The Equestrian Club Constitution Alfred State College Article I: Title The name of this organization shall be known as the Equestrian Club. Article II: Purpose The purpose of the Equestrian Club shall be to foster interest and involvement among all students of this College in equines, including: all types of horseback riding; equine shows and events; the Western Team, Hunt Seat Team, and Polo Club Team; and all other interests expressed by members. The Alfred State College Equestrian Club is a club focused on facilitating the education of Alfred State College students in the study of horses and horsemanship through the provision of opportunities to learn about, care for, and ride horses. Our primary focus is for social interaction for anyone who enjoys horses, regardless of experience, from beginner with no experience to advanced (actual interaction with horses is not required, although strongly encouraged). The purpose of the Western Team shall be to foster interest and involvement among all students of this College in the competitive showing events of equines, specifically in a western pleasure/horsemanship style of riding. The levels of riding in which team members shall be eligible to compete in based upon individual placement include: Beginner Walk/Jog, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, Novice, Advanced, Open Horsemanship, and Open Reining. A requirement for all members of this team shall be to attend and participate in team riding lessons on a weekly basis at a minimum, as well as attend and participate in showing events on their designated dates/times. The purpose of the Hunt Seat Team is to offer an opportunity to students of Alfred State College to learn about the equestrian sport through competition with emphasis in hunt seat equitation on the flat and hunt seat equitation over fences. The levels in which a rider may be able to compete are: open flat/open over fences at 3’0”, intermediate flat/intermediate over fences at 2’9”, novice flat/novice over fences at 2’6”, walk trot canter advanced, walk trot canter beginner and walk trot. Each member will be placed based on IHSA rules and the coach’s discrepancy. Each member has the opportunity to accumulate 36 points through ribbon places to be able to ride at the next level. Requirements for all members of this team are to attend and participate in a minimum of one lesson a week starting six (6) weeks before the first IHSA show as well as attend and participate in showing events on their designated dates/times. If the member is to receive the 36 points and point out of their division they are to continue lessons at a minimum of once a week every week until they do not qualify for further shows in that season. The Alfred State Polo Club Team shall henceforth be considered an officially recognized club sports team as defined by Alfred State College. As a constituent of the Equestrian Club, the Alfred State Polo Club Team shall follow all rules, regulations, and policies as defined by the Equestrian Club and the United States Polo Association. Article III: Membership Membership in the Equestrian Club shall be open to all full-time students who have paid in full their Student Activities Fee at Alfred State College. Along with this, all members of the Western Riding Team must meet NCAA standards, which can be accessed via the Athletic Department. Members of the Alfred State College Equestrian Club may choose to participate in a competitive atmosphere as a registered member of the IHSA Western, Hunt Seat, or Polo riding teams representing Alfred State College. Individuals participating on the riding teams will be responsible for all fees and expenses related to the team activities. The lesson trainers will choose which members will compete in the intercollegiate competitions. We prohibit any action or situation, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of any individual or engage in any action or situation that involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with our organization. The board of representatives and treasurer/secretary shall maintain a 2.0 grade point average in order to uphold their position on the Equestrian Club Executive Board. Article IV: Structure A. The Equestrian Club Executive Board shall consist of four officers and they shall be elected as specified within the wording of this Constitution. B. Officers of the Equestrian Club shall consist of a. President/ Vice President b. Treasurer/Secretary c. Student Senate Representative Article V: Duties of Officers a. President: Responsible for replying to any and all emails or posts on pioneer link in order to keep members of the club and team engaged. The President also has to work hand in hand with advisor and vice president along with other board members to find events for the club for fun along with volunteering and fundraising. b. Vice President: Responsible for helping the president and advisor with anything they may need and keeping in contact with all board members. It is also the duty of the vice president to make sure everything is kept on track at any events or meetings and everything stays up to date. c. Treasurer: Responsible for all Requisitions and vouchers involving payments and billing and works in direct contact with advisor to ensure that all financial payments are dealt with in a timely manner. The treasurer is also to report any spending/ notify the secretary of it for record. d. Secretary: Responsible for making sure all paperwork is completed as quickly as possible and is responsible for recording the minutes of all meetings. The secretary is also responsible for making sure pioneer link is updated and any show information is updated. e. Student Senate Representative: Responsible for attending all Student Senate College-wide sessions and reporting any information back to all of the Executive Board and advisor *All positions are to report any updated information to all other positions and advisor via email or in meeting so everyone is on the same page Article VI: Meetings A. All meetings shall be open to members as defined in Article III. B. The Executive Board retains the power to call the first meeting of the regular academic year. C. The Executive Board shall also have the power to call special meetings when considered necessary with at least two (2) days’ notice to members. D. Regular meetings shall be held, located mainly in Physical Health and Science, room 107. Article VIII: Elections Elections are to be held during the last few weeks of each Spring semester as these people will be responsible for any and all information from there on. Elections of officers will take place by secret ballot and all decisions are made by majority vote. If an officer vacates their post during the academic year, any member of the Executive Board may nominate a person, upon whose nomination the entire Executive Board shall vote. Article VIII: Removal of Officers Removal of an Executive Board member is done by sealed, majority vote with approval of the advisor. Article IX: Amendments Amendments to the Equestrian Club Constitution shall be proposed in a regular meeting of the Club and approved only with at least a two-thirds majority vote. .