BY-LAWS OF THE
WHITE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF AMERICA, Inc.

Article I - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Eligibility - The eligibility for membership is as set forth in the Constitution Article II

Section 2 - Application for and Election to Membership

a. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form as provided by the Membership Chairperson and approved by the Board of Governors which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by this Constitution and By-laws of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America and by the Rules of the American Kennel Club, and/or the United Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club.

b. Each applicant's name shall be published in the next Newsletter for comment by the members. The applicant shall automatically attain membership status on the 20th day following the publication in which their name(s) appears, unless an objection in writing from the general membership or a Board Member is received by the Membership Chairperson prior thereto.

c. Upon approval, members shall be so notified by the Membership Chairperson and shall receive appropriate material of the club. An applicant who has received a negative vote by the Independent Arbitration Board may not reapply within One year following such rejection and the advance payment of dues shall be returned.

Section 3 - Dues

a. Members, family, & Jr. member dues shall be paid in advance and shall be payable on the date set forth in Standing Rules by the Board of Governors. The amount of the Club's annual dues and any processing fee shall be established by the Board of Governors. No member shall be entitled to vote on any Club business unless the member's dues are current. One month prior to expiration, members shall be sent a statement of dues for the coming year in the manner as specified in the Standing Rules.

b. Application for membership after the date of the Annual dues, shall be prorated according to the time of the application.

c. Annual dues for renewal of membership shall be sent to the membership Chairperson who shall record it and forward to the Treasurer

Section 4 - Termination of Membership

Membership may be terminated by:

a. Resigning. Any member in good standing, whose dues are current, may resign from the club upon written notice to the Membership Chairperson and the President. No members may resign when in debt to the club.

b. Lapsing. A membership is considered lapsed and automatically terminated if such member's dues remain unpaid for 60 days following the due date.

c. Expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article VII, Section 4 of these By-Laws. Upon removal from membership, a member shall forfeit all dues for the expired part of the current fiscal year.

Section 5 - Good Standing

A member in good standing is one whose dues are current, does not have any charges pending against him/her by the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America, is not under suspension by the WGSDCA and is not under suspension by the American Kennel Club or any other National or International Club Registry.

Section 6 - Honorary Membership

An Honorary membership may be awarded by a majority vote of the Board of Governors. These memberships may be either lifetime (indefinite) or for a specified period of time. Honorary members (if still living) shall be entitled to receive a WGSDCA newsletter, but shall not be entitled to vote on any Club matters.

Article II - MEETINGS

Section 1 - Board Meetings

Regular meetings of the Combined Board of Governors, Regional Representatives shall be held as necessary whenever there is business to conduct.

When necessary for any unfinished or new business and when feasible, meetings of these combined Boards shall be held during the Annual Specialty Dog Show.

In independent Board meetings, each Board shall appoint a secretary to record the minutes. In combined Board meetings, the Secretary of the WGSDCA shall officiate. Transcripts of all meetings shall be given to the president within 2 weeks of the close of the meeting or when a motion that has been presented has been passed or failed.

At any combined Board meetings officiated by the President during the Annual Specialty Show, an agenda, listing all issues and/or amendments must be distributed immediately prior to such meeting. Motions and Issues may be reworded after discussion at the meeting so as to clarify or enhance their meaning and/or purpose; however, they may not be reworded, changed or amended so as to alter their original intent. By-law amendments may not be reworded.

In any business meeting called by a member of any one of the Boards, the purpose of the meeting must be stated in writing by either mail or electronic means. Notice of the proposed meeting and the purpose of the meeting must be given to the President prior to the meeting. A copy of a transcript of the minutes of the meeting must be given by the Secretary by either electronic means or regular mail to the President within 2 weeks of the close of the meeting or when a motion has been passed or failed.

Section 2 - Minutes of Meetings

The proceedings of all meetings shall be recorded including all resulting votes including abstentions.

A transcript of the proceedings of all meetings with resulting votes will be furnished within 30 days of the termination of the Board meeting(s) by the National Recording Secretary by electronic means or regular mail to all members in good standing.

Section 3 - Conduct of Meetings

At all meetings, Robert's Rules of Order shall govern parliamentary procedure on all matters not covered in these By-Laws.

Article III - BOARDS AND OFFICERS

Section 1 - Boards

a. Regional Board of Representatives
One Representative shall be elected for every 20 members in each region when possible with a minimum of one Representative for each region to represent any local affiliated clubs, or individual members and bring their desires and petitions before the Regional Board of Representatives. Regions are listed in Standing Rules and may be changed as necessary as the membership increases.

b. Board of Governors
The Board of Governors shall be comprised of the Officers of the Club, and three (3) other Governors elected one (1) from each of the three United States regions whenever possible. The general management of the Club affairs shall be entrusted to the Board of Governors. The President shall not vote on this board.

c. Independent Arbitration Board
This Board is made up of 3-5 persons uninvolved with the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America or any other White Shepherd or White German Shepherd Dog Club. It is desirable that this Board Member be or have been a handler or breeder or Judge of other breed dogs and must be a member in good standing with the AKC. These persons are appointed by an appointed panel of one member for each of the two boards and officers. They shall be responsible for reviewing the charges entertained against any member in writing by the appointed panel, and for reviewing any decision against any applicant. The Independent Arbitration Board is the sole review of charges brought against any officer of the WGSDCA. Their decision is final.

Section 2 - Officers

The Club's Officers consist of the President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer. The Recording and the Corresponding Secretary may be one person if it is warranted. They shall serve in their respective capacities in regard to the WGSDCA and its meetings.

a. The President shall preside at all physical meetings of the WGSDCA Combined Boards and shall have the duties and powers normally appurtenant to the office of President in addition to those particularly specified in these By-Laws. Except for the nominating committee, the President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, standing and ad hoc. appointed from time to time by the the Board of Governors.

b. The Vice President shall have the powers and exercise the duties of the president in case of the President's death, absence or incapacity and the Vice President shall assume the office of the President for the un-expired term.

c. The Recording Secretary or designee, shall keep a record of all meetings of the Boards, and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the WGSDCA and furnish copies of all minutes to Board members in the form prescribed by the Board of Governors, keep a record of all votes taken by mail or otherwise and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in these By Laws and/or by the Board of Governors.

The Recording Secretary shall take possession of and retain all ballots (mail-in or otherwise) with the Club records for a period of not less than five (5) years. Other duties of the Recording Secretary may be listed in Standing Rules.

d. The Corresponding Secretary or designee, shall have charge of the correspondence of the Club at the direction of the President. The Corresponding Secretary shall notify new Officers and Governors of their election to office, and of all matters of which a record shall be ordered by the Club. Shall keep a roll of the members of the WGSDCA with addresses and phone numbers where possible and carry out such other duties as are prescribed in these By Laws and/or by the Board of Governors. Any further duties of the Corresponding Secretary may be listed in Standing Rules.

e. The Treasurer or designee, shall collect and receive all monies due or belonging to the Club. The Treasurer shall deposit the same in a depository designated by the Board of Governors in the name of the WGSDCA. The Treasurer's books shall at all times be open to inspection by the Board of Governors and the President and at avery regular meeting shall report to the Board of Governors and President by electronic means or regular mail, the condition of the Club's finances and every item of receipt or payment not before reported. The Treasurer shall be bonded in such amount as the Board of Governors shall determine. The Treasurer shall carry out such other duties as are prescribed by these ByLaws and/or the Board of Governors. Any further duties of the Treasurer may be listed in Standing Rules.

Section 3 - Terms of Office

a. Each officer shall be elected for a two-year term.

b. Board of Governors - Two of the three Governors will be elected in even numbered years, and one shall be elected in odd numbered years.

c. Representatives - shall be elected annually

d. The Officers, including the President, may serve only two (2) consecutive terms in such capacity unless no qualified candidate accepts the nomination. Then they may continue in office for another 2 year term by majority vote of the entire membership.

Section 4 - Vacancies

Any vacancies occurring on the Boards or among the officers during the fiscal year, shall be filled until the next annual election by a majority vote of all the then members of the Boards at the first meeting following the creation of such vacancy, or at a special meeting of the combined Boards called for that purpose. Except that a vacancy in the office of the President shall be filled automatically by the Vice President, and the resulting vacancy in the office of the Vice President shall be filled by the Board until the next Annual election. Vacancies filled by election by members of the Boards will serve until the normal time of reelection to that office or Board.

Article IV - LOCAL WHITE GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUBS

Section 1

a. Local White German Shepherd Dog Clubs are encouraged.. Any Independent local White German Shepherd Dog club may apply for membership with the WGSDCA and may host shows. A fee for hosting shows shall be set by the Board of Governors. Local Shows would be superintended by the National club with exceptions made on an individual club basis.

In any show, the National Rules for Holding Dog Shows, other than superintending, must be followed.. Clubs or individuals experienced in hosting dog shows may want to superintend their shows and arrangements can be made with the National Show Director.

b. A local member club must have a minimum of three members and is one who holds two dog related activities of their choice during a fiscal year. These activities may be a picnic, parade, booth at a fair, banquet, or a show or other dog related activity. Education of youth and other dog owners is a priority and strongly encouraged on the local level.

Article V - THE CLUB YEAR, VOTING, NOMINATIONS, ELECTIONS

Section 1 - Club Year

The Club's fiscal and official year shall begin on the first day of the month set by the Officers and Combined Boards and end on the last day of the preceding month.

Section 2 - Elections

The annual elections shall be held in the month designated at the combined Board meeting at which Officers and Board Members for the ensuing year shall be elected by secret, written ballot from those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this Article. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to his successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days following the election.

Section 3 - Voting

a. Officers and Boards. Election of Officers and Governors and Representatives shall be voted on by secret ballot by the general membership and any appointments and Boards who are in good standing according to Article 1, Section 5. There shall be no voting by proxy.

1. The method of sending, receiving and counting ballots shall be set forth in Standing Rules.

2. The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected.

b. Constitution and ByLaws. Amendment to the Constitution and/or By-Laws shall be as set forth in Article X, Section 1.

c. Amendments of Standing Rules, Rules Governing Dog Shows, General procedures. Proposed amendments or changes in any of these rules must pass both the Board of Governors and the Board of Representatives by a majority vote.
The amendment if passed, then must be reviewed by the President, who may pass or veto it. In the event of a veto by the President, the amendment or proposal may be sent back and revised for a revote. Likewise, any proposal or amendment made by the President may be passed or failed by the Boards.
Any rules or amendments passed but vetoed by the President or any rules or amendments made by the president and failed by the Boards may be sent before the appointed panel of officers,board members, with one chosen from each, for their final decision.

d. Breed Standard. Amendment to the White German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard as adopted by the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America may be proposed by either Board and shall be as set forth in Article X, Section 2.

e. Proposals and amendments may be made in the By-laws and/or Standing Rules by the General Membership by the members contacting their representative and making their proposals or objections known. They shall then take the written proposal or objection to both the Boards of Representatives and the Board of Governors for their vote. The procedure as set forth in this Article, Section c. shall be followed.

Section 4 - Nominations and Ballots

a. No person may be a candidate for an office in a WGSDCA election who has not been nominated in accordance with these ByLaws. A Nominating Committee shall be chosen by the Board of Governors at the beginning of the fiscal year. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) members and two (2) alternates when possible; not more than one of whom shall be a member of the Board of Governors. One Nominating Committee member shall be chosen when possible from each of the geographic sections of the United States as defined in Standing Rules.

b. The Committee shall nominate one candidate for each office in which the term is to expire. These nominees must be in good standing with the WGSDCA and AKC and any other registery they might belong to and be residents of the United States.

c. No member may be a candidate for more than one position and must meet the qualifications of this Article Section 4, subsection b.

d. The Nominating committee shall secure in advance of the election, the written acceptance of each nominee to be considered, stating his/her willingness to serve if elected.

e. The manner of procedure for submitting the list of candidates, and accepting additional nominations, form of ballots and procedure for voting and receiving the ballots shall be set forth in Standing Rules.

Article VI - CLUB LOGO

Section 1

Use of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America stationery, or logos of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America by any persons other than current officers and members of the board of governors, Board of Governors, Regional Representatives, and such appointment as are made by the President, is prohibited. Also restricted is the use of such stationery for any purposes other than the official business of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

Article VII - COMMITTEES AND APPOINTMENTS

Section 1 - Committee Appointment

a. The Board of Governors may each year when the new office term takes effect, appoint chairpersons and standing committees to advance the work of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America in such fields which may well be served by committees. Such chairpersons and committees shall always by subject to the final authority of the Board of Governors.

b. Any committee appointed may be terminated by a majority vote of the full membership of the Board of Governors upon written notice to the appointee; and the Board may appoint successors to those persons whose services have been terminated.

Section 2 - Presidential Appointments

a. The positions of Newsletter Editor, Membership Chairperson, and National Show/Trial Coordinator will be made solely by the President.

b. Appointments by the President with Board of Governors approval are: Breed Book Editor, Calendar Editor, Futurity Secretary, Historian, Parliamentarian, Conformation Director, Obedience Director, Herding & other Event Director, Regional show Superintendents and any others deemed necessary to carry out the work of the Club.

Article VIII - DISCIPLINE

Section 1 - American Kennel Club & other Registries

Any member who is suspended from any of the privileges of the American Kennel Club shall automatically be suspended from all privileges of this club for a like period. Anyone belonging to and suspended from any of the privileges of the United Kennel Club or any other National or International Club Registry shall have his case reviewed by the Independent Arbitration Board and shall be disciplined accordingly.

Section 2 - Charges

a. Any member may prefer charges against any other member(s) for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the WGSDCA and/or the breed as set forth in the constitution of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

b. Written charges, with documented specifications, must be filed in triplicate with the corresponding secretary together with a deposit set by the Board of Governors by either a certified check or money order. This shall be forfeited if such charges are not sustained by the panel set up for review of charges or the Independent Arbitration Board following a hearing. The Corresponding Secretary shall keep one set and shall promptly within 7 working days notify by regular mail or electronic means the Chairperson of the review panel who shall immediately notify the President and the board of governors members of the charges and give them each copies of a written set of the charges. This may be done by electronic means or regular mail.

Charges shall be reviewed by the review panel of three chosen by and from the two boards and officers and it shall first consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, might constitute misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the WGSDCA and/or of the breed as set forth in the Constitution of this Club. If the review panel considers that the charges do not allege such conduct, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction.

c. If the Review Panel entertains jurisdiction of the charges, it shall notify the Corresponding Secretary, who shall promptly, by mail or electronic means, within 7 working days, notify the President and the Chairperson of the Independent Arbitration Board of the charges.

The Arbitration Board may request further documentation of the charges. The Corresponding Secretary shall send one copy of the charges to the accused member by registered mail together with a notice of the hearing by the Arbitration Board and an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his own defense and bring witnesses if he/she so wishes.

Section 3 - Board Hearing

a. Both Complaintant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in regard to counsel and attending the hearing. The defendant must be advised of his rights. Right to know the charges brought, to counsel and that he may present witnesses if he so desires. Should the charges be sustained by the Arbitration Board, after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by the complaintant and defendant, the Arbitration Board shall have complete authority, by a majority vote, to determine the penalty.

b. The Corresponding Secretary shall be notified by the Chairperson of the Arbitration Board, to send notice to the Accused member, by certified mail, together with a notice of a time of hearing fixed by the Arbitration Board of no less than 15 days and no more than 30 days.

Assurance shall be given to the accused member that he/she may either answer the charges by mail giving any documentation deemed necessary, or may personally appear in his own defense to any member of the Independent Arbitration Board and bring witnesses if he so desires. The Complaintant shall be advised if the defendant is appearing in person to a member of the Independent Arbitration Board and may also appear at the same meeting bringing witnesses if he so desires.

c. Should the accused desire to appear in person before a member of the Independent Arbitration Board, the time shall be set to mutually accommodate both the Board Member and the accused but must be within 30 days. If the accused desires to appear before the Board, the Complaintant must also be advised that he/she may also attend the hearing or he/she may be sent a transcript of the hearing. The final decision lies with the Independent Arbitration Board and must be resolved no later than 60 days from the time charges were first filed and the final decision is rendered.

The Independent Arbitration Board may set the sentence should be accused be found guilty. The sentence may vary from suspension from all privileges of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America for a limited time set by the Arbitration Board to recommended expulsion from the club.

d. No ex-member of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America who resigned from membership while charges were either in the process of being filed, having been filed alleging misconduct and/or violations of our ByLaws, or having been found guilty of a charge made against him/her may reapply for membership for a minimum period of three (3) years following the resignation.

Section 4 - Expulsion

Expulsion of a member from the Club may be accomplished following an Independent Arbitration Board hearing upon their recommendation. Such proceeding may occur at a regular or special meeting of the Combined Boards to be held within 60 days after the date of the Independent Arbitration Board's recommendation of expulsion. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his own behalf, though no further evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges and the Arbitration Board's findings and recommendation, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his own behalf. The Boards shall then vote by secret ballot on the proposed expulsion. A 2/3 vote of yea or nay with no abstentions by all the members of the combined Board of Governors and the Regional Representative's shall be necessary for expulsion of the accused. If expulsion is not so voted, any unexpired terms of suspension shall stand.

Article IX - WGSDCA SPECIALTY DOG SHOWS

Section 1 - Rules

All rules and regulations pertaining to WGSDCA Specialty Dog Shows, whether hosted by individuals, local member club, regional show, or a National Specialty, or any other sanctioned Championship Pointed Shows are set forth in the WGSDCA Rules Applying to Dog Shows.

Article X - AMENDMENTS

Section 1 - By Laws

a. By Laws of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America may not be amended for a period of less than every two years. Proposed Amendments must be made in writing and a copy presented to each member of the Combined Boards and Officers at least 30 days and not more than 60 days before a planned meeting. A ballot shall be distributed to all Board members, and the marked ballot from those not attending the meetings must be received in a manner set forth for amendments in the Standing rules. Amendments to the By Laws will be by two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of all combined Boards by ballot received by mail or electronic means or by two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of combined Board Members present at a planned meeting.

b. The Board of Governors may elect to have the entire membership in good standing with the WGSDCA and AKC and any other registry they may be affiliated with, vote on specific amendments. Particularly in those amendments which might affect the entire membership.

c. The Rules contained in Robert's Rules Of Order shall govern the society in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Standing Rules/Rules of order or By Laws of this White German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

Section 2 - Breed Standard

The White German Shepherd Dog Breed Standard as set forth by the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America may be only brought up for review every three (3) years. Amendments to this standard will be by ballot with two/thirds vote of the combined Boards.

Article XI - DISSOLUTION

The Club may be dissolved at anytime by the written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3rds) of the voting General Membership. In the event of the dissolution of the Club, except for the purposes of reorganization, whether voluntary or involuntary, or by operation of law, none of the property of the Club, nor proceeds thereof, nor any assets of the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America shall be distributed to any members of the Club.

After payment of the debts of the Club, its property and assets shall be given to a charitable, nonprofit organization for the benefit of dogs. This organization shall be selected by the Board of Governors.

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