Bylaws of the Washington Blue Rifles

It shall be the object of this organization to participate in competitive firing of military firearms of the American Civil War period and to foster a public interest in the military ( recommend changing “military” to “Civil War”) history of the United States.
It shall also be the object of this organization to encourage organized rifle and pistol shooting among the residents of our community, with a view toward a better knowledge on the part of such residents of the safe handle and proper care of firearms, as well as improved marksmanship. It shall be our further object and purpose to forward the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team play and self-reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship and the foundation of true patriotism.

Article III – Membership

Any resident of the United States, 15 years of age or over, may become a member of this organization upon a majority vote by secret ballot of the membership at a regular meeting after complying with the membership induction procedures outline by Article III (c). ( I do not recall anyone inducted in the WBR that has complied with the procedures of article III (c). Our options are: a. to leave as is and continue status quo; b. Enforce compliance by all concerned which is my recommendation or c. Streamline the procedures based on recommendations from the Recruit Instructor.)
Classes of Membership
1. Active members are those members who have completed recruit member(ship) requirements, and payment of required dues. They shall be entitled to all rights and privileges of this organization.
2. Recruit members (We often refer this class of membership as probationary but recommend we keep it as the recruit membership) are newly elected members who shall serve a one year probationary period as prescribed by Article III (c). (We do not follow these requirements). Recruit members are entitled to all rights and privileges of this organization except as prescribed by Article VI, paragraph (a) & Article XI, paragraph (b).
3. Junior members shall be the minor children of any active member. The ages for such membership shall be not less than 15 nor (or) more than 18. These members will enjoy all rights and privileges of this organization except that they may not vote.
4. Reserve members shall be previously enrolled active members with at least two years “active” service who desire to continue their affiliation with this organization. They shall have no vote and may not participate in any N-SSA shooting program while in this category of membership. Such “reserve” status must first be approved by the executive committee. Reserve members shall receive the Washington Blue Rifles’ newsletter, The Potomac Bugle.”
5. Honorary membership may be granted by majority vote of the members to any individual, based on outstanding service to the WBR or N-SSA. Honorary members shall have the same rights and privileges as a reserve member, except payment of dues not required.
Induction of New Members.
1. Any member of the WBR, when approached by a person who indicates an interest in membership in the organization, will advise that person to write a letter to the Secretary expressing his interest in the organization and his desire for more information. (It is most important at the outset to emphasize that the expression of interest must be in writing and must be addressed to the Secretary before any action on the part of the WBR will follow.)
2. Upon receipt of the applicant’s letter, the Secretary shall mail (to the applicant) an application package consisting of three items:
  1. The explanatory letter (What is this?)
  2. The application form to be completed by the applicant, and
  3. Membership approval procedures and notification of fee to be submitted with the application.
3. The applicant, may after such consideration and inquiry as he or she may wish, may submit the application blank,(recommend deleting “blank”) properly filled out, but without endorsements, together with a remittance to cover the first year’s WBR dues if elected to Recruit membership. The dues for recruit members shall be the same as the dues for an active member. Can WBR dues be apportioned if the applicant joins in the middle of the year?
4. Upon receipt of the application and remittance, the Secretary shall advise the President, who will appoint two sponsoring WBR members to assist the recruit in preparing for Recruit membership approval. Normally, the sponsoring members will consist of individuals who are known by the applicant. Otherwise, the members will consist of the squad leader or member most advantageously located with respect to the applicant’s house, and another member at the President’s discretion.
5. The sponsoring members will have a period of 30 days in which to contact the applicant, and make such other inquiries and investigations as they deem proper, and then report to the President affirmatively by endorsing the application blank (form)or negatively by declining to endorse it.
6. If a negative report is received from the sponsors, the applicant shall be advised and his fee deposit is returned. If the sponsoring members endorse the application, it is placed before the membership at the next meeting for a vote. If at least two members present request, *should we just deleted the first part of this sentence?) the vote shall be by secret ballot. If the majority of members present vote to accept the applicant for membership the full N-SSA and WBR dues must be promptly paid.
7. If a nay vote is returned, the applicant shall be so advised and his dues deposit (delete “deposit”)
8. If a yes vote is returned, the applicant is elected (as a Recruit member to serve as a one year probationary period). A Recruit member must during the probationary period complete the following:
  1. Equip himself properly (Reword to start sentence to read: Obtain Proper equipment to pass inspection by the Ordnance Inspector.
  2. Successfully complete recruit instruction;
  3. Participate in qualifications firing; and
  4. Show an acceptable amount of participation in other WBR activities.

Items (a) and (b) must be completed before a Recruit member will be permitted to fire in a skirmish.

At the next membership meeting following the applicant’s first year, a vote is taken which may result in one of three outcomes:
1. His/Her Recruit membership is revoked;
2. His Recruit membership is continued for an additional year; or
3. He is elected to Active membership.
Previous WBR members who have maintained a continuous reserve or honorary status, may be reinstated without complying with the above recruit procedures. These members can be approved to active membership by payment of dues and approval by the executive committee.
Previous WBR members who have become inactive, must comply with the above procedures to obtain WBR membership.

Article IV – Dues

Annual membership dues shall be determined by the membership entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Annual dues for Junior and Reserve membership shall be 25% of annual active dues.
Assessments for expenses may be voted by the membership entitled to vote at any regular or special meeting. Junior and reserve membership assessments shall be 25% of the assessment voted.
All active and recruit members shall also pay into the treasury a sufficient amount to pay this organization’s dues to the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. as determined by that organization by November 15 of the year preceding that for which the dues apply.
Reserve members may also pay into the treasury for N-SSA dues if they desire to receive publications of the N-SSA, but they will not be permitted to participate in N-SSA shooting programs while in this category of membership.
A junior member shall pay into the treasury for N-SSA dues if his parent is an active member of this organization.
Any member who fails to pay N-SSA or WBR membership dues by November 15 following the annual meeting of this organization shall automatically cease to be a member of this organization.
Any former member dropped for non-payment of dues may, upon payment in full (including penalties), be reinstated by the Executive Committee or he/she may apply for membership as defined in Article III.

Article V – Meetings

The annual meeting of this organization shall be held in early October each year, preferably during the Fall National Skirmish. At this meeting the membership shall elect officers and determine WBR dues for the subsequent year. If the annual meeting shall (does) not take place during the Fall National Skirmish, or within a reasonable time thereafter, the officers shall hold over until their successors shall have been elected.
Regular meetings of this organization for the transaction of ordinary business shall be held at the Spring and Fall Potomac and National Skirmishes. The Executive Committee may hold regular business meetings at such other times and places as they deem necessary and shall make a good faith effort to publicise (Publicize-Correct spelling)such meetings to the general membership. It is deemed sufficient notice to the membership if a regular meeting is held at a skirmish in which at least two WBR musket teams participate.
A special meeting of this organization may be held at any time upon the call of the President or upon the call of the Executive Committee, or upon demand in writing (or e-mail receipt) to the Secretary stating the object of the proposed meeting, and signed (or e-mail sent to the Secretary or President) by not less than 20% of the members or e-mail entitled to vote or e-mail receipt given to the Secretary or President. Notice of the time, place and object of any special meeting shall be given all officers and members in good standing in writing by United States mail not less than seven days prior to the date fixed for the holding of the meeting. The place of such special meeting shall be fixed by the Executive Committee.
One-fourth (1/4) of the members of this organization entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at any meeting.

Article VI – Officers

The officers of this organization shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Quarter-Master, Ordnance Inspector, Recruit-Instructor, and Historian who, acting together, shall constitute the Executive Committee. If the President is a newly elected President, then the Executive Committee shall consist of the previous President and shall serve for a period of one year as a member of the executive committee. /The officers shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot of the members in good standing present at the annual meeting of this organization. They shall hold office for one year or until their successors are elected or they be re-elected. Only “active” members in good standing may be elected to office.
The Executive Committee shall have general supervision and control of all activities of this organization except those set forth in these by-laws.
Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held regularly at such time and place as the President may determine. Special meetings may be held at any time on the call of the President or on demand, in writing (or e-mail) to the Secretary, by two members of the Committee. Executive Committee meetings must be held not less than once every (six)
Four members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote shall rule. In case of a tie vote the motion shall fail or alternately the tie may be broken by the President if his vote was not included as part of the tie vote.
Resignation of any officer may be accepted by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Executive Committee.
A vacancy in the Executive Committee may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Committee. However, if more than one vacancy exists, a special meeting of this organization shall be called and new officers shall be elected to fill the vacancies until the date of the next annual meeting as provided in Article V, (a).

Article VII – Duties of Officers

The President shall preside at all meetings of this organization and of the Executive Committee. He shall be a member ex-officio of all regular and special committees, and shall perform all such other duties as usually pertain to his office.
Vice-President. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his absence or at his request. He shall be responsible for the team’s bivouac area and for supervising the firing of prescribed qualification courses – maintaining and posting, etc., individual scores to the President and Secretary. The Vice-President shall submit a proposed qualification course for approval by the executive committee.
The Secretary shall conduct all official correspondence pertaining to the proper preparation and forwarding of all reports required of the WBR by the National Rifle Association (any required?) and the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. He shall notify the members of the Executive Committee of all meetings and shall notify all members of this organization of special, relguar (regular) and annual meetings, as required in Article V. He shall keep a true record of all meetings of the Executive Committee and of this organization. He shall have the custody of the books and papers of the organization, except the Treasurers books of account and historical documentation that are part of the WBR History.. All applications for membership in this organization shall be made to the Secretary. He shall be responsible for the reaffiliating this organization annually with the National Rifle Association (is this applicable today) and the North-South Skirmish Association. He shall also be responsible for obtaining adequate liability insurance for this organization, as approved by the Executive Committee. Should we address the WBR website, roster, qualification postings, etc.)
The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of this organization and place the same in such bank or banks as may be approved by the Executive Committee. Such money shall only be withdrawn by check signed by the Treasurer and for the payment of such bills as shall have been approved by the Executive Committee. The Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all his transactions and render a detailed report with vouchers at any meeting of the Executive Committee when requested. The Treasurer shall prepare and present an annual end of the year financial report to the executive committee for approval`. Once approved the financial report shall be sent to the membership after the first of each year or when requested by the President. ) Note: The annual meeting is held in October and a complete annual financial report cannot be prepared.
Recruit Instructor. The Recruit Instructor shall have charge of all instruction programs as approved by the Executive Committee with authority to appoint as many assistants as he deems necessary. He shall contract no bills without the authorization of the Executive Committee.(why is this limited to the Recruit Instructor) He shall certify the readiness of all recruits prior to their firing in a skirmish with regard to proper safety procedures, uniform equipment and accoutrements. He shall also serve as Chief Safety Officer at all team shoots, and be responsible for the safe firing procedures of the organization.
Quarter-Master. The Quarter-Master will act as custodian of all WBR property. He will establish an inventory control to maintain an accurate account and keep the Executive Committee informed of any and all changes of account. He will be empowered to seek and purchase, whenever possible, and at the best prices, such supplies in bulk as are required by the membership.
Ordnance Inspector. The Ordnance Inspector shall be authorized to inspect and approve, or disapprove, all weapons, accoutrements, and uniforms for use in competition, ceremonies, or otherwise by members of this organization in accordance with Article X of these By-Laws, and in keeping with the most recent Skirmish Rules of the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc.
The WBR Historian shall be responsible for recording the annual events and activities of the WBR and prepare and present the account into the WBR History records at the end of the calendar year. He will have custody of the WBR historical documents, trophies, and film, maintain a WBR archive of historical documents, films, video, pictures, and conduct research to continuously document the WBR’s history since its founding in 1950. He will make a progress report to the membership at its annual meeting. (Delete and substitute: He/She will prepare the annual WBR History report and have it posted on the WBR website prior to the Spring Potomac Regional Skirmish.)
Specific duties of the officers as defined above may be assigned to other active members when approved by the Executive Committee.

Article VIII – Squads (We don’t do this anymore. Probably overtaken by the internet/e-mail)

For administrative and communication purposes, this organization will be divided into squads. This shall be done by the Executive Committee by March 15 following the annual meeting. The Executive Committee shall also appoint a leader for each squad.
The Executive Committee will assign new members to existing squads throughout the year.
Each squad shall consist of approximately 9 but not less than 5 members of all classes of membership. The Executive Committee shall have the power to create additional squads or combine existing squads.
It shall be the duty of each squad leader to inform members of his squad within a reasonable length of time of all matters requested by any member of the Executive Committee.

Article IX – Non-Commissioned Officers Insignia

Elected officers of this organization may wear, during their term of office the following insignia:
1. President – Sergeant-Major
2. Vice-President – First-Sergeant
3. Secretary – Sergeant
4. Treasurer – Sergeant
5. Recruit-Instructor – Sergeant
6. Quarter-Master – Quartermaster-Sergeant
7. Ordnance Inspector – Ordnance Sergeant
8. Historian –Brigadier General
Squad leaders as defined in Article VIII (a), shall wear the insignia of a Corporal.(Delete?)
In recognition of services to this organization, the membership may vote permanent or temporary non-commissioned officer status to any member, past or present. (don’t believe we have every done this)
A past or present member, who has been previously voted permanent non-commissioned officer status, is continued in this category.

Article X – Uniforms

The official uniform of the Washington Blue Rifles shall be that of the United States Infantry as defined by “Revised Regulations for the U.S. Army 1861,” except that uniforms may be modified in accordance with rules of the North-South Skirmish Association to conform with those uniform regulations as defined in the WBR Manual
(Do we have an official or published WBR Manual? We need an official one as the by-laws now state that we must have uniforms that comply with Civil War period regulations and the N-SSA rules.

Article XI – Qualifications and Company-Team Shooting

Qualifications for company-team position shall be held at least once a year. If more qualifications are desired, the Executive Committee must vote (approve) on this at a regular or special meeting. The course for qualification shall be prescribed by the Executive Committee, and conducted under the supervision of the Vice-President. The final tam positions for each skirmish shall be determined by the Executive Committee based on qualifications, participation, experience and past skirmish performance.
(Spelling) Recruit members, after certification by the Recruit Instructor as to approved weapon, proper handling and complete uniform and accoutrement, shall for the first six months of the probationary period shoot on the lowest team entered in all skirmishes; except that recruit members with at least two years of membership and participation on any N-SSA tam may shoot on the highest WBR team for which they qualify.
The senior member of the Executive Committee shall appoint a Company Team Captain for the administration of each team on the firing line.
No member may be removed from any company team for which he has qualified except for cause deemed sufficient. Such action shall be taken by the Team Captain and the senior member of the Executive Committee present.
This organization shall follow the principle that any active or junior member attending a skirmish is entitled to participate. However, priority shall be given to all members who have fired the qualification course, and who have complied with such pre-conditions and requirements as have been established by the Executive Committee. The senior member of the Executive Committee shall have the duty to see that this is enforced. If skirmish participation questionnaires are not returned, or notice given to the designated member of the Executive Committee by the specified time and date, it will be sufficient cause to disqualify any member from shooting in his qualified team position. However, nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a member from removing himself temporarily from a company team if he so desires.
Nothing in these By-Laws shall be so construed as to prevent this organization from allowing other members of N-SSA member organizations from shooting with the lowest company entered as defined by the rules of the N-SSA.
All company team members are expected to march on and off the field at a Skirmish, if this is part of the Skirmish program; however the senior member of the Executive Committee may excuse any member for reasonable cause.

Article XII – Publications

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to publish and distribute to the membership, copies of The Potomac Bugle. This publication should be issued on or before the first week of each month (when feasible but it is required to be submitted minimally every quarter,) Again, the internet helps with our communications) (The number of Bugles published has varied widely over the years) Upon approval of the Executive Committee, an assistant may be appointed to assist the Secretary in publishing the Potomac Bugle.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to issue an approved roster of members to the membership by April 1^st of each year.
It shall be the duty of the Secretary to issue an approved roster of officers and members to the N-SSA Secretary by December 1 for the following year.

Article XIII – North-South Skirmish Association Voting

This organization, being a member of the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc., is entitled to one vote in N-SSA matters. The President shall act as the delegate for this organization and shall vote in accordance with the desires of the membership. It shall be the duty of the President or the Secretary to inform the members of this organization of all N-SSA matters of which he is notified. The President shall have the authority to appoint an alternate in the event he is unable to attend N-SSA meetings.

Article XIV – Suspension or Expulsion

Any officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing present at any special meeting called for this purpose. No vote on suspension or removal may be taken unless at least fifteen days notice in writing shall have been given to the officer of the reasons for his removal and of the time and place of the special meeting at which such ballot on his removal is to be taken. At such special meeting the officer shall be given a full hearing.
Any member may be suspended or expelled from this organization for any cause deemed sufficient by the Executive Committee by a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members of the Executive Committee present at any regular or special meeting. No vote on suspension or expulsion may be taken unless at least fifteen days notice in writing shall have been given to the member of the charges preferred and of the time and place of the meeting of the Executive Committee at which such charges will be considered. At such meeting the member under charges will be accorded a full hearing.
Charges against any officer or member may be preferred by any member in good standing. They shall be in writing clearly stating the facts relied upon and accompanied by all affidavits or exhibits which are to be used in their support. Such charges shall be filed with the Secretary who will immediately notify the President. The President will call a meeting of the Executive Committee to hear the charges. The Secretary will give at least fifteen days’ notice of the meeting to each member of the Executive Committee and to the accuser and to the accused which notice shall be in writing and will include a true copy of the charges and of the supporting affidavits and exhibits.
Any member suspended or expelled by the Executive Committee may appeal to the full membership of this organization. Such appeal shall be made in writing to the Secretary who will notify the President. The President will call a special meeting of this organization for the purpose of acting on the appeal. The Secretary shall give at least fifteen days’ notice in writing to all members in good standing stating the date, time, place, and reason for such special meeting. At the meeting the Secretary will read the original charges, the supporting affidavits, and will read or display the accompanying exhibits, and will read the minutes of the special meeting of the Executive Committee at which the charges were heard and action taken. A full hearing will be given the accuser and the accused. A vote will be taken by ballot of the members in good standing present and a two-thirds vote shall be required to reverse the action of the Executive Committee.
Any official or member of this organization who has suspended or expelled by the National Rifle Association of America shall automatically stand suspended or expelled from this organization immediately upon receipt of official notice by the Secretary of this organization from the Secretary of the National Rifle Association. (delete or does this help with our insurance or any thing else)
The National Rifle Association shall be given a complete report whenever a member of this organization is suspended or expelled, showing charges and actions taken.

Article XV – Match Rules

All competitions held by the North-South Skirmish Association, Inc., in which this organization participates, shall be governed by the By-Laws and Skirmish rules of that organization.
All rifle and revolver or pistol competitions held by this organization will be governed by the rules and regulations laid down by the National Rifle Association of America, approved by the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and the Secretary of the Army. Scoring will be according to the rules of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association for muzzle loading arms. (delete?)

Article XVI – Amendments

Any proposed amendments to these By-Laws may be introduced by any member of this organization at any regular meeting or special meeting called for the purpose. Such proposed amendments must be submitted to the National Rifle Association for approval. After they have been approved by the NRA they must be acted upon by the membership at a regular meeting or special meeting called for the purpose, provided a copy of the approved amendments has been sent to each member by United States mail at least ten days previous to the Meeting. A two-thirds vote of the members present will be necessary to pass or reject it.

Past Bylaw Changes

Bylaws-1964 Download

Bylaw-Chngs-1977 Download

Bylaw-Chngs-1993 Download