One main question was why do we need bylaws at all? W have gone since 1981 without them, so why are they necessary now. Is it definite that we will have bylaws after the spring meeting, but maybe with some variations from what we are looking at?
Comments on Bylaws
Article 1
COMMENTS: We may strive to adhere to IBU rules but usually have good reasons why we cannot. These by-laws are structured to be used as a ‘hammer’ by those who may be displeased with an event or may be in disagreement with event organizers on the amount of flexibility necessary. We cannot always follow IBU rules to the letter and should not tie our hands. We can (and do) have “fair, safe, and high quality biathlon events” without strict adherence to IBU rules; as one can adhere to IBU rules and not have “fair, safe, and high quality biathlon events”.
Nice thought except for the final line. We ‘stive’ to adhere to IBU rules but will never meet every rule. Officials and organizers must stop being held to the fire for failure to meet IBU rules and specifications.
Article 2
The purposes for which NYB has been organized and exists are as follows:
Vision: Vision: “In accordance with NYSSRA Nordic ideals and standards of excellence for organized ski sport in New York State, NY Biathlon strives to be the premier state biathlon program in the nation by offering summer and winter competitions, training camps and special events for participants and officials so they may excel to the best of their ability in the sport.”
Mission: NY Biathlon is dedicated to providing competitors of varied skills and interest levels summer and winter biathlon events that are safe and fair abiding by all applicable IBU rules.
To achieve these inspirational statements, NYB will strive to:
Provide year round opportunities in training, competition and event management through its club system for those lovers proponents of the sport to utilize their personal strengths for the benefit of all.
Establish competitive Summer and Winter Biathlon events that welcome competitors regardless of ability (and interest.? ) Entry in Championship events may have specific restrictions due to the nature of the competition
Work with other Biathlon entities to ensure NYB is of the highest quality organization for advancement of its members, especially scholastic biathletes (what does this mean?)
Hold periodic Biathlon Clinics/special events to increase the awareness of the sport by the greater community further community awareness of the sport and attract more participants as well as improve the competencies of those that who participate
Credential a cadre of Level I/II Officials and International Referees throughout NYS New York State to ensure all sanctioned NYB-sanctioned biathlon events are safe, meet their stated objectives and adhere to IBU Rules
COMMENTS: I support adhering to IBU rules, however, many of our venues and equipment may not be up to it, and our level of volunteer support may preclude it under some circumstances. Flatly locking ourselves in to the IBU rules invites some of the difficulties, misunderstandings, and animosities we experienced during the 2009 season. We need to put some flexibility into the wording. ENSURE is not STRIVE. Why is the vision statement in quotations? Who said it?
The creation of a new entity, “NYB”, is not necessary to support the stated Vision and Mission.
Mission: NY Biathlon is dedicated to providing competitors of varied skills and interest levels summer and winter biathlon events that are safe and fair abiding by all applicable IBU rules whenever possible.
To achieve these inspirational statements, NYB will strive to:
1.Provide year round opportunities in training, competition and event management through its club system. Delete rest of sentence for those lovers of the sport to utilize their personal strengths for the benefit of all.
2.Establish competitive Summer and Winter Biathlon events that welcome competitors regardless of ability and interest. Unless deemed a championship event, which will have specific restrictions due to the nature of the competition
3.Work with other Biathlon entities to ensure NYB is of the highest quality organization for advancement of its members, especially scholastic biathletes
4.Hold periodic Biathlon Clinics/special events to increase the awareness of the sport by the greater community as well as improve the competencies of those that participate
5.Credential a cadre of Level I/II Officials and International Referees throughout NYS to ensure all sanctioned biathlon events are safe, meet their stated objectives and adhere to IBU Rules whenever possible.
I am personally against mission/vision statements as in the end they mean squat. The final item is in violation of USBA rules as we are not certified to credential any Level 1/2/IR’s which must be done by a USBA instructor. If this is referencing previous suggestions of a state-certified official due to the lack of USBA certification classes then these certifications should have a different nomenclature so as to not cause confusion (ie. NY-A, NY-B, NY-C).
Article 3
1.Membership in NYB is open to NY clubs who hold at least one Summer or Winter Biathlon event and who support the purposes of NYB. At present As of 2009, the formally recognized clubs are:
Western NY Biathlon Club (Rochester NY)
Syracuse Biathlon Club (Syracuse, NY)
Polar Bear Biathlon Club (Old Forge, NY)
Saratoga Biathlon Club (Day, NY)
Lake Placid Biathlon Club (Lake Placid, NY_)
Are the parentheticals necessary? The Syracuse Biathlon Club is not located in Syracuse, NY. Our venues are in Jamesville (Pratts Falls) and in Osceola. Who in the W.NY Biathlon Club lives in Rochester?.
2.A recognized club shall be enrolled as a member of NYB (?) upon submission of a completed application form and payment of dues (e.g. $10/club and plus $2/club member). What makes a club into a “recognized” club? Membership in NYB? Circular situation.
3.Any applicant to a club(?) who is under the age of 18 must have written consent of a parent or guardian.
4.Club and member dues can be changed at one of the designated NYB meetings by a submitted motion and majority vote by the recognized NYB clubs.
5.Each club membership in NYB shall be for one year beginning at the Spring meeting.
6.The NYB State Committee shall determine the annual club and member dues* for membership to the state organization and present such at the Spring meeting. The separate club and member dues are intended to be used for supplies (ammunition, relay bibs, rifles, championship event supplies) and events that benefit all association members. (community meals, banquets, special recognition awards)
* What other members are there in NYB besides the clubs?
COMMENTS: This section is very confusing – a distinction has to be made between CLUB membership (and “members”) in NYB and individual memberships in a BIATHLON CLUB. This section should address an individual’s membership in a club versus membership of a club in NYB, versus an individual’s membership in NYSSRA. Perhaps the section should be subdivided? If I join a Biathlon Club, that then joins NYB, which is part of NYSSRA – why am I joining NYSSRA??? Is the State Committee charged with setting each member clubs dues for individual members? – it sounds like it. Looks like we are setting up another layer of bureaucracy that we don’t need.
7.Membership in NYB is open to NY clubs who hold at least one Summer or Winter Biathlon event and who support the purposes of NYB. At present As of 2009, the formally recognized clubs are:
Western NY Biathlon Club (Rochester NY)
Syracuse Biathlon Club (Syracuse, NY)
Polar Bear Biathlon Club (Old Forge, NY)
Saratoga Biathlon Club (Day, NY)
Lake Placid Biathlon Club (Lake Placid, NY_)
Are the parentheticals necessary? The Syracuse Biathlon Club is not located in Syracuse, NY. Our venues are in Jamesville (Pratts Falls) and in Osceola. Who in the W.NY Biathlon Club lives in Rochester?.
8.A recognized club shall be enrolled as a member of NYB (?) upon submission of a completed application form and payment of dues (e.g. $10/club and plus $2/club member). What makes a club into a “recognized” club? Membership in NYB? Circular situation.
9.Any applicant to a club(?) who is under the age of 18 must have written consent of a parent or guardian.
10.Club and member dues can be changed at one of the designated NYB meetings by a submitted motion and majority vote by the recognized NYB clubs.
11.Each club membership in NYB shall be for one year beginning at the Spring meeting.
12.The NYB State Committee shall determine the annual club and member dues* for membership to the state organization and present such at the Spring meeting. The separate club and member dues are intended to be used for supplies (ammunition, relay bibs, rifles, championship event supplies) and events that benefit all association members. (community meals, banquets, special recognition awards)
* What other members are there in NYB besides the clubs?
COMMENTS: This section is very confusing – a distinction has to be made between CLUB membership (and “members”) in NYB and individual memberships in a BIATHLON CLUB. This section should address an individual’s membership in a club versus membership of a club in NYB, versus an individual’s membership in NYSSRA. Perhaps the section should be subdivided? If I join a Biathlon Club, that then joins NYB, which is part of NYSSRA – why am I joining NYSSRA??? Is the State Committee charged with setting each member clubs dues for individual members? – it sounds like it. Looks like we are setting up another layer of bureaucracy that we don’t need.Membership in NYB is open to NY clubs who hold at least one Summer or Winter Biathlon event and who support the purposes of NYB. At present As of 2009, the formally recognized clubs are:
Western NY Biathlon Club (Rochester NY)
Syracuse Biathlon Club (Syracuse, NY)
Polar Bear Biathlon Club (Old Forge, NY)
Saratoga Biathlon Club (Day, NY)
Lake Placid Biathlon Club (Lake Placid, NY_)
Are the parentheticals necessary? The Syracuse Biathlon Club is not located in Syracuse, NY. Our venues are in Jamesville (Pratts Falls) and in Osceola. Who in the W.NY Biathlon Club lives in Rochester?.
13.A recognized club shall be enrolled as a member of NYB (?) upon submission of a completed application form and payment of dues (e.g. $10/club and plus $2/club member). What makes a club into a “recognized” club? Membership in NYB? Circular situation.
14.Any applicant to a club(?) who is under the age of 18 must have written consent of a parent or guardian.
15.Club and member dues can be changed at one of the designated NYB meetings by a submitted motion and majority vote by the recognized NYB clubs.
16.Each club membership in NYB shall be for one year beginning at the Spring meeting.
17.The NYB State Committee shall determine the annual club and member dues* for membership to the state organization and present such at the Spring meeting. The separate club and member dues are intended to be used for supplies (ammunition, relay bibs, rifles, championship event supplies) and events that benefit all association members. (community meals, banquets, special recognition awards)
* What other members are there in NYB besides the clubs?
COMMENTS: This section is very confusing – a distinction has to be made between CLUB membership (and “members”) in NYB and individual memberships in a BIATHLON CLUB. This section should address an individual’s membership in a club versus membership of a club in NYB, versus an individual’s membership in NYSSRA. Perhaps the section should be subdivided? If I join a Biathlon Club, that then joins NYB, which is part of NYSSRA – why am I joining NYSSRA??? Is the State Committee charged with setting each member clubs dues for individual members? – it sounds like it. Looks like we are setting up another layer of bureaucracy that we don’t need.
Why not allow consecutive terms?(For officers of NYB) We do not always have people willing or able to fill these positions
Item 2 – ?? about three different ideas in there and no idea what the point is. I assume it means that each club must join NYSSRA and then pay a $2/head tax for each race competitor. Don’t know why the <18 statement is in this section at all. Nothing in there limiting clubs geographically or requiring the approval of the biathlon committee. Given the current proposal I could form the LaFayette Biathlon Club for $10 and go in direct competition with the Syracuse Biathlon Club.
Article 4:
6.NYB shall be governed by the State Biathlon Committee (hereafter SBC), (see comment below) which shall consist of the Chairperson, Assistant Chairperson, Secretary (appointed by the SBC for a two year term of at least four meetings), and a representative of each NYB club that hosts at least one Summer or Winter Biathlon event. Members of the State Biathlon Committee shall serve a term of 2 years. Each club representative and Committee officer has one vote regarding any business brought before the committee.
7.The position, of NYB Treasurer is occupied by the State Governing NYSSRA Nordic Treasurer. All non-club- specific funds and disbursements will go through the NYSSRA Nordic Treasurer. (Does this entail another separate accounting responsibility for the NYSSRA Treasurer? NYB funds, consisting of club dues would belong to NYB and not to NYSSRA)
8.It is the intent of the The assistant chairperson to shall assume the position of State chairperson after the State chairperson’s two year term has expired. Nominations will be accepted and presented to the SBC to replace the assistant chairperson.
9.If for any reason the state chairperson cannot fulfill his/her two year term, the assistant chairperson will assume the remaining term of the departed chairperson and a new assistant will be instilled appointed based upon recommendations and votes from the SBC. COMMENT: recommendations and votes are two different things. Will there be a VOTE of the Committee? That language needs to be cleaned up. Club representatives shall serve as a nominating committee (designated spokesperson) and canvass their own members and other affiliated community members revealing for candidate(s) for one or both positions.
10.Club representatives will be selected from by their respective club. Despite each club having one vote regarding organization business, all club members are encouraged to attend.
11.The term for each club representative is two years starting at the spring meeting. Consecutive terms are not permitted. COMMENT: Number 6 belongs elsewhere – perhaps at the beginning. Why can’t a club have the same representative for more than 2 years??
12.As the SBC is the ultimate governing body of NYB, only the state or the assistant state chairperson can hold a position at any state championship/festival event. The other officer that is not involved may be called upon to convene the SBC to reconcile procedural issues from previous biathlon events
WHA? Why should a talented/qualified person sit out an event because there might be a situation from a “previous biathlon event”? What couldn’t wait 2-3 days? What duty of the State Committee is envisioned here?
13.Members (0f what? Back to the membership section that was so confused) in good standing who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to serve as officers or club representatives.
COMMENTS:
1.“SBC” has traditionally been the Syracuse Biathlon Club or the Saratoga Biathlon Club. Perhaps “NYSBC”, “NYBC”. Or “NBC” only kidding, “BiCom” or “State Committee” (very Russian).
Standing Sub-Committees
Rules & Events Sub-Committee: The Rules & Events committee (3 members, including a chair, from 3 different clubs) works with club event organizing committees to ensure all events are safe, fair, and adhere to all applicable IBU rules. Here we go again The R& E committee is involved with (what does “involved with” mean?) club ESGQs, NYS Winter ESG, NYB Nor AM, and NYB championships. The chair is to be at least a level II USBA Official. The other two members should be at least level I officials or intending to be credentialed at the next official clinic. USBA clinic? Terms for the chair and committee are not to exceed two years. New chair and members are to be recommended to the SBC by recognized clubs and appointed by the SBC for terms not exceeding two years
Credentialing Sub-Committee: The credentialing committee is charged with performing yearly official clinics for Level I/II and IR. The committee will be chaired by an IR with a credentialed official from each recognized club. Members cannot hold concurrent position on the SBC. It is the intent that a cadre of Level I/II and IR be formed enabling NYB to host periodic high quality biathlon events, not being constrained by the number of I/II/IR. Members of the credentialing committee can serve as I/II/IR or TD at ESGQs, NYS Winter ESG, NYB Nor AM, NYB championships or other major events outside of NY State. The terms of the chair and members are not to exceed four years. New chair and members are to be recommended to the SBC by recognized clubs and appointed by the SBC for terms not exceeding four years.
Other Standing or Ad Hoc committees can be created by the SBC as deemed necessary to carry on NYB activities.
COMMENTS: Again, this is all about an obsession with IBU rules. The rules and events sub-committee is all about second-guessing event organizers. I don’t agree with the creation of a new set of officials, with no standing in USBA. I don’t see a level of interest in the NY biathlon community to fill all these formalized “positions”. We have a shortage of volunteers at events – I think it is unrealistic to presume that these same people who may be reluctant to sacrifice a Saturday/Sunday to work an event will be interested in signing on for training that will require even more time and commitment. Especially if the title achieved is an invention of the local organization and meaningless in the larger context of US Biathlon. Regardless, we cannot use the same I/II/IR designations for NYS-credentialed individuals – this invites confusion and misunderstandings.
Item 1 – Use of ‘SBC’ should be avoided given that there are already two clubs (Syracuse & Saratoga) who use this acronym to identify themselves. Previously, the committee members where nominated by the at-large biathlon community but now appears that each club is automatically be given a representative. There have been times when certain clubs have not had a presence or wanted to take such a role. Why take these positions away from those people who want to serve on the committee? Keep the committee formation as it has been as we have always been able to self-control that any particular club would not ‘take over’ the committee.
Item 3 – What if a chairman wants to serve more than two years and it would be in the interest of sport for them to stay as chairman?
Item 5 – What issues in particular will be controlled by/voted on by the state committee?? If I’m not on the state committee than my participation is no longer valued nor needed and we end up with an old-boys system of controlling the sport.
Item 7 – So when we are hurting for volunteers at state championship/festival event one of the top two people in the organization must sit on their thumbs and watch so that they can possibly settle a dispute after all is said and done?
R&E Sub-committee – Nice idea but there is no purpose given for this chosen group. We already attempt to ‘ensure all events are safe, fair, and adhere to all applicable IBU rules’. What is this committee going to accomplish?
Credentialing Sub-committee – Again (see Article 1, Item 2 comment), we are not authorized to credential any Level 1,2 or IR’s. If the purpose of the sub-committee is to promote credentialing and bring in the USBA to provide the training then I’m all for it. But do we really need a specific committee to accomplish this? If the intent is to create a NYS certified official then I feel they must be designated differently to avoid confusion with the National level certifications.
Article 6:
COMMENTS: “adherence to process is paramount” Seriously???
How many people in a cadre?
OK if necessary. We’ve been able to settle our differences for many years without having to rely on Robert’s for everyone to get their opinion presented and decisions made.
Article 7:
Who judges who is a technical or content “expert”?
Can amendments also be proposed at the spring meeting and then voted on in the fall?
Stating that a website is the property of NY Biathlon does not make it true. If Tom has decided to hand nybiathlon.org over then hopefully that is his decision. As a private owner & operator of syracusebiathlon.com I am free to post any content I wish regardless if it goes against the wishes of NYSSRA-Nordic, NY Biathlon or any other body/individual. Are we really to the point of tackling First Amendment rights and intellectual property ownership????????
Article 8:
COMMENTS: Seems to be that NYB is already NYSSRA Nordic – sharing a Treasurer and all. Can’t have it both ways, can we?
OK if necessary
I know I’m slow to embrace change when a system is working but I fall back to the mantra that Russ has made for years – KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid. I fail to see what these bylaws will accomplish other than increasing bureaucracy in the organization which I feel will impede change and improvements. No longer can a decision be made at the NYSSRA meeting by those people who care deeply about the sport. It will first need to go to a sub-committee who will need to follow up with the state committee who can then make a decision or put the idea to a vote. We are not a large enough population to require this degree of rules & regulations to function.
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