ARTICLE 1 - NAME & OBJECTIVES

SECTION 1: Name. The name of the association is "American Dobermann Association", hereinafter called by the abbreviation "ADA."

SECTION 2: Objectives. The objectives of the American Dobermann Association are:

a. To promote and preserve the Dobermann breed as protection, family companion, and working dog, according to the FCI Standard.

b. To enhance the Dobermann breed by educating the general public, promote responsible breeding, and sponsor sport events.

c. To do all in its power and humility to protect and advance the interests of the Dobermann by encouraging sportsmanlike competition at ZTP (breed survey), specialty conformation shows, and working trials.

SECTION 3: Head Office. The head office of ADA is located in Snohomish, WA - USA. ADA's mailing address is P.O. Box 2231 - Snohomish, WA 98291-2231 USA.

SECTION 4: Status. ADA is a non profit organization incorporated in the state of Washington, USA. This means the association is not conducted or operated for profit, and no part of any profits or remainder or residue from dues or donations to the association should inure to the benefit of any member or individual, but should be utilized to further the purposes and activities of the association.

SECTION 5: The association can have contacts and relations with local, national, and international organizations for dog related study knowledge, and seminar purposes.

ARTICLE 2 - INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: Types of Membership. ADA is composed of four (4) types of memberships:

a. Full Membership. Open to all individuals eighteen, (18) years of age or older, who subscribe to the purposes of the association. Full members are provided with an official membership card and receive a subscription (if applicable) to the association's official publication, "Dobermann Friend." These members are entitled to vote, hold office, and benefit in all advantages of the association.

b. Family Membership. A family membership includes two (2) persons in a family as individual members of ADA with all rights and privileges as described in part "a" above. Each person is issued a separate membership card.

c. Junior Membership. This is open to persons under the age of eighteen (18) years who subscribe to the purposes of the association. Junior members are not entitled to vote or hold office, but will benefit from all other advantages of the association.

d. Honorary Membership. From time to time, as the association deems appropriate, a person or persons will be offered honorary membership. This is intended to honor a person or persons for an achievement or for a service to the association. Honorary members will be given a special membership card and will receive a subscription to the official publication. Honorary members will have all rights and privileges of membership, but will not vote or hold office.

SECTION 2: Rules for Individual Membership.

a. Dues. The Board of Directors will establish the amount of dues for all types of membership. Honorary members will be exempt from annual dues. Dues will be honored for one (1) year from the date of origin, and payable before or on the expiration date.

b. Eligibility. The Board of Directors shall approve a Membership Application Form containing (but not limited to) applicant's agreement to abide by the Association's Constitution and Bylaws, the name and address of the applicant. Members do not need to be residents of the United States.

SECTION 3: Termination. Membership may be terminated by:

a. Resignation. Any member of ADA may resign from the association at any time and will be deleted from the membership list. Resignations must be submitted to the Membership Secretary in writing. All dues are non-refundable.

b. Lapsing. A membership will be considered lapsing or automatically terminated if such member's dues remain unpaid after 30 days from the expiration date.

c. Expulsion. A membership may be terminated by expulsion as provided in Article 7, Section 5 of these Bylaws.

ARTICLE 3 - DIRECTORS & OFFICERS

SECTION 1: Board of Directors. The function and responsibility of the Board of Directors is to act as the governing body of the association. The Board maintains liaisons with the national and international organizations involved. The Board will establish policy and act on behalf of the club membership. The Board is responsible for selecting events as ZTP, shows, and trials, and for conducting such events. General Management of the association's affairs is entrusted to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of the association President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Technical Committee, which includes Director of Judges, National Breeder Warden, National Training & Working Director, Regional Directors, and such other officers that the association may require, as determined by the Board of Directors. The association President acts as chairman of the Board, presides over meetings of the Board, and carries out other duties as may be prescribed by these Constitution and By-Laws. Any vacancy that may occur on the Board of Directors is filled by special election of the membership.

SECTION 2: Officers. The Officers of ADA are those people who handle the official affairs of the association. Officers have a vote on Board of Directors. The Officers of the association shall be:
a. President
b. Vice President
c. Treasurer
d. Secretary
Technical Committee
e. Director of Judges
f. National Breeder Warden
g. National Training & Working Director
h. Regional Directors

SECTION 3: Terms of Office. All elected Officers shall have a term of office of three (3) years, and can be reelected. There is no limit of number of consecutive terms a person may hold office.

SECTION 4: Duties of Officers. Officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these constitution and bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by ADA.

a. President. The President is the Chief Executive Officer and legal head of the association. The president exercises supervision over the association and all its activities. The President represents ADA in public, presides at business meetings, and has the authority to appoint committees. The President may sign letters and documents necessary to carry out the will of the association. The President serves as chairman of the Board of Directors and shall be an advisory member of all committees except the Nominating Committee.

b. Vice President. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in case of his/her absence or incapacitation. The Vice President shall assume that office for the remainder of the term in the event the office is vacated for any reason. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

c. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be responsible for collecting, accounting for and handling all funds of the association. The Treasurer shall insure that all funds are deposited in such financial institution as the Board of Directors may designate. He/she shall see that disbursements there from are made as is necessary and proper to meet the just and due obligations of ADA. The Treasurer shall secure the services of a Certified Public Accountant to audit the accounts of ADA annually. This audit shall take place not more than ninety (90) days prior to the annual meeting of the General Board. The Treasurer shall present a financial report at every meeting of either Board of Directors, and at any other time as requested by the President or the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall make all of his/her records available at the General Board meeting for review by any full member of ADA. The Treasurer shall be responsible for overseeing the membership records. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

d. Secretary. The Secretary shall be responsible for taking and preparing accurate minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall maintain a complete file of the ordinances, bylaw revisions, resolutions and other official ADA action. The secretary shall maintain a file of committees and the members. The Secretary shall record all terms of office and inform the General Board when elections are due. During the meeting of the General Board, it shall be his/her duty to insure that only those persons with proper credentials be seated. The Secretary shall insure that only persons authorized to vote are allowed to vote and shall perform other duties as prescribed by the Board. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

e. Director of Judges. The Director of Judges shall be responsible for appointing Judges for each event ADA organizes. As a member of the Technical Committee, he/she shall promote activities and seminars to form and maintain high level judges. The Director of Judges shall be in charge of the annual Judges Forum Meeting, where the invited judges gather to share opinions and experience to create a uniformity of judgment for the breed. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

f. National Breeder Warden. The National Breeder Warden shall regulate the annual breeding activities. He/she shall present to the Board an annual report on the Dobermann breeding, which should highlight the different aspects necessary to better develop the Dobermann breed in the future. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

g. National Training & Working Director. The National Training & Working Director shall maintain connection with the local ADA clubs. He/she shall present to the Board an annual report on the Dobermann Training and Working activities of the year. The National Training & Working Director shall be responsible of continuously improving the quality of training and working of the Dobermann breed. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

h. Regional Directors. The Regional Directors shall reside within the region they represent and will insure geographic representation. They will assist in the development of new ADA local clubs, serves a liaisons to their respective regions, act as advisors for all regional events, and perform such other functions as prescribed by the Board. He/she also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5: Assistance. One or more persons may be appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Officers listed above in the performance of their duties, and in case of an unexpected vacancy.

ARTICLE 4 - VOTING, NOMINATION, & ELECTION

SECTION 1: Voting.

a. At all ADA meetings, voting shall be limited to voting members in good standing who are present at the meeting. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.

b. Local ADA Member Clubs in good standing shall be entitled to a single vote on issues presented at each ADA meeting. If not present at meeting, they are entitled to a vote by mail within maximum 10 days from the meeting date. The vote of a local ADA member club shall express the opinions of that club and be certified by the secretary of that club. The vote may be cast by a delegate representative member if such vote is certified by the member club secretary or by its board of directors.

SECTION 2: Nomination.

a. The Nomination Committee shall be chosen by the Board before January 31st of each year. The Committee shall include three members. One of the members shall be a member of the current Board of Directors, and shall serve as chairman of the Committee. The committee shall nominate a single slate of candidates for all officers, excluding the Regional Directors. It shall solicit recommendations, and shall request information from candidates, which will enable it to evaluate a person's experience, skills, and willingness to serve.

b. Candidates for officer positions may be nominated from: (1) the nomination committee, which shall make known its selections for Officers at the general Board of Directors meeting; (2) the floor, which shall be signed by twelve (12) members and accompanied by the written acceptance of each such additional nominee signifying her/his willingness to be a candidate. Additional Nomination of eligible members may be made by written petition addressed to the Secretary on or before March 25th.

c. To be eligible for election, a nominee or write in candidate must be a full member of ADA. He/she may not be under twenty-one (21) years old. He/she may not be under current disciplinary action.

SECTION 3: Elections.

a. The person receiving the largest number of votes for each position shall be elected and installed at the ADA annual meeting.

b. The voting shall by secret ballot only.

c. A ballot counting committee shall be appointed by the President, and shall determine the legality of the ballots cast, tabulate the results, and give them to the President, who shall announce the official results of the election.

d. If any nominee at the time of appointment of office is unable to serve for any reason, such nominee shall not be elected, and the vacancy so created shall be filled by the Board of Directors in manner provided by Art. 3, Section 5.

e. At any meeting the Board of Directors shall elect the Technical Committee (Director of Judges, National Breeder Warden, National Training & Working Director, and Regional Directors) appointed by the President. A majority of votes from the present members of the Board of Directors is required for election. Repeat balloting is required if no candidate receives the necessary majority.

ARTICLE 5 - REGIONS & REGIONAL DIRECTORS

SECTION 1: Regions.

a. The area served by ADA shall be divided into regions.

b. Regional boundaries may be altered or regions may be divided by: (1) request of the Regional Director; (2) request of a majority of full member clubs in the region; (3) decision of the Executive Board after a review of the changing needs of a region.

c. No regional boundary shall be altered without the approval of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2: Voting Rights of Regional Directors. Regional Directors are members of the Board of Directors and shall have right to one vote.

SECTION 3: Duties. ADA Regional Director shall be the regional representative of the association. The Regional Director shall assist in the development of ADA local clubs in the region and shall approve trial dates for all clubs in his/her region. The Regional Director shall forward requests for ADA judges to the Director of Judges. He/she may be assigned other duties as needed.

SECTION 4: Territory.

a. The territory over which each Regional Director shall have supervision shall be decided by the Board of Directors.

b. A Regional Director shall have authority in his/her region only. If circumstances dictate, the President or the Board of Directors may require a Regional Director to take responsibility for an area or an ADA local club outside of his/her own region.

SECTION 6: Nomination & Election of Regional Directors.

a. Candidates for the position of Regional Directors may be nominated by a Delegate from a full ADA local club in that particular region. All nominations must be seconded, and proposed to the ADA President. The nominee presented by the President must be approved by the Board of Directors.

b. To be nominated a candidate must receive a majority of the votes of all the ADA local clubs in good standing in the particular region.

SECTION 7: Assistant Regional Directors.

a. Each region shall nominate an Assistant Regional Director to assist the Regional Director in his/her duties. The eligibility requirements, nomination, election, and term of office shall be the same as for Regional Directors.

b. In the event the Regional Director resigns or is incapacitated the Assistant Regional Director shall assume the position of Regional Director for the remainder of the term.

c. If the Regional Director is unable to attend a meeting of either Board of Directors, the Assistant Regional Director may attend in his/her place and shall have a vote on either Board.

SECTION 8: Appealing a decision of a Regional Director.

Any Affiliated ADA local Club, Full ADA local Club, or individual member of the association in good standing can appeal the decision of the Regional Director or Assistant Regional Director to the Board of Directors. The appeal must be made in writing to the Secretary of the association. After consideration of the appeal and allowing the Regional Director or Assistant Regional Director to explain his/her position, the Board of Directors by majority vote can overrule the decision of a Regional Director.

ARTICLE 6 - ADA LOCAL CLUBS

SECTION 1: Objectives.

a. ADA Local Clubs shall be conducted as non profit organizations, and their activities shall be in full compliance with ADA's objectives to promote and preserve the Dobermann Breed as a protection, family-companion, and working dog, according to FCI Standard and ADA rules & regulations.

b. ADA Local Clubs are licensed by ADA to conduct events as ZTPs, CAC Shows, Trials, and other events authorized by ADA.

c. If in good standing an ADA Local Club may send a voting delegate to each ADA Board meeting.

d. To maintain its status and license, each ADA Local Club shall hold at least one sanctioned ADA event per calendar year, beginning January 1st of the year after the year in which the ADA Local Club is granted the official status.

e. By the end of every year, but no later than January 31st of the following year, ADA Local Clubs shall submit to the ADA Secretary an annual report on their local breeding and sport activities to improve the quality of the Dobermann Breed.

SECTION 2: Application.

a. To form an ADA Local Club, 10 or more ADA full members are necessary. Five of those ten need to have been ADA full members for at least the previous 12 months.

b. Each ADA Local Club shall adopt a set of Bylaws provided by the ADA Secretary and approved by the Board of Directors.

c. An annual fee determined by the Board of Directors shall be paid by each ADA Local Club.

d. At time of application, submit the followings:
- List of local club members including names and addresses
- Statement signed by two officers guaranteeing observance of the ADA Constitution, Bylaws, and ordinances
- List of local club officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Training Director)
- Letter of recommendation by Regional Director or Officer of Board

ARTICLE 7 - DISCIPLINE

SECTION 1: Suspension. Any ADA member who is suspended from the privileges of a recognized FCI Dog Club or Breed Association shall have his/her suspension reviewed by the ADA Board of Directors. The Board shall give notice to the member of its intent to convene a hearing for purpose of such a review, and shall conduct a hearing at which the member may appear in person or by sworn testimony, and the testimony of witnesses shall be taken either in person or by sworn statement. Following such hearing, if the member is found to have acted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the ADA, his/her membership may be suspended for a period of time as set by the Board after hearing.

SECTION 2: Charges. Any member may prefer charges against another member for alleged misconduct prejudicial to the best interest of the ADA. Each charge must be accompanied by a $100 deposit and must be filed with the Secretary along with written letter setting forth the details and nature of the charge, and sworn to before a notary public. The deposit(s) shall be forfeited for each charge which is not sustained.

The Secretary shall promptly send a copy of the charges to the accused party (by certified mail) and to each member of the Board or present them at the Board meeting. The accused may answer charges in writing to the Secretary within thirty (30) days of receipt, and may also provide testimony from witnesses. The Secretary shall forward copies of any answers and/or testimony to all members of the Board promptly upon receipt. If no answer is received, the Secretary shall inform the board within thirty (30) days. The Board must act within sixty (60) days of receiving the answer to the charges or the notification that no answer was forthcoming.

The Board shall consider whether the actions alleged in the charges, if proven, would constitute conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the ADA. If the Board does not consider the charges relevant, it may refuse to entertain jurisdiction.

If the Board entertains jurisdiction, it shall fix a date, time, and location of a hearing by the Board or a committee of not less than three (3) members of the Board, not less than three (3) weeks nor more than six (6) weeks thereafter. The Secretary shall promptly send notification of the hearing to the complainant and the defendant by certified mail, together with an assurance that the defendant may personally appear in his/her own defense and bring witnesses if he/she wishes.

SECTION 3: Hearings. Any hearing required or permitted by these laws in any arisen dispute or controversy shall be held within the State of Washington at such place as the Board of Directors shall designate. In all such hearings these Bylaws and the substantive law of the State of Washington shall control the rights of the parties. Each ADA local club member agrees, as a condition of ADA membership, to irrevocably submit to the jurisdiction of the State of Washington for the purpose of enforcing any decisions.

SECTION 4: Board Hearings. The Board or committee shall have complete authority to decide whether counsel may attend any hearing, but both complainant and defendant shall be treated uniformly in that regard.

If either party shall fail or refuse to appear and present or defend charges at the time and place designated for hearing without giving a reasonable excuse for such failure or refusal, the Board of Directors to which charges have been referred may suspend whichever party shall be so in default from the privileges of the Association for a period of six (6) months or until such time as the party so in default from shall be prepared to appear, ready and willing, to present or defend charges, as the case may be.

Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board or committee may, by a majority vote of those present, suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Association for a period of six (6) months or until such time as the party so in default shall be prepared to appear, ready and willing, to present or defend charges, as the case may be.

Should the charges be sustained after hearing all the evidence and testimony presented by complainant and defendant, the Board or committee may, by a majority vote of those present, suspend the defendant from all privileges of the Association for not more than six (6) months from the date of the hearing, or until the next Annual Meeting if that will occur after six (6) months. If the Board deems that punishment insufficient it may also recommend to the membership that the penalty be expulsion. In such case, the suspension shall not restrict the defendant's right to appear before his/her fellow members at the ensuing ADA meeting which considers the recommendation of the Board or committee. Immediately after the Board or committee has reached a decision its finding shall be put in written form and filed with the Secretary. The secretary, in turn, shall notify each of the parties of the decision and penalty, if any.

SECTION 5: Expulsion. Expulsion of a member from ADA may be accomplished only at the Annual Meeting of the Association, following a hearing and upon the recommendation of the Board or committee as provided in Section 4 of this Article. The defendant shall have the privilege of appearing in his/her own behalf though no evidence shall be taken at this meeting. The President shall read the charges, findings, and recommendations, and shall invite the defendant, if present, to speak in his/her own behalf. The members shall then vote by secret written ballot on the proposed expulsion. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at the Annual Meeting shall be necessary for expulsion. If expulsion in not so voted, the suspension shall stand.

ARTICLE 8 - AMENDMENTS

SECTION 1: Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the American Dobermann Association may be proposed by the Board of Directors or by written petition addressed to the Secretary, and signed by (20%) of the membership in good standing. The proposed amendments shall be promptly considered by the Board of Directors and sent to each ADA member for a vote within three (3) months of receipt from the Secretary. Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be made at any time, provided that a copy of the proposed amendment has been sent by the Secretary to each ADA member, along with a notice to vote for or against the action. This notice shall specify a date not less than thirty (30) days after the mailing date by the Secretary. The favorable vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members in good standing whose notices are returned within the time limit shall be required to effect any such amendments. The Board shall examine and record its conclusions in the ADA official publication, where reasons for whatever actions have been taken need to be included.

SECTION 2: Amendments to Rules and Regulations. The rules and regulations for any Association's events may be amended at any meeting of the Board of Directors. Such amendments may also be proposed by written petition of twenty percent (20%) of the membership in good standing, and shall be promptly considered by the Board. The Board shall examine and record its conclusions in the ADA official publication, where reasons for whatever actions have been taken need to be included.

ARTICLE 9 - DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1: Dissolution. The American Dobermann Association may be dissolved at any time by written consent of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the members. In the event of dissolution of the Association, whether voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of law, none of property, proceeds, and assets of the Association shall be distributed to any of its members. After payment of all debts and liabilities of the Association, its assets and properties shall be distributed to a recognized non profit organization chosen by the Board.

ARTICLE 10 - ORDER OF BUSINESS

SECTION 1: Order of Business. At all meetings of the association the order of business, so far as the meeting's nature shall permit, shall be as follows:
-Roll Call
-Reading of Minutes
-Report of President
-Report of Secretary
-Report of Treasurer
-Report of Technical Committee
-Election of Officers and Board (at Annual Meeting)
-Unfinished Business
-New Business
-Adjournment