ATAA Competition Rules

Arizona Taxidermy Artists Association
Bylaws

Table of Contents

Description Article/Section
*  Name Article I
*  Purpose Article II
*  Membership & Dues Article III
          Description       Section I 
          Member       Section II 
          Active Members       Section II (a) 
          Associate Member       Section II (b) 
          Honorary Member      Section II (b) 
          Dues       Section III 
          Membership       Section IV 
          Voting Privileges       Section V 
*  Officers, Board Members & Elections Article IV
          Officers and Board       Section I 
          Officers Duties       Section II 
          President       Section II (a) 
          Vice President       Section II (b) 
          Secretary       Section II (c) 
          Treasurer       Section II (d) 
          Board Member Duties       Section III 
          Elections       Section IV 
          Elective Offices       Section IV (a) 
          Type Of Election       Section IV (b) 
          Qualification For Office       Section IV (c) 
          Terms Of Office       Section IV (d) 
          Vacancies       Section IV (e) 
          Attendance at Meetings       Section IV (f) 
*  Meetings Article V
           Parliamentary Meetings Article VI
          Standing Rules  Article VII
          Amendments  Article VIII
          Dissolution  Article IX

Arizona Taxidermy Artists Association

Bylaws

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be the Arizona Taxidermy Artists Association; a state organization referred to herein as the association or ATAA, a non-profit organization, incorporated in the state of Arizona.

　

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

The purpose of the ATAA shall be as follows:

(1) To function as a non-profit EDUCATIONAL organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife through the preservation of specimens to the highest standards in the art of taxidermy.

(2) To foster an understanding in the general public about the field of taxidermy and other related outdoor activities.

(3) To assist members and the public in their understanding and awareness of Federal/State Game and Fish regulations and the conservation of wildlife and natural resources for future generations.

(4) To offer educational and hands-on opportunities for the youth of our communities, encouraging their passion for and knowledge of wildlife conservation and to develop their sense of civic responsibility.

(5) To engage in civic and charitable activities as deemed appropriate to facilitate and nurture the above.

　

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP & DUES

SECTION I – Description

Membership shall be open to all interested parties including, but not limited to taxidermists, whether professional or amateur, suppliers, tanners, sportsmen and conservationists.

SECTION II – Member Classifications

ATAA members are classified as the following :

(a) ATAA Members: Members shall be eligible to vote, run for and hold office in the ATAA.

Active memberships shall include individuals and families. The Board of Directors shall determine the stipend and benefits for membership. Active membership shall be available to all interested parties, including but not limited to all taxidermists, suppliers and tanners. Active members are eligible to vote, run for and hold office, receive ATAA merchandise and other benefits available through the ATAA.

SECTION III – Dues

(a) The Board of Directors shall set the amount of annual dues.

(b) All dues are payable on or before the annual show each year.

(d) Dues collected shall be used for the benefit of all members.

(e) Any new member paying his/her dues after January 1st will have his/her membership start June 7th of that year.

(f) The fiscal year shall be from annual show to annual show. (usually June - June)

SECTION IV – Memberships

(a) Membership in the ATAA is individual, not assignable or transferable except: any firm or organization desiring or petitioning membership must assign the membership in the name of the representative, and only that designated representative shall be entitled to vote or run for elective office.

(b) Individual members, or member firms, shall refrain from actions or activities, which are detrimental to the organization.

(c) Any individual member, or member firm, may be expelled for conduct detrimental to the organization by affirmative two-thirds vote of the board of directors. The board of directors shall take no action to expel a member until said member has been given an opportunity for a hearing before the Board of Directors.

(d) Any individual member, or member firm, may be expelled for conviction of two or more willful or intentional violations for federal or state game or fish laws or regulations arising out of more than one occurrence. Not withstanding the finding of any court, the board of directors must make its own determination by affirmative two-thirds vote that such violations were willful or intentional, after consideration of any extenuating circumstances called to its attention.

(e) Any individual member or member firm expelled pursuant to this section may be prohibited by affirmative two-thirds vote of the board of directors from contracting commercial space to sell or to advertise their services or products at any official function of the ATAA. They also may be prohibited by same vote from advertising services in any publication of the ATAA.

(f) Any person, company or firm expelled pursuant to current Bylaws must petition the board of directors a minimum of 2 years from the date of the expulsion for reinstatement into the ATAA and must receive a two-thirds affirmative vote of the board.

SECTION V – Voting Privileges

(a) Individuals or the designated representative of the member firm shall constitute one membership and be entitled one vote.

(b) Family memberships shall be eligible for two votes.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS, AND ELECTIONS

SECTION I – Officers and Board Members

(a) The principle officers of the ATAA shall be the president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Secretary and treasurer can be the same person.

(b) There shall be a minimum of 4 but not more than 9 board members elected to serve on the Board of Directors. Each should be given consideration to geographic location in order to represent areas of the state such as one director from each quadrant. A board member does not necessarily need to be a resident of Arizona.

(c) The combination of principle officers and board members shall make up the ATAA Board of Directors.

(d) The members shall elect the officers of the ATAA bi-annually.

(e) No member shall hold more than one elected position simultaneously, except as deemed necessary by the board under certain circumstances, such as a vacancy or until a new person can be elected, except as noted in Article IV, Section I (a).

(f) The past president shall serve for two years on the board of directors after his/her presidency expires as the director at large making a 5-member board.

SECTION II – Officers Duties

(a) President: The president shall be the chief executive of the ATAA. He or she shall preside at all ATAA meetings. The president shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors only in the event of a tie vote. They shall appoint chairmen of standing and special committees of the association.

(b) Vice president: The vice president shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors and shall, in the absence of the president, or at his request, perform the duties of the president. In the event of the inability of the president to serve, the vice president shall complete the president’s term. The vice president may serve in other capacities as assigned by the president such as a committee chair.

(c) Secretary: The secretary shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors and shall attend all meetings of the board. The secretary shall have custody of all property and records of the ATAA except as specified. They shall take accurate minutes of all meetings of the board as well as membership meetings. They shall give notice of each meeting to which notice is required. The secretary shall perform other duties as may be specified from time to time by the membership.

(d) Treasurer: The treasurer shall have custody of the funds of the association. They shall keep accurate records of all receipts and disbursements of the ATAA in financial books to be maintained for that purpose. They shall deposit all assets in the name and to the credit of the ATAA. They shall disburse the funds for the ATAA, take proper vouchers and receipts thereof and render to the ATAA such reports, as the board or president prescribes. The treasurer shall be bonded for the faithful performance of their duties. The treasurer shall render a full detailed account of all receipts and expenditures and submit a schedule showing the financial status of the ATAA, and any changes since the last report, at least once a year, and whenever requested by the board or president.

SECTION III – Board Member Duties

(a) Each board member shall be a voting member of the Board of Directors. Board members shall serve as chairmen of various committees as appointed by the president.

(b) The Board of Directors shall be the managing board of the association, control all expenditures and property of the association, and act for its interest in any way not inconsistent with these Bylaws, While ultimate authority rests in the membership, the Board of Directors shall define policies and shall have full administrative direction of the association.

SECTION IV – Elections

(a) Executive Offices: Elective offices of the ATAA shall be the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and the four board members.

1. No member shall hold two elective offices simultaneously, except as noted in Article IV, Section 2(a).

2. If there is only one nominee for an office, he or she may run unopposed.

3. The immediate past president shall serve on the Board of Directions as Director-at-large to help facilitate the new president.

(b) Type of Elections: Elections may be by ballot or majority. The Board of Directors shall deem the appropriate method and time of election and publish it in an official publication of the ATAA for the members.

(c) Qualifications for office:

1. Nominees for all offices must be members in good standing before nomination.

(d) Terms of office:

1. Terms for elected offices will commence upon election.

2. Officers and board members that have served a maximum of three two-year terms should remain out of the office for at least one term before becoming eligible to run again unless they desire to run for the office of president.

3. The office of president may not be held for more than two terms unless a ¾ vote by the members present at the bi-annual meeting waive this ruling for an additional two-year term.

4. In the event the president cannot complete their term, the vice president will fulfill that term and still be eligible for a complete two terms.

(e) Vacancies: In the event of a vacancy in any office, other than the office of president, the board may appoint the next nominee who ran for the vacant position. In the event the position was unopposed, the board may appoint any member in good standing accepting the appointment until the next election. In the event there are no candidates seeking office, the board may make exceptions as stated in Article IV, Section I.

(f) Attendance at Meetings: Officers and board members are expected to attend all official board meetings. Any officer or board member who misses two consecutive board meetings without a valid reason acceptable by the board of directors will be asked to voluntarily resign the position. If a voluntary resignation did not occur than such acting officer and board must carry out mandatory forced resignation.

ARTICLE V – Meetings

(a) There shall be at least four official meetings of the ATAA annually. Two shall be member meetings and two shall be board meetings.

(b) The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place of meetings.

(c) The president of the board of directors may call special meetings at any time, as they deem necessary. Board meetings may occur at any time. For the purposes of a membership meeting, they shall be notified at least 14 days prior to the meeting. The notice shall specify the date, place and hour of the meeting and the purpose for which it is to convene.

(d) Any action required to be taken without benefit of a meeting may be taken with written consent, stating the action taken and shall be signed by all members of the board. Verification of consent may be made via telephone or e-mail.

(e) A quorum at all ATAA meetings shall be 50% + 1 of the board of directors present.

ARTICLE VI – Parliamentary Law

“Robert’s Rules of Order” shall govern in all cases not provided for in these Bylaws. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed.

ARTICLE VII – Standing Rules

(a) the board of directors shall develop and maintain a set of standing rules.

(b) The standing rules shall cover any rules pertaining to but not limited to elections, meetings, annual conventions, seminars, events, and competitions.

ARTICLE VIII – Amendments

(a) The Bylaws of the ATAA may be amended by an affirmative two-thirds vote of the board of directors.

(b) At any time, 10 percent of the valid membership may petition the board of directors to change any action of the board.

(c) Any action of the board of directors shall be published to the members.

ARTICLE IX – Dissolution

A resolution to dissolve this association and its affairs shall be initiated by resolution of the directors recommending such dissolution and direction that the question be submitted to vote of the members. The resolution of dissolution shall thereafter be adopted by vote of not less than two-thirds of the entire membership of the ATAA at a meeting duly convened for that purpose, pursuant to written notice stating such purpose. Notice shall be given as stated in Article V (c). Upon adopting such resolution by the members, the association shall cease to conduct its business, except in so far as may be necessary for the termination thereof. It shall immediately cause a notice of the proposed dissolution to be mailed to each of its known creditors, and shall proceed to collect its assets and distribute them as the membership shall see fit.

These Bylaws and this Policies and Procedures Manual of the Arizona Taxidermy Artists Association was temporarily adopted into this association on September 11, 2010 for the purpose of conducting business until the next annual meeting on September 11, 2010, by the following officers and board of directors.

Subject:

Budget Management

PURPOSE:

To ensure that the ATAA’s financial status is managed in such a way as to best benefit the ATAA board and membership.

POLICY:

The ATAA board of directors will collect, account for and distribute the monetary finances of the ATAA for the benefit of the membership to include any newsletters, publicity, annual show, competition, seminar, event expenses, and any other disbursements the board of directors sees fit, but developing and maintaining a budget management process.

PROCEDURE:

1. Prior to the first quarterly meeting following the annual show and competition, the president and treasurer shall develop an annual operating budget for the upcoming year.

2. At the first quarterly meeting following the annual show and competition, the president and/or treasurer shall present a proposed budget report to the board of directors for approval for the upcoming year.

3. The board of directors shall amend and/or approve the budget to be used for the upcoming year.

4. The treasurer shall be responsible for accounting of the budget process and provide quarterly, or as needed, updates of budget balances.

SUBJECT:

Purchases

PURPOSE:

To ensure that all expenditures of the ATAA are done in such a way to provide for purchase accountability.

POLICY:

The ATAA board of directors shall develop and maintain an effective mechanism to allow persons needing to utilize ATAA funds to purchase those items for use in the ATAA.

PROCEDURE:

1. Primarily only the ATAA board of directors shall have access to any mechanism used for ATAA purchases unless on prior approval of the board of directors.

2. Any persons of the board of directors may be assigned the ability to use purchasing mechanisms and should be approved by the president or his or her designee prior to use.

3. Categories of purchases shall be as follows:

3.1 Small purchases shall be $25.00 or less

3.2 Medium purchases shall be more than $25.00 to $100.00

3.3 Large purchases of more than $100 will need approval by the president prior to purchase.

4. Approval from the treasurer shall be obtained prior to purchase to determine if available monies are in the budget and what categories it will be charged to.

5. Small purchases shall be made by the purchaser and will be reimbursed as per receipts.

6. Medium purchases may be made by the purchasers and be reimbursed or the treasurer my assign a check towards the purchase of the item with approval of the treasurer.

7. Large purchases of more than $100.00 shall have the approval of the president and treasurer prior to purchase.

8. The treasurer shall have the approval to adjust budget amounts if needed with approval of the president and justification of the need.

SUBJECT:

Meeting absences

PURPOSE:

To ensure effective meetings of the ATAA.

POLICY:

It shall be the policy of the ATAA to expect the board of directors to attend all meetings called for or as set forth in the Bylaws. In those instances where a person is unable to attend, they will be expected to communicate their absence as per the outlined procedure.

PROCEDURE:

1. When it is determined that a person will be unable to attend a meeting, that person shall contact the president or chairperson for the meeting at least two weeks prior to the meeting, or in the case of emergencies, at the earliest possible time.

2. The person shall give the president or chairperson justification for the absence to be entered into the meeting notes.

3. When there is an issue or subject to be voted on, that person should either give their vote or position to the president or another designated person to vote on their behalf.

　

SUBJECT:

Membership information

PURPOSE:

To protect the membership of the ATAA from unwanted solicitation.

POLICY:

It shall be the policy of the ATAA to keep within its own control all the information of its members and not distribute to outside requests for solicitation except as follows:

PROCEDURE:

1. Membership information may be given to approved publications provided by the ATAA.

2. Membership information may be given for reasons approved by said member.

 

GENERAL RULES

1. As per National Taxidermists Association (NTA) rules, ATAA will hold NTA-sanctioned show competition. Only NTA certified judges should be used for competition judging

2. Only NTA judging criteria and score sheets shall be used in competition. Judges decisions are final.

3. The ATAA competition committee shall resolve any questions or concerns arising from the competition. Any unruly, disruptive or unsportsmanlike behavior towards judges, committee officials or other entrants will not be tolerated and could result in immediate disqualification from competition without any refunds of registration fees or cash awards.

4. The ATAA competition committee reserves the right to restrict from competition and/or viewing any piece deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the image of taxidermy, hunting, fishing, trapping or any other outdoor-related activity. With the approval of the committee the piece may be judged privately.

5. Any infraction of the ATAA competition rules will result in disqualification and forfeiture of any awards and or cash prizes. No refunds of registration fees will be given.

6. All competitors will hold solely the responsibility of their entered piece and not hold the ATAA liable for any unforeseen mishap. While the ATAA will provide for security and be as careful as possible with all mounts, everyone is advised that accidents are possible and the ATAA, its officials, board members or competition committee shall not be responsible for any mounts entered in competition under any circumstances.

7. Any pieces previously shown at an ATAA competition shall not be eligible for re-entry.

8. All entries must be completely done by the entrant, except in the youth division as stated in the rules for youth division (see youth #1 under Divisions) and collective artists.

9. All competitors shall be registered for the competition and are members in good standing with the ATAA.

10. Entries shall be made at the posted times and NO entries will be removed from the competition area before the posted release times except by permission of the Board of Directors. Any entries not picked up by the posted deadline will be left unsecured and unattended.

11. If the entrant wishes to advertise their business (limited to business cards), it shall be done after the judging has been completed and ribbons have been placed.

12. If in the opinion of the judges and competition committee too many of the judging criteria are hidden from view or not included in the mount, and it is not in conjunction with another mount that is judgeable (i.e., single wood duck head coming out of a hole in a tree), said entry may be deemed ineligible.

13. If an entry contains more than one piece (ex., two ducks), an entry fee must be paid for each piece to be judged. If only one piece is to be judged, the entrant must designate which piece is to be judged.

14. Entries in cases must have a removable top and sides for judging and must be removed by the competitor before judging begins.

15. Any names or logos that may reveal the identity of the competitor must be omitted or covered securely.

16. No fraternization is allowed between competitor and judges to either bias a judge(s) or identifies any competitor’s entry. If the competition committee deems competitor is in violation through their own efforts or the efforts of others, their entry will be disqualified from competition with no awards or recognition being conferred. All entry fees are not refundable. The decision of the competition committee is final.

17. Competitors are allowed to bring their own reference material for the judges to examine in determining their scores. Photographs may be placed in an envelope next to the mount and marked “For Judges Reference.” The mount number should also be written on the envelope.

18. The competition area will be closed during judging to everyone except the competition committee and show officials.

19. In cases where special possession or taxidermy permits are needed for protected species (ex., raptors, eagles, threatened or endangered species) they should be available for review at the competition area if needed. The entrant is responsible for knowing and following all such laws pertaining to protected species.

20. By registering, signing and paying for the ATAA show and competition the entrant acknowledges that he or she has read, understands and vows to follow any and all of these rules set forth by the ATAA.

21. An entrant may appeal a judge’s decision or score first by showing good cause and reason for appeal to the competition committee who will then rule whether to proceed with consultation of the judge or judges and determine a course of action. All competition committee decisions are final.

22. Collective Artists participants must be current members of the ATAA and identified on the entry. At least one (1) participant must be registered at show.

23. Mounts entered into the competition will not be the product of a formal school or seminar.

24. Fish and reptile reproductions in the Masters division must be molded/cast by entrant.

25. Highest scoring mount in the Masters earns the State Champion award.

　

　　

CATEGORIES

Game heads: Any shoulder mount either wall hanging or pedestal

Large Life-size: Any life-size mount larger than a coyote

Small Life-size: Any life-size mount the size of a coyote and smaller

Bird: Any bird or reproduction

Fish: Any fish or reproduction

Habitat: Any addition to a mount consisting of a base representing natural habitat

Original Art: Any paintings, drawings or artists rendition representing the outdoors and wildlife.

Reptiles: Any reptile or reproduction.

　

　

Note:

Categories are subject to being added or deleted in any given year by the competition committee in consultation with the board of directors.


DIVISIONS

YOUTH

1. Eligibility: Open to all entrants that are under 14 years of age. May have limited help from a parent or adult in the production of the entry. Adults are not to physically do the mount but closely supervise its artist, design and completion. The intent of this category is to foster the taxidermy interest in young people.

          2. Categories: All categories are open to the youth division.

3. Awards: First, second and third place ribbons will be given in this category along with a horizon award.

NOVICE

1. Eligibility: Open to all except those who have won one blue ribbon in a specified category and have been automatically bumped into the Open division.

          2. Categories: All categories are open to the amateur division.

3. Awards: First, second, third and honorable mention place ribbons will be given based on the judge’s decision.

PROFESSIONAL

1. Eligibility: Open to all entrants except those who have won a best of category and two blue ribbons in a specified category and have been automatically bumped into the master’s division.

2. Categories: All categories are open to the professional division.

3. Awards: First, second, third and honorable mention ribbons will be given based on the judge’s decisions.

4. Fish and reptiles reproduction. Forms can be bought.

　

MASTERS

1. Eligibility: Open to all entrants who wish to compete at this level or who have won two blue ribbons or a best of category in that specific category.

2. Categories: All categories are open to the masters division.

3. Awards: First, second, third place ribbons will be given based on the judge’s decisions. Note: No honorable mention is given in the masters division.

                    4. Fish and reptile reproductions must be molded by entrant.

　

Collective Artists

All participants must be current members. Only one (1) must be present at show.

　

　

Note:

Division of categories are subject to being added or deleted in any given year by the competition committee in consultation with the board of directors.


　

　

MAJOR AND SPECIAL AWARDS

1. Taxidermist’s Challenge: To qualify for this award, the piece will be deemed best overall challenge mount at the show by the collaborative decision of the judges. The winner will choose the challenge species for the next year.

2. Best of Category: Awarded to the individual who has the highest scoring blue ribbon in each category within the professional division.

3. Best All Around: Limited to ATAA members present at the convention. Competitors entering this special competition must enter in four areas of competition: birds, fish, reptiles, mammals (large or small), and shoulder mounts (deer, game head, pedestals, or half life-size are included in this category). Entries in the required four areas may not include rugs, novelties, crustaceans or freeze dry. Freeze dry and reproduction parts may be used as long as the competitor does all the work. Anyone wishing to enter this special competition is required to fill out the special entry form at the time of the entry. It is the responsibility of the competitor to insure that this is noted on all tags placed by the mounts. The person with the highest total numerical score with four entries will win this award. Entries may be composed of mounts entered in both the Open Division and the Masters Division.

5. Judges Choice: Awarded to the piece chosen by the judges.

6. Peoples Choice: Awarded to the piece as chosen by the voting public.

7. Taxidermist Choice: Awarded to the piece as chosen by the voting registered taxidermists.

8. Horizon: Selected by the judges collectively as the best mount in each youth division.

9. State Champion: Highest scoring 4 pieces with Blue ribbon within the Masters division.

10. Other suppliers awards as applicable.

　

Note:

Award categories may be added or deleted in any given year by the competition committee in consultation with the board of directors.

 

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