Constitution and Bylaws

of the

SOUTH TEXAS WHEEL SPINNERS & CRANK TWISTERS

Branch #130

in compliance with the

Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Association, Inc.(Click)

ARTICLE I - NAME

South Texas Wheel Spinners and Crank Twisters (STWSCT) Antique Farm Equipment Club is a non-profit, non-stock organization founded in the State of Texas in 1998. The STWSCT is a Branch Member (Branch #130) of the national organization of the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Incorporated. The Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Incorporated (EDGE&TA) is a non-profit, non-stock organization incorporated in the State of Wisconsin in 1959. EDGE&TA consists of local Branches in six Regions of the United States. The Regions are Northeast, Southeast, North Central, South Central, Northwest, and Southwest.

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE

To promote collection, restoration, preservation, and exhibition of gasoline, oil, and steam engines, gasoline and steam tractors, power driven machinery, and other equipment of historical value. Further, to promote the fellowship of those with common interest and to carry on this fellowship and interest to our future generations. The STWSCT motto is 'Preserving Yesterday's Farming Heritage for Today's Youth.'

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Members:

a. Eligibility for membership is unrestricted.
b. The rights, privileges, and interests of each Member shall be equal.
c. A Member in good standing is one whose dues are current.
d. The period of membership shall be for one (1) year beginning at the First Meeting (February) of the forthcoming year with the exception being a Member joining after the February collection. Such Member shall be a Member until the end of that membership period.
e. All Showing Members shall participate in the EDGE&TA Liability Insurance Program, be listed on an EDGE&TA Branch Membership Roster, and have a valid Membership Card showing their Branch number.
f. Members only have to be reported to EDGE&TA by one (1) branch.
g. Membership shall be for individuals only. Company names or family group names are not acceptable.

a. New Member's dues and insurance premiums are due and payable to STWSCT & EDGE&TA within thirty (30) days of such Member joining.

a. Members renew their membership at the first official meeting of the forthcoming year or by the month of February of the forthcoming year.
b. Members renew their membership to EDGE&TA by renewing their branch membership.

a. A Member can be terminated because of non-payment of dues, unacceptable conduct and actions that harm the integrity of the STWSCT & EDGE&TA and/or the Members, and/or failure to comply with the Constitution and Bylaws of the STWSCT & EDGE&TA.
b. Termination of a Member shall be done by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Committee.
c. STWSCT reserves the right to terminate any Member only by the guidelines laid out in this Constitution and Bylaws.
d. The President shall notify a Member terminated by registered letter. The letter will state the date of termination, the reason for termination, and what course the Member may have for re-instatement.
e. After the third (3) termination, the Member is banned from the STWSCT for 10 years.
f. The EC can deny re-instatement at any time by a 2/3 vote.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EC)/ ADVISORS/CHAIRPERSONS

Section 1. Officers

a. The officers are:

(1) President
(2) Vice President
(3) Secretary/Treasurer
(4) Safety Officer

b. The Members shall elect the Officers by ballot or by proxy to the current Officers unless there is only one nomination per office, then by majority vote of the Members.
c. Officers shall serve a term of two (2) years, and/or until their successors are elected.
d. The remaining Officers and the EC shall fill a vacated Officers position by ballot Officers so elected shall serve only the un-expired term of such office.
e. Officers should be Members in good standing within the STWSCT and EDGE&TA.
f. Nominations may be made at the Election Meeting (First Meeting) or sent to the Officers prior to the Meeting.
g. Nominees have the right to accept or decline the nomination.
h. If there is no valid nomination for an Officer at Large position, the EC shall appoint a Member in good standing to serve until the next Meeting at which time the position will become vacant. i. Officers shall be elected/re-elected.
j. The number of terms an Officer may serve is unlimited.
k. There shall be a thirty (30) day transition between Officers.

a. The Executive Committee (EC) shall consist of seven (7) Members, which include the President, Vice President, and Secretary.
b. EC Members shall be elected by the STWSCT Membership at the annual Election Meeting (First Meeting) of the forthcoming year.
c. EC Members shall serve a term of two (2) years and/or until their successors are elected.
d. Remaining EC Members shall fill a vacated position by ballot. EC Members so elected shall serve only the un-expired term.
e. EC Members should be Members in good standing within the STWSCT and EDGE&TA.
f. Nominations may be made at the Election Meeting (First Meeting) or sent to the current Officers prior to the Meeting.
g. Nominees have the right to accept or decline the nomination.
h. If there is no valid nomination for an EC Member at Large position, the EC shall appoint a Member in good standing to serve until the next Meeting at which time the position will become vacant.
i. EC Members shall be elected/re-elected.
j. The number of terms an EC Member may serve is unlimited.

a. The EC may appoint Advisors as deemed necessary.

a. The EC may appoint a Chairperson to lead a committee or STWSCT event.

a. Officers may be removed from the position held, by a 2/3 vote of the EC, when in their judgment the best interest of the STWSCT will be served thereby.
b. Removal of an Officer shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Officer so removed. Election or appointment to an Officer position shall not of itself create contract rights.

a. EC Members may be removed from the position held, by a 2/3 vote of the EC, when in their judgment the best interest of the STWSCT will be served thereby.
b. Removal of an EC Member shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Member so removed. Election or appointment to an EC position shall not of itself create contract rights.

a. Advisors may be removed from the position held, by a 2/3 vote of the EC, when in their judgment the best interest of the STWSCT will be served thereby.
b. Removal of an Advisor shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Advisor so removed. Election or appointment to an Advisor position shall not of itself create contract rights.

a. Chairpersons may be removed from the position held, by a 2/3 vote of the EC, when in their judgment the best interest of the STWSCT will be served thereby.
b. Removal of a Chairperson shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Chairperson so removed. Election or appointment to a Chairperson position shall not of itself create contract rights.

a. The Officers, EC, Advisors, and Chairpersons shall serve without pay.
b. Officers, EC Members, Advisors, Chairpersons, and Members shall be reimbursed by request and approved by the Officers for expense services done directly for the STWSCT.

a. The EC shall approve capital or equipment expenditures exceeding $500.
b. STWSCT funds shall be deposited in a convenient bank.
c. The Officers shall approve checks for disbursement of normal operating expenses.
d. An annual audit of the STWSCT financial records shall be done at the First Meeting of the forthcoming year or soon there after by no fewer than three (3) Members of the STWSCT in good standing.

a. The EC may set policy pertaining to the operation of the STWSCT that is not covered by these Constitution and Bylaws.
b. No Officer, EC Member, Advisor, Chairperson, or Member shall enter into any contract or cause any work to be done for the STWSCT out of regular operating procedures without prior approval by the EC.

ARTICLE V - MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings

a. There shall be three (3) Regular Meetings of a Show Year.
b. Meetings shall be spaced evenly throughout the Show Year. Spacing being the First/Winter (February) and two (2) Additional, Summer (June) and Fall (September).
c. Officers are required to attend. The President may excuse absentees for cause.

a. The First Meeting of the forthcoming year (February Meeting) shall be the main business Meeting of the forthcoming year.
b. All official STWSCT and Show business of the forthcoming year shall be addressed.
c. STWSCT dues shall be approved for the forthcoming year and collection of STWSCT and EDGE&TA dues and insurance premiums shall begin.
d. Any offices that are vacant shall be filled.
e. In an election year, elections should take place with the newly elected Officers taking over after the Meeting is adjourned.
f. Officers are required to attend. The President may excuse absentees for cause.

a. Business that arises throughout the Show Year is to be addressed and action taken as deemed necessary.

a. Special Meetings may be called by the President, or by a petition of 2/3 of the Members.
b. A notice shall be provided to each member not later than fifteen (15) days prior to such Meeting. The notice shall state the time, date, location, and purpose of the Meeting.
c. No business, other than stated in the notice, may be transacted at a Special Meeting.
d. Officers are required to attend. The President may excuse absentees for cause.

a. A quorum for an EC Meeting shall be five (5).
b. EC Meetings may be called by the President, or by a majority of the EC Members, at such times as the necessity may arise.
c. A notice shall be provided not less than ten (10) days prior to the Meeting.
d. EC Members and Officers shall advise the President when they cannot attend. EC Members and Officers may be excused by the President for cause.
e. EC Members absent shall have no vote.
f. EC Meetings may be conducted via telephone conference call.

ARTICLE VI - DUES AND INSURANCE

Section 1. Annual Dues and Insurance:

a. Annual dues may be changed only by a vote by the Members at the First Meeting of the forthcoming year or at a Special Meeting called for that purpose.
b. Dues shall be the same for all Members.
c. EDGE&TA shall provide liability insurance coverage to all Showing Members.
d. The liability insurance coverage and insurance costs is subject to change by EDGE&TA only.

a. Dues and insurance premiums are payable to the STWSCT annually.
b. Annual renewal of dues and insurance premiums for each Member are due to the STWSCT at the First Meeting or by the month of February for the forthcoming year.
c. Dues and insurance premiums will not be prorated for part of a year.
d. With the payment of the annual dues and insurance premiums, a membership roster and a list of Officers shall be submitted to EDGE&TA.

a. Non-payment of dues and insurance premiums by April 1st of the forthcoming year shall result in termination from the membership of the STWSCT and EDGE&TA.
b. Complete termination may not begin until after the June Meeting.
c. Non-paying Members may remain on the list only by a majority vote of the EC. At such time, the payment of the EDGE&TA dues and insurance premiums may be withdrawn from the STWSCT account.
d. A non-paying Member may only remain on the list for one (1) year after the discretion of the EC. Without payment for the second year, the Member shall be automatically terminated.

ARTICLE VII - VOTING PROCEDURES

a. In matters requiring a vote, each Member shall have one (1) vote.
b. Members voting at a meeting may be representative present to cast the vote, or vote by proxy to an Officer if the matter is previously known.
c. Matters requiring a vote shall require a majority vote, either in person or by proxy.
d. Issues at the EC Meetings shall be decided by a majority vote, with the exception of the removal of an Officer or an EC Member, which shall require a 2/3 vote, and a termination of a Member, which shall require a 2/3 vote.
e. All matters passed shall become effective immediately after the Meeting in which the votes were taken, with the exception of the Officers and the EC.

ARTICLE VIII - EDGE&TA BRANCH RESPONSIBILITIES

Section 1. Branches: (The STWSCT Club)

a. The STWSCT, as a member of, must maintain an administrative core of personnel responsible to communicate with EDGE&TA as is necessary to establish membership and maintain the Club and its Members in good standing.
b. The STWSCT shall maintain and submit an annual membership roster.
c. The STWSCT shall comply with the current EDGE&TA safety rules.
d. The STWSCT shall have a designated Safety Officer.

a. STWSCT Officers must be EDGE&TA Members in good standing.
b. Officers shall be submitted to EDGE&TA within 10 days of election to office.

a. STWSCT shall report all Branch-sponsored events in accordance to EDGE&TA guidelines to the Insurance Agent.
b. Information of reporting can be found in the Insurance Info. Section, Events Reporting Form of the EDGE&TA Web page (www.edgeta.org).

ARTICLE IX - SPONSORED SHOWS

a. To promote fellowship, interest, and learning among Members, Exhibitors, and the Public.
b. Shows shall be conducted in a positive manner equal to all Exhibitors.
c. Members and Exhibitors shall respect and comply with the Rules and decisions of the STWSCT and EDGE&TA.

ARTICLE X - SAFETY

Section 1. Rules & Requirements

a. EDGE&TA shall provide Safety Rules and information for the STWSCT.
b. The Safety Rules are the basic and minimum safety requirements of EDGE&TA and the National Liability Insurance Program.
c. The STWSCT may implement additional Safety Rules and/or policies provided they meet or exceed the requirements of the current published EDGE&TA Safety Rules.

a. The Safety Officer shall not have a vote in the EC.
b. The Safety Officer shall be up to date with all Safety Rules of the STWSCT & EDGE&TA.
c. The Safety Officer shall uphold the Rules at STWSCT Sponsored Shows.
d. Exhibitors shall respect the decisions of the Safety Officer.

ARTICLE XI - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

a. The parliamentary procedures in Robert's Rules of Order, The Modern Edition, shall govern in all cases unless otherwise stated in these Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE XII - AMMENDMENTS

a. The EC shall adopt the initial bylaws of the STWSCT.
b. Thereafter, the Members or the EC may adopt bylaws, but no bylaw adopted by the Members shall be amended by the EC, unless the Members shall have conferred such authority upon the EC.
c. Bylaws adopted by the EC shall be subject to amendment or repeal by the Members as well as by the EC.

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Early Day Gas Engine & Tractor Assn.

(Section 1 and 2)

SAFETY RULES FOR ALL EDGE&TA SANCTIONED ACTIVITIES

EDGE&TA BRANCH SAFETY OFFICERS, EDGE&TA NATIONAL SAFETY OFFICERS, AND EDGE&TA NATIONAL INSURANCE ADVISOR ARE AUTHORIZED TO SHUT DOWN ANYONE FOR UNSAFE OPERATION.

SECTION II: GASOLINE, KEROSENE, DIESEL AND PROPANE TRACTORS Revised on (April 6, 2005)

Every participant in EDGE&TA reported events MUST be a member of an EDGE&TA branch.

No set of rules, regulations or cautions can prevent a disaster. We must, however, take these safety rules seriously. Our individual awareness and adherence to both required and desired rules will greatly increase the safety of our exhibitors and the public who attend our sanctioned activities.

SHOW GROUNDS IN GENERAL

Required:
1. Fire extinguishers distributed around the show grounds and Fire Department Equipment in attendance if possible. If Fire Department equipment is not available at least notify the local Fire Department of the event.
2. Persons with First Aid skills and CPR training in attendance.
3. Fuel Spill Contamination clean up kit, consisting of cat litter, shovel, and container w/lid for contaminated soil or cat litter.
4. Designated loading/unloading area for all equipment. If possible have a loading/unloading ramp for large tractors and equipment. Be sure that what ever means of loading/unloading are used it is done safely.
5. Designated parking area for exhibitor vehicles and equipment separate from the public parking area.

SET UP ASPECTS

Establishing requirements for the aspect of our activities is nearly impossible, yet this is where some of the greatest danger lies in terms of injury to ourselves and our friends. Extreme caution is urged. Take nothing for granted. A few requirements are listed below;
1. Only forklift owners or their authorized operators shall operate forklifts.
2. The forklift operator is the boss! Follow his instructions.
3. The owner of the equipment shall assist the forklift operator in loading/unloading and moving or placing his equipment.
4. A third person shall accompany the forklift, keeping the public at a safe distance from the moving equipment.
5. Be sure equipment is securely on the forklift before moving it.
6. Stay well away from the forks and to the side of the lift at all times.
7. Look in the direction of movement to make sure the area is clear.
8. Do nothing that would require the forklift operator to stop suddenly.
9. Concentrate on the job being accomplished.

SECTION I

STATIONARY ENGINES & EQUIPMENT DISPLAYS

Required:
1. Double rope stanchions separating the displayed items from the public by a minimum of three (3) feet. For a drawing, Click Here !
2. Occupancy of the display area shall be at the discretion of the exhibitor/owner and the Activity Safety Officer.
3. Person attending engines and equipment to be in control at all times.
4. Running engines or equipment shall not be left unattended.
5. Safety Officer has the right to shut down any engine running unattended.
6. Fuel will be stored in closed containers at least six (6) feet away from nearest running engine.
7. Exhibits with running engines will be required to have easy access to a fire extinguisher located away from stored fuel containers.
8. All engines and equipment will have sufficient spacing to allow the operator easy access to all items and a safe operating distance shall be maintained at all times.
9. All exhibits on wheels parked on unleveled area shall have the wheels blocked to prevent them from rolling.
10. Clutter-free exhibit area.
11. All oil or fuel leaks should have a flat tray containing a non-flamable material such as cat litter to catch any leaking fluid.
12. NO ALCOHOL is to be consumed or served in the exhibit area.

Desired:
1. Plastic mesh barrier from lower rope to ground to prevent small children from ducking under the barrier.
2. Exhaust directed up and away from viewing public.
3. Belts parallel to viewing public.
4. First Aid kit on hand at all times.

SECTION II

GASOLINE, KEROSENE, DIESEL AND PROPANE TRACTORS

1. Area Coordinator will determine placement of tractors.
2. Owners or authorized operators must be in attendance while a tractor’s engine is running.
3. Displaying antique farm tractors or any other antique farm equipment at a branch show has no age limit, however this does not allow a person to drive a tractor at a branch show, in a parade or on a public road (as permitted), unless that driver has a valid drivers license (No Learner’s Permit) to operate a motor vehicle in the state that the driver resides in, or that driver has completed the EDGE&TA Youth Driver Training Program, passed the Youth Driver Training Test and has a Youth Driver Training Certification Card in their possession. The driver/exhibitor must be a current member of EDGE&TA.
4. All EDGE&TA branches are encouraged to participate in the EDGE&TA Youth Driver Training/Certification Program for all the EDGE&TA members, who are less than the legal driver age required to hold a drivers license in the state they reside in. This will allow the younger members to participate in EDGE&TA sponsored shows, events, and parades until they become a licensed driver.
5. Lawn/garden tractors driven at a branch show, in a parade, or on a public road (as permitted), the age of the driver applies as stated in the lawn/garden tractor pull rules and regulations. See Section IV of the lawn/garden tractor pull rules for the eligible size of a lawn/garden tractor. The driver must be a current member of EDGE&TA.
6. There should be only one (1) person on a tractor when moving unless there are provisions for others and these provisions meet the Safety Officers approval.
7. Tractors with spade lugs or tracks are to be moved or operated only in areas designated by Area Coordinator.
8. All tractors shall have a kill switch or device accessible to the operator or have someone in the seat to control the tractor while demonstrating any tractor-powered equipment, i.e. threshing machines, balers and saws.
9. All tractor demonstrations should have a rope or other barrier between the demonstration and the public.
10. All tractors shall have a kill switch or device accessible to the operator when moving around the public.
11. There should be a second person to observe the public and act as a safety person while moving large tractors or tractors with restricted view around the public.
12. All tractors should have good working brakes if so equipped.
13. All tractors should have good parking brakes if so equipped and/or wheel blocks when parked for display.
14. Never leave a tractor in gear when parked. (This will prevent someone from accidentally starting the tractor and running over themselves, others or other equipment.)
15. Use extreme care when fueling any tractor. Kill the engine.
16. All oil or fuel leaks should have a flat tray containing a non-flamable material such as cat litter to catch any leaking fluid.
17. Display areas should be kept free of debris.
18. The Safety Officers, Branch or EDGE&TA, including the EDGE&TA insurance advisor, may shut down anyone for unsafe operation.
19. NO ALCOHOL is to be consumed or served in the tractor area or while operating equipment.