Our Bylaws
Our rules and bylaws keep Ridge Rifle Association safe, respectful, and well organized. Members can review the standards, responsibilities, and procedures that guide club activities and protect our shared range experience.
BY-LAWS OF THE RIDGE RIFLE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Revised 6-7-2018Revised 11.2019Revised 11.2020Revised 11.2021Revised 5.7.2022Revised 11.3.2022Revised 11.2.2023
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of the organization shall be the Ridge Rifle Association, Inc.
ARTICLE II (a): PURPOSE 1. To provide facilities, including land, buildings and other improvements to land for the members of the Ridge Rifle Association and to receive, hold and disburse the funds, including dues for the benefit of the Ridge Rifle Association. 2. To do all such other and further things as may be necessary or desirable in connection with the operation of itu2019s business; and to generally exercise all those powers granted to corporations under the laws of the State of Virginia.
ARTICLE II (b): MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Ridge Rifle Association (RRA) shall be to provide and maintain a safe environment for our members to enjoy recreational sport shooting activities. It shall further be our mission to educate and inform the public on practices of safe shooting including care, maintenance, storage and operation of all varieties of legal firearms. RRA will also support, sponsor and assist young people as well as inexperienced adults in efforts to instill in them an understanding of firearms safety and responsible firearms ownership. We must always strive to maintain a courteous relationship with our neighbors and our community and be diligent in supporting our 2nd Amendment rights through regular contact with our elected representatives.
ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP
A. RRA membership will be limited to 150 Regular and Associate members. B. Members must be citizens of the United States, 18 years of age or older, and must be members in good standing of the National Rifle Association. C. There shall be four (4) categories of membership: Regular, associate, honorary and senior. 1. Regular members are voting, stockholding members. They may hold office, serve on the Board of Directors, or as auditors, sponsor prospective members and submit by-law changes. a. In accordance with the long standing agreement with our neighbors who granted us u201cright of wayu201d for the power line, Ronald W. Young, Sr., Ronald W. Young, Jr., and James A. Young have permanent Special Honorary Membership (dues free) with the rights of regular members. 2. Associate members are nonvoting, non-stock holding members. They may not hold office, except as noted in Article V, B (1), serve on the Board of Directors, sponsor prospective members, nor submit by-law changes. 3. Honorary members pay no dues and shall have the same rights of associate members. The number of honorary members shall be limited to Seven (7). Any member may propose an individual who is not a member of RRA for u201cregularu201d honorary status. The request must be made in writing to any board member or officer and should include what value the candidate brings to RRA as an honorary member. The Board of Directors will evaluate the request and render a recommendation to the club u201cforu201d or u201cagainstu201d the proposal. The proposal will be voted upon at a regular meeting and require 2/3 affirmative to pass. Regular honorary members are not to be considered as permanent or perpetual and may be withdrawn by the same process as outlined for approval. 4. Senior Members must have been a member in good standing for at least 10 years, and meet a rule of 80. The rule of 80 will be the memberu2019s age plus their years of membership must equal 80. They must request in writing to the Board of Directors to become a Senior Member. Once approved by the Board of Directors, the senior member will retain all of the rights of a regular member, but pay a reduced amount for annual dues. The number of Senior Members will be limited to (20) E. New Members: 1. An applicant shall be sponsored by a regular member in good standing. 2. The applicant shall complete an application and submit it through the sponsoring regular member to the RRA Secretary. The RRA Secretary will forward the application to the Board of Directors. 3. Applications shall be reviewed and investigated by the Board of Directors. 4. Acceptance as an associate member shall be by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Two (2) u2018NOu2019 Votes are required to disqualify a new memberu2019s application. New members are required to take orientation training and safety training at RRA Range before the combinations to RRA facilities are given to the new member. 5. Associate members will serve a 24 month probationary period from the date of acceptance and shall pay the initiation fee and annual dues. It is the Associateu2019s responsibility to maintain and present to the Board of Directors a summary of their contributions to RRA at such time as it may be requested by the Board of Directors. Associate membership may be terminated without cause, by a 2/3 majority vote of the Directors present at a Board of Directors meeting. 6. At the end of the two year probationary period, at a regular meeting of RRA, the Board of Directors will present the associate member, in person, for acceptance as a regular member. 7. Voting for acceptance or rejection, as regular members will be accomplished by written ballot of the regular members. A 2/3 majority of regular members present and voting will constitute acceptance of the associate member to become a regular member. Associate members must be voted for acceptance or rejection within three regular scheduled meetings, or three months after the end of the 24 month probationary period, if they desire to become a regular member. Failure of the associate member to present their self and be voted on for acceptance or rejection within three months after notification will result in immediate termination of the associate membership. (Reasonable exception satisfactory to a majority of the Board of Directors considered.) a. Upon acceptance as a regular member, the individual shall be required to purchase one share of stock. b. If rejected for regular membership, associate membership shall be terminated. Initiation fees and dues are not refundable. 8. Former members who left RRA in good standing shall be allowed to rejoin the club, and are required to serve a 12 month probationary period as an associate member and meet the same requirements as a new member, including orientation. Former members rejoining shall only pay 50% of the current initiation fee. A stockholder in good standing will vouch for the member.
ARTICLE IV: ANNUAL DUES & MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS A. Dues shall be assessed and payable on a calendar year basis. Annual dues are payable by the FIRST DAY of each year, and no later than January 31st. B. Dues not received by January 31st. will result in member being dropped from membership, and his stock repurchased by the club. Initiation fees are not refundable. C. All members are required to provide a photo that clearly shows their head and shoulders for identification purposes. D. All members are required to be members of the NRA and provide proof that membership is valid at the time dues are paid or in the case of new associated, at the time they advance to Associate status. (No longer require NRA membership valid for the full calendar year.) E. All members are required to sign the Assumption of Risk form and Range Rules/Range Policy verification form. F. Members that fail to comply with the requirements of Article IV, A-E disqualify themselves from membership and will no longer be members of RRA.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
A. The officers of RRA shall be President, Vice-president, Secretary, Treasurer, and Range Officer. They shall be elected by a majority vote by ballot of the regular members present at the regularly scheduled November meeting of RRA each year, and shall hold office until their successors are elected. No offices may be combined. B. No member shall be elected an officer unless they have attended at least six (6) of the previous (11) regular meetings of RRA. The meeting in which the election is held is not to be considered one of the 6 required meetings. Terms of office commence on January 1 following the normal election cycle. B-1. In the event that any officer position goes without a volunteer to run for that position, the existing Board may allow an Associate Member with 12 months of membership and who otherwise meets the eligibility requirements above to run for that office. Election of an associate member in such a situation will also grant that Associate Member full regular member status. C. Any vacancy of offices which may occur during the year shall be filled at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the occurrence of such vacancy, in the same manner as described in Article V, Section A above.
ARTICLE VI: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
A. President: The President shall preside at all meetings of RRA, and shall perform all such other duties as usually pertain to that office. The President shall review the content of notices for RRA meetings and special events with the Secretary before being sent to the membership. The President will maintain the photo identification book of the membership. B. Vice-president: The Vice-president shall perform the duties of the President in his absence or at his request. The Vice-president shall be in charge of maintaining the file of membership applications, senior membership applications, waiting lists for membership. The Vice President will provide approved applicant forms and information to the Treasurer when an applicant is accepted for Associate Membership. C. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep full minutes of all meetings, maintain a current roll of membership, conduct all correspondence, maintain all official records (excepting financial). The Secretary shall also date and initial all membership applications to establish the order of receipt and submit applications to the Vice President. The Secretary shall maintain a record of all signed Member Assumption of Risk forms and Range Rules/Range Policy forms (dated October 7, 2021) The Secretary shall collect the signed Guest Assumption of Risk and Range Safety Rule forms from the drop box at the range and retain them by year signed. The Secretary shall maintain a list of members who have signed the Assumption of Risk and Range Rules/Range Policy forms. The Secretary is responsible for sending the monthly meeting notices and any special notices as may be required by either USPS or e-mail. A copy of the Treasureru2019s report, reflecting bank statement balances and expenditures must be included with the monthly meeting minutes. D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall receive all moneys paid into RRA and shall deposit same into an account in the name of RRA in such bank or financial institution as determined by the Board of Directors. All accounts held by RRA must be insured through FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), SIPC (Security Investor Protection Corporation) or the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration). Such money shall be withdrawn by check for such payments as are approved by the Board of Directors or the general membership, whichever is applicable. Such checks shall be signed by any two of the following officers: Treasurer, President or Vice-president. At the discretion of the Treasurer and approval by the Board of Directors automatic payments may be scheduled for regular monthly bills. Expenditures in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) must be pre approved by majority vote of the membership present at a regularly scheduled meeting or special meeting called for that purpose. For expenditures over $1,500 the vote shall be by paper ballot. He shall be responsible for the collection of dues, fees and stock purchase moneys, and shall keep an accurate account of all moneys received and disbursed. He shall turn over all moneys, books, papers and any other RRA property to his successor in office as soon as his successor is qualified. The Treasurer shall also maintain the application files of all members and maintain a current membership list and shall be responsible for filing the State Corporation Commission annual report and the IRS Form 990. The Treasurer will draft a proposed budget for the new calendar year by the February regular business meeting. The budget will include all projected income and all projected expenses. The budget should mirror the prior yearu2019s financial activity modified as may be necessary. The budget will be presented to the membership and modified pursuant to input from the membership. The final budget will be presented and approved by the membership prior to or during the March regular business meeting. E. Range Officer: The Range Officer shall have charge of all ranges of RRA, the printing of scorecards, the arranging of competitions and the conduct and procedures of all persons using the range. He or his designee shall conduct and supervise all firing during scheduled matches on the RRA range, and is responsible for requiring adherence to proper range procedures and rules. The Range Officer is responsible for the range safety orientation of all new Associate Members before they receive their membership cards and access to use the range. F. Each outgoing Officer shall make a calendar of items, events or billings to make the transition for incoming officers easier. G. Mail is to be picked up and opened by any officer except the Treasurer.
ARTICLE VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The Board of Directors shall consist of 9 regular members, which shall be the five elected officers, and four members-at-large. B. The four members-at-large shall be elected at the same meeting and in the same manner as the officers. C. The Board of Directors shall elect a Chairman at their first meeting. D. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors which may occur during the year shall be filled at the next regularly scheduled meeting following the occurrence of such vacancy, in the same manner as described in Article V, Section A above.
ARTICLE VIII: DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The Board of Directors is responsible for the safe and orderly operation of RRA. B. The Board of Directors is responsible for the fiscal operation of RRA. The Board of Directors will prepare a financial statement of all RRA assets and liabilities annually as soon after the close of the year as may be practical. C. The Board of Directors is responsible for the adjudication of offenses and discipline. D. In the event of an emergency the Board of Directors may retain an Attorney without prior approval of the Membership. E. In the interest of transparency the Board of Directors will report all votes, results, and read the minutes of the Board of Directors meetings at the next regular scheduled RRA meeting. F. The Board of Directors may temporarily modify Range Safety Rules to accommodate construction, hazardous and emergency situations or to enhance the safe and orderly operation of the range. The rule modifications will be presented to the membership for consideration and approval at the next scheduled general membership meeting. G. The Board of Directors will conduct a review of the Associate Membersu2019 contributions and participation at approximately 12 months into the probationary period. It should be done with the Associate and their sponsor participating. This review must be recorded and reported to the membership at the time the Associate is to be considered for full membership. This provision will only apply to those who become Associate Members after Jan. 1, 2022
ARTICLE IX: MEETINGS
A. Board of Directors: The annual Board of Directors meeting shall be held in the first month of each calendar year. B. Regular meetings: The monthly regular business meeting of RRA for transaction of ordinary business shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by the membership, the Board of Directors or the President. C. Special meetings: 1. A special meeting of RRA may be held at any time upon the call of the President. Notice of the time and place, as well as the purpose of such meeting shall be sent to all members in good standing in writing by U. S. Mail or electronic mail (e-mail) no less than seven (7) days prior to the date fixed for such meeting. 2. A special meeting of the Board of Directors may be held at any time upon the call of the Chairman of the Board of Directors. D. Quorum: 1. A quorum for any regular or special meeting of RRA membership shall consist of at least fifteen (15) regular members, at least two (2) of which must be officers. 2. A quorum for any meeting of the Board of Directors shall consist of at least five (5) directors. 3. Under a condition of a declared state of emergency by local, state or federal officials the quorum may be modified by majority consent of the the Board. All measured of business conducted under such conditions are subject to ratification by the membership as soon as the state of emergency ends. E. Meeting Procedure: Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all parliamentary actions during meetings and may be modified by the meeting moderator.
ARTICLE X: AUDITING COMMITTEE
At the regularly scheduled November meeting the President shall appoint two (2) regular members of RRA, neither of whom is an officer, to make a thorough audit of the financial records of the Treasurer. The audit must include the reporting of all club assets such as equipment, firearms, ammunition and other significant club property. They shall render their report to the membership at the February meeting. The regular members of the audit committee may solicit one or two associate members to assist with the audit.
ARTICLE XI: DISCIPLINE, EXPULSION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
A. Members may be disciplined or expelled from RRA for cause. Officers may be removed from office for cause. B. Any regular or associate member in good standing may proffer a charge against another member. This charge must be in writing, clearly stating the alleged offense. The written charges and any supporting documentation (hereinafter called the charge packet) shall be given to any Director. C. The notified Director shall immediately notify both the President and the Chairman of the Board of Directors and shall give the written charge packet to the RRA Secretary. D. The RRA Secretary shall give notice of the charges to the accused and provide him with a copy of the charge packet. E. The accused may provide a written response to the charges to the RRA Secretary. F. No sooner that fifteen days after the accused received the charge packet, the Board of Directors shall meet to review and adjudicate the charges based on the written charge packet and any written response. 1. The Board of Directors can further investigate the charges as they feel necessary. 2. The Board of Directors has the authority, on a 2/3 vote, to: a. Dismiss the charges as unfounded b. Reprimand the accused. c. Place the accused member on probation, under specific terms defined by the Board of Directors, for a period of up to 2 years. Members under probation will pay annual dues. d. Suspend the accusedu2019s membership for a period of up to 2 years. Members under suspension shall have no RRA privileges and shall not pay annual dues. e. Recommend to the full membership that the accused be removed from office or expelled from RRA as appropriate. 3. The Board of Directors shall present their decision, action or recommendation at the next regular meeting of RRA. G. The accused may appeal any decision of the Board of Directors to the members of RRA at the next regular meeting of RRA. H. Removal/Expulsion Hearing and vote 1. The original charges and the recommendation of the Board of Directors will be read at a regular meeting of RRA. 2. A full hearing of the charges will be held at the next regular meeting of RRA. At this hearing, the accused will have the right to question the accuser or witnesses, and to present a defense. 3. Expulsion from RRA or removal from office shall only be by a 2/3 majority of the regular members at a regular meeting of RRA. I. If the accused or accuser is a member of the Board of Directors, that person shall absent themselves from any meetings or votes held to consider the charges, unless requested to present evidence. J. A member accused of a crime that may restrict their Second Amendment Rights shall maintain their membership in RRA during court proceedings prior to a conviction. A member who becomes non-compliant with any part of the RIGHT to BEAR ARMS provision of RRAu2019s AGREEMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF RISKS form shall forfeit their membership. A member who has their conviction overturned on appeal and has their SECOND AMENTMENT RIGHTS restored will have their membership reinstated without penalty.
ARTICLE XII: MATCH RULES
All formal rifle, pistol and shotgun competitions held by RRA will be governed by RRA rules.
ARTICLE XIII: AMENDMENTS
RRA will observe November as the month wherein new by-laws and amendments are to be voted upon. Any member may propose a new by-law or amendments throughout the year. New by-laws and amendments are to be offered in writing and given to any board member. The proposal will be placed on the regular meeting agenda for discussion in a timely manner. Following the discussion the sponsor may modify the proposal, withdraw it or have it stand as offered. Amendments which are expected to be voted upon in November must be presented by the September meeting to allow for discussion during the October meeting. Emergency or urgent proposals may be considered as the board deems necessary at any time. Notification of such amendment proposal shall be given by U.S. mail or via e-mail to the membership at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting at which the vote adopting the By-law amendment is to be taken. A two-thirds majority of regular members present will be necessary for the amendment to be adopted.
ARTICLE XIV: RIDGE RIFLE STOCK
A. When a stockholder leaves RRA and returns their share of stock, a refund of $50 will be made within 60 days. B. When a stockholder is deceased RRA will return $50 to the surviving family or the deceased Estate within 60 days.
ARTICLE XV: COMMITTEES
A. Members wishing to serve on any committee shall be volunteers and voted on by members at a regular meeting and their names added to the minutes. Committees shall conclude their stated purpose in a timely manner (generally 6-9 months). Failure to do so will result in that committeeu2019s recommendations & activities shall be void. B. The nominating committee for officers for election shall be formed at the August meeting and shall consist of regular members who are not members of the Board, nor current Officers. The nominating committee may also include one associate member. Members of the nominating committee may not run for any office in the election in which they serve as a committee member. 1. This committee is encouraged to contact all eligible candidates. Sitting officers and board members will announce their intentions for the coming year by the September meeting. Other members who wish to run for office must announce their intentions by the October meeting. The nominating committeeu2019s slate of candidates is to be made known by the October meeting. 2. Any candidate that verbally agrees to run for an office and changes his or her mind must submit a written note stating their decision not to run. A potential candidate is not required to explain, just to notify RRA in writing. C. Any member or group of members that propose a special project shall become a committee that is responsible for that project. Special Projects are defined as any proposed expenditure exceeding $1,000 that requires building upon or excavation of RRA property. The committee shall present a written proposal to The Board of Directors containing the following elements prior to presentation and consideration of the membership at a regular business meeting. The proposal shall contain the following elements: 1. A statement of need.2. A named project manager.3. A scope of work.4. An itemized bill of materials (including labor) with projected costs.5. A proposed source of funding.6. An expected completion date. It is the Board of Directors responsibility to assure that elements 1-6 are contained and adequately addressed in the proposal prior to presentation to the general membership.
ARTICLE XVI: RESERVE FOR FUTURE USE & ANNUAL MEETING
A. RRA shall establish a reserve for future use. This shall be 20% of the dues and shall be kept in an insured account as noted in Article VI, Duties of the Officers, D. Treasurer. This fund will only be used for additional land, new land, buildings, or necessary legal services and for improvements or range modifications required as a consequence of mandates by federal, state, or local governments or agencies.. Expenditures from this fund will require a 2/3 majority vote by regular members at a regular or special meeting, and will require a detailed proposal. B. The November meeting of each year, when election of Officers occurs will be the Annual RRA Stockholders meeting.
ARTICLE XVII: ASSUMPTION OF RISK
All members and guests must sign the Assumption of Risk form before use of RRA property or shooting facilities. Copies of the Assumption of Risk form are available on line at the RRA website. Hard copies of the Assumption of Risk are available at the range for signature by members and guests. Assumption of Risk form signature is required only once and a copy will be maintained on file.
ARTICLE XVIII: GUESTS
A Guest is defined as a non-member. A. No more than two guests per member may occupy the firing line. Guests on the firing line must be under the direct supervision of the member. Guests must yield their shooting position on the firing line to members if no other shooting position is available. Members have priority use of RRA property and shooting facilities. B. Guests must sign the RRA Assumption of Risk form and a copy of the RRA Range Safety Rules verification form before they may occupy or use RRA property. C. Members are responsible for their guests and must require that a guest know and understand the Assumption of Risk and the Range Rules/Range Policy. Members will require guests to sign the Assumption of Risk and the Range Rules/Range Policy verification form. The signed Assumption of Risk form and signed Range Safety Rules/Range Policy verification form will be placed in the locked drop box for collection by the Secretary.
ARTICLE XIX: STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Ridge Rifle Association, Inc. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status, in any of its activities or operations.