The following document is to be adopted by the membership of the Toggenburg Ski Patrol to bring order and consistency to the affairs and functions of this organization. The Toggenburg Ski Patrol is a duly registered Patrol of the National Ski Patrol (NSP) and, as such, is guided by the rules, regulations, policies, and ideals of the by-laws of the NSP; a nonprofit federally chartered organization. The Toggenburg Ski Patrol by-laws were written in accordance with the National Ski Patrol’s bylaws as they are amended from time to time.
1.1 The official name of this organization shall be the Toggenburg Ski Patrol.
2.1 To promote safety in the sport of skiing in cooperation with NSPS (National Ski Patrol System), Toggenburg ski area management, Professional Ski Instructors of America, the American Ski Federation, and other groups devoted to the promotion of safety.
2.2 It should be understood that the members of this patrol are not limited to ski patrol activities at this area, and may be directed by area management to handle other duties.
2.3. To serve ski area management and skiing public as a trained and skilled rescue organization.
3.1 Membership is open to any skier who is currently registered with the National Ski Patrol System and fulfills additional membership requirements specified by the Patrol Leader subject to approval of the Board of Directors.
3.2 The Board of Directors also may approve members of three
(3) types:
a. Skiing candidates, who are preparing for skiing proficiency, toboggan handling, and Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) evaluations.
b. Auxiliary patrollers as defined by the National Ski Patrol Manual.
c. Medical Associates as defined by the National Ski Patrol Manual
4.1 An annual meeting of members shall be held prior to May 1. A time and place is to be determined by the Patrol Leader and stated in a written notice of meeting to be sent to each member at least (30) days prior to such annual meeting, at which time the members will elect officers and a Board of Directors and transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.
4.2 Other meetings may be called by the Patrol Leader upon due and timely notice to members.
4.3 Upon request of five (5) or more members, the Patrol Leader must call a special meeting of members within ten (10) days of such request.
4.4 The number of members present necessary to constitute a quorum will be calculated by taking 51 % of the total number of senior and local registered patrollers in good standing and rounding the result to the nearest whole number. Candidates and Medical Associates do not have voting privileges and are excluded from the voting procedures.
4.5 All elections shall be determined by secret ballot by a plurality vote and, except as otherwise provided, all other matters shall be determined by vote of a majority of members present and voting at such meetings.
4.6 Meetings will be conducted in keeping with these bylaws, and in cases of a procedural dispute, Roberts Rules of Order will prevail.
5.1 A member must have a current signed NSP card.
5.2 Members must: 1. be present for all duty shifts as scheduled by the Toggenburg Ski Patrol, or 2. be excused from such scheduled duty by the Patrol Leader or those designated by the Patrol Leader, or 3. secure a qualified replacement for their shift.
5.3 Members will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with good ski patrol practices, including but not limited to:
a. Regular attendance during scheduled duty hours and meetings.
b. Courteous and helpful attitude towards all.
c. Controlled skiing which reflects competent ski technique.
d. The Code of Ethics as outlined in the NSPS Ski Patroller’s Manual.
6.1 The Board of Directors of the Toggenburg Ski Patrol shall consist of a Patrol Leader, one (1) or two (2) Assistant Patrol Leader(s), Secretary, Treasurer, and two (2) Patrollers at Large.,
6.2 All officers shall have such authority and perform such duties as may be provided in these by-laws.
6.3 "Patrollers may serve in any of the positions described in section 6.1. Auxiliaries may not serve as Patrol Leader or Assistant Patrol Leader. Candidates and Medical Associates may not serve on the Board of Directors."
6.4 All officers shall be elected by the members and hold office for a term of two (2) years to commence on May 1 unless otherwise removed from office. One (1) Assistant Patrol Leader, Secretary, and Patroller at Large shall be elected in the odd years. The Patrol Leader, second Assistant Patrol Leader, Treasurer, and second Patroller at Large shall be elected in the even years.
6.5 Patrol Leader
a. Shall be responsible for implementing all written National, Division, Region, and Section Ski Patrol policies and requirements for the Toggenburg Ski Patrol.
b. Shall be directly responsible to the Patrol for general operation and supervision of Patrol policies within a framework approved by the Board of Directors.
c. Shall recommend to the Board of Directors policy changes as required.
d. Shall represent the Patrol in all dealings with area management.
e. Shall participate in Section, Region, and Division NSPS programs as appropriate for the benefit of the Toggenburg Ski Patrol
f. Shall assure the position of CHIEF OF HILL (COH) is filled for each ski shift.
g. Shall supervise other Patrol Officers in the performance of their duties.
h. Shall call special Patrol meetings as needed.
I. Shall carry out all other duties necessary for operation of the Patrol.
j. Shall with the concurrence of the Board of Directors appoint persons to carry out specific Patrol mandates, including training, etc.
k. Shall schedule an annual meeting in the spring prior to May 1.
l. Shall maintain a register of all members.
6.6 Assistant Patrol Leader(s)
a. Shall preside at all meetings and perform all Patrol Leader duties in the absence of the Patrol Leader.
b Shall maintain records recorded with NSPS with assistance of Patrol Leader.
c Shall assume office of Patrol Leader should that person become unable or ineligible to hold the Patrol Leader office prior to the next spring meeting.
d. Shall carry out other functions as requested by the Patrol Leader.
6.7 Secretary
a. Shall perform the duties of Secretary, including keeping minutes of meetings, sending notices of meetings, and other duties as Patrol Leader may prescribe.
6.8 Treasurer
a. Shall keep a record of finances and maintain a Toggenburg Ski Patrol bank account with a local bank.
b. Shall pay all bills incurred in regular operations and those extraordinary expenditures approved by the Board of Directors.
c. Shall be responsible for all Patrol funds.
d. Shall submit a treasurer’s report at each scheduled Patrol meeting.
6.9 Patrollers at Large
a. Shall represent all Patrollers and Auxiliaries on issues before the Board of Directors.
6.10 Elections
a. All elections of officers shall normally take place at the annual meeting from a slate prepared by the members of the Board of Directors (BOD) not up for reelection. Additional nominations may be made from the floor. Members may authorize a proxy by giving the designated BOD member prior notice that they will be unable to attend the annual meeting, the reason for the absence, and the name of the Board member authorized to serve as proxy.
a. In the event of a vacancy in any office other than Patrol Leader during an unexpired term, a special meeting of the members shall be called by the Patrol Leader, or any five (5) members, at which time successors will be elected to fill such office during such unexpired term.
7.1 The Board of Directors will meet at such times as may be designated by the Patrol Leader.
7.2 Five (5) voting members must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The vote of a majority of members present at the time of such vote shall be an act of the board, so long as a five (5) day notice of meeting was given.
7.3 Duties
a. To review and approve the qualifications for membership in the Toggenburg Ski Patrol those candidates whose skiing ability, first aid skills, attitude, and character best qualify them for such membership.
b. To review performance of registered members annually.
c. To have final authority for disciplinary action against a member (except elected Patrol Officers) of the Toggenburg Ski Patrol according to the procedures in 7.4.
d. To establish policy, periodically review policy, and approve recommendations of the Patrol Leader.
7.4 Disciplinary Action Against Members
a. Any member other than elected Patrol Officers may be expelled from the Toggenburg Ski Patrol under the following procedures:
b. A written recommendation for expulsion signed by either the Patrol Leader or any five members of the Toggenburg Ski Patrol stating specific reasons shall be presented to the Board of Directors.
c. The Board of Directors will meet as soon as possible thereafter with the individual concerned and present him/her with a copy of the recommendation for expulsion and conduct a hearing on all matters related to such recommendations in the presence of the individual. In the event the individual does not appear on reasonable notification, the Board of Directors may proceed in his/her absence.
d. The Board of Directors may determine one of the three following courses of action:
1). Allow the member to resign from Toggenburg Ski Patrol.
2). Expel the member from the Toggenburg Ski Patrol.
3). Reject the recommendation.
e. The Patrol Leader will notify the Section Chief in the event either 7.4,d.l or 7.4,d.2 occurs.
7.5 Disciplinary Action Against Officers
a. Officers may be expelled from office or the Patrol according to the procedure outlined in Article 7.4 provided the Board of Directors presents its recommendation and findings to the Patrol membership and expulsion is approved by at least a two-thirds (⅔) majority of the members voting by mail or at a meeting.
b. In the event of expulsion, the Board of Directors will notify the Section Chief.
c. Area management has the right to expel any officer at any time.
8.1.1 The By-Laws of the Toggenburg Patrol may be amended by two-thirds (⅔) of the Patrol members present and voting at a regular meeting. Amendments to the constitution must be presented in writing at least ten (10) days prior to a duly constituted meeting.
By-Laws approved: November 15, 2003