Click on a link below to read the VADAF By-Laws:

 
 
 
Section 1. The name of the Chapter shall be the Virginia Dressage Association, Fredericksburg Chapter.
Section 2. The acronym for the Chapter shall be VADAF.
 
PURPOSE: The purpose of VADAF is to encourage and promote a high standard of achievement in horsemanship and sportsmanship by its members. This purpose shall be accomplished through educational programs, with particular emphasis on dressage.

INTENTS: To increase the working knowledge of dressage by its members, and improve the general understanding by the community at large.

To provide frequent educational and competitive opportunities through clinics, seminars, programs and shows, providing an avenue for members to increase their abilities and gauge their progress.

To give recognition to its members for outstanding accomplishments and service via year-end awards. These awards are meant as an incentive for members to continue their education and set higher goals.

To assist and cooperate with various local, state and national organizations in matters of common concern; to include but not be limited to the United States Dressage Federation, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)and the United States Pony Club.

To provide all members equal opportunity to participate in VADAF management and activities.

VADAF is not formed for the purposes of political activity or lobbying.
   
  Section 1 - This Chapter agrees to be governed by the Constitution, By-Laws and Standing Rules of the Virginia Dressage Association.

Section 2 - The Chapter President shall serve as Representative to the State Board of Directors or shall appoint a member in good standing to serve in his stead. Additional Representatives to the State Board of Directors shall be elected by a simple majority of the membership of the Chapter, to serve a two year term. These terms will expire on alternating years.

Section 3 - Representatives to the State Board of Directors are empowered to vote for the Chapter as prescribed in the VADA By-Laws. The duties of the State Board Representative shall be to represent the best interests of the Chapter.

Section 4 - The Board of Directors may remove from office any Representative to the State Board of Directors whose actions are judged to be detrimental to the best interests of the Chapter or who fails to attend a State Board meeting.
   
  Section 1 - The Board of Directors shall be composed of the Officers, State Board Representatives and Standing Committee Chairpersons who are nominated by the President and approved by the elected officers.

Section 2 - Any member of the Chapter who is in good standing may submit his name to the Nominating Committee for consideration of candidacy for elected positions on the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will be composed of members as appointed by the President.

Section 3 - The length of term for the Board of Directors will be one year except for State Board Representatives (III/2).

Section 4 - The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the general management of the affairs of the Chapter.

Section 5 - The Board of Directors may remove from office any Director whose actions are judged to be detrimental to the best interests of the Chapter or who has two unexcused absences or four total absences from Chapter Board meetings. Removal will be accomplished by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 6 - In the event of a vacancy, the Board of Directors may appoint a Chapter Member in good standing to fill the vacancy.

Section 7 - All research, papers and documents pertaining to Chapter business are the exclusive property of the Chapter. At the end of term (by choice or by Board of Director's decision) each member of the Board shall relinquish said documents, within 10 days, to the President or President Pro Tem.
   
 
Section 1 - The Officers of the Chapter shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Section 2 - Officers shall serve one year terms. Their terms shall coincide with the membership year.

Section 3 - The Officers shall be elected by a plurality vote of the members present at the Annual Meeting. Each Officer shall hold office until his successor shall have been duly chosen and shall qualify, or until his death, resignation or removal in the manner previously provided.

Section 4 - The President shall have general supervision of the affairs of the Chapter. He shall sign all major contracts and obligations of the Chapter. He shall nominate Committee Chairpersons. He shall call and chair all meetings of the Board of Directors. He shall serve as a Representative to the State Board for his term in office or shall appoint a member in good standing to serve in his stead. He shall also assume other duties as voted by the Board of Directors.

Section 5 - The duties of the Vice President shall be to coordinate committee activities and to act for the President in his absence. He shall assume other duties as voted by the Board of Directors.

Section 6 - The duties of the Secretary shall be to take minutes and keep correspondence of the Chapter. He shall assume other duties as voted by the Board of Directors.

Section 7 - The duties of the Treasurer shall include the collection, care and custody of all monies involving the Chapter and the maintenance of proper books documenting all monetary transactions. He shall be responsible for filing appropriate forms with the State of Virginia, the IRS, etc. as needed. He shall assume other duties as voted by the Board of Directors.
   
 
Section 1 - Committee Chairpersons shall be nominated by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.

Section 2 - The Standing Committees are Membership, Education, Competition, Awards and Fund Raising/Publicity.

  a. The Membership Committee shall maintain current up-to-date names, addresses and phone numbers of members. It will submit a list of membership to the Treasurer for payment of VADA and USDF dues by 15 February and quarterly thereafter for new members. It will maintain a current volunteer information list.
  b. The Education Committee shall plan and coordinate various activities, such as clinics, seminars and training programs.
  c. The Competition Committee shall select facilities and dates, hire judges, appoint show managers and secretaries, and order show ribbons and tests. It shall obtain appropriate sanctioning from other rganizations as deemed necessary. It shall act as equipment manager for VADAF-owned property and maintain an updated inventory.
  d. The Awards Committee shall maintain year-end point standings and volunteer fulfillment records. It shall order year-end ribbons and trophies. It shall organize the VADAF annual awards banquet.
  e. The Fund Raising/Publicity Committee shall solicit advertisements, show sponsorships and award donations. It shall develop and organize fund raising activities. It shall notify local magazines and newspapers of upcoming shows, events and show results.

Section 3 - Additional committees may be established as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

Section 4 - Committees shall assume all duties as voted by the Board of Directors.
 
Section 1 - The Board of Directors shall meet a minimum of six times during the year.

Section 2 - The Board of Directors may, at its discretion, call a meeting of the General Membership.

Section 3 - The meetings of the Board of Directors shall at all times be open to any member in good standing. The Board of Directors shall encourage attendance of the General Membership by publishing the dates and locations of its meetings in the Newsletter or by individual mail to each member.

Section 4 - At all meetings of the Board of Directors, three-fourths, or six Directors, whichever is less, shall constitute a quorum.
 
Section 1 - The Board of Directors shall determine annual dues rates, a portion of which shall be set aside for USDF and VADA dues.

Section 2 - Annual dues shall coincide with the USDF fiscal year.
 
Section 1 - These By-Laws may be added to, altered or amended at any General Membership meeting by a vote of not less than two-thirds present. Written notice of the proposed amendment shall be mailed to all members at least two weeks prior to the General Membership meeting.

Section 2 - In lieu of a General Meeting, these By-Laws may be added to, altered or amended by vote of the General Membership conducted by mail upon recommendation to the General Membership of such amendment by the Board of Directors. Written notice of such recommended amendment shall be mailed at least four weeks before the vote is to be counted. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of those members responding by mail, shall amend, add to or alter these By-Laws as recommended by the Board of Directors.
 
Roberts Rules of Orders Revised shall be used as a guide for all meetings of VADAF, when not in conflict with these By-Laws.