NATIONAL CONGRESS of OLD WEST SHOOTISTS
By-Laws
(As Adopted February, 2007)
(Amended March 20,2010)
See also: Articles of Incorporation Approved List Unapproved List
PREAMBLE
RESOLVED, that the National Congress of Old West Shootists is a not-for-profit living historyand shooting organization formed of individuals and affiliated member units to promoteinterest in the period of American History known as the "Old West," specifically the period from 1865 to 1899. (All NCOWS rules and regulations are subject to all applicable Federal, State and Local laws.)
By-Law 1: Membership
1-1. Any responsible person, 18 years of age or over, may become a full member of thisorganization after application and payment of the usual initiation fee and/or dues. Membershipshall not be denied because of sex, age, religion, race, national origin or physical handicap.
NCOWS truly represents the period which it embraces. We recognize that this was a time when a man's word was his bond. It is our philosophy that this honor system is much preferable to legislation whenever possible. When an individual professes the desire to join our organization and participate in NCOWS events, local clubs work with new members, help them get their kit together and allow up to a year at the local or “posse” level to achieve “Level 1” authenticity as described by Marlan Ingram’s “Three Levels of Authenticity” attached elsewhere in these bylaws. Participation at Regional or National events requires full adherence to NCOWS standards and bylaws regardless of membership duration. (Amended March, 2010)
1-2. Organizations and clubs seeking Charter Membership shall comply with the National Congress of Old West Shootists Constitution and By-Laws.
1-3. Charter Club Membership. Charter Clubs will be known as Posses. Any organization or shooting club wishing to become a Posse of the National Congress of Old West Shootists may apply for Charter Membership, which shall be granted when that organization has satisfied the Territorial Congress that it adheres to and will abide by the purpose, goals, rules and regulations of the National Congress of Old West Shootists in the conduct of National Congress of Old West Shootists-sanctioned activities. All Posse events shall be sanctioned events and shall adhere to all bylaws and regulations. Any posse wishing to vary from the rules and regulations must petition the Executive Committee for a specific waiver for that event. Said petition shall include detailed statements of need and justification for the waiver. Each Posse shall be free to set its own standards of membership within the limits set by the National Congress of Old West Shootists. New Posses will pay a $35.00 Charter Fee. Posse Charters are renewable on an annual (1 January - 31 December) basis. The yearly renewal fee is $35.00. Renewal forms, including a current Posse membership list with NCOWS Membership numbers and list of officers shall be returned to the National office by 1 January of each year. At least fifty per cent (50%) of the members and 100% of the officers of any Posse must be active, dues-paying members of the National Congress of Old West Shootists. After their first year and thereafter Posses must maintain a minimum membership of five (5) members to remain an active posse and must maintain a minimum of twelve (12) members to receive insurance benefits. (See also By-Law 9). Posses may be reimbursed up to one hundred dollars ($100) per year for their advertising of NCOWS Posse events. This reimbursement can be for media ads or for table rental at gun shows where the Posse promotes NCOWS. Receipts for such paid advertising can be submitted to the NCOWS Banker. All Posses must carry a minimum of $1000,000 liability insurance policy and provide copies of such insurance policies to the NCOWS Banker and Secretary whether they are participating in the insurance reimbursement or not. Posses not meeting these requirements shall not have their representative recognized at the next Territorial Congress Meeting. Posses shall have 30 days after written notice to meet these requirements or face having their Posse Charter revoked.
1-4. Membership Classifications, Dues & Fees
1-4-a. MEMBER. Any responsible person at least 18 years of age--full membership rights, including the rights to vote and to hold office. Individual Dues are $35.00/year.
1-4-b. FAMILY MEMBERSHIP. Husband, wife, and all dependent children less than 18 years of age at the time dues are paid--full membership rights for husband and wife (if dues are paid for both): dependents have the same rights as do other JUNIOR MEMBERS. Dependents 18 years of age or older at the time dues are paid and who are not full-time students must maintain separate individual membership. Family Dues are $35.00/year plus $10.00 for each additional family member listed.
1-4-c. JUNIOR MEMBER. Any responsible youth less than 18 years of age at the time dues are first paid. A Junior Member must be sponsored by an adult MEMBER who shall be responsible for overseeing the Junior Member's activities. Junior Members hold full membership rights except the right to vote or to hold office. Junior Dues are $15.00/Year.
1-4-d. SENIOR MEMBER. Any Full Member who has attained the age of sixty (60) years. FULL TIME STUDENT. Any Full Member who is registered as a full-time student at any accredited institution of higher education. FIXED INCOME: Any Full Member who, due to retirement, disability, or for any other reason, is on a fixed income. Senior Citizens (age 60 or older), full-time students, and others on a fixed income shall pay dues of $30.00 a year.
1-4-e. HONORARY MEMBER. May be bestowed upon a worthy former member or other deserving individual by the membership--full membership rights except the right to vote or to hold office. Requires no payment of dues. Honorary memberships are a one-year membership and are renewable on a yearly basis by the Executive Committee.
1-4-f. CHARTER MEMBER. Those active members officially members as of 30 December 1994 shall be recognized as CHARTER MEMBERS. They will be so recognized on the membership rolls and in other ways as might be deemed appropriate by the membership.
1-4-g. INDIVIDUAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP. Any responsible person at least 18 years of age--full membership rights for life, including the rights to vote and to hold office. Individual Life dues are $500.00.
1-5. The Territorial Congress may create other categories of membership by a two-thirds (2/3) vote when a quorum is present.
1-6. Dues shall be paid on a calendar year basis. If dues are not paid within thirty (30) days of their coming due, the member will be dropped from the membership rolls. Reinstatement will be made upon payment of dues owed and any reinstatement fee.
1-7. The Executive Committee has the authority to reduce membership dues for a special event for promotional purposes.
1-8. A member must have dues paid and possess a current membership card (or receipt for dues) in order to be eligible to vote, hold office, participate in shoots or events as a member, or to enjoy any other privileges or benefits of this organization.
By-Law 2: Officers
2-1. The officers of this organization shall be known as Territorial Officers and shall consist of the following, elected or appointed from within and by the members of the Territorial Congress (Board of Directors); their terms and duties being described in the By-Laws.
2-1-a. The Marshal shall function as the President of the organization. The Marshal shall execute daily the edicts of the Congress, and shall preside over all General and Congressional meetings. He or she may appoint committee members as needed, subject to the approval of the Congress. In emergency situations, the Marshal may make required decisions, subject to later review by the Congress.
2-1-b. The Deputy Marshal shall function as the Vice President. Serves as acting Marshal in the absence of the Marshal. Shall serve as Sergeant-At-Arms at meetings of the Territorial Congress and General Membership.
2-1-c. The Secretary shall function as the Secretary-Historian. Maintains the records, minutes and correspondence of the organization. Edits and distributes official National Congress of Old West Shootists' publications, with the exception of The Shootist.
2-1-d. The Banker shall function as the Treasurer and shall maintain a ledger of expenses and income along with any bank statements, receipts, bills, etc. to support said ledger. He or she shall have charge of all NCOWS funds. He or she shall disburse funds to maintain the day to day operation of the organization. He or she shall disburse funds at the direction of the Executive Committee for expenses beyond day to day operating expenses. He or she shall present a detailed treasurers report to the Congress for the previous calendar year at the first Territorial Congress meeting of each year. Summary Treasurer’s reports shall be made incrementally from the last detailed report to the Executive Committee at each Executive Committee Meeting throughout the year..
2-1-e. The Judge shall function as the Chief Safety/Range Officer. Serves as Range/Safety Officer. Has the power to appoint Deputy Judges for individual events from the National Congress of Old West Shootists' membership. Appoints and Chairs the Authenticity Committee and is responsible for implementing authenticity standards.
2-1-f. The Editor shall be responsible for editing and publishing The Shootist. The position of Editor will be by Executive Committee appointment, ratified by a majority vote of the Territorial Congress. The Editor will serve until such time as the individual holding the position or the Executive Committee terminates the relationship with thirty (30) days' notice.
2-1-g. No individual shall hold more than one office or position on the Executive Committee.
2-2. The term for each officer shall be for one (1) calendar year. The officers will be elected by the Board from within the membership of the Board. In the event that an officer resigns or otherwise becomes unable to fulfill his/her duties as an officer, the Marshal (or Deputy Marshal in the absence of the Marshal) in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall appoint a replacement to serve until a new officer can be elected at the next Annual Convention.
2-3. There shall be no limit to succession in office.
2-4. These officers, plus the Chair of the Territorial Senate, elected by the Territorial Senate for a one-year term, and the Chair of the Territorial Representatives, elected by the Territorial Representatives for a one-year term, acting together, shall constitute the Executive Committee of this organization. The Executive Committee has all of the powers of the organization in the intervals between meetings with any limits established by By-Law.
2-5. The Executive Committee may establish and schedule at least one all- National Congress of Old West Shootists "National Shootout" a year, and shall sanction and schedule other National Congress of Old West Shootists-sponsored events as proposed and run by the various Posses. The Executive Committee shall authorize an amount of $500. to be paid to the posse or posses conducting the National Shootout. The Executive Committee may also establish and schedule and annual convention and trade show of the National Congress of Old West Shootist. The Executive Committee shall authorize an amount of $1000 to be paid to the posses conducting the annual Convention.
By-Law 3: Governance
3-1. The National Congress of Old West Shootists shall be governed by a representative body, the Territorial Congress (Board of Directors), consisting of fifteen (15) Territorial Senators elected from within the Full Membership at large, and any number of Territorial Representatives, elected by the Posses. Each Posse is entitled to elect one (1) Territorial Representative. Each Territorial Senator and Territorial Representative shall have equal voice and vote; ex-officio members have equal voice, but no vote. A Territorial Senator or Representative's duty shall only be that of a general representative, unless additional specific authority is designated by the Territorial Congress. Senators' and Representatives' terms and duties shall be further described in the By-Laws.
3-2. Any Territorial Senator or Representative who cannot attend a Territorial Congress must notify the NCOWS office or the Marshal either with the name of the NCOWS member who will be attending in his/her place (votes will be recorded as "<X> voting for <Y>") or by providing his/her written proxy to a Territorial Senator or Representative. Proxies may be general or specific in nature. Proxy votes of "Abstain" will be permitted for any/all agenda items. A separate proxy must be sent for each Territorial Congress Meeting that can not be attended, ie. No permanent proxies will be allowed. Any Territorial Senator or Representative who fails to fulfill their duties as proscribed in this paragraph shall be removed from office and may not run for re-election for a period of three (3) years. Action taken by this By-law may be rescinded at next Territorial Congress Meeting by 2/3 vote of Congress present.
3-3. The Territorial Congress shall create rules and regulations in regard to the administration, membership, financing policy, activities, and the general welfare of the National Congress of Old West Shootists. These shall be the BY-LAWS of the National Congress of Old West Shootists.
3-4. The Territorial Congress shall determine all questions of National Congress of Old West Shootists business and policy not specified in this Constitution and the By-Laws, and shall in all respects be the governing body of the National Congress of Old West Shootists. To this end, the Congress shall be limited and bound by the provisions of this Constitution and the Article of Incorporation in all matters, except as otherwise provided for under the Corporation Laws of the State of Iowa.
3-5. The Territorial Congress shall act as a judicial body in regard to matters of dispute within the membership. When taking disciplinary action as described in the By-Laws, the Congress must call a special meeting to consider the question. The individual involved shall be given thirty (30) days notice in writing of the charges, and the time, date, and place of the meeting. The accused may be present, call witnesses, and offer a defense.
3-6. Further responsibilities of the Congress. The Territorial Congress shall discharge the following responsibilities:
3-6-a. Conduct the financial policies of the National Congress of Old West Shootists. An independent review of the previous years Banker’s report shall be made each year by a committee of three(3) NCOWS members appointed by the Marshal. The Banker shall provide any and all records requested by the committee.
3-6-b. Appoint individuals to be in charge of specific National Congress of Old West Shootists' functions.
3-6-c. Assess membership dues.
3-6-d. Authorize and determine the editorial and business policies of any publications established by the National Congress of Old West Shootists.
3-6-e. Approve the membership applications of the Posses seeking to join the National Congress of Old West Shootists.
3-6-f. Establish the criteria for authenticity in firearms, accouterments, and clothing for official National Congress of Old West Shootists events.
3-6-g. Approve Honorary Membership.
3-6. An Oath of Office shall be required of all members of the Territorial Congress upon taking office. The Oath will be administered by the Marshal, who shall in his/her turn, if necessary, be sworn by the Deputy Marshal. The Oath (instructions and phrases in square brackets [ ] are optional): [Right hand on Bible] I, __________, do hereby swear/affirm to uphold and abide by the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws of the National Congress of Old West Shootists, and to support the National Congress of Old West Shootists and represent those who have elected me to the best of my ability. [So help me, God.]
By-Law 4: Elections
4-1. The time, the place, and the date of Territorial elections shall be determined by the Territorial Congress and announced to the membership as least sixty (60) days in advance.
4-2. Nominations for Territorial Senator must be received by the Secretary in their entirety, including the candidates' platforms, by 1 August each year. The election of Territorial Senators will be completed by 1 December each year. 4-2. Each Member is entitled to one vote.
By-Law 6: NCOWS Affiliations
The National Congress of Old West Shootists will establish and maintain a club affiliation with the National Rifle Association and other such organizations as the Territorial Congress deems appropriate.
By-Law 7: Authenticity
7-1. It is the responsibility of the individual to document the authenticity of all items of apparel, accouterments, and firearms. The remainder of this by-law shall act as a general guide, however, the Territorial Congress, in conjunction with the Authenticity Committee, shall maintain, update and publicize specific lists of both "Approved" and "Not-Approved" items of apparel, accouterments, and firearms. These lists shall be made a part of this by-law and shall take precedence over any other portion of this or any other by-laws with which they may conflict. Questionable items may be granted temporary amnesty by the Judge on an individual member basis (not a blanket proclamation) until said item is listed by the Territorial Congress.
7-2. No modern (post 1899) firearms will be allowed unless they are authentic reproductions of traditional firearms or very markedly resemble traditional firearms. Traditional firearms are defined as those manufactured prior to or during the era 1865-1899 and in documented use on the North American Frontier within that time period. Center-fire calibers may substitute for original rim-fire calibers in reproduction firearms. Reproduction firearms chambered in calibers not utilized in original models shall be allowed as long as such calibers are original to the period or are otherwise approved by the National Congress of Old West Shootists. (Amended March, 2010)
7-3. The Territorial Congress shall establish and maintain a list of firearms and calibers approved for official competition. This list will be reviewed and up-dated yearly. Members wishing to have a particular firearm or caliber added to the list must petition the Territorial Congress and supply full documentation attesting to the historical authenticity of the firearm or caliber.
7-3-a. Petitions from members seeking to add replica firearms to the "approved" list (see By-Law 10). or to seek approval of disputed items of replica apparel or equipment, shall be made through the Authenticity Committee, to be chaired by the Judge.
7-3-b. A successful petition must have at least the following: (1) a minimum of two (2) primary published references proving the historical existence of the original of the petitioned replica firearm or item. Such references must adequately describe the original item being reproduced, prove its availability, use, or manufacture for sale during the time period 1865-1899; and/or (2) A minimum of one (1) dated period photograph, woodcut, engraving, catalog, and/or advertisement of the original of the petitioned replica firearm or item, or a photograph from a collector's reference (such as Flayderman's) proving that the original of the replica firearm or item did exist and could have been used during the period 1865-1899; and/or (3) an actual artifact representative of the petitioned replica firearm or item, properly authenticated and documented as to time period.
7-3-c. The Authenticity Committee may refer any petition back to the petitioner for additional information or evidence. The Authenticity Committee shall report its recommendation in writing, including all evidence, to the Territorial Congress within ninety (90) days after receiving the petition. The Territorial Congress shall then accept or deny the petition at the next Congress Meeting after receiving the recommendation of the Authenticity Committee.
7-3-d. An unsuccessful petitioner may appeal the decision of the Authenticity Committee to the Territorial Congress.
7-4. Only historically appropriate small conveyances for competitors' firearms and shooting supplies will be allowed (e.g., no converted golf carts, modern shooting carts, etc.). Visible ammunition containers and shooting supplies and equipment shall be consistent with historical authenticity. No plastic ammo boxes shall be visible at any time.
By-Law 8: Vendors and Dealers
8-1. Vendors wishing to sell merchandise or services at National Congress of Old West Shootists-sponsored events must obtain permission from the Judge or his/her Deputy. Such permission will be conditional on the vendor satisfying the requirements of this By-Law.
8-2. Vendors wishing to sell merchandise or provide services in the immediate visual area of the shooting participants and spectators may only display and sell original or authenticated replica goods or services of the period 1865-1899. The seller and his/her employees shall be appropriately dressed and accoutered for the time period, and their display of merchandise (including shelters) shall be appropriate to the historical period.
8-3. Vendors wishing to sell merchandise or services of a general "Western" nature but who do not or cannot conform to the stipulations of By-Law 8-2 may do so if sequestered from the immediate visual vicinity of the shooting range participants and spectators.
8-4. All commercial vendors may be assessed a set-up fee which may be paid in cash. Such fees shall be determined by the National Congress of Old West Shootists or the Posse sponsoring the sanctioned event, and shall be appropriate for the size and scope of the event.
8-5. Individual NCOWS members may from time to time display and offer for sale appropriately authentic items at meetings and shoots without otherwise being subject to the restrictions placed on commercial vendors.
By-Law 9: Insurance
9-1. All posses shall be required to maintain liability insurance coverage as provided by this by-law and to the level established by NCOWS.
9-2. The Executive Committee shall secure and maintain a general liability policy for the overall organization to protect the corporation in the event of litigation and to cover the location of the National Shoot and the Convention.
9-3. In the event that the number of members in the posse exceeds the base policy, then the individual posses shall make up the difference between the payment and the premium.
9-4. NCOWS will reimburse Posses for the basic minimum charge for such liability insurance if they have and maintain 100% NCOWS membership. Posses with less than 100% NCOWS membership will be reimbursed at half the current rate.
By-Law 10: Rules and Regulations
10-1. All NCOWS shooting classes, as established by By-Law, must be made available to all shooters at each National, Regional or Charter Posse Shoot. These classes shall be:
Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Shootist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip.
Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Shootist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.
Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Duelist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip.
Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Duelist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved black powder substitute in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.
Men’s and Women’s Pistoleer: Shooters are restricted to the use of percussion revolvers, pre-1873 percussion or original/authentic reproductions of rimfire cartridge pocket pistols, exposed-hammer double-barrel shotguns (percussion or cartridge), and reproduction or original pre-1873 pistol-caliber repeating rifles (e.g. 1860 Henry, Spencer, 1866 Winchester, etc: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges. Pistols and revolvers must be shot one-handed. Pistoleer shooters will shoot the same course of fire as the other competitors except that in a stage requiring more than two shotgun rounds the Pistoleer shooter would not be required to shoot the extra rounds.
Men’s and Women’s Seniors: Shall be open to those over age 60 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.
Men’s and Women’s Elder: Shall be open to those over the age of 70 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.
Boy’s and Girl’s Juniors: Shall be open to those age 12 to 17 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.
Men’s and Women’s Working Cowboy: Shooter uses one pistol and one pistol caliber rifle. Smokeless or Black Powder cartridges may be used. No gun carts are to be used at any time. Pistol may be fired with one or two hands.
Men and Women’s Originals: Shooter uses two(2) guns, any combination of NCOWS approved firearms to complete the course of fire. Must have three(3) originals present to have the class. For complete rules and regulations see Appendix A at the back of the Tally Book (or click here). In addition to these classes, Chartered Clubs and special events may offer additional classes so long as they adhere to the general outline of these By-Laws.
10-2. Smokeless powder loads shall not exceed the maximum muzzle velocities of comparable black powder loads,e.g. 1500 fps for single shot cartridge rifles; 1300 fps for lever action rifles; 1000fps for handguns. Smokeless loads may be chronographed and certified by the Judge before the shooter will be allowed to compete. No loading below manufacture’s recommendation. Minimum velocity for any main match firearm is 600fps or published loading data.
10-3. The Territorial Congress, in conjunction with the Authenticity Committee and Executive Committee, shall establish and maintain official NCOWS Rules and Regulations to govern approved firearms, calibers, and load, and clothing and accouterments, and range rules and regulations