MICHIGAN B.A.S.S. CHAPTER FEDERATION, INC.

MEMBERS HANDBOOK
The following information has been developed to help the individual and the Club to become aware of the activities of the Federation. Please use this "handbook? As a source of information. There will be an updated Board of Directors Roster annually.
YOUTH PROJECTS
  The Federation will financially assist clubs with their youth projects. To qualify for assistance, each club must send a letter to the Youth Director with a written description of the project and the amount of the requested money, by or before the April President’s meeting. The Board will review each request for it’s merits in educating and teaching the youth and that it adheres to the Federation goals and objectives for the preservation of bass fishing.

The monies will be awarded at the April President’s meeting.

For additional information contact the Federation President.

HOW TO CHANGE ADDRESS, ADD OR DELETE MEMBERS
  The Federation maintains a master file of each member and each club. It is the responsibility of each club, to provide accurate up-to-date information regarding its members. It is extremely important that all address changes be communicated to the Federation. The information that is needed is:
 
  • NAME
  • ADDRESS
  • CITY
  • STATE
  • ZIP
  • B.A.S.S. NUMBER
  • SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
  • TELEPHONE NUMBER
  • CLUB NAME
    •
FEDERATION INSURANCE
  The Federation purchases a liability insurance policy for the Federation sponsored tournaments. These tournaments include: the six Classic qualifying tournaments, the Classic, and the Championship. This insurance attempts to protect the Federation from damages caused during one of these tournaments. It does cover the damages caused by a contestant to non-tournament property. It does not cover the damages caused by one contestant to another during the event.

As described in the Tournament Rule No. 23, it is the responsibility of each boat owner to supply proof of liability insurance to the tournament officials.

If a contestant fishes the Divisional Tournament or the National Championship Tournament, B.A.S.S. will require a specific amount of liability insurance for each boater. The Federation liability insurance does not meet the B.A.S.S. requirements for individual liability insurance. Therefore additional coverage may be necessary. Each contestant must read the B.A.S.S. Tournament Rules very carefully.

CONSERVATION AND LEGISLATIVE CONCERNS
  The Federation is dedicated to the preservation of our fishing resources. We recognize that to protect the waters and streams, it becomes the responsibility of everyone. To assist the State and local agencies in their attempt to pass laws., prosecute violators, and put public pressure in those areas that may jeopardize these resources, the Federation has a committee in place. This committee is in regular contact with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan United Club (MUCC), and many State Legislators. We will offer our assistance and input in those issues relating to the protection of our waterways. We will bring to public attention those violators, and we will use our membership to bring pressure to help pass laws to protect our interest.

Any member with a concern or a possible violator, should contact the Chairman of this committee.

FEDERATION BY-LAWS
  The Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc., will be governed by a Board of Directors composed of twelve (12) members. The primary goal of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc., shall be to preserve the sport of bass fishing.

Furthermore, no person shall be denied membership on the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc., because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, handicap, age, or sex.

The Board of Directors shall annually hold at least four (4) general Federation meetings each year to conduct the business of the Federation. Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the President or by a majority vote of the Chapter Presidents at any regular meeting.

The Board of Directors shall annually elect by secret ballot a Federation President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. The President shall then appoint from the Federation membership, a Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee, a Chairman of the Environmental Committee, a Chairman of the Tournament Committee and any special committees as needed. The elections of officers shall be held no later than January 15, of each year.

I. DIRECTORS
  A. Eligibility for Directors
   
  1. Be a member in good standing of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society of America, Inc., and a member in good standing of an active, affiliated Chapter of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc., for at least one (1) year prior to nomination.
  2. No Chapter shall have more than two (2) members serving on the Board of Directors at any one time.
  3. All Board of Directors are required to participate in 75% of Federation regular scheduled meetings. "Emergency" situations are excluded.
  B. Term of Office
   
  1. Directors Shall be elected for a three (3) year term of office.
  2. Annual elections will be held to fill vacated positions.
  3. Four (4) Directors will be elected to office each year.
  C. Elections
   
  1. The incumbent Board shall receive written nominations for the Director’s election from any active Chapter until July 1st of each year. The Board will present the list of nominees to the Secretary of each Chapter not later than August 1st of each year. Each Chapter should conduct an election at its next regular meeting. Only members of B.A.S.S. may vote in these elections. Each Chapter eligible to vote may submit one (1) vote per vacancy (example: if five (5) vacancies exist the Chapter may submit up to five (5) votes, with no more than one (1) vote per candidate.) The election shall be held, by secret ballot, at the regular general Federation meeting in October of each year. Only Chapter Presidents or delegates present may vote.
  2. All votes shall be opened, read aloud, tallied and reported to the Chapter Presidents and delegates immediately. The Board shall determine, in advance, a commonly accepted method of breaking ties and shall have the sole responsibility for doing so.
  3. All newly elected Directors shall assume office at the conclusion of the general meeting.
II. OFFICERS AND DUTIES
  A. President
    Preside over all meetings of the Board and general meetings of the Federation, direct all official business, supervise all Federation activities, appoint and be ex-officio member of all standing and special committees, be official representative of the Federation in relationship to other organizations, delegate such duties as may be appropriate to better serve the Federation, and maintain liaison with National B.A.S.S. Shall not serve for more the three (3) consecutive years.
  B. Vice-President 
    Assists the President upon request, presides in the absence of the President, assume the office of the President if it should be vacated. Shall attend National meetings if money is available.
  C. Secretary
    Record accurate minutes of all meetings and be responsible for distribution of the minutes to all Chapters, call meeting of the Federation and/or Board of Directors as directed by the President.
  D. Treasurer
    Receive and disburse all monies upon approval of the Board. Maintain accurate financial records and present a current balance at each regular meeting. The Treasurer shall prepare and submit an annual budget to the membership at the end of each calendar year.
III. VACANCIES OR REMOVALS FROM OFFICE
  A. Removal From Office
    Any Director may be removed from office, for just cause, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board.
  B. Vacancy Of Office
    Vacancies shall be filled by a majority vote of the Chapters present at the next regular or specially called meeting of the Federation. The Vice-President or some other Director shall assume the duties of the vacant office until a successor is elected.
IV. DUES
 
  1. Each member in the Federation shall pay annual dues per member to the Federation Membership Director, made payable to the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. The amount of the dues will be determined by the membership present at each October President’s meeting. If dues are not paid by the December Presidents meeting there will be a five (5) dollar late charge per each late existing member.
  2. Chapters not paying dues will lose all voting rights in Federation business, eligibility for the State Championship that year, and eligibility for all other Federation activities.
V. CONDUCTING GENERAL FEDERATION MEETINGS
 
  1. Robert’s Rules Of Order will be followed.
  2. Any affiliated Chapter having voting rights may place motions before the membership.
  3. All eligible Chapter Presidents or their designees, and all Directors, with the exception of the Federation President, shall vote on all matters before the membership. The Federation President will vote only in case of a tie.
VI. CONDUCTING BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
 
  1. The Board shall retain powers necessary for the efficient conductance of the Federations business when no General Meeting is in progress.
  2. All Directors present will be entitled to vote on all matters requiring vote before the Board, the President votes only to break a tie. A quorum must be present to vote on all matters requiring a vote. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board membership.
VII. PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
 
  1. Amendments may be proposed by any Board member or Chapter having voting rights at any regular or specially called meeting.
  2. All Directors and active Chapters will be notified of proposed amendment changes at least thirty (30) days prior to a vote of final approval.
  3. The notice of the proposed amendment shall cite the date, time, and location of the meeting where the final vote will be held.
  4. A two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of those eligible voters present is required for passage of an amendment.
  5. Any proposed change of the by-laws, whether enacted or not, may not be brought up for another proposal for a period of 12 months.
VIII. SELECTION OF FEDERATION ACTIVITIES
  The Board of Directors is empowered to select annually, the Federation tournament sites and dates, and shall present this schedule to the membership at the last General Meeting of the year.

IX. MEMBERSHIP
  Membership in the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. Shall be open to members of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and meet one (1)of the following requirements:
   
  1. Join an existing affiliated Chapter located in the State of Michigan
  2. Form a new Chapter , which in turn, meets the requirements of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, and the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation Inc.
  3. Apply for membership emeritus, which does not require a Chapter affiliation. Membership emeritus shall be rewarded by the Board of Directors for past noteworthy contributions of time and effort that resulted in significant progress and achievement by the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation Inc. Membership emeritus carries all the rights and privileges of regular membership, except the right to vote. It shall be awarded for life, and does not require any dues payment.
  Application shall be made on behalf of a deserving person by any affiliated Chapter.

X. WILL CODICIL

 

In the event that the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation Inc. ceases to exist as an organization ALL monies in the general fund will be appropriated to the LEW BORER JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. (See SCHOLARSHIP BY-LAWS)
STANDING RULES
 
  1. The State Federation Classic Series Tournaments will have a "classic" tournament of the top 24 qualifiers in point standings and the previous year’s winner. No alternates. The Classic will be announced in the spring of the year.
  2. A Chapter may schedule club tournaments or activities but MAY NOT schedule an OPEN tournament on the same date as a regular Federation Tournament, State Championship, or the B.A.S.S. Regional Tournament, unless such activity is held in conjunction with the Federation activity. All such dates will be made public at the February Presidents meeting.
  3. A Chapter forfeits its rights to participate in the next State Championship if its President or designee does not attend at least fifty percent (50%) of the regular Federation meetings scheduled on or after October 1st of the year preceding the State Championship and up to the State Championship. New Chapters must attend fifty (50%) of the regular Federation meetings scheduled after the first attempt to present the Chapter its charter at a regularly scheduled Federation meeting.
  4. The State Championship "off limits" will be established by the Board of Directors prior to each State Championship tournament to permit adjustments as needed.
  5. A Chapter must appear on the Federation roster the current year to be eligible for the State Championship.
  6. Directors will be reimbursed for the following expenses:
       Phone, Mileage (at the current IRS rate), Lodging, Postage, and Itemized Miscellaneous Expenses that are approved by the Board.
  7. Those clubs and/or individuals who have not fulfilled their obligation to National B.A.S.S. will be eliminated from the membership of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. and will forfeit their dues paid.
  REVISED 10/29/95 section VII, paragraph B. DLB
REVISED 12/14/96 section VII, paragraph E. DLB
REVISED 02/07/99 Standing Rule #2. DLB
REVISED 04/02/00 section VIIII, paragraph B. DLB
REVISED 10/29/00 Standing Rule # 6. DLB
REVISED 10/29/00 section II, paragraphs A and B..DLB
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP ELIGIBILITY
Each year the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. Holds a State Championship to select a twelve (12) man team to represent Michigan in the B.A.S.S. Chapter Divisional Championship Tournament. All affiliated Chapters may send members to the State Championship provided ALL of the following requirements have been met:
  1. A. Each contestant must be a member of B.A.S.S. and the Federation.
  2. Each Chapter may send members to the State Championship based on the following formula:
    -Chapters with 6-7 members may send 4 members to the Championship
    -Chapters with 8-9 members may send 5 members to the Championship
    -Chapters with 10-12 members may send 6 members to the Championship
    -Chapters with 13-16 members may send 8 members to the Championship
    -Chapters with more than 16 members may send an additional member for every 3 additional members they have. (Example: 19 members send 9, 22 members send 10, etc.)
  3. Each Chapter must submit a roster of officers and members of the current year, to the Federation Membership Director by the December President’s meeting, to be eligible for the next State Championship. This doesn’t apply to new clubs.
  4. The members name appears on the roster.
  5. The Chapter is in good standing with B.A.S.S. and the Federation.
  6. Revenues from the State Championship, less expenses, will be used to fund Federation programs. The first priority will be to fund the Michigan team to the Regional Tournament, with the minimum acceptable amount being sufficient to pay reasonable and customary expenses of each team member.
  7. At year’s end the balance in the State Championship fund will be $00.00.
  8. Entries must be received on an official entry form or the Chapter is not eligible.
  9. Five (5) members of the Chapter to compete for club award have to be designated on entry form.
  10. Each club will be responsible to send equal number of boaters and non-boaters.
  11. State Championship team size to be determined by number of members on the club roster on record by the April President’s Meeting of the year of the State Championship.
  12. Each club will be responsible to designate an alternate boater for resolving the pairing problems. Each club will have to designate 50/50 boater/non-boater.
REVISED Paragraph J changed April 5,1998. From Dec. To April. DLB
REVISED Paragraph I changed 02/04/2001 From 8 to 5. DLB
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RULES

I. RULES:
 

Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament rules committee. The decision of the judges and tournament officials shall be final. Penalties up to disqualification may be assessed for infractions or protests. All rules have "loopholes." It is the intention of the sponsors to provide an honest sportsman-like tournament. In the interest of good sportsmanship, contestants are reminded that the "spirit of the rules" shall prevail in all judgment cases. Note: The tournament rules committee and tournament officials shall be the Tournament Director and The State Championship Tournament Committee. Interpretation of these rules shall be left exclusively to the tournament committee. The decision of the tournament officials shall be final in all matters.
II. PARTICIPATION & ELIGIBILITY:
  Participation in the tournament is by qualification through Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc., Local Federation Chapters, persons who are 16 years of age or older. Proof of age to the satisfaction of tournament officials is the responsibility of the prospective competitor. A properly completed official application form MUST BE RECEIVED AT THE TOURNAMENT, ADDRESS POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT OF THE DEADLINE DATE. Entry fees for each person entered are due with the application. Refund of entrance fee will be made only if proper notification is made to the Michigan Bass Federation Tournament Headquarters prior to the deadline.

III. REGISTRATION:

  There will be a registration meeting the evening prior to the first day of competition. The time and place will be announced by the tournament committee. There will be a team captains’ meeting at least one hour prior to the registration meeting to finalize the teams. Each competitor must register in person, at the time and place prescribed. Failure to register in person during the prescribed hours shall result in disqualification. NO EXCEPTIONS.

IV. PAIRING OF CONTESTANTS:

 

Two contestants will be assigned to each boat. Whenever possible, no contestants from the same club, city, or chapter will be paired, nor shall two competitors fish together more than one day. Announcement of pairing for both days will take place at the registration meeting. It shall be the responsibility of each partner to appear at a mutually agreed-upon location with sufficient time remaining to check-out at the official check-point and start on time. Tournament officials shall have no responsibility for finding missing partners. It is suggested that a minimum of 30 minutes is adequate for preparation to depart to the check-out point. When two contestants check out at the beginning of the day, they must stay together and within sight of each other and each other’s catch throughout the day until the weigh-in is completed. A contestant must not allow any bass caught by him/her to be counted on the score of any other contestant. Both contestants will be disqualified. None of the above rules shall prohibit a properly designated tournament official from approaching or boarding any competitor’s boat at any time during the "warm-up" period or during competition.

V. SAFETY:

  Safe boating must be observed at all times, by all tournament competitors. Each competitor is required to wear a Coast Guard approved, chest type life preserver. This life preserver must be strapped, snapped, or zipped securely any time the combustion engine is running. Violation of the rule shall be grounds for immediate disqualification. All boats must be equipped with a KILL SWITCH, which must be attached to the driver when the combustion engine is running.
VI. BOAT AND MOTOR:
  Fishing boats may be used that are at least 14 feet in length. No barges, or similar cumbersome craft will be permitted. Every boat must have all State and Coast Guard required equipment. In addition, it must have live well space to adequately maintain two (2) limits of fish alive. Maximum horsepower for all outboard motorboats used in a federation tournament shall not exceed the horsepower limitations set by the B.I.S./U.S. Coast Guard horsepower rating plate attached by the manufacturer. Each competitor agrees that the boat and motor used in the tournament may be inspected by factory trained personnel and/or tournament officials if there is any reason to suspect the horsepower is in excess of the rating. Normal maintenance to increase the performance of your engine is allowed. Changing or altering standard factory parts of your engine to increase the horsepower over the factory horsepower rating is forbidden. Falsifying information on entry forms, or altering the horsepower rating numbers on the motor or boat, would be grounds for immediate disqualification from M.B.C.F. tournaments.

VII. BOAT IDENTIFICATION:
  Each boat may be given an inspection check by a tournament official prior to the start of each day. A numbered device will be given to each competitor which shall remain in the boat until turned in at each day’s weigh-in. This device should be displayed upon the request of a tournament official and turned in to the officials at each weight-in.

VIII. PRE-TOURNAMENT PRACTICE:

 

There will be an official two (2) day practice period immediately preceding the first day of the tournament. While on the lake during official practice and during the tournament, a competitor may not have the assistance or advice of a professional guide, state or federal wildlife agency employee, or any other person deemed "professional expert" on these tournament waters by the tournament committee. DURING THE PRACTICE PERIOD, A COMPETITOR MAY NOT FISH WITH, NOR ENTER THE TOURNAMENT WATERS WITH, ANYONE OTHER THAN ANOTHER COMPETITOR OR A MEMBER OF THE COMPETITOR’S OWN HOUSEHOLD WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR/CHAIRMAN. Each competitor agrees to report to the Tournament Officials any violation or infraction of these Tournament Rules. All practice fishing shall cease at 6:00 p.m. the evening prior to the start of the first day of tournament competitor. No tournament contestant shall be allowed on the tournament waters, for the purpose of locating fish, once competition has begun. However, this rule shall not be interpreted to prevent contestants from preceding by water to and from launch or docking facilities during the mornings prior to the start of competition or at the conclusion of each day’s competition.
IX. BOAT OPERATION:
  A full discussion must be held between the two partners prior to a morning departure as to the schedule of boat operations. This schedule must permit each partner equal time to fish from the front of the boat, and to operate the trolling motor, so as to afford each partner the opportunity to fish his/her selected water an equal number of hours. Any contestant who, in the judgment of the officials, operates the boat in such a manner as to unfairly handicap his partner shall be disqualified. If you feel that you have had a "bad ride", and that you have not had your fair share of fishing time, or location, you must make this protest to the tournament director, in writing, prior to signing your weigh-in slip.
X. TACKLE & EQUIPMENT:
  Artificial lures shall be used. Only one casting, spin-casting, or spinning rod may be used at any one time. No trolling will be allowed, however an electric motor may be used for slow maneuvering. The maximum length for any rod will be 8 feet, butt to tip. CB, marine radios, or mobile telephones are allowed for emergency use only during tournament hours.
XI. OFFICIAL CHECKPOINT:
  There shall be only one official point for check-out in the morning, and check-in in the afternoon. They will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting.
XII. OFFICIAL CHECK-IN & FISHING LOCATIONS:
  Official check-in is at least thirty minutes before tournament starts for boat owner and rider. Tournament starting and check-in times will be announced at the pre-tournament meeting. Contestants must check-in before the posted time. All contestants must start from the designated check-in area. Both competitors must remain in sight of each other’s catch, in order for their catch of the day to be scored in the tournament. Fishing on the tournament waters is permitted anywhere except within 50 yards of another competitor’s boat which was first anchored, with trolling motor up. An anchored boat may not block a narrow waterway. If you let one competitor’s boat within this 50 yard area, then you must let all competitors do so. OFF-LIMITS water so designated and posted by State, Federal, or announced by Tournament Officials must be honored by all competitors during official practice and competition. Failure to do so will be cause for disqualification.

XIII. LEGAL FISH:
  Largemouth and smallmouth bass minimum length of 14 inches in the longest straight line, with the mouth closed. A flat, straight rule will be used to determine the 14 inch length.

XIV. DON’T KILL YOUR CATCH:

  Each competitor is expected to keep his/her bass alive by use of a proper live well. All fish must be transported to the scales in designated fish weigh-in bags.

XV. DEAD FISH:

  For each legal bass weighed in dead, the competitor shall be penalized two ounces of weight (or 0.2 pounds depending on the scales used).

XVI. SCORING:

  The final team standings shall be determined by the pound and ounce weight of each competitor’s catch during the tournament. The limit shall be (5) legal fish of the above species and varieties per day, or the Michigan State limit for each individual. Tournament officials may conduct checks for violations. In the event a competitor is found to have more than the above described limits in possession, the penalty shall be disqualification. Bass presented for weigh-in which fail to measure 14 inches shall accrue penalties at a rate of one pound for each short bass. The penalty shall be deducted from the total score of the contestant. Any bass that appears to have been mangled, mashed, mauled, or otherwise altered, will be weighted only at the discretion of tournament officials. Note: Culling down to a limit of fish must occur prior to the conclusion of fishing time. Culling shall not be done at the dock or weigh-in area.

XVII. TIES:
 

In the event of a tie for any of the money winners, the monies shall be added and split evenly. Duplicate trophies, where applicable, will also be awarded. Example: first place tie, money from first and second place will be added and equally divided, two first place trophies will be awarded. The next award will be third place. Ties occur when both total weight and big bass weight are the same. In the case of a tie for last position for the Divisional Team determined from the State Championship Tournament, there will be a sudden death fish-off between the tied contestants under the direction of the Tournament Officials. Special rules for the sudden death fish-off will be established by the Tournament Officials.
XVIII. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP:
  State Championship standings will be determined by the pound-ounce system.

XVIIII. STARTING TIME:

  Safety is the only reason that the official tournament starting time will be delayed. Delays are at the discretion of the Tournament Director and the Tournament Committee.

XX. CHECK-IN:

  You and your partner MUST check-in at the end of the fishing day, even if no fish were caught. Failure to check in may require a search for you and result in disqualification from the entire tournament. Emergency conditions will be up to the tournament committee. All contestants will be penalized one (1) pound per minute up to fifteen (15) minutes then will be disqualified for the day only.

XXI. CHEATING:

  Anyone accused of cheating will be brought before the Board of Directors of the Federation within thirty (30) days for a hearing, and if found guilty, will be suspended from M.B.C.F., for life and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
XXII. TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS:
  None of the above rules shall prohibit a properly designated tournament official from approaching or boarding any contestants boat at any time during the tournament.
XXIII. RIDER’S FEE:
  The rider’s fee shall be a minimum of $20.00 payable in advance to the boat owner unless otherwise agreed upon by both contestants.
XXIV. INSURANCE:
  During the official practice and competition days of any M.B.C.F. tournament no contestant may operate a boat unless that contestant has submitted documented proof of a minimum of $100,000 boating liability insurance to the M.B.C.F. Tournament Director. This documented proof must show an effective date and expiration date and must be received by M.B.C.F. on or before the application deadline date.
XXV. ABSENTEEISM
  Each competitor must take the responsibility to report their anticipated absence from fishing at the second day of competition. Failure to report such absence in advance to the Tournament Director or Tournament Committee Chairman will be cause to disqualify the competitor from fishing the State Championship Tournament the following year.

REVISED Paragraph XX changed 10/28/01 from Late is Late to the 15 minute rule.

SCHOLARSHIP BY-LAWS
THE LEW BORER JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND CONSTITUTION
ESTABLISHED: JANUARY 11, 1981
(As amended December 8, 1990)

I. PURPOSE:

  To provide eligible applicants with scholastic aid.

II. DEFINITIONS:

 

Children, for the purpose of this constitution, shall be understood to mean natural, adopted, step, and grandchildren.

III. AWARDS:

  Money that is granted to applicants for scholastic aid.
IV. FUNDING:
  The original funds were awarded to the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. by Bass Anglers Sportsman Society and consisted of $1,100.00. It is understood that this money and any money collected through donations, contributions and/or money raising projects, shall be defined as funds. It is further understood that no funds will ever be used as an award for scholastic aid. The funds will be invested in a manner that will return the best interest in the current money market. The manner in which the funds are invested shall be governed by the Scholarship Committee.
V. SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE:
  The Scholarship Committee shall consist of five (5) members of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. in good standing to include:
   

-President of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc.
-President of the Michigan Bass Busters, an active Chapter of Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc.
-Two persons selected by the President of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc.
-One person selected by the President of the Michigan Bass Busters.
 
  1. The Scholarship Committee, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, can be dissolved and a new committee appointed.
  2. The Scholarship Committee shall meet and make awards no later than the 31st of December of each year.
  3. Vacancies on the Scholarship Committee shall be filled by appointment by the President of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc.
  4. The Committee, by majority vote, shall decide which applicants are eligible for scholastic aid.
  5. It shall be the purpose of the Scholarship Committee to provide scholastic aid for as many applicants as possible as far as is practical and within the guidelines set down in this Constitution.
VI. MINUTES OF SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE:
  Minutes of all Scholarship Committee meetings shall be accurately kept, and a copy presented to the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. Board of Directors, at the annual Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. meeting in October of every year.
VII. ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT:
  An annual financial report of the Scholarship Fund shall be presented at the first Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. general meeting of each calendar year.
VIII. ELIGIBILITY:
Those eligible to receive scholastic aid will be regular members, their wives and children. Residents of the State of Michigan who are also members of Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, their wives and children, are also eligible in the event no regular Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. members, their wives and children have applied.

IX. AWARD MONEY:

Note: During the life of the Lew Borer Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, only accrued interest shall be used for scholastic awards.
  1. 1. For the first five (5) years of the Scholarship Fund, no award shall be greater than $500.00 or less than $100.00
  2. After five (5) years, the Committee shall re-evaluate the status of the fund, and adjust the maximum and minimum award to commensurate with the interest being earned by the fund.
  3. All awards shall be presented to the student only.
  4. Awards shall be for one (1) year only. Students may apply for aid annually.
  5. Upon unanimous vote of the Committee, more than $500.00 may be awarded to one student, provided no other applicant is eligible at this time.
  6. The Committee shall have sole responsibility for making awards.
  7. Scholastic achievement of the applicant may be considered by the Scholarship Committee when determining the amount of an award.
  8. Award money not used during the current year shall be deposited in a readily accessible savings account, and may be used, along with interest earned, as award money the following year.
  9. All checks shall be made payable to both the student and the college.
X. ORDER OF PREFERENCE:
Scholastic awards shall be granted in the following order of preference.
  1. 1. Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. members, their wives or children, studying in the field of environment.
  2. Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. members, their wives or children, in any field other than environment.
  3. Bass Anglers Sportsman Society members, their wives, or children, studying in the field of environment.
  4. Bass Anglers Sportsman Society members, their wives, or children, studying in any field other than environment.
NOTE: ALL RECIPIENTS OF SCHOLASTIC AID MUST BE FULL TIME RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.
XI. APPLICATIONS:
Applications must be fully completed and postmarked no later than July 31. They should be sent to the President of the Federation. Applications are welcome from graduating high school students and college students. Applications shall be made on forms provided by the Scholarship Committee and shall contain the following information.
  1. Students name and address.
  2. Intended field of study.
  3. Transcript of student’s grades.
  4. Parents income. (Income will be used only to determine size of award in special cases. Income will not prevent a qualified applicant from receiving aid.)
  5. Parent’s name and address.
  6. A short statement from the applicant on his/her goals in college and what he/she is striving for.
  7. Applications will be no later than the 31st of July in the year the award is to be given.
  8. Applicants will be notified by mail as to the committee decision no later than December 31st.
In the event the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. should be dissolved, all money remaining in the Scholarship Fund will be donated in the name of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. to the charity deemed most needy by the Board of Directors.
This Constitution may be amended at any regular Presidents meeting of the Michigan B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, Inc. by a majority vote of the Chapter Presidents present.

All revisions as of 02/07/1999, 04/02/2000