed. A special meeting may be called by the Executive Committee or by a petition of ten percent of the voting membership. A quorum for conduct of business in a Board meeting shall be not less than a majority of the Executive Officers.
Section 2:
A quorum for conduct of business in a Board meeting shall be not less than a majority of the Executive Officers. For the conduct of official business of the club a quorum shall consist of 50% of the voting membership plus one.
Section 3:
Decisions of the Club shall be enacted by a majority vote of the voting membership plus one.
Section 4: Team Meetings shall occur at least two weeks prior to each tournament. The agenda for this meeting will be dictated by the Executive Board. Items for the agenda can be submitted to the Executive Board prior to the meeting, and may be added upon Executive Board approval. Team members will be responsible for knowing the information presented in Team Meetings. If they cannot attend, they should contact someone who was there for the information.
Section 5:
Special Club Meetings will be held on two occasions-impeachment and election. Both of these meetings must be well publicized at least one week in advance of the meetings. A quorum for conduct of business in a Club Meeting shall be not less than one half of the student membership of the Club. If it is necessary, proxy votes can be given to the Secretary before the meeting if a member cannot attend.
top

Section 1:
All members of any team participating in Collegiate competition representing the University of Minnesota shall be student members of the Club in good standing.
Section 2:
Collegiate teams may be restricted to members of one sex provided that all teams in that specific competition are restricted to members of that sex. By allowing this restriction, and where opportunities do not exist, the Club accepts the responsibility of actively seeking and promoting participation opportunities for the other sex.
Section 3:
As a collegiate club, the Club shall promote and fund Collegiate competitions first and foremost over any other type of competition.
top

Section 1:
All members of the Club in good standing are eligible to represent the University of Minnesota in non-collegiate competition.
Section 2: Non-collegiate teams may be restricted to members of one sex provided that all teams in that specific competition are restricted to members of that sex. By allowing this restriction, and where opportunities do not exist, the Club accepts the responsibility of actively seeking and promoting participation opportunities for the other sex.
top

Section 1:
This constitution may be revised or amended by the unanimous vote of the Executive Board at any time, and must then be ratified as a whole by a majority vote of all student members.
Section 2:
Amendments to the constitution may be proposed by any member of the club. Such proposals shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Board Committee for a first reading to the membership at the regular meeting prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be voted on. Amendments shall be enacted as specified in Article V, Section 3.
Section 3:
All amendments will be filed with the appropriate agencies.
top

Section 1:
The Club may adopt by-laws, policies, or operating procedures as may be needed to conduct its activities. Such by-laws, policies, or operating procedures may be proposed by the membership. By-laws, policies, or operating procedures may be approved by either a majority vote of the Executive Board, or if a member desires to bring the issue to the club, by a majority vote of those at the meeting, provided that a quorum is present.
Section 2:
If the by-laws, policies, or operating procedures do not contradict this Constitution or fall within the bounds of this Constitution, they will be followed without amendment to this document. If the proposed by-law, policy, or operating procedure contradicts or falls within the articles of this Constitution, then it will have to be ratified as an amendment to this Constitution, not as a by-law, policy, or operating procedure.
top

Section 1:
The Club shall not provide monetary gain, incidentally or otherwise, to its directors or membership. This does not restrict the payment of wages, salaries, or incentives by the Club for services rendered.
Section 2:
Unless otherwise specified by the membership at the time of the dissolution of the Club, residual assets shall be distributed to the following not-for-profit organization, The U of M Sports Club Program. The monetary assets are to be distributed to ACTIVE SPORTS CLUBS, not other programs that fall under the jurisdiction of the Recreational Sports Programs (i. e. aerobics, aquatics program, etc.).
top

Section 1:
Nothing in the constitution, by-laws, policies, or operating procedures of the Club shall be construed to be in violation of the policies and procedures of the University of Minnesota.

Constitution Ratified by the Executive Board on this day the -- of --, 2006. Ratified by these, the 2006 - 07 Executive Officers:

President: ________________________


Vice President________________________


Secretary____________________________


Treasurer____________________________

Approved by the majority of the student membership on this date:________________________
top

Section 1: Organization
a) Any official business conducted by the Club Executive Officers requires a quorum of a majority of the Officers.
b) The details of each of the following areas will be determined by the elected Officers prior to the beginning of the school year.
i) Club dues.
ii) Equipment policies.
iii) Payment policies.
iv) Schedule and format of practice sessions.
v) Board meetings.
vi) Club meetings.
vii) Attendance policies.
viii) Fundraising and special events.
ix) Schedule of the competitive season.
x) Travel policies.
xi) Any miscellaneous business presented by a club member.
c) The decisions on these By-Laws reached by the Officers will be published as Club Policy.
d) Copies of the Constitution and the Club Policy will be made available to all Club members.
e) All equipment checked out must be authorized by the Officer-At-Large.
top

Code of Conduct

• Consume alcohol or use illegal drugs while serving as a representative of the club and institution (club travel, practice, meetings, etc).
• Strike or attempt to strike an opposing player beyond the realm of the sport.
• Intentionally engage in or incite participants and/or spectators to engage in abusive or violent behavior.
• Use obscene gestures, profanity, or disrespectful language.
• General disregard for policies, rules, procedures, and ethics set by the University of Minnesota, Department of Recreational Sports and Sport Clubs Program.

• Vulgar, obscene, abusive, derogatory, or demeaning comments or gestures.
• Threats, intimidation, or verbal aggression.
• Initiating acts of physical aggression.
• Fighting (punches thrown).
• Failure to comply with requests from Recreational Sports Staff.
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal substances.

• Willful or repeated disregard for Facility Policies.
• Failure to comply with requests from Recreational Sports Staff.
• Being under the influence of alcohol/illegal substances.
• Using facility space for club purposes when unauthorized or not scheduled.

• Allowing unauthorized users to enter the facility.
• Entering the facility through any door other than the main entrance.
• Entering the facility without the proper safety and or authorized personnel in attendance
• Unable to produce a valid picture ID when requested.
• Exiting door marked as emergency exists only.
• Using facilities as an affiliated member or coach during times and in spaces other than club practice times and space.

• Failure to return checkout equipment or keys in prescribed time.
• Destroying or defacing any property.

• Sport Club privileges suspended for a period of time ranging from one day (or the remainder of the day) to a semester, academic year or indefinitely.
• Suspension of specific Department of Recreational Sports program privileges for a period of time as outlined above, while retaining Recreation Center privileges.
• Paying for repair/replacement of lost or damaged equipment or property.
• Notification and referral of case to University Police, Campus Student Relations and Judicial Affairs, and the Office of Student Affairs.
• All financial accounts may be frozen.
• Community service may be required of individuals or the entire club based on the offense.
• Suspension of all facilities, and or equipment.
• Removal from program.