OKLAHOMA JUDO ASSOCIATION (OJA) INCORPORATED CONSTITUTION
(revised Dec. 2014)
Revision Date
Description
12/6/2014
Revised Article IV, Section 1 to eliminate reference to semi‐annual meeting to annual only as approved during Dec. 2013 mtg.
ARTICLE I: NAME and DOMAIN
This organization shall be known as the Oklahoma Judo Association, Inc. (OJA) and shall be incorporated as a non‐profit organization under the laws of the State of Oklahoma. It may also be known as and called simply the Association and/or the OJA. Its assigned territory shall be the State of Oklahoma, and its jurisdiction shall be over the sport of Judo in such territory. This Association shall be the State Governing Body for Judo as a Group B member of USA Judo, Inc., the National Governing Body (NGB) for Judo under the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the association shall consist of six classes:
A. Individual, which shall consist of the resident athletes, coaches, officials, and participants, registered in the state for participation in Judo activities. Individual membership shall consist of two types, Annual and Life.
1. Annual membership shall run concurrent with the individual’s membership in the NGB. The dues for this membership shall be those set by the NGB, or, when permitted by the NGB, the Board of Managers of the Association. Oklahomans attending college in other states or while serving in the Military may elect to maintain their OJA membership while holding non‐resident status.
2. Life Membership:
a. Life membership shall be accorded those members who pay the fee ($100) established by the Board of Managers of the Association as reflected in Article VI of these by‐laws. They shall be granted full privileges of the Association, with the following exception: If a life member should not maintain membership in the NGB, that person could not assume or maintain elected office in the Association, or otherwise represent theAssociation in matters outside the state.
b. Special Life Membership shall be accorded those members who are recognized by the Executive Committee as having a prolonged history of extraordinary contribution to the Association. The fee shall be waived for Special Life members. They shall be accorded the same privileges as life members.
B. Associate Individual Membership which shall consist of any currently insured member of the USJA or the USJF who is a resident of the state of Oklahoma, who has joined the OJA as an associate member for an annual fee of $5.00. 1. Associate Membership will not allow or provide:
a. The individual to test for or receive rank under the OJA‐USA Judo rank system
b. The individual voting privileges or the ability to stand for office within the OJA
c. The individual to submit agenda items to the President for consideration at State Meetings
d. Insurance coverage or certifications through USA Judo
2. Associate Membership will allow or provide:
a. The State Awards Program to consider these associate members for state awards including scholarship awards.
b. These associate members to receive state rebates for national competitors provided they compete at the requisite State Championship events.
C. Club membership, which shall consist of those groups of individuals registered in the state for participation in Judo activities to which sanctions may be granted for hosting those activities in the State of Oklahoma
D. Armed Forces Membership, These members represent the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their activities. Such membership shall not have a separate vote in association business other than their individual vote.
E. Sports support, which shall consist of businesses, civic clubs and other groups interested in promoting Judo in the State of Oklahoma.
F. Honorary, which shall recognize the contributions of both Individual members or non‐ Judoka to the goals and missions of the OJA.
The qualifications for membership, the method of becoming members, the rights and privileges of members, the liabilities of members for dues and assessments, and the termination of membership, shall be set forth in the by‐laws. All members shall be bound by the constitution and by‐laws and subject to the authority of the OJA with respect to matters under its jurisdiction.
ARTICLE III: PURPOSES
The purposes of the OJA are:
A. Develop interest and participation throughout the State of Oklahoma in the sport of Judo and be responsible to the persons and amateur sports organizationsit represents.
B. Minimize, through the coordination of its members and amateur sports organizations in adjacent states, conflicts in the scheduling of all practices and competitions.
C. Keep amateur athletes in Judo informed of policy matters and reasonably reflect the views of such athletes in its policy decisions.
D. Promptly review every request submitted by an amateur sports organization or club for a sanction to hold amateur athletic Judo competitions, clinics or demonstrations in the State of Oklahoma.
E. Provide equitable supports and encouragement for participation in programs for male and female judo athletes in the state.
F. Encourage and support amateur athletic Judo sports programs for individuals with disabilities in Judo programs of open athletic competition.
G. Provide and coordinate technical information on Physical training, equipment design, coaching, and performance analysis. H. Encourage, promote, sponsor and support publications, institutes, clinics and the establishment of scholarships, the institution and maintenance of training aids and facilities, research, development and dissemination of information in the areas of sports medicine and sports safety.
I. Institute and regulate the Oklahoma State Judo Championships and other champion‐ships that will qualify Oklahoma athletes for regional and national competition.
J. Provide Judo opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
K. Encourage physical fitness and improve the quality of Judo among those who participate for the physical, educational or social benefits derived therefrom.
L. Operate exclusively for public health, safety, educational and charitable purposes, and further the purposes and objectives of the Amateur Sports Act of 1978 (Public Law 95‐606 Statute 3045, 36 U.S.C. Paragraph 371).
ARTICLE IV: POWERS and JURISDICTIONS
SECTION I.
Subject to the powers and jurisdictions of the USJI, the NGB for the sport of Judo in the United States, the powers and jurisdictions of the OJA are:
A. Represent the State of Oklahoma in appropriate national Judo sports organizations, federations or unions.
B. Establish goals for Judo in the State of Oklahoma and encourage attainment of these goals.
C. Exercise jurisdiction over state Judo activities and sanction amateur athletic Judo competition held in the state. D. Establish proceduresto determine participation in state Judo competition.
E. When required, designate individuals and teams to represent Oklahoma in national Judo competition and certify, in accordance with applicable national rules, the amateur eligibility of such individuals and teams.
F. Determine the amateur status of registered athletes.
G. Promote its members in Judo rank, or recommend promotion to the USJI when necessary.
H. Facilitate the resolution of conflicts and disputes within its power and jurisdiction.
I. Sue and be sued.
J. Make contracts.
K. Acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property as may be necessary for the OJA’s purposes.
L. Accept gifts, legacies and devices in furtherance of the OJA’s purposes.
M. Borrow, and secure money by mortgage, subject to state laws.
N. Provide financial assistance to any organization or association, other than those organized for profit.
O. Approve and revoke membership in the OJA.
P. Adopt and alter a corporate seal, emblem and stamp.
Q. Establish and maintain offices for the conduct of the affairs of the OJA.
R. Publish a newspaper, magazine or newsletter consistent with the purposes of the OJA.
S. Do any and all acts and things necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the OJA.
T. Amend its constitution and by‐laws in a manner consistent with the laws of the United States and the State of Oklahoma.
SECTION II.
The following limitations are placed on the powers of the OJA and upon the liabilities or obligations arising from anything it does:
A. The OJA shall not intervene in matters essentially within the jurisdiction of its members unless required to do so, or unless two‐thirds (2/3) of the Board of Managers (BOM) deem that such intervention is necessary in the best interest of the sport of Judo or the furtherance of the purposes of this association or to protect the rights of the amateur in Judo.
B. The OJA shall have no power to discriminate against any person or group because of race, sex, creed, age, religion or national origin.
C. The OJA shall have no power to enter into agreements, contracts, or arrangements that bind any of its members personally, or which diminishes its authority or that of its members, or which violates this constitution, by‐laws, or rules and regulations, or those of the USJI, the NGB.
D. No member of the OJA shall be bound personally by any obligations or liabilities incurred by the OJA.
SECTION III.
The OJA shall be non‐political and, as an organization, shall not promote the candidacy of any person seeking public office.
SECTION IV.
The OJA shall look to affiliate associations to examine and certify rank in the State of Oklahoma, but shall retain the right to original jurisdiction insofar as it has the right to do so.
ARTICLE V: BOARD OF MANAGERS (BOM)
The BOM shall consist of all registered judo enthusiasts (individual members). The affairs, business and powers of the OJA, such to the limitations set forth elsewhere herein, shall be conducted, controlled and exercised by the BOM, who shall serve without remuneration.
ARTICLE VI: OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Managers shall elect officers and appoint or approve committees as specified and selected in the manner prescribed in the by‐laws.
ARTICLE VII: AMENDMENTS
Amendments to the Constitution may be made by two‐thirds (2/3) of the votes cast at a regularly called meeting of the BOM. Amendments shall take effect at the close of such meeting except in such case where it may be specified at the time of approval of the amendment to take effect during the meeting, or at a later time. Written notice of the proposed amendment shall be furnished to the BOM at least 45 days before the vote is taken.
ARTICLE VIII: DISSOLUTION
SECTION I.
This association may be dissolved after a dissolution is approved by a two‐thirds (2/3) vote of the BOM, provided that notice that a vote of dissolution will be taken is furnished to the BOM at least sixty (60) days before the vote is taken.
SECTION II.
Upon dissolution of the OJA, the BOM shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the OJA, dispose of all assets of the OJA exclusively for the purposes of the OJA in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, or scientific purposes, or to foster amateur sports competition as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501[c](3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future U.S. Internal Revenue Law.
ARTICLE IX: MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION I.
The OJA shall be incorporated as a non‐profit corporation upon approval of a majority of the board of managers. Incorporation shall not be deemed to be dissolution of the OJA.
SECTION II.
The OJA shall be deemed to have its principal office and place of business at a location specified in the by‐laws.
SECTION III.
No member or group of members shall be deemed to be acting in any matter for or on behalf of the OJA, or as the OJA unless specifically authorized to so act by the BOM or by the by‐laws.
OKLAHOMA JUDO ASSOCIATION, INC. (OJA) By‐laws to the Constitution
(revised Dec. 2014)
ARTICLE I: MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I. The following types of membership are established and recognized:
A. Individual Membership.
B. Associate Individual Membership
C. Club Membership.
D. Armed Forces Membership.
E. Sports Support Membership
F. Honorary Membership.
SECTION II. The following definitions apply to the membership types listed in Section 1.
A. Individual Membership ‐ An individual member is a Judo enthusiast currently registered in the OJA. (This level of membership is granted voting privileges in OJA business.)
1. Individual membership shall consist of two types, Annual and Life.
2. Life Membership shall consist of two types: Life and Special Life.
B. Associate Individual Membership which shall consist of any currently insured member of the USJA or the USJF who is a resident of the state of Oklahoma, who has joined the OJA as an associate member for an annual fee of $5.00.
1. Associate Membership will not allow or provide:
a. The individual to test for or receive rank under the OJA‐USA Judo rank system
b. The individual voting privileges or the ability to stand for office within the OJA
c. The individual to submit agenda items to the President for consideration at State Meetings
d. Insurance coverage or certifications through USA Judo
2. Associate Membership will allow or provide:
a. The State Awards Program to consider these associate members for state awards including scholarship awards.
b. These associate members to receive state rebates for national competitors provided they compete at the requisite State Championship events.
C. Club membership – A club membership recognizes a group of Judo enthusiasts who are organized for the purpose of participating in Judo activities within Oklahoma. Such membership may be granted sanctions for events, but will not have a separate vote in OJA business.
D. Armed Forces Membership ‐ These members represent the various branches of the U.S.
1. Armed Forces and their activities. Such membership shall not have a separate vote in OJA business other than their individual vote.
E. Sports Support Membership – These members shall consist of businesses, civic clubs, local governments and other groups interested in promoting Judo in Oklahoma. Such groups shall be accorded voice in OJA business, but no vote.
F. Honorary Membership – These members shall be approved by the Executive Committee (EC) and shall be afforded a vote in OJA business.
ARTICLE II: REPRESENTATION OF MEMBERS
SECTION I.
Management – The affairs of the OJA shall be managed and controlled by its members. The principal office shall be the home of the Secretary, unless a different location is decided by the President and approved by the BOM.
SECTION II.
Board of Managers – Individual members (both annual and honorary) in good standing shall be the voting members of the BOM. Votes of junior members (age 16 and under) shall be cast by a parent or legal guardian. Should the members of a registered club or their legal guardians not be present and available to cast their vote, the head coach, or designated representatives of the registered club shall be empowered to vote for the absent members of their clubs. The other levels of membership shall be accorded voice, but no vote, in the affairs of the OJA.
SECTION III.
Armed Forces representatives and alternates shall be designated by the appropriate branches of the service.
ARTICLE III: RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS (BOM)
SECTION I. The BOM has the power and authority to:
A. Elect the officers, remove officers, and fill vacancies that may exist among the officers. B. Enact, revise, amend or repeal the Constitution and these by‐laws as provided herein.
B. Admit members, reclassify and terminate membership of members after receiving a report from the Membership Subcommittee.
C. Determine and certify the amateur status of Judo athletes.
D. Receive and review the reports of the EC and of all other committees or other persons concerning the activities of the OJA, or matters in which the OJA may be interested.
E. Assume original and appellate jurisdiction, upon notice to those involved, in any matter where, in the opinion of two‐thirds (2/3) of the Board members, the best interest of the OJA will be served thereby. The decision of the BOM, after a full hearing of those involved who wish to be heard, shall be final and binding, subject to such review procedures as may be established.
F. Discipline members and impose, enforce, or remit penalties for any violations of the by‐laws, sporting code, or rules, regulations and procedures promulgated by the OJA through the BOM, EC and other committees, insofar as it has the power to do so as delegated by the NGB, USJI.
G. Remove from office any officer of the BOM who, by neglect or duty or by conduct tending to impair usefulness as a member of the board, shall have been deemed to have forfeited the position. Such shall be done by a two‐thirds (2/3) vote of the board and on thirty (30) days written notice to such member of the board.
H. Provide for, collect, and expend dues or funds of the OJA.
I. Call regular and special meetings of the BOM and the EC, and fix the time and place for holding all meetings not fixed by these by‐laws.
J. Institute, locate, conduct and manage all Oklahoma State Championships through the club members sponsoring the event.
K. Appoint or approve permanent committees from its own members and from other persons or entities associated with the OJA.
L. Approve the rules, procedures, regulations, schedules and activities of the committees and subcommittees of the OJA.
M. Take such other action as is customary and proper on behalf of the OJA, and be responsible for conducting all of the affairs and business of the OJA, be vested with all the powers of the OJA, and have authority to act on all OJA matters.
SECTION II.
The BOM shall have the power to amend these by‐laws upon a majority vote, after thirty (30) days previous written notice of the proposed amendment(s) to all known members of the OJA.
SECTION III.
The BOM may, while retaining its responsibility, delegate power and authority to officers or committees, and others associated with the OJA.
SECTION IV.
The BOM shall elect, from among its members, the following officers on even‐ numbered years:
President
Vice‐President
Secretary
Treasurer
These officers shall be the officers of the OJA, and shall constitute the voting members of the EC. A member can be nominated, and run for, more than one office. However, only the positions of Secretary and Treasurer may be occupied by a single individual. In other cases of multiple‐ candidacy, if someone is elected to two or more offices, he/she shall be installed in the higher office, and the next highest vote receiver for the lower office(s) shall be installed therein.
SECTION V.
The election of officers shall normally be held by soliciting, by mail (email) from the BOM, nominations for office. The resulting slate will be voted on by mail, with write‐in voting accepted, from the BOM. The BOM may, in any even‐ numbered year, by simple majority vote at a scheduled meeting where this agenda item is published with at least thirty (30) days’ notice, chose to hold the election of officers at a subsequently scheduled meeting to be held at least two (2) weeks later.
SECTION VI.
The officers shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and shall be citizens of the United States of America, and residents of the State of Oklahoma.
SECTION VII.
The officers shall take office on January 1 of the following (odd‐numbered) year, and shall serve for a term of two (2) years. An officer may be elected to successive terms of office.
SECTION VIII.
At least once every year, the Treasurer shall make an annual report of the financial position of the organization and make copies of same available to all members.
ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS and RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION I.
The BOM shall hold one regularly scheduled meeting each year; the annual meeting is to be held in either December or January.
SECTION II.
The Secretary shall give written notice of the time and place of each meeting to each member of the BOM at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. This will be announced using the association email system and any other appropriate means of communication (i.e. – email, social media, etc…)
SECTION III.
Unless otherwise provided, the Secretary and the host for the meeting shall be responsible for coordinating accommodations.
SECTION IV.
A quorum at meetings of the BOM shall be obtained if those at the meeting are authorized to cast at least ten percent (10%) of the total votes of the board. At least twenty percent (20%) of the membership of the quorum shall consist of individual members who are actively engaged in amateur athletic competition in Judo in Oklahoma. The definition of active engagement may be satisfied with either of two cases:
A. The member shall have registered to compete in at least one sanctioned tournament in Oklahoma in the preceding two years; or
B. The athlete has represented Oklahoma in National amateur athletic competition within the preceding ten (10) years.
SECTION V.
The order of business at all meetings of the BOM shall be as follows:
A. Seating of members and roll call of votes.
B. Reading and approval of minutes of the previous meeting
C. Financial reports
D. Committee reports
E. Special reports
F. Unfinished business
G. New Business.
H. Election of officers (if scheduled).
The latest edition of ‘Robert’s Rules of Order’ shall govern the proceedings of all meetings.
SECTION VI.
The EC shall have the power to call special meetings of the OJA for good and sufficient reason. Special meetings may also be called by the President upon receipt by the Secretary of written request by ten percent (10%) of the membership of the BOM. Such request shall state the reason for calling the special meeting. The President shall determine the time and place for special meetings with due regard to the convenience of the membership. Notice of special meetings shall be sent by the Secretary at least ten (10) days in advance. Such notices shall specify the reason(s) for calling the meeting. The business to be conducted at special meetings shall be restricted to the topic(s) precipitating the special meeting.
SECTION VII. Duties of Officers
A. The President shall be the chief executive officer and shall preside at all meetings of the BOM, and of the EC. The President shall be, ex officio, a nonvoting member of all committees, except those on which he or she is otherwise qualified to hold voting membership (i.e., EC, Promotion Board). The President will be responsible for the registration of Judo athletes in the state, and for the sanctioning of Judo activities in the jurisdiction of the OJA. Such records shall be maintained as to provide adequate historical evidence of the registration of Judo amateur athletes under the OJA'’ jurisdiction as may be needed to prove eligibility. The President may delegate the duties of registration or sanctioning to the Vice‐President, or another officer, or an OJA member, at his her discretion. The President will be responsible for the approval of the disbursement of OJA funds in accordance with the decisions of the BOM, and the OJA’s obligations to the NGB. The President shall perform such duties as may be assigned by vote of the BOM, or of the EC, or as assigned to the President by the OJA’s constitution or these by‐laws, or the NGB’s articles of incorporation, the NGB’s by‐laws, or the code of operation of the NGB. The President shall act as the NGB organization’s representative to the NGB and other national or international entities. The President, through the appropriate committee, shall coordinate all national functions of the OJA. With the exception of the Referee Committee, the President shall appoint the chairpersons of all OJA committees.
B. The Vice‐President shall perform the duties of the President in cases of the president’s absence or inability to act. The Vice‐President shall discharge such other duties as may be assigned by vote of the BOM, or of the EC, or as delegated by the President under the duties of the President cited in ‘A’ above. The Vice‐President is a member of the EC.
C. The Secretary shall be a member of the EC. The Secretary shall keep the seal and the records of the OJA; supervise the taking, making and distribution of minutes; attend to the publication of official reports; attest documents; receive and forward to the appropriate officer all official communications from members, or from the NGB and any of its committees, boards or councils; and such other duties as usually pertain to this office.
D. The Treasurer shall be a member of the EC. The Treasurer shall receive and deposit the funds of the OJA in such financial institution(s) as shall be designated by or under the authority of the EC, and will generally be responsible for the disbursement of funds approved by the President. The Treasurer shall render an annual financial report to the BOM and to the EC, and such special reports as may, from time to time, be called for by or under authority of the EC. The Treasurer shall discharge such other duties as may be assigned by the BOM or EC.
E. All officers and employees handing funds of the OJA may be bonded in such amounts as may be determined from time to time by the EC. The expense of furnishing such bonds shall be paid by the OJA.
SECTION VIII. Executive Committee (EC)
A. The EC shall discharge the functions of the BOM on its behalf between meetings of the BOM, subject to the general direction and approval of the BOM, and shall perform such other duties as are assigned to it by the constitution and the by‐ laws.
B. The voting membership of the EC shall consist of the officers of the OJA. The historian (should one be appointed) shall be a non‐voting member of the EC. The President‐elect shall be a non‐voting member until his or her installation. The immediate past President shall be a non‐voting member for the first year following the installation of the new President.
C. In the event the same person shall occupy the positions of Secretary and Treasurer, he or she shall be entitled to only one (1) vote on the EC.
SECTION IX. Mail Votes
A. When a mail vote on any question shall be directed by the BOM, or the EC, the Secretary shall mail to each voting representative of the BOM a statement of the question to be voted upon, and shall fix a reasonable time limit, not less than fifteen (15) days from the date of the mailing, within which ballots shall be mailed for return.
B. The ballots received shall be counted by the Secretary unless otherwise directed by the EC. If properly marked ballots are received totaling at least one‐third (1/3) of the total number of votes that can be cast, approval by two‐thirds (2/3) of the ballots received shall be the action or position of the OJA for issues requiring a majority vote. For issues requiring two‐ thirds (2/3) majority vote for approval, at least one‐half (1/2) of the ballots that can be cast must be received and of those, three‐fourths(3/4) must indicate approval of the issue.
C. Each ballot shall bear a notice that it shall not be counted unless it (or a cover envelope) is signed by the member casting the vote.
D. No proxy may vote by mail.
E. The Secretary shall make exact minutes of the question, the number of ballots received, and the vote, all of which, along with the ballots received, shall become part of the records of the OJA. The Secretary shall inform all members within one (1) week of the results of the mail ballot.
SECTION X. Admission of individual members
Admission of individual members shall be upon payment of the prescribed registration fee. Judo enthusiasts registered with other state Judo governing bodies who are i.e., attending college in the State of Oklahoma, or have recently become residents of Oklahoma, shall have a voice, but will be non‐voting members of the BOM until they have re‐registered with the NGB as members of the OJA.
ARTICLE V: MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION I. Fees and Assessments
A. Power: The BOM, with the approval of the majority of the individual members, shall have the power to set and collect from the members, all fees, dues and assessments required for conducting the affairs of the OJA.
B. Individual Membership Fees: Annual individual membership fees shall be set by the NGB and any additional state fees must be approved by a majority of the members.
C. Associate Individual Membership Fees: Annual associate individual membership fees shall be $5.00 for any currently insured member of the USJA or the USJF who is a resident of the state of Oklahoma.
D. Club Membership Fees: Annual Club Membership Fees shall be $25. To register the club with the NGB will require an additional $25 fee.
E. Failure to pay: Members in arrears of payment of fees shall not be entitled to any of the privileges, benefits or rights of membership.
F. The fee for Life Membership shall be $100. The proceeds shall go into a special account for investment. Half of the interest which may accrue shall be reinvested in the account. The remainder of the interest shall go into the general fund of the OJA. After a period of ten (10) years, the principal may be removed into the general fund by the EC.
SECTION II. Termination, Transfer or Discipline
A. Discipline: Any member may be expelled, suspended, placed on probation, or otherwise disciplined for violation of the OJA’s constitution, by‐laws, rules or regulations duly adopted by this association, or is unbecoming a judo enthusiast, or which tends to impose upon, endanger or mislead the public.
B. Authority: The EC, by majority vote, shall bring charges, however the authority to hear and make a determination of charges arising under B of this section (2), shall be vested in the BOM, as provided in Article III, Section 1G of these by‐laws.
C. Right of Hearing: No member may be disciplined without benefit of a hearing, of which there shall be given at least fifteen (15) days’ notice.
D. Presentation of Charges: It shall be the right of any member against whom charges are preferred to be presented with a copy of the charges at least fifteen (15) days prior to any scheduled hearing. No other charges may be asserted or held at the hearing. The charges shall be sufficient in detail to enable the member to prepare a defense.
E. Board Vote: A two‐thirds (2/3) vote of the BOM shall be required to uphold any charges which have been preferred against a member.
F. Appeal: The right to appeal shall lie with the member concerned, who may, within thirty (30) days of the original decision, petition the president for an appeal to the board of managers. The appeal shall be referred to the appropriate appellate jurisdiction.
SECTION III. Assigning rights and Return of Property
A. Assigning Rights: No membership, regardless of class (with the exception of Honorary Membership), may be assigned or transferred.
B. Return of Property: Upon termination of membership for any reason whatsoever, each member agrees to return all property of this association, and cease forthwith all further use of property or other rights of this organization, unless expressly authorized by the BOM. Each member agrees not to indicate, directly or indirectly, affiliation with, or recognition by, this association after termination of this membership.
SECTION IV. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the OJA is from January 1 to December 31.
ARTCLE VI: COMMITTEES
The make‐up of the various committees of the OJA shall be as follows:
SECTION I. The Referee Committee
A. Composition: The Referee Committee shall be composed of all individual members of the OJA who are certified as National Referees by USJI, or International Referees by the Pan American Judo Union (PJU) or the International Judo Federation (IJF). The Chairperson of this committee shall normally be the Referee rated at the highest certification level, with the most seniority. If that individual declines to serve in that capacity then the President shall appoint one of the other Referees to act as Chairperson.
B. Duties: The members of the Referee Committee are empowered by USJI to test OJA members (and other USJI members of other states) for Local and Regional Level Certification. Any member of the Referee Committee can examine any OJA member at any USJI‐ sanctioned event and upon successful completion of requirements collect the required fee. Submission of all fees and paperwork will be to the Chairperson. The members of this committee shall select “The Most Improved Official of the Year” from those OJA members who are certified at levels lower than National Referee.
C. Certification: The Chairperson will issue USJI certificates for Local or Regional Referee upon receipts of the required paperwork and fees.
D. Fees: The fee for certification, upon successfully completing both a written examination and a practical examination at any USJI‐sanctioned event, is $10.
E. Policy: The policies of the OJA Referee Committee are found in “OJA Referee Committee Policies” and are to be updated bi‐ annually.
SECTION II. Promotion Board
A. Composition: The OJA Promotion Board shall be composed of all individual members of the OJA who are certified as Sandan (3rd Degree Black Belt) or higher. Only Rank issued by a member body of USJI (Class A, B or C) or an international federation recognized by USJI shall be recognized. The Chairperson of the board shall be appointed by the President.
B. Duties: The members of the Promotion Board are empowered by the OJA to examine its members (and other USJI members of other states) for promotions through the rank of Sandan; for the rank of Yondan only members of the board holding Yondan rank or higher may act as examiners; for the rank of Godan only members holding Godan rank or higher may act as examiners; etc.
C. Certification: The Chairperson will issue USJI certificates for Rokyu through Ikkyu upon receipts of the required paperwork and fees. Black Belt ranks and Junior Ranks are issued by the central office of USJI.
D. Fees: The fees for certification, upon successfully completing both a written examination and a practical examination for the Grades Rokyu, Gokyu and Yonkyu are $3 each. The fees for Sankyu, Nikyu and Ikkyu are $5 each.
E. Policy: The policies of the OJA Referee Committee are found in “OJA Promotion Board Policies” and are to be updated bi‐ annually.
SECTION III. Awards Committee
A. Composition: The OJA Awards Committee shall be composed of all members of the EC and any other OJA members appointed by the President. The Chairperson of the committee shall be appointed by the President.
B. Duties: The members of the Awards Committee shall provide awards to honor the outstanding Judo players who are OJA members during the previous year. They will also vote on the Annual Sportsmanship, Adrea Bregman Memorial, and approve funding for the High School and Collegiate Scholarship Awards. The Chairperson of the committee shall be empowered to maintain the competition records of the OJA members in order to determine the award recipients.
C. Policy: The policies of the OJA Awards Committee are found in “OJA Awards Committee Policies” and are to be updated annually.
SECTION IV. Tournament Committee
A. Composition: The OJA Tournament Committee shall be composed of all members of the EC and any other OJA members appointed by the President. The Chairperson of the committee shall be appointed by the President. B. Duties: The members of the Tournament Committee shall provide clinics on how to run tournaments, and how to use the OJA scoring machines. In addition the members of this committee shall be of service to any member of the OJA requesting a sanction for an event to be held in the jurisdiction of the OJA. This committee shall provide the scoring machines and additional other equipment available (when needed).