Michigan Squash Bylaws

MICHIGAN SQUASH RACQUETS ASSOCIATION, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

Effective July 1, 2011

ARTICLE I

NAME, MISSION, PERMITTED ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Section 1. Name. The name of the corporation is the Michigan Squash Racquets Association, Inc. (referred to hereafter in these By-laws as “Michigan Squash”). Michigan Squash may establish such acronyms or abbreviations as may be appropriate for business use, and may establish logos, service marks, or trademarks as may be appropriate to further its purposes, mission, recognition and goals.

Section 2. Primary Purpose and Mission. The purposes of Michigan Squash are as set forth in its Certificate of Incorporation and in any amendment thereof. Michigan Squash shall be a Not-for-Profit Corporation incorporated and licensed pursuant to the laws of the state of Michigan. Michigan Squash is the State Governing Body for the sport of squash with the mission to promote, develop and increase participation in squash throughout the state of Michigan.

Section 3. Permitted Activities. Michigan Squash shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law).

Section 4. Requirements. Michigan Squash shall (i) be a member of or otherwise be affiliated with US Squash the United States Squash Association; (ii) hold regular state championships; (iii) actively participate in such national and international competitions and such continental, regional, and/or world championships as may be available in the sport of squash; and (iv) meet the obligations imposed on a State and/or National Governing Body of a sport under Article X Section 10.5 of the United States Olympic Committee By-laws.

ARTICLE II

OFFICES OF MICHIGAN SQUASH

The principal office and place of business of Michigan Squash shall be in the City of Detroit, County of Wayne, State of Michigan (hereinafter the “Michigan Squash Office”). The Board of Directors (hereinafter the “Board”) may from time to time establish additional offices and places of business of Michigan Squash either within or without the State of Michigan.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERS

Section 1. Individual Members. An individual person may become an Annual Member, a Life Member, an Honorary Life Member or a member of such other class of individual membership as may from time to time be established by the Board (hereinafter referred to as “Members”). Individual persons may become Honorary Life Members upon election by the Board. Any person, including, but not limited to, any person who is an athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official active in the sport of squash, may become an Annual Member, Life Member or Honorary Life Member of Michigan Squash as herein provided.

Section 2. Membership Rights. Annual Members, Life Members and Honorary Life Members shall be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and special meetings of the Members of Michigan Squash and to play, if otherwise qualified, in all tournaments and matches played under the auspices of, or sanctioned by Michigan Squash upon payment of such fees or dues as may be prescribed for any such class of membership.

Section 3. Member Clubs. Any squash club or facility in the state of Michigan, or any other state in the United States, and any province in Canada may become a Member Club, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 4. Corporate Member. Companies manufacturing, selling or servicing goods connected with the sport of squash may become a Corporate Member, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 5. District Association. Any squash association in the United States defined as having three (3) or more Members of Michigan Squash may be elected a District Michigan Squash Club, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article. The foregoing requirements for three (3) or more Member Clubs or at least fifty individual Members shall not apply to those District Michigan Squash which were in good standing in this Michigan Squash on April 30, 1979.

Section 6. Affiliated Member Club. Any squash club or facility outside the United States where the game of squash is played may become an Affiliated Member Club, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 7. Affiliated National Association. Any national squash association may become an Affiliated National Association, without voting privileges, as provided for in Section 11 of this Article.

Section 8. Member Organization. Any sports organization which conducts a national program or regular national competition, amateur or otherwise, in the sport of squash, may be elected a Member Organization, without voting privileges, as provided for Section 11 of this Article.

Section 9. Playing Rules. Member Clubs and District Michigan Squash shall use the Playing Rules of this Michigan Squash.

Section 10. Resignation. Members, whether voting or otherwise, may resign by written declaration to the President of Michigan Squash (hereinafter the “PRESIDENT”) at the Michigan Squash Office.

Section 11. Applications. Application for membership by an organization wishing to become a Member Club, a Corporate Member, District Michigan Squash, an Affiliated Member Club, an Affiliated National Association or Member Organization shall be made in writing to the PRESIDENT at the Michigan Squash Office, signed by an officer of such organization and accompanied by payment for the applicable annual dues, if any, and shall contain an undertaking that the organization will comply with these Bylaws, the rules of this Michigan Squash, and the decisions of this Michigan Squash’s Board of Directors. Affiliated National Associations, District Associations and Member Organizations must receive Board approval to become Members of the Michigan Squash.

ARTICLE IV

MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERS

Section 1. Annual Meeting. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Members of this Michigan Squash to be held in either the first (1st) or the second (2nd) calendar quarter of each year as the President shall determine. The purpose of the Annual Meeting shall be to elect Directors duly nominated by the Board upon recommendation by the Nominating and Governance Committee to fill any vacancies on the Board as of, and to be effective, July 1 of each year, as well as to consider any other business brought before the membership in accordance with these By-laws. The time and the place of the Annual Meeting and any special meeting of the Members shall be fixed by the President. Notice of each Annual Meeting of the Members shall be published prominently on the official website for Michigan Squash, in “Squash Magazine” or any equivalent publication of Michigan Squash. The website posting or other notice shall not take place less than four (4) weeks prior to the date of the meeting.

Section 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Members of this Michigan Squash may be called by the President at any time, provided the same notice is given to Members as stated in Section 1 of this article.

Section 3. Voting by Individual Members. Individual Members entitled in the aggregate to cast twentyfive (25) votes shall constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting of the Members or at any special meeting of the Members of Michigan Squash, but fewer than a quorum shall have the power to adjourn from time to time until a quorum be present.

Section 4. Member Voting Generally. Only Annual Members, Life Members, and Honorary Life Members, in good standing, shall be entitled to vote at an Annual Meeting or any special meeting of the Members. Voting must be in person or by proxy duly executed by such Member. One (1) representative of each Member Club, Corporate Member, District Michigan Squash, Affiliated Member Club, Affiliated National Michigan Squash, and Member Organization may attend and, at the sole discretion of the Chair, may speak at each Annual Meeting and special meeting of the Members, but such representatives may not vote.

ARTICLE V

VOTING

Section 1. Requirements. Except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, voting at Michigan Squash meetings of the Members, Board, Standing Committees and any other committees shall be in person, and each person, in good standing, shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote. Except as otherwise specified in these Bylaws, all voting shall be by majority of a quorum. A motion shall not be passed if the vote is tied.

Section 2. Participating Remotely. When specifically authorized by the President or Chairperson of a Standing Committee or chairperson of any other committee to do so, individuals may participate and vote in a meeting of such committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment allowing all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other at the same time. Participation by such means shall constitute presence in person at the meeting including the counting of any member so participating for purposes of a quorum.

Section 3. Other Actions Taken. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or the committee consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICER, DIRECTOR AND STANDING COMMITTEE MEMBER REQUIREMENTS

Section 1. Requirements. Each Officer, Director and Standing Committee Member of Michigan Squash shall be a citizen of the United States or Canada, eighteen (18) years of age or older, and an Annual Member, Life Member or Honorary Life Member of this Michigan Squash.

Section 2. Compensation. No Director, Officer or Standing Committee Member of this Michigan Squash shall receive directly or indirectly any salary or other compensation from this Michigan Squash unless authorized by the Board.

Section 3. Reimbursements. No Director, Officer or Standing Committee Member of this Michigan Squash shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of services for Michigan Squash unless expressly authorized by the Board.

ARTICLE VII

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1. General Duties and Focus. The general management of the business and affairs of Michigan Squash shall be vested in a Board of Directors. The Board shall focus on providing policy guidance and strategic direction with a long term perspective while empowering the PRESIDENT to build and manage a staff-driven organization utilizing best practices. The Board shall have sole responsibility for governance of Michigan Squash.

Section 2. Michigan Squash Policy and Procedure Manual. The Board shall adopt, maintain, and keep published on the primary website of Michigan Squash, a comprehensive manual of policies and procedures to govern Michigan Squash’s operations (as amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time by the Board, the “Michigan Squash’s Policies and Procedures”).

Section 3. Diversity of Participation, Purpose, and Discussion. Michigan Squash shall seek to be governed by a diverse Board whose members are selected without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or gender, with reasonable representation on the Board of both males and females. The Board shall be sensitive to the desirability of diversity at all levels of Michigan Squash and shall develop and implement policies of diversity supported by meaningful efforts to accomplish this goal. The Board shall seek to provide an equal opportunity to amateur athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, administrators and officials to participate in squash competitions. The Board shall develop norms and procedures that favor transparency, open discussion, and the presentation of different views.

Section 4. Exclusive Service. No member of the Board shall be an Officer or Additional Officer or participate in an official capacity in the governance of any Administrative Region or District during their service as a member of the Board.

Section 5. Composition. The Board shall have a total of ten (10) members consisting of (i) eight (8) independent Directors recommended for nomination by the Nominating and Governance Committee in accordance with Article IX; and (ii) two (2) Athlete Directors/Squash Professionals nominated and elected in accordance with Article XI. Each member of the Board of Directors shall be independent of the management of this Michigan Squash, and shall be determined to have no material relationship with Michigan Squash either directly or through an organization that has a material relationship with Michigan Squash.

Section 6. Election. All new members of the Board shall be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Members as provided in Article IV except (i) members of the Board chosen to fill interim casual vacancies as provided for in Section 20 of this Article VII and (ii) for the two (2) members of the Board who are Athlete/Squash Professional Representatives. The two (2) members of the Board who are Athlete Representatives/Squash Professionals shall be nominated and elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council in accordance with Article XI.

Section 7. Staggered Terms. The Board shall be divided into four classes, designated Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV. Class I shall consist of two (2) Directors, and shall initially serve until the first Annual Meeting following the adoption of these By-laws; Class II shall consist of two (2) Directors, and shall initially serve until the second Annual Meeting following the adoption of these By-laws; Class III shall consist of two (2) Directors and shall initially serve until the third Annual Meeting following the adoption of these By-laws; and Class IV shall consist of two (2) Directors and shall initially serve until the fourth Annual Meeting following the adoption of these By-laws. Commencing with the first Annual Meeting and at each Annual Meeting thereafter, newly elected Directors for each class the term of which shall then expire shall hold office for a term of two (2) years beginning July 1 after the relevant Annual Meeting and until the election and qualification of their respective successors in office.

Section 8. Limited Term; Extensions. No Director shall serve in such capacity for more than two (2) terms; provided that the Nominating and Governance Committee shall have the option, under special circumstances upon due consideration and review at its discretion, to recommend for re-nomination a Director whose term has otherwise been completed for an additional tenure of no more than one additional term or a portion thereof.

Section 9. Partial Terms. If a member of the Board serves for less than two (2) years, either because (i) he or she is selected for an initial two-year term or (ii) he or she is selected to fill less than two (2) years of a term vacated by a Board member who is removed, resigns, dies, becomes disabled, or otherwise leaves office early, that member may be re-elected to a single four-year term.

Section 10. Effective Date. Except to fill an interim casual vacancy, all members of the Board shall take office effective July 1 immediately following their election and shall hold their offices until their respective successors are elected and qualify or until removed.

Section 11. Athlete Representative Vacancies. A vacancy for any cause occurring among the persons so elected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council shall be filled by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 12. Meetings.

Annual and Quarterly Meetings. The Board shall meet regularly and at least four (4) times per year. Meetings of the Board shall be held on not less than ten (10) days notice to each Director either personally or by e-mail, mail, telephone or facsimile stating the time and place of the meeting. There shall be an Annual Meeting of the Board to be held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Members.
Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chair or any four (4) directors together, provided that seven (7) days notice is given to each Director either personally or by e-mail, mail, telephone, telegram, or facsimile stating the time, place, and purpose of the meeting.

Section 13. Quorum. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by these By-Laws, at all meetings of the Board, the greater of one-third (1/3) or 4 members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum, but fewer than a quorum shall have the power to adjourn from time to time until a quorum be present.

Section 14. Attendance. Directors are expected to attend in person all regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors, though in limited circumstances may participate in a meeting by telephone. Any member of the Board of Directors who shall fail to attend three (3) consecutive meetings will lose his or her position as a member of the Board by vote of the Board, and any person who shall so lose his or her position as a member of the Board may not be re-elected to be a member of the Board for a period of two (2) years following the date of such vote of the Board. The vacancy thus created shall be filled as provided in Section 20 of this Article VII.

Section 15. Guests. Guests may attend Board meetings only upon invitation of the PRESIDENT.

Section 16. Actions. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board or any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee consent in writing to the adoption of a resolution authorizing the action. The resolution and the written consents thereto by the members of the Board or committee shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee.

Section 17. Athlete Representatives. Pursuant to Section 17.7 of Article XVII of the By-laws of the USOC, Athlete Representatives/Squash Professionals shall equal at least ten percent (10%) of membership on the Board and all committees of this Michigan Squash. This requirement shall be strictly enforced.

Section 18. Outside Counsel. The Board has the authority to retain such outside counsel, auditors, experts, and other advisors as they determine necessary to assist them in the performance of their functions.

Section 19. Removal. The Board shall have the power to suspend or expel any member of the Board for any reason or no reason. Two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be necessary to remove a sitting member of the Board of Directors or a committee over that person’s objection. The Board of Directors may deliberate in an executive session without the presence of the member in question before votes are cast and such member’s vote shall not be counted.

Section 20. Interim Vacancies. In the event that any member of the Board tenders his or her resignation, is removed, becomes mentally incompetent, or otherwise becomes unable to continue to serve this Michigan Squash for any reason, such vacancies may be filled for the unexpired term by a majority of the Directors then in office though less than a quorum, and each Director so chosen shall hold office until the end of that unexpired term and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, removal, mental incompetence or other inability to serve this Michigan Squash.

ARTICLE VIII

OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers. The Officers of Michigan Squash shall be President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Board shall have the power at any time to create and fill additional offices (such new officers “Additional Officers”) and prescribe the duties thereof. No Officer or Additional Officers of Michigan Squash shall be an officer of any other sports organization which is recognized as a National Governing Body. The Officers of Michigan Squash shall have the authority and shall exercise the powers and perform the duties specified below and as may be additionally specified by the Board or these By-laws, except that in any event each Officer shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be required by applicable law.

Section 2. President.

Election. After the term of the initial President ends, the Board shall elect a President by a vote of Directors holding a majority of the voting power of all Directors present at any meeting at which a quorum is present.
Authority. The President shall set and preside at all meetings of the Board and shall determine the agenda for meetings of the Board. Members of the Board may request that the President include items on the agenda.
Terms. The initial term of the initial President shall be one (1) years, and any President subsequent to the initial President shall serve a two (2) year term, serving a maximum of two (2) terms. The President shall not serve on the Board for more than one (1) additional two-year term, and the President shall in no case serve more than four (4) years as President.
Early Termination. In the event of the resignation, removal, incapacity or death of the President, the remaining members of the Board of Directors may either then elect a new President or, in their discretion an Interim President, or wait until the next scheduled election of new Directors and then select a new President.

Section 3. Treasurer.

General Duties and Authority. Michigan Squash shall have a TREASURER, who shall be the leader of the financial management and vested with the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Board, but only with approval of the PRESIDENT. The PRESIDENT shall have general day-to-day supervision of the direction and management of the affairs of this Michigan Squash and the functioning of the Michigan Squash Office in accordance with the Michigan Squash’s Policies and Procedures, and shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board are carried into effect. The PRESIDENT shall also perform such other duties and may exercise such other powers as from time to time may be assigned to him by these By-laws or by the Board, and may delegate responsibilities to staff members under his supervision.
Specific Duties. The TREASURER shall oversee and supervise the (i) collection of all dues and other revenues; (ii) the payment of bills; and (iii) preparation and maintenance of all financial receipts and disbursements. The TREASURER shall annually submit to the Board a proposed budget for the forthcoming fiscal year and present at the Annual Meeting of the Members a report of the Board in the form required by Michigan NotforProfit Corporation Law. The report shall be filed with the records of Michigan Squash and a copy thereof filed with the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Members.
Meetings and Voting. The TREASURER shall have a standing invitation to attend all meetings of the Members, the Board, and Committees except that the TREASURER shall not attend portions of meetings of the Board that are designated as “executive session” at the discretion of the PRESIDENT or a majority of the Directors. The presence of the PRESIDENT at meetings of the Board shall not be required or counted thereat for quorum purposes. The TREASURER shall be a member of the Board. The TREASURER shall be entitled to vote as a Member in all votes by the membership.
Task Forces and Councils. The TREASURER shall have the authority to appoint advisory task forces or councils as he or she deems necessary. He or she shall appoint the members of such task forces or councils and define the mission of such task forces or councils. He or she shall also be responsible for oversight of such groups and for evaluating their performance, and may utilize the volunteer services of knowledgeable individuals within or outside Michigan Squash’s membership to provide assistance.
Hiring and Tenure. The Board of Directors shall hire and supervise ANY paid EMPLOYEE pursuant to a customary and reasonable executive employment agreement for whatever term the Board deems appropriate, but in no event shall the contract term exceed four (4) years absent a formal Board review and negotiation for extension or renewal.
Term and Vacancies. The term of office of the Treasurer, shall be two (2) years. The Treasurer shall hold office until his or her employment by the Michigan Squash ends, when the PRESIDENT designates a different individual to serve as Treasurer,, or until the Treasurer’s earlier resignation, removal by the Board, incapacity, disability or death. In any circumstance in which the PRESIDENT has not designated an employee to serve as Treasurer, the Board of Directors may select a Director of the Board or another individual employed by the Michigan Squash to serve as Treasurer.

Section 4. Secretary.

Selection. The Board shall designate one member of the staff to serve as the Michigan Squash’s corporate Secretary to handle the ministerial functions usually required by that position under corporate law.
Assistant Secretary. The Board may designate a member of the staff to serve as an Assistant Secretary to assist with all or part of the Secretary’s functions.
Authority and Responsibilities. The Secretary shall: (i) keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Board; (ii) see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these By-laws or as required by law; (iii) be custodian of Michigan Squash records; (iv) perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary; and (v) perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the Secretary by the PRESIDENT or by the Board.
Term and Vacancies. The term of office of the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary, if any, shall be two (2) years. The Secretary shall hold office until his or her employment by the Michigan Squash ends, when the PRESIDENT designates a different individual to serve as Secretary, or until the Secretary’s earlier resignation, removal by the Board, incapacity, disability or death. In any circumstance in which the PRESIDENT has not designated an employee to serve as Secretary, the Board of Directors may select a Director of the Board or another individual employed by the Michigan Squash to serve as Secretary.

ARTICLE IX

STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. Standing Committees. There shall be four (4) Standing Committees: (i) Nominating and Governance; (ii) Finance, Audit and Compensation; (iii) Board of Review; and (iv) Investments. Each Standing Committee shall consist of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) individuals and shall have a designated Chairperson.

Section 2. Chairperson Election. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein below, a regular vacancy with respect to the Chairperson of any Standing Committee shall be filled by the Board at the Annual Meeting of the Board and shall take office effective July 1 immediately following his or her election.

Section 3. Standing Committee Assignments and Requirements. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein below under the specific rules for a particular Standing Committee, Standing Committee assignments, including the designation of any Standing Committee Chairperson, shall be made by the Board in consultation with the Nominating and Governance Committee. At least one (1) member of each Standing Committee shall be a member of the Board. At no time shall a Standing Committee or any of its subcommittees fail to meet the Athlete Representative requirement of representing 10% of all committee members and selected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council. Each Standing Committee shall consistently seek participation by both men and women.

Section 4. Term and Term Limits. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein below, Standing Committee members shall serve for two (2) year terms or for such additional time as the Board deems appropriate but not longer than four (4) years unless the Nominating and Governance Committee expressly approves a term extension or renewal beyond four (4) years after due consideration and review.

Section 5. Removal. The Board shall have the power to suspend or expel any member of a Standing Committee for any reason or no reason. Two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast shall be necessary to remove a sitting member of a Standing Committee over that person’s objection. In a case where the Standing Committee member in question is also a member of the Board, the Board may deliberate in an executive session without the presence of the member before votes are cast and such member’s vote shall not be counted.

Section 6. Interim Vacancies. Interim casual vacancies on a Standing Committee shall be filled by the President for the unexpired term and if such vacancy requires an Athlete Representative to be replaced, such vacancy shall be filled by the President with an Athlete Representative recommended by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the members of a Standing Committee shall constitute a quorum, but fewer than a quorum shall have the power to adjourn from time to time until a quorum is present.

Section 8. Board Interface and Agendas. Each Standing Committee shall have the right to submit any matters within its scope for consideration directly to the Board. Standing Committee agendas shall be developed by the committee Chairperson in consultation with the appropriate members of management and with the input of other Directors.

Section 9. Committee Charters. All Standing Committees shall adopt written policies and procedures that shall be approved by the Board which shall govern such Standing Committee’s operations and policies (each a “Committee Charter”). The current Committee Charter for each Standing Committee shall at all times be published on the principal website for the Michigan Squash.

Section 10. Specific Standing Committees Provisions

(1) Nominating and Governance Committee

Authority. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and recommending for nomination by the Committee, all non-Athlete Representative candidates for membership on the Board and all non-Board member members of the Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall also consult with the Board with regard to appointing members of the Standing Committees as well as be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
Composition. The Nominating and Governance Committee shall consist of five (5) members who have been members of Michigan Squash for at least five (5) years, not more than one (1) of whom shall be a Director and at least one (1) of whom shall qualify as an Athlete Representative.
Chairperson. The Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee shall be selected by the Board and may be a member of the Board. At no time shall the President be the Chairperson of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Election. Except when filling a casual interim vacancy, each regular vacancy on the Nominating and Governance Committee shall be filled as follows: (i) the three (3) members who are not members of the Board shall be selected by the then current Nominating and Governance Committee; (ii) the one (1) Athlete Representative member shall be selected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council and, (iii) the one (1) member who is a member of the Board shall be selected by the Board.

(2) Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee

Authority. The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall oversee the preparation and review of the annual budget for Michigan Squash to be prepared by the TREASUER and to be submitted for the forthcoming fiscal year to the Board no later than ten (10) days before its Annual Meeting and the Annual Meeting of the Members. The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall oversee the selection and retention of independent auditors and ensure that audits are undertaken annually, and that such audits are objective and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall oversee all general budgeting and financial planning as well as recommend to the Board appropriate compensation for the TREASUER based on an objective analysis. This Committee may also submit recommendations to the Board concerning any matter relating to the financial affairs of this Michigan Squash. The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
Composition. The Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall consist of at least three (3) and at most five (5) members, with at least two (2) members who are also members of the Board and with at least one (1) member who is an Athlete Representative.
Chairperson. The Chairperson of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall be selected by the Board and be a member of the Board. The President shall not be the Chairperson of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee.
Election. Members of the Finance, Audit and Compensation Committee shall be selected by the Board except for the Athlete Representative, who shall be selected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

(3) Board of Review

Authority. The Board of Review shall rule upon all matters concerning any and all discipline, suspension or disqualification of individual members of this Michigan Squash. The Board of Review shall use standards of fair play and the spirit of sportsmanship inherent in the rules of squash as guidelines to resolve matters, questions, appeals, and disputes related to ethics, conflicts of interest, grievances, and violations of rules and regulations involving members of this Michigan Squash. The Board of Review shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
Composition. The Board of Review shall consist of five (5) members, only one (1) of whom shall be a member of the Board. At least one (1) member shall be an Athlete Representative. All members of the Board of Review shall be independent as defined in its Committee Charter.
Chairperson. The Board shall select the Chairperson of the Board of Review. At no time will the Chairperson of the Board of Review be a member of the Board.
Election. Except when filling a casual vacancy, each regular vacancy on the Board of Review shall be filled by the Nominating and Governance Committee except with respect to (i) the one (1) member of the Board of Review who shall also be a member of the Board, in which case this vacancy shall be filled by the Board and (ii) the one (1) member who is an Athlete Representative, in which case they shall be selected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

(4) Investment Committee

Authority. The Investment Committee shall oversee the capital investments of the Michigan Squash in accordance with applicable fiduciary standards. The Investment Committee shall also be responsible for such other activities as specified in its Committee Charter.
Composition. The Investment Committee shall consist of five (5) members, only one (1) of whom shall be a member the Board and at least one (1) member shall be an Athlete Representative. All members of the Investment Committee shall be independent as such term is defined in the Committee Charter.
Chairperson. The member of the Board selected to be the member of the Investment Committee shall be the Chairperson.
Election. Except when filling a casual interim vacancy, each regular vacancy on the Members of the Investment Committee shall be filled as follows: (i) the one (1) member who shall also be a member of the Board shall be selected by the Board and shall be designated as the Chairperson; (ii) the three (3) members who shall not be members of the Board shall be selected by the then current Investment Committee; and (iii) the one (1) Athlete Representative member shall be selected by the Athletes’ Advisory Council.
Terms and Term Limits. The Chairperson of the Investment Committee shall serve for two (2) years in such capacity and members of this Committee shall serve for five (5) years. No Chairperson of the Investment Committee shall serve for more than two (2) consecutive years as Chairperson unless expressly permitted by the Board and no member of this Committee shall serve for more than five (5) consecutive years.

ARTICLE X

OTHER SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND APPOINTEES

Section 1. Appointment of Special Committees. The PRESIDENT may appoint and remove such other ad hoc or special committees, including the respective Chairperson(s) and committee members, from time to time as they may deem necessary for the proper functioning of this Michigan Squash. At no time shall any such committee or any of its subcommittees fail to meet the Athlete Representative requirement.

Section 2. Appointment of Other Professionals. The PRESIDENT may appoint such auditors, consultants, attorneys, and advisors from time to time as he or she may deem necessary for the proper functioning of this Michigan Squash. Any reports, analysis, opinions, memoranda or other disclosures (such as quarterly and annual audits, pending litigation or financial analysis) performed by such auditors, consultants, attorneys and advisors shall be submitted to the Board as soon as practicable, but no later than the next meeting called by order of the President or at the request of any four (4) of its members pursuant to Article X. A copy of any such report, analysis, opinion, memorandum or other disclosure shall be available at the Michigan Squash Office.

ARTICLE XI

ATHLETES’ ADVISORY COUNCILS, ATHLETE DIRECTORS AND ATHLETE REPRESENTATIVES

Section 1. Designation. This Michigan Squash shall have an Athletes’ Advisory Council consisting of all qualified Athlete Representatives. This Michigan Squash shall also have a representative and an alternate representative to the USOC Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 2. Definition of Athlete Representatives. Athlete Representatives must have represented the United States in the Olympic, Pan American or Paralympic Games, World Championships, or an event designated as an Operation Gold event within the ten (10) years preceding election. Additionally, in order to be eligible to run for election as an Athlete Director for this Michigan Squash on the USOC Athletes’ Advisory Council, an individual shall be a citizen of the United States and eighteen (18) years of age or older by December 31 of the year in which the election is held. Athlete Representatives may not be drawn from events that categorize entrants in age-restricted classifications commonly known as “Masters,” “Seniors,” “Veterans” or other similarly designated age-restricted competition. This provision is not meant to exclude from eligibility athletes who compete in an event for which the International Olympic Committee or World Squash Federation has established an age restriction but who otherwise meet the standard set forth. The Secretary or the Michigan Squash Office shall keep an updated list of the Athlete Representatives, their addresses and any other contact information, and shall certify which Athlete Representatives are in good standing for purposes of voting at meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council. The definition of Athlete Representatives may be modified from time to time in accordance with USOC By-laws.

Section 3. Chairperson. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall elect from among its members, by majority vote, a Chairperson. The term of office of the chair shall be four (4) years. The newly elected Chairperson shall take office immediately. The Chairperson shall hold office until the Chairperson’s successor is elected and qualified, or until the Chairperson’s earlier resignation, removal, incapacity, disability or death.

Section 4. Athlete Directors. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall elect from among its members, Athlete Directors on the Board of Directors.

Section 5. Procedures. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall establish procedures for conducting its business and affairs. Such procedures shall be published and available on this Michigan Squash’s primary website.

Section 6. Meetings. Meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council may be called by order of the Chairperson of the Athletes’ Advisory Council on thirty (30) days notice to each Athlete Representative, stating the time, place and purpose of the meeting. Notice shall be given in person or by mail, telephone, facsimile or email. There shall be at least one (1) meeting held each year at the Annual Meeting of the Members for the purpose of electing Athlete Directors.

Section 7. Voting. Voting at meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council may be in person or by proxy and each Athlete Representative, in good standing, shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote. Votes shall be determined by a majority of votes cast. A majority of Athlete Representatives present at a meeting or voting, in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum. The Athletes’ Advisory Council may meet and vote by the use of conference telephone or similar communications equipment in accordance with the provisions of Article V, Section 2, of these Bylaws. The Chairperson of the Athletes’ Advisory Council shall preside at the meetings of the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 8. Nominations. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall nominate and elect the Athlete Representatives to fill the positions of (i) Athlete Directors in accordance with Section 4 of Article VII, consisting at all times of one (1) man and one (1) woman, and who shall also serve as the USOC Athletes’ Advisory Council representative and alternate representative; and (ii) the Chairperson and members of the Athletes’ Advisory Council.

Section 9. Appointments to Other Committees. The Athletes’ Advisory Council shall also recommend to the President for appointment Athlete Representatives to (i) the Standing Committees; and (ii) any ad hoc or special committees of this Michigan Squash. The Athletes’ Advisory Council may also make recommendations to the President of Directors or to the Board of Directors with respect to any other matters concerning this Michigan Squash.

ARTICLE XII

ADMINISTRATIVE REGIONS AND DISTRICT MICHIGAN SQUASH

Section 1. Administrative Regions. The Board of Directors shall divide the United States into Administrative Regions as the Board determines will best serve the interests of the sport of squash. The purpose of the Administrative Regions shall be to promote, develop and increase participation in squash and conduct regional activities that promote the mission of this Michigan Squash as determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 2. District Michigan Squashs. The Board of Directors shall divide the United States into District Michigan Squashs and decide into which Administrative Region each District Michigan Squash will be placed as the Board determines will best serve the interests of the sport of squash. The purpose of the District Michigan Squashs shall be to promote, develop and increase participation in squash and conduct local activities that promote the mission of this Michigan Squash as determined by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIII

NOTICES

Section 1. Generally. Every Member of Michigan Squash shall furnish an address to which all notices and communications may be sent by mail or otherwise. The sending of any such notice or communication to the address so furnished, or if no such address shall be furnished, to the last known address, shall constitute proper service thereof. Notice may also be given by email, mail, telephone or facsimile provided that such information has been furnished by the Member and any such notice by telephone, facsimile or confirmed receipt email shall constitute proper service to that Member. It shall be the duty of each Member to update his or her contact information.

Section 2. Waiver. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the statutes or of this Michigan Squash’s Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent thereto.

ARTICLE XIV

DUES

Membership fees and dues for all classes of Michigan Squash Membership shall be established by the Board.

ARTICLE XV

FISCAL YEAR AND SEAL

Section 1. Duration. The fiscal year of Michigan Squash shall be from January 1 through December 31.

Section 2. Seal. The seal of this Michigan Squash shall be circular in form and shall bear the name of this Michigan Squash and the state and year of its incorporation.

ARTICLE XVI

INDEMNIFICATION

Michigan Squash shall, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by Michigan law, indemnify any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate was a Director, Officer, employee or agent of Michigan Squash, against judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including costs and attorneys’ fees when and as incurred in defending such action or proceeding, whether or not such person is then a Director, Officer, employee or agent of this Michigan Squash.

ARTICLE XVII

RULES OF CONSTRUCTION

All references to gender in these Bylaws shall include both the masculine and feminine unless the context requires otherwise. Words importing the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa.

ARTICLE XVIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. Modifications Generally. These Bylaws may be added to, amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of twothirds (2/3) of the Directors present at a Board of Directors meeting at which a quorum is present and voting. Amendments may also be approved by the affirmative vote of twothirds (2/3) of the Members present and entitled to vote at a Meeting of the Members of this Michigan Squash at which a quorum is present and voting.

Section 2. Notice. Amendments of these Bylaws shall be proposed only by the Board of Directors and the substance thereof shall be set forth in the notice of the meeting at which such amendment is to be approved.

ARTICLE XIX

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 1. Independence. Michigan Squash shall be autonomous in the governance of the sport of squash and shall independently determine and control all matters central to such governance. It shall not be a member of any international sports federation other than US Squash or the World Squash Federation which governs a sport included on the program of the Olympic Games or the Pan American Games.

Section 2. Arbitration. Michigan Squash shall submit to binding arbitration conducted in accordance with the commercial rules of the American Arbitration Michigan Squash in any controversy involving its recognition as a National Governing Body, as provided for in Article VIII of the Constitution of the USOC, or involving the opportunity of any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator or official to participate in amateur athletic competition, as provided for in Article IX of the Constitution of the USOC.