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BYLAWS OF THE SILVER STATE BARREL AND POLE ASSOCIATION (Revised March 2008) ARTICLE I

Section 1. Title: This Association shall be known as the Silver State Barrel and Pole Association (SSBPA). Section 2. Object: The purpose of this Association shall be to promote the sports of barrel racing and pole bending. Section 3. Place of Business: The principal place of business may be conducted at any place convenient to the officers, directors, or members of the Association. The initial principal office of the Association shall be: 11256 Carlsbad Road, Reno, NV 89508. Thereafter, the principal office of the Association shall be the address of the president from time to time. Section 4. Dissolution: In the event that the Association in any manner and for any cause is dissolved and after payment or adequate provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Association, all of the remaining funds, assets and properties of the Association shall be paid and distributed to another equine association recommended by the President and approved in writing by the Board of Directors which promotes the purposes of this Association.

ARTICLE II MEMBERS

Section 1. Membership is open to any person with a firm interest in the promotion of barrel racing and/or pole bending, by payment of membership dues, as hereinafter provided. Section 2. Annual Membership Dues: A. Dues are due annually on or before the first point race of each year. Membership becomes effective upon receipt of dues. No points will be counted for any member until the Point Secretary receives their dues. B. Membership dues shall be set by the Board of Directors and will remain in effect until such time as the Board of Directors changes the amount of dues. Section 3. Voting Rights: Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members at a General Membership meeting. No member shall be permitted to vote by proxy. Section 4. Suspension and Termination of Membership: A. Any member of the Association may be suspended or expelled from the Association whenever it shall have been established by satisfactory evidence that such member has violated any of the bylaws or rules of the Association. The following shall be considered as grounds for suspension or expulsion: 1. A member failing to pay when due any obligation owing to the Association. 2. A member failing to pay any bank fees, entry fees, dues or other obligation due as a result of submitting a payment that is returned for non sufficient funds. 3. A member failing to submit the required donation as provided in the rules of the Association. B. No points will be earned during a period on suspension nor will the member have any voting rights.

ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

Section 1. Annual Membership Meetings: There shall be an annual meeting of the Association during the month of November, unless another date is set by the Board of Directors, for receiving the annual reports of the year, the election of officers and directors and the transaction of other business. Section 2. Special Membership Meetings: Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President or the Board of Directors or shall be called by the President upon written request of twenty-five percent of the voting membership of the Association. Section 3. Conduct: The usual parliamentary rules as laid down in “Roberts Rules of Order” shall govern all deliberations, when not in conflict with these bylaws. Section 4. Notice of Meetings: Written notice of said membership meetings shall be emailed to all members at least fourteen days prior to the holding of such meetings. Members without email addresses will be contacted by telephone. Section 5. Quorum: A quorum of members shall consist of the number of members present at any regular meeting or any special meeting of which notice is given. For the purposes of voting on issues that may only be approved by the majority of the membership, such as bylaw changes, mailings may be substituted. Such mailings shall include all information applicable to the issue, and shall include a statement that a non-reply shall constitute a vote of “yea” on the issue.

ARTICLE IV BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Number: The Board of Directors shall consist of at least four and no more than eight members of the Association in good standing. No more than two Directors shall reside in the Reno/Sparks area, no more than two Directors shall reside in the Fallon/Yerington area, no more than two Directors shall reside in the Fernley/Lovelock area, and no more than two Directors shall reside in the Carson/Gardnerville area. Additionally the immediate Past President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary/Treasurer shall be members of the Board with voting privileges. Section 2. Term of Office: The Directors shall serve for a period of one year. Section 3. Election: A. The election of Directors shall be held by ballot during the annual meeting of the year in a manner prescribed by these bylaws. B. A Nominating Committee shall be appointed no later than September 1 of each year. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three persons, who shall be selected as follows: one person appointed by the President who can come from either the Board or the General Membership, one person appointed by the Board from the General Membership and one person appointed by the Board from the Board of Directors. The purpose of the committee shall be to nominate qualified, interested members who are willing to serve in the capacity of Board member. A ballot shall be prepared with the names and presented to the General Membership for voting. The four to eight members, depending on residency restrictions, receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the Board of Directors. C. A special Board of Directors meeting shall be called to verify and count ballots. In the event any elected person declines, the Secretary will select the person receiving the next highest number of votes. D. Any candidate for nomination must be a member in good standing. Section 4. Vacancies: Any vacancy on the Board of Directors caused by death, resignation or any due cause, shall be filled by appointment by a majority of the remaining Directors. Any qualified member of the Association so appointed shall serve for the balance of the term of his predecessor in office, and until the qualification and election of his successor. Section 5. Powers: A. The corporate powers of this Association shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have general charge of the affairs, funds and property of the Association and shall have full power and it shall be their duty to enforce bylaws. B. The Board of Directors shall have power and authority to expel or suspend any member or Director as provided in Article II, Section 4, of these bylaws. Section 6. Duties: It shall be the duty of the Directors who reside in the area in which a race is held to set the barrel and pole pattern according to the rules of the Association. Section 7. Compensation: There shall be no compensation for Directors. Section 8. Liability: No Director shall have any personal liability for any action taken in his or her capacity as a director in good faith.

ARTICLE V MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. Meetings: Board of Directors’ meetings shall be held annually. The date and place for any meeting may be set by order of the Board of Directors. This date may be changed if, in the opinion of the President, an alternate date would better suit the convenience of the majority of the Directors. Section 2. Special Meetings: Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called at any time by the President of the Association upon notice to the Directors, personally, or by telephone, at least forty-eight hours before the dated fixed for such special meeting. The proposed agenda of such special meeting must be expressed in the notice of such special meeting. Place, date and time of meeting must be specified in all notices of all special meetings. Section 3. Quorum: A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE VI OFFICERS

Section 1. Election: The elected officers of the Association shall be a President and Vice-President, who shall be elected by the Board of Directors. Such election shall take place annually following the general membership meeting. Section 2. Each elected officer shall take office following the election and shall serve a term of one year and until his successor is duly qualified and elected. Section 3. Vacancies: The Directors at any regular meeting may fill vacancies in any office for the balance of the term. If the appointment is less than six months, it will not count as a term of office. Section 4. President: The President shall be the Chief officer of the Association and shall preside at meetings of the Association, the Board of Directors, and shall be a member Ex Officio of all committees. He shall also, at the annual meeting of the Association, and at such other times as shall be deemed proper, communicate to the Association or to the Board of Directors, such matters and make such suggestions as may, in his opinion, tend to promote the welfare and increase the usefulness of the Association, and shall perform such other duties as are necessary incident to the Office of President or as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. No person shall hold the office of President for more than two consecutive years. Section 5. Vice-President: In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall have the powers and shall perform duties of the President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors. Section 6. Secretary: A. In addition to the officers named in Article VI, there shall be an office of Secretary. This office shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors to serve until resignation or removal from office by a majority vote of the Board of Directors for malfeasance of office or neglect of duty. B. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Association and the Board of Directors, shall keep the minutes of all membership and Directors meetings, and keep all documents and records of the Association. He shall keep a list of members of the Association and collect annual dues or assign this duty to an assistant. C. The Secretary or such assistants as may be appointed by the President shall keep an accurate record of all points won by members during the year. This list shall be posted on the Association’s website as results from approved races are received. This list shall be printed and copies made available at subsequent races. This list shall be mailed to members who provide stamped, self-addressed envelopes. D. The Secretary shall also perform the duties of Treasurer for the Association. He shall keep or cause to be kept, an account of all monies received and expended for the use of the Association. All sums received he shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, in the bank account of the Association. He shall make a report at the annual meeting or when called upon by the President. E. Under certain circumstances there may be appointed the position of Treasurer separate and apart from the office of Secretary. Should this be the case, the Treasurer shall be appointed by the President and shall perform all duties mentioned in Article VI, Section D. Section 7. Compensation: There shall be no compensation for Officers. Section 8. Liability: No Officer shall have any personal liability for any action taken in his or her capacity as an officer in good faith.

ARTICLE VII COMMITTEES

Section 1. Appointment: The President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, shall appoint such standing committees as may be required by the bylaws and such special circumstances as he may find necessary. The President shall designate the Chairman of each committee appointed and the Chairman of each committee shall be a member of the Board of Directors. A Board member may not serve as Chairman of more than one committee even though he may serve on more than one committee. Section 2. Standing Committees: The following committees will comprise the official committees: a. Nominating b. Rules and Bylaws c. Awards d. Donations Section 3. Term of Office: Each member of a committee appointed shall serve at the pleasure of the President.

ARTICLE VIII CONSTRUCTION OF BYLAWS

Section 1. On all questions arising as to the construction or the meaning of the bylaws, the decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.

ARTICLE IX AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF BYLAWS

Section 1. Power to repeal or amend these bylaws and adopt new bylaws is hereby delegated to the Board of Directors, subject, of course to the majority of the voting members of this Association.

ARTICLE X STANDING RULES

Section 1. The Association, through its Board of Directors, shall adopt certain Standing Rules. The Rules shall set forth such things as the amount of annual dues, race approval requirements, point system, year end awards and requirements for same and any other such rules as may be required to conduct day to day business of the Association. These rules may be changed from time to time as necessary by a majority decision of the Board of Directors, except that any changes to the point system or requirements for year end awards may only changed at the annual meeting. Section 2. It is the responsibility of each member to become familiar with the Rules and Bylaws and to conduct themselves and their horses accordingly. Section 3. It is the responsibility of the members to assist with arena help when asked. Members are responsible for downed barrels and poles or retrieving lost articles if arena help is not available.

STANDING RULES OF THE SILVER STATE BARREL AND POLE ASSOCIATION (Revised March 2008) MEMBERSHIP DUES

Section 1. Amount: A. Annual membership dues, as set by the Board of Directors are as follows: Membership fee Additional membership fee for family member under the age of 18 2nd membership fee for person riding more than one horse 3rd membership fee for person riding more than one horse Non-competing membership fee $50.00 $25.00 $35.00 $35.00 $10.00 B. A second or third membership can only purchased at the time the initial membership is paid.

RACE APPROVAL

Section 1. Season: The season will not begin before April and will not end past September. However, races can be held in October in the event of scheduling conflicts. Section 2. Number: The season will include at least eight but no more than ten races. Section 3. Dates: The dates will be set by the Board of Directors prior to April 1 and may be changed for arena availability or to not interfere with other organizations that promote barrel racing and/or pole bending, when possible. Section 4. Cancellations: Races cancelled for weather or arena conditions or other unforeseen circumstances will be rescheduled when possible and members will be notified by telephone of the cancellation as soon as possible.

RACE CATEGORIES

Section 1. Open 5-D barrel racing and open 3-D pole bending will be the race categories.

BARREL RACING FORMAT

Section 1. The payout is a five divisional format. The 5-D payout format is divided into the following divisions: 1-D = fastest time; 2-D = fastest time + 0.5 seconds; 3-D = fastest time + 1.0 seconds; 4-D = fastest time + 1.5 seconds; 5D = fastest time + 2.0 seconds. Section 2. A knocked down barrel will be considered a no-time run. The rider’s time will be announced, but no monies will be paid on said run and member does not place in any division. An off-course run will be considered a no time and member does not place in any division. Touching the barrels is permitted. Section 3. A cloverleaf pattern around the barrels with either one right and two left turns or one left and two right turns will constitute a legal pattern. Section 4. Time begins as the horse’s nose crosses the start line and ends as the horse’s nose crosses the finish line. Section 5. A standard course will be set whenever possible. The standard pattern is 60 feet from the score line to barrels 1 and 2. 90 feet between barrels 1 and 2, and 105 feet between barrels 1 and 3 and 2 and 3. Barrels 1 and 2 should be at least 15 feet from the fence and barrel 3 should be at least 25 feet from the fence. There should be a minimum of 45 feet from the score line to the fence. Section 6. The ground around the barrels will be raked after not more than eight contestants have run. Depending on conditions the ground may be raked more often.

POLE BENDING FORMAT

Section 1. The payout is a three divisional format. The 3-D payout format is divided into the following divisions: 1-D = fastest time; 2-D = fastest time + 2.0 seconds; 3-D = fastest time + 4.0 seconds. Section 2. A knocked down pole will be considered a five second penalty per pole added to the time. An off-course run will be considered a no-time run and member does not place in any division. Touching the poles is permitted. Section 3. The pattern is to be run around six poles with either a start to the right or left of the first pole. Section 4. Time begins as the horse’s nose crosses the start line and ends as the horse’s nose crosses the finish line. Section 5. A standard course will be set. Each pole is to be 21 feet apart and the first pole is 21 feet from the starting line. Poles shall be set on top of the ground, six feet in height, with no base more than 14 inches in diameter. Section 6. The ground around the poles will be raked after not more than eight contestants have run. Depending on conditions the ground may be raked more often.

ENTRY FEE AMOUNTS

Section 1. The entry fee for the barrel race and the pole bending race are each $30.00. Time only runs will be charged $4.00 per run, and a $5.00 fee will be assessed to non-members competing to cover insurance costs. Fees will be collected prior to any competition run. Section 2. An office fee of $1.00 will be charged to each contestant. In the event the costs associated with use of the arena exceed $200 each contestant will be charged a $5.00 arena fee. Section 3. Entries close 1/2 hour prior to the scheduled start of the race. Anyone entering later than this will be charged a $10.00 late fee and will be placed at the end of the draw.

PAYOUT

Section 1. Each race will have a minimum of $125.00 added to both the barrel and pole bending race payouts. Section 2. A minimum of fifty percent of the entry fee will be added to the pot and the amount held out by the club will go towards year-end awards, the added money, and for any fees associated with hosting the race. Section 3. Each of the five divisions in the barrel race will receive 20 percent of the pot and each of the three pole bending divisions will receive 33.3 percent of the pot. Section 4. The number of places paid in each division will be determined by the number of contestants. The last place paid in the lowest division should receive an amount equal to or higher than the entry fee.

ARENA RULES

Section 1. Arena operators may have specific rules when racing in their arena. Arena operator’s rules will be adhered to in addition to the rules of this Association. Section 2. Inhumane treatment of any animal will not be tolerated and members may be subject to suspension or expulsion. Section 3. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Foul language, misconduct, or abusive comments spoken to any contestant, spectator, or volunteer could result in immediate disqualification and entry fees will not be refunded. Contestants are responsible for traveling companions and family members. Any urgent questions, complaints, or concerns should be presented to the President or a member of the Board of Directors in his absence. Section 4. A horse may not be raced twice in any single event unless unforeseen circumstances exist and the majority of the Board of Directors present at the race approves this prior to the subsequent run. Time only’s are exempt from this rule.

DONATIONS

Section 1. Each member is responsible for turning in a minimum of $75.00 in cash donations by August 1 or they will lose any accumulated points. Members competing on multiple horses for points will be required to submit an additional $50 in cash donations for each horse by August 1 or they will lose any accumulated points. Section 2. All donations will be turned in to the Point Secretary. Section 3. The Point Secretary will contact members who have not turned in the minimum donation approximately one week prior to August 1.

POINT SYSTEM

Section 1. Members only will receive points towards year-end awards. Section 2. Points are awarded to the top ten member’s placing of each division with first place receiving ten points and tenth place receiving one point. Section 3. Each member receives one point towards year-end awards in barrels for participating in that event and one point towards year end awards in poles for participating in that event. These points are awarded even in the event of a no time and are accumulated in the high point category. Section 4. Members running more horses than they have paid memberships for will receive the highest point placing regardless of which division it falls in. Should they receive the same number of points in multiple divisions the division that will be counted will be chosen by the one the member has the most accumulated points in and if there are no accumulated points in the particular divisions the highest division will take precedence. Section 5. Members running and paying a membership for additional horses will receive separate points for each horse towards individual year-end awards. Only the run that receives the highest points in barrels and the highest points in poles will be counted towards the high point award. Section 6. Points are awarded to the rider. Riders may use different horses throughout the year and can use a different horse for barrels and poles. Section 7. Points will be split for ties. As an example a tie for first and second would give each member 9.5 points for their placing plus an additional point each for participation.

YEAR-END AWARDS

Section 1. Awards will be given to at least the top four in each division of the barrels and the poles. Section 2. Saddles will be given to the division winners of the barrels and the poles. Section 3. To qualify for the high point award a member must have a minimum of five participation points from barrel racing and five participation points from pole bending. In other words the year-end high point winner will have competed in at least five barrel races and five pole bending races. Section 4. If possible a trailer will be awarded to the year-end high point winner. In the event a trailer is not available the winner will be awarded a saddle and a buckle.

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