NSFRC 2026 Proposed Constitution & Bylaw Amendments - Comprehensive Member Voter Guide

NOTICE TO MEMBERS

This document is intended to provide transparency regarding proposed amendments. For each amendment, members are provided with the current wording, proposed wording, a neutral summary, rationale provided by the proposer, and potential effects if adopted. The inclusion of any amendment does not constitute endorsement by the NSFRC, its Board of Directors, Election Committee, or Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

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Amendment #1 – Constitution Article VI, Section 9: Term Limits

Current Wording

A member may serve up to six consecutive years on the BOD. Upon completion of the sixth year of service, the member cannot serve on the BOD for one full year. If an appointed officer serves for more than half a year in office, it shall qualify as a full year in office.

Proposed Wording Submitted for Necessary Membership Signatures and Review to the C and BL Committee by Suzel A. Bozada-Deas, Convention 2025

(a) No Officer or Director shall serve on the Board more than six (6) consecutive years without taking a break from service for one complete year, except as follows:

  1. The positions of Secretary and Treasurer are exempt from the six-year limit due to the specialized skills and continuity required. These officers are compensated for their work as authorized by the Board and membership.
  2. Service in a non-exempt position does not count toward the term limit if a member later becomes Secretary or Treasurer, and service as Secretary or Treasurer does not count toward the limit for any other office.

(b) No member may hold more than one elected office simultaneously.

(c) This section applies prospectively from its adoption.

Neutral Summary

The inclusion of this amendment does not constitute endorsement by the NSFRC, its Board of Directors, Election Committee, or Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

This amendment replaces the current Board term-limit provision. It retains term limits for most positions but exempts the Secretary and Treasurer positions.

Rationale Provided by the Proposer

The proposer states that the Secretary and Treasurer positions require specialized administrative and financial knowledge and benefit from continuity.

Potential Effects if Adopted

Secretary and Treasurer could serve beyond six years. Other positions would remain subject to term limits. The amendment also clarifies how service is counted and prohibits holding multiple elected offices simultaneously.

Ballot Question

Amendment #1 – Constitution Article VI, Section 9: Secretary/Treasurer Term Limit Exemption

Shall Constitution Article VI, Section 9 be amended to exempt the Secretary and Treasurer positions from the six-year Board term limit and clarify how service in those positions is treated for term-limit purposes?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Amendment #2 – Constitution Article VI, Section 10: Exception to Term Limits for Unfilled Offices

Current Wording

There is currently no provision allowing an incumbent who has reached the term limit to seek reelection when no qualified candidate files for a particular office or Director position.

Proposed Wording Submitted for Necessary Membership Signatures and Review to the C and BL Committee by Sandi Stauffer, Convention 2025

If no qualified member has filed a petition for a particular office or Director position by the July 1st petition deadline, an incumbent who is otherwise ineligible under Section 9 may submit a petition by July 5th for that position and be placed on the ballot.

The incumbent must meet all other qualifications for office contained in the Constitution and Bylaws.

This exception applies only to the specific office or Director position for which no qualified candidate filed a petition and shall not otherwise affect the term limits established in Section 9.

Neutral Summary

The inclusion of this amendment does not constitute endorsement by the NSFRC, its Board of Directors, Election Committee, or Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

This amendment would create a limited exception to the NSFRC term-limit provisions. If no qualified member files a petition for a specific office or Director position by the July 1 deadline, the incumbent currently holding that position could become eligible to seek another term, even if they have reached the term limit.

Rationale Provided by the Proposer

The proposer states that this amendment is intended to help ensure that leadership positions can be filled when no qualified candidate seeks a particular office. The amendment is designed to provide flexibility during periods of low participation while maintaining the existing term-limit provisions for all other circumstances.

Potential Effects if Adopted

  • An incumbent who has reached the term limit could seek reelection if no qualified candidate files for that specific position by the July 1st petition deadline provided that they submit a petition by July 5th.
  • The exception would apply only to the office or Director position for which no qualified candidate filed.
  • Incumbents would still be required to meet all other qualifications for office and submit a petition.
  • The existing term-limit provisions would remain in effect for all positions where a qualified candidate files by the petition deadline.
  • The amendment could reduce the likelihood of vacant leadership positions when there are insufficient candidates.

Ballot Question

Amendment #2 – Constitution Article VI, Section 10: Exception to Term Limits for Unfilled Offices

Shall Article VI of the Constitution be amended to add Section 10, permitting an incumbent who has reached the term limit to submit a petition and appear on the ballot for a specific office or Director position if no qualified candidate, or an insufficient number of qualified candidates, files a petition for that position by the July 1 petition deadline? Under this exception, the incumbent must submit a petition by July 5 and meet all other qualifications for office.

☐ YES ☐ NO

Amendment #3 – Bylaw Article VI: Discipline

Current Proposed Wording

Section 1. Any member against whom charges of misconduct have been filed shall be furnished a written statement of said charges and allowed a minimum of 30 days to reply. The reply shall be sent to the Secretary who shall send a copy of the reply, along with the written charges to each of the Board of Directors for review. Upon review by the Board of Directors, a simple majority vote by the Board may elect to expel, suspend or reprimand said member against whom the charges were brought. There is a 6-month limit from the time of grievance to the time the complaint is filed for any formal complaints filed with the Board.

Section 2. If a member is an officer and charges have been filed for negligence of duty, they shall be reviewed in the same manner as outlined previous. If the Board elects to remove said officer from office, the office shall be declared vacant.

Section 3. Any member who has been expelled must petition the Board of Directors for readmission.

Proposed Wording Submitted for Necessary Membership Signatures and Review to the C and BL Committee by Suzel A. Bozada-Deas, Convention 2025

Section 1. Charges

Any member against whom charges of misconduct have been filed shall be furnished with a written statement of said charges, including specific facts and supporting evidence, by certified mail or confirmed electronic delivery. The member shall be given at least 30 days from receipt of the charges to submit a written reply and evidence in defense.

Section 2. Investigating Committee

Upon receipt of charges, the President shall appoint an Investigating Committee of at least three (3) members in good standing with no conflicts of interest. If the President is being investigated, the Vice President will appoint the committee. The Committee shall review submitted materials, conduct additional fact-finding, and deliver a written report and recommendation to the Board within 30 days.

Section 3. Hearing

If suspension or expulsion is being considered, the Board shall schedule a hearing and notify the member at least 15 days in advance. The member shall have the right to attend, present evidence, call witnesses, cross-examine, and be represented by another NSFRC member or by counsel at their own expense.

Section 4. Board Decision and Recommendation

Following the hearing, the Board shall deliberate privately and reach a decision by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Board. For purposes of this section, vacant Board positions shall not be counted when determining the number of votes required.

The Board may:
a) Dismiss the charges;
b) Issue a written reprimand;
c) Suspend the member for a specified period, stating the terms and conditions for reinstatement; or
d) Recommend expulsion of the member to the voting membership.

Any decision of the Board shall be issued in writing to the member within ten (10) days of the decision. If expulsion is recommended, the written decision shall clearly state the Board’s recommendation and the reasons for it.

Section 5. Definition of Suspension

Suspension is the temporary loss of membership rights including voting, participation in NSFRC events, and eligibility for awards and sweepstakes. Terms for reinstatement shall be included in the Board’s decision. The Board may impose or continue a suspension while an expulsion recommendation is pending before the membership if it believes continued membership poses a risk to the welfare of the club.

Section 6. Expulsion Determination by Membership

Expulsion shall not be effective until ratified by the voting membership.

The Board’s recommendation for expulsion shall be placed before the membership for decision at:

  • The next Annual Meeting; or
  • A Special Membership Meeting called for that purpose in accordance with the notice requirements of the Constitution and Bylaws.

The member whose expulsion is under consideration shall be given written notice of the meeting and the recommendation for expulsion at least thirty (30) days in advance. Expulsion shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members present and voting at the meeting. Until the membership has voted, the member shall remain suspended, if so ordered by the Board, but shall not be considered expelled.

Section 7. Definitions

  • Misconduct: Actions that violate the NSFRC Constitution, Bylaws, Standing Rules, adopted policies, or conduct determined to be harmful to the welfare of the Club.
  • Suspension: Temporary removal of membership rights for a specified period, subject to stated conditions for reinstatement.
  • Expulsion: Permanent termination of membership and all associated rights, effective only after ratification by the voting membership as provided in this Article.

Section 8. Appeals and Readmission

Members may appeal reprimands or suspensions. Expelled members may petition for readmission after two years.

A member who has been reprimanded or suspended by Board action may submit a written appeal to the Board within thirty (30) days of receiving the decision.

  • Appeals shall be limited to claims of procedural error or the presentation of significant new evidence that was not reasonably available during the original proceeding.
  • The Board shall consider the appeal within sixty (60) days and issue a final written decision.
  • A member whose expulsion has been ratified by the membership may petition the Board for readmission after a minimum period of two (2) years.
  • The Board may, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, recommend readmission to the membership. Readmission shall require approval by a majority vote of the members present and voting at an Annual Meeting or Special Membership Meeting.

Section 9. Officers

If an officer is suspended or expelled under this Article, the office shall be declared vacant and filled in accordance with the NSFRC Constitution and Bylaws. A vacancy created by suspension shall be temporary unless otherwise determined under the Constitution and Bylaws.

Neutral Summary

The inclusion of this amendment does not constitute endorsement by the NSFRC, its Board of Directors, Election Committee, or Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

This amendment replaces the current discipline article with a substantially more detailed process.

Rationale Provided by the Proposer

The proposer seeks to establish formal due-process protections, create investigative procedures, and require membership approval before an expulsion becomes final.

Potential Effects if Adopted

Disciplinary proceedings would become more structured and may require additional time. Expulsions would require a membership vote. Appeal and reinstatement procedures would be formalized.

Ballot Question

Amendment #3 – Bylaw Article VI: Discipline Procedures

Shall Bylaw Article VI – Discipline be repealed and replaced with new procedures for charges, investigations, hearings, suspensions, expulsions, appeals, and membership ratification of expulsions?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Amendment #4 – Constitution Article VI Section 2: Regional Representation of Directors

Current Wording

The Board of Directors of this club shall consist of a President, Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and 5 Directors.

Proposed Wording Submitted for Necessary Membership Signatures and Review to the C and BL Committee by Suzel A. Bozada-Deas, Convention 2025

Article VI. Officers

Section 2. Board Composition and Regional Representation

The Board of Directors of this club shall consist of a President, Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and five (5) Directors.

Each Director shall represent a designated geographic region of the United States and must reside in the region they represent. Directors shall be elected by the members residing within their respective regions.

a. The five NSFRC regions shall be aligned as closely as practical with ARBA district boundaries to promote equitable representation throughout the country.

b. The specific regional boundaries shall be published in the NSFRC Standard Operating Procedures and may be modified only upon recommendation of the Board of Directors and approval by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership.

Neutral Summary

The inclusion of this amendment does not constitute endorsement by the NSFRC, its Board of Directors, Election Committee, or Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

This amendment changes how Directors are elected but does not change the number of Director positions.

Rationale Provided by the Proposer

The proposer seeks broader geographic representation and regional accountability.

Potential Effects if Adopted

Members would vote only for Director positions representing their region. Regional boundaries would be maintained separately in the SOP (Standard Operating Procedures).

Ballot Question

Amendment #4 – Constitution Article VI, Section 2 Board Composition and Regional Representation of Directors

Shall Constitution Article VI, Section 2 be amended to require each Director to represent a geographic region and be elected by members residing within that region?

☐ YES ☐ NO

Amendment #5 – Article II Elections

Current Wording

Constitution, Article VI (Officers), Section 4:

“Officers shall be elected from and by the membership via mail or electronic ballot.”

Current Bylaws Article II:

Section 1. The Election Committee shall send out to the entire membership, a call for petitions of office on June 1st. Petitions for office shall be returned to the Election Committee Chair postmarked no later than July 1st.

Section 2. Petitioner(s) for offices of President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer must have been a continuous member of the NSFRC for two years previous to petition. Petitioners for office of Director must have been a continuous member of the NSFRC for one year previous to petition. All petitioners must be over the age of 14 years old and a member, in good standing with the NSFRC and the ARBA at the time of petition.

Section 3. On July 15th, or as soon after petitions have been received, an official ballot will be issued to all eligible voting members in good standing, per Article IV of the Constitution.

Section 4. Only official ballots will be accepted. Official ballots shall have no other information or markings other than the names of candidates, and an area to indicate selection for office; the name and address of the Election Committee Chair for ballot return; and the club title. Polls closure shall be postmarked no later than AUGUST 31st.

Section 5. The Election Committee shall not be candidates for office. They shall count ballots and report the results by signed statement to the Secretary no later than September 30th.

Section 6. Candidates receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected. If any candidate is running unopposed, they are considered elected, and no vote rendered.

Section 7. In the event of a tie vote the Board of Directors shall vote by secret ballot, with the President casting a vote to break a tie.

Section 8. The Election Committee Chair shall notify the results to the entire membership and shall file the ballots for one year.

Proposed Wording Submitted for Necessary Membership Signatures and Review to the C and BL Committee by Suzel A. Bozada-Deas, February 2026

Bylaws Article II: Elections

Elections of officers, directors, and all matters requiring a vote of the membership shall be conducted by mail or by secure electronic ballot, consistent with Article VI: Section 4 of the Constitution.

Section 1. Petitions

The Election Committee shall send out to the entire membership, a call for petitions of office on June 1st.

Petitions for office shall be received by the Election Chair no later than July 1, either by postal mail or by electronic submission.

Section 2. Requirements of Petitioners

Petitioner(s) for offices of President, Vice-President, and Secretary-Treasurer must have been a continuous member of the NSFRC for two years previous to petition. Petitioners for office of Director must have been a continuous member of the NSFRC for one year previous to petition. All petitioners must be over the age of 14 years old and a member, in good standing with the NSFRC and the ARBA at the time of petition as verified by the secretary. The Election Committee shall not be candidates for office.

Section 3: Issuance of Ballots

Ballots shall be issued or made available to eligible members in good standing on July 15.

Section 4. Return and Closing of Ballots

Ballots shall be received or electronically submitted no later than August 31 at the published close of polls.

Section 5. Ballot Instructions

Ballots shall include clear instructions for submission, whether by mail or electronically, and shall preserve ballot secrecy and one vote per eligible member.

Section 6. Winners

Candidates receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected. If any candidate is running unopposed, they are considered elected.

Section 7. In the Case of a Tie

In the event of a tie vote the Board of Directors shall vote by secret ballot, with the President casting a vote to break a tie.

Section 8. Certification and Records

The Election Chair shall certify and publish the election results to the membership and shall retain election records for a minimum of one (1) year, or longer if required by club policy.

Neutral Summary

The inclusion of this amendment does not constitute endorsement by the NSFRC, its Board of Directors, Election Committee, or Constitution & Bylaws Committee.

This amendment updates election procedures so they apply equally to paper and electronic voting.

Rationale Provided by the Proposer

The proposer states that the Constitution already permits electronic voting and that the bylaws should be updated to reflect that authority.

Potential Effects if Adopted

Election procedures would use common deadlines regardless of voting method. References to postmarks would be replaced by receipt or submission deadlines.

Ballot Question

Amendment #5 – Bylaw Article II: Elections

Shall Article II – Elections be amended to clarify procedures for elections conducted by mail or secure electronic ballot?

☐ YES ☐ NO