Upcoming Educational Seminars

GCSAA sanctioned seminars: TBD

 

 

Membership Information:

 Please read the first six articles of the By-Laws below to better understand

the association and our goals.

Click on this applications link to download the membership applications.

 

CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER

FLORIDA GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION

 

By-Laws

 

 

ARTICLE I : NAME AND LOCATION

The name of the chapter shall be the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association. The address of the chapter shall be the same as the current secretary.

ARTICLE II : OBJECT

The object of the organization shall be:

To promote the research and development of turfgrasses for the use on golf courses.

To promote research and development of better products and methods for the maintenance of turfgrasses.

To further the knowledge of its members in all phases of turfgrass maintenance and professional development to include: Leadership; Public Relations; Communications; and Image.

To provide a convenient and effective means for members to aid one another in their various turf problems.

To raise the standards of the members and thereby lend dignity and prestige to their profession.

ARTICLE III: POLICIES

Section 1 – Self-Promotion.

No member shall at any time use his or her affiliation with this chapter for the purpose of promoting schemes or ideas for the purpose of financial or private gains.

Section 2 – Self - Improvement.

The chapter shall constantly try to improve the knowledge and effectiveness of its members and take advantage of all opportunities for such development.

Section 3 – Help Request.

Any chapter member will honor a request for technical help from a golf course ONLY when such requests are channeled through the current superintendent of that course.

Section 4 – Other Agencies.

The chapter may cooperate with other organizations and agencies in matters pertaining to turf and public relations, provided it’s representatives make no commitments that bind the group without the approval of the membership.

 

ARTICLE IV: CODE OF ETHICS

Section 1 – Observance

In the fulfillment of the purpose to which it is dedicated, the chapter enjoins upon its membership rigid observance of this Code of Ethics.

The title Golf Course Superintendent must be synonymous with honor, service and fair dealings.

The Golf Course Superintendents professional integrity to the growing of fine turf and his or her sense of responsibility to employers, employees and fellow Superintendents transcends thought of material gain in the motives of the TRUE Superintendent.

Section 2 – Violation

A member shall be deemed to have violated the Code of Ethics by:

Abusing the golf playing privileges extended to Superintendents. Arrangements should be made through the resident Superintendent if one is not the guest of another staff member or club member. These cases suggest contacting the resident Superintendent as a courtesy.

By applying for or accepting a Superintendent position without the definite knowledge that the current Golf Course Superintendent is aware that the position is, or may be open or available.

By applying for a position that is not vacant.

By failing to meet obligations promptly or being guilty of conduct likely to injure the reputation and standing of the chapter or any of its members.

Section 3 – Penalties for a Violation

Any violation of the Code of Ethics will be reviewed by the Board of Directors and any disciplinary action, if needed, will be administered by the board.

Any member that is disciplined under these By-laws will receive written notice of the Board’s decision. He / She may appeal in writing to the President of the Chapter within ten (10) days of receiving the notice of disciplinary action.

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Qualifications

Any person who furnishes evidence of qualification for membership deemed satisfactory and submits payment of dues, shall become a member upon approval of the Executive Committee and his or her name shall be published in the chapter newsletter. The chapter’s Executive Committee shall be the sole judge of the applicant’s qualifications for membership.

 

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP (continued)

Section 2 – Dues

The dues for all classifications of members shall be determined annually by the Board of directors. Dues for Class A, Class B and Class C members shall automatically include the annual dues for membership in the state association, The Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association.

Section 3 – Classifications, Rights and Privileges

Class A: Any person of good character who at the time of application for membership has served as a Golf Course Superintendent for more than 3 years and is currently employed in such capacity. He or She shall be eligible to hold office, vote and serve on committees. And receive, in the name of his or her club, the FGCSA magazine, THE FLORIDA GREEN and the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET

Class B: Any person of good character who at the time of application for membership has less than 3 years experience as a Golf Course Superintendent and is currently serving in such capacity. He or She shall be eligible to vote and serve on committees. And receive, in the name of his or her club, the FGCSA magazine, THE FLORIDA GREEN and the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

Class C: Any person of good character who at the time of application for membership is currently employed as an Assistant to a Golf Course Superintendent. He or She shall be eligible to vote and serve on committees. And receive, in the name of his or her club, the FGCSA magazine, THE FLORIDA GREEN and the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

Class D: Staff members employed by a Golf Course Superintendent. To qualify for Class D membership, applicants must be employed be a Class A or B member of the CFGCSA. He or She shall be eligible to serve on committees and to receive the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

Class E: Retired Class A or B members no longer seeking employment within the scope of activities of any membership classification. Applicants must meet the approval of the Executive Committee. Applicants from other GCSAA or FGCSA chapters will also be considered upon verifiable proof of membership in good standing in their respective organizations. He or She shall be eligible to serve on committees and to receive the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

Class F: Associate Members. Anyone whose employment, activity or service supports the goals and objectives of the association, but does not qualify for any other classification. Applicants must include a statement noting the nature of the support or relationship that would qualify them for this classification. He or She shall be eligible to serve on committees and to receive the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

 

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP (continued)

g) Class G: Sustaining (Commercial) Members: Anyone associated with a business firm or organization whose product or services have a direct relationship with golf courses or turfgrass management. Applicants must provide a statement of the nature of their business and a list of the courses they service. Applicants are required to be Active Members in good standing in the Florida Turfgrass Association. Representation in the FTGA is allowed on either an individual basis or as a business firm of organization. A business firm or organization may, at their option, become members of the chapter under a Corporate Membership. This classification provides membership to all named employees of the firm or organization.

Eligible employees must be named on the membership application and will be allowed the same rights and privileges found under individual class G membership. Total Class G Sustaining membership shall not exceed 40% of the total membership at any given time. He or she shall be eligible to serve on committees and to receive the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

 

h) Honorary Members. An honorary membership may be granted to those persons having rendered a valuable service to the chapter and to those who continue to render valuable service for the good of the chapter. Prior to the annual meeting, the Board of Directors will be presented a roster of honorary members to determine and consider the continuance of their status. Additional nominations for honorary memberships may be made at any time. Their approval and membership will be hood for the remainder of the current year and will be reviewed annually. He or She shall be eligible to serve on committees and to receive the FGCSA newsletter, THE GREEN SHEET.

i) Class S: Student members. Any individual currently enrolled in an accredited academic institution in the field of a turf program or a turf-related program with the intent of earning a degree in that field. He or she shall be eligible to receive the CFGCSA newsletter, FROM THE CROWSNEST. Class S Student Members will not be assessed annual dues.

j) Class J: Inactive Golf Course Superintendent. A member who by reason of unemployment, illness or other adverse circumstances has been placed in this classification upon his or her request. A Class C member who is holding office at the time of becoming an inactive member can continue to do so as long as he or she is actively seeking a return to active status. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to act on such a request and to place a member on inactive status subject to terms and conditions specified by the committee. An Inactive member will not be assessed annual dues.

k) Dual Membership: Effective July 1st, 1997, all new Class A or Class B membership applicants must submit an application for membership or evidence of membership with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

 

ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP (continued)

Section 4 – Responsibilities.

Attendance. All members are encouraged to attend as many meetings as possible. It is understood that from time to time, emergencies, renovation schedules and special events will conflict with meeting dates.

Participation. All members are encouraged to participate to the full extent of their classification rights and privileges. It is essential for the continual revitalization of the organization for all members to participate in the operation of the chapter.

Appearance. All members are required to wear appropriate apparel when attending meetings and chapter outings. The purpose is to enhance the image of the Golf Course Superintendent and the organization as professional.

Conduct. All members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with common courtesy toward fellow members, guests, and staff of any establishment where the chapter may meet.

ARTICLE VI: APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

Applications for membership shall be made to the Executive Committee upon forms furnished by the Chapter Secretary. The application forms shall show such information as deemed necessary to judge the qualifications of the applicant.

Each member will be issued a membership card and a certificate denoting and signifying his or her membership classification.

ARTICLE VII: SUSPENSION AND RE-INSTATEMENT

Members will be automatically suspended for non-payment of dues sixty (60) days after the expiration date of June 30th. If the dues are not received within 30 days, then a second notice will be issued. If another 30 days lapses without payment, a Notice of Automatic Suspension will be issued.

The suspended member may be re-instated by paying dues in full plus a $5.00 late charge, and by re-applying to the Executive Committee. The committee may grant an extension of time for dues payment under extenuating circumstances so presented.

 

Article viii: officers and their election

Section 1 – Election of Officers.

The elective officers of the chapter will be: President; Vice-President; Vice-President of External Affairs; Secretary/Treasurer and a Board of Directors. These officers shall be elected and begin service at the July meeting.

The terms of office shall be two- (2) years, except for the Vice-President of External Affairs, which shall be for three- (3) years in accordance with the state association by-laws. All officers will serve until their successors have been elected. Neither the President nor the Vice-President shall serve consecutive two- (2) year terms. The Secretary/Treasurer shall serve at the pleasure of the membership.

The Board of Directors shall consist of the officers and seven- (7) Class A or B members of the chapter. One of the members shall be the retiring past president. The other directors shall be elected for a two- (2) year term. Three of the director positions shall be elected yearly to a two- (2) year term.

Any director position vacated by resignation shall be filled by Presidential Appointment.

Section 2 – The Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, External Vice-President, and the Secretary/Treasurer.

Section 3 – Nominations.

Nomination of the Officers and Directors will be made by a nominating committee of at least three- (3) members appointed by the President at the April meeting. This committee shall present a slate of candidates for approval at the May meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor, provided that the nominee’s consent has been secured prior to the nomination.

Section 4 – Board Composition.

The control and management of the association and its affairs and its property shall be entrusted to the Board of Directors, consisting of its officers and at large Directors. All officers and a majority of the entire Board of Directors shall be GCSAA Class A or B members.

ARTICLE IX: DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

Section 1 – President.

The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Committee. He or She shall be an ex-officio member of all standing committees except the nomination committee. He or she shall appoint special committees and shall be the primary representative of the chapter in the conducting of its business.

 

ARTICLE IX: DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS (continued)

Section 2 – Vice-President.

The Vice President shall perform all the duties of the President in his or her absence or inability to act, and shall assist the President when called upon. He shall also serve as Committee Coordinator.

Section 3 – Vice-President of External affairs.

This officer will be responsible for representation of the chapter at all FGCSA meetings and shall report back to the membership the minutes of the meetings. The FGCSA meetings are normally held four (4) times per year in conjunction with:

The GCSAA Conference & Show in February

The Poa Annua Golf Classic in May

The Larry Kamphaus Crowfoot Open in August

The FTGA Turf Conference in October

At special meetings called by the FGCSA President

In the event that the External VP cannot attend one of these meetings, he or she should arrange for a replacement to attend in his or her place. The chapter will reimburse the External VP for any reasonable expenses incurred while attending any of the meetings held within the state of Florida. The chapter will not pay for travel expenses to the FGCSA meeting held at the sites of the GCSAA Conferences. All expenses incurred by the External VP shall be submitted to the Executive Committee for approval.

Section 4 – Secretary / Treasurer.

The Secretary / Treasurer shall endeavor to keep an accurate record of all meetings of the chapter, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Directors. He or She shall be the custodian of all chapter records and shall conduct all the necessary correspondence of the chapter. He or she shall receive all monies due the chapter and will prepare and necessary statements and invoices. He or she shall keep an accurate record of all receipts and expenditures, and shall pay our funds necessary for the conducting of normal chapter business as authorized by the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors. He or she shall prepare and present a statement of accounts at all regular meetings, or whenever the Executive Committee makes a request. An annual audit shall be made by a committee of two (2) Class A members. An audited financial statement shall be prepared and sent to the FGCSA within 30 days of the end of the current fiscal year to comply with tax reporting requirements.

Section 5 – Newsletter Editor.

The Editor shall be an appointed or voluntary position. Because of the amount of work involved in this monthly publication, the Editor will be given a monthly stipend in an amount determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 6- The Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the transaction of chapter business in the interval between monthly meetings. The committee will evaluate and approve membership qualifications of all applicants, fill committee vacancies, and plan or approve the work of the various committees. The Executive Committee will meet at the direction of the chapter President.

 

ARTICLE IX: DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS (continued)

Section 7 – The Board of Directors.

The Board of directors shall meet at least once per quarter at a time and place agreeable to the majority in order to discuss the short and long term plans and business before the chapter.

 

ARTICLE X: MEETINGS

Section 1 – Monthly meetings.

There shall be eleven (11) regular monthly meetings held during the year. August, the exception, is the month that the Central Florida GCSA hosts the Annual Larry Kamphaus Crowfoot Open Golf Tournament. The regular monthly meetings will normally be held on the third (3rd) Wednesday of each month. An alternate date may be selected in advance by the host club. Class A or Class B members are encouraged to make their clubs available for monthly meetings sites. Meeting sites and dates will be announced in the monthly newsletter.

Section 2 – Special Meetings.

The executive Committee can call special meetings deemed necessary by giving the membership seven (7) to ten (10) days advance notice.

 

ARTICLE X

Section 3 - Annual Meeting

The July meeting will be designated as the Annual Meeting and shall be for the annual reports, and elections and installation of officers.

ARTICLE XI: STANDING COMMITTEES

The Executive Committee shall create standing committees on:

Membership; Education / Research; Finance; Public Relations; Nominations; Golf; and Membership Services. Eligible members are encouraged to participate on the various committees.

ARTICLE XII: AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

The by-laws may be amended at any meeting, provided thirty-(30) days advance written notice is given, and upon two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those present and voting.

ARTICLE XIII: PARLIAMENTARTY AUTHORITY

Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern in all applicable cases which are not in conflict with these By-Laws.

 

ARTICLE XIV: INDEMNIFICATION

The Association shall indemnify any and all persons who serve or have served at any time as officers or directors, and their respective heirs, paid administrators, successors and assigns, against any and all expenses, including amounts paid upon judgments, counsel fees and amounts paid in settlement (before or after suit is commenced) actually necessarily incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement or any claim, action, suit or proceedings in which they, or any of them are made parties, or a party of which may be asserted against them or any of them, any reason of being, or having been, an officer or director of this Association, except in relation to matters as to which any such officer or director, or former officer or director, shall be adjudged in any action, suit or proceeding to be liable for those acts and omissions arising out of his or her willful misfeasance. Such indemnification shall be in addition to any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled including such immunities under any law, by-law agreement, or otherwise.