WSBA By-Laws, Etiquette Rules, and Contest Rules
The Wisconsin Scale Boating Association Ltd. has established formal rules to govern the operation of the organization. This became necessary as the club has grown, and that we are a Wisconsin Non-profit Corporation. These rules are meant to govern the conduct of the club, not to stifle individuality. As members come and go they provide the guidance and continuity to our organization.
WSBA By-Laws and Etiquette Guidelines downloads.
WSBA By-Laws in Word .doc format
WSBA By-Laws in Adobe .pdf format
WSBA Etiquette Guidelines in Word .doc format
WSBA Etiquette Guidelines in Adobe .pdf format
Wisconsin Scale Boating Association, Ltd.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BY-LAWS
June 2001
ARTICLE 1 – NAME
Section 1.
This association shall be known as the Wisconsin Scale Boating
Association, Limited, hereinafter referred to as the WSBA.
ARTICLE II – PURPOSE
Section 1.
The WSBA is a non-profit association interested in fostering
radio controlled and static model boats.
Section 2.
The WSBA may affiliate itself with national or international
associations having similar goals as the WSBA. The WSBA encourages the exchange
of ideas, construction techniques, electronic applications and other related
facets amongst and between its members through a variety of other means with the
general public and with other similarly interested model boating associations or
organizations
Section 3.
WSBA members are encouraged to participate in sanctioned or
non-sanctioned events, competitions, or static displays.
Section 4.
Operational boat models shall only be powered by electricity,
steam, or wind. Non-operational models are considered to be static.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP AND DUES
Section 1.
Membership in the WSBA is open to both male and female
individuals regardless of race, creed, or color.
Membership in the WSBA shall be restricted to persons of good moral character.
The WSBA shall have two distinct classifications of membership to offer for
consideration, which are senior or junior status. A person 18 years of age and
older shall be considered as a senior member and anyone under 18 years of age, a
junior member.
Members are encouraged to participate in an active and constructive manner in
the association through regular attendance in various meetings or functions.
Also, a member voluntary contribution of time and talent concerning projects of
any nature related to the welfare of the WSBA which nave been agreed by vote or
accord is expected.
All applications for membership shall be reviewed by a membership committee. The
committee’s recommendation shall be presented to the membership for a vote at
the next meeting following receipt of the applicant’s application. Annual dues
will not be entered into the club’s record until an application has been
approved. During the waiting period the applicant may enjoy attending club
functions without having voting privileges.
Section 2.
Annual dues of the WSBA shall be established by the
association’s membership at a regular meeting by vote action.
Junior dues will be one half the amount established for senior members.
Association dues shall be paid no later than February 15th of the calendar year
in which the dues are applicable.
Any applicant whose application is approved and accepted for membership in the
WSBA after October 15th of any given year who has paid his/her dues, said dues
shall automatically be applied to his/her “dues obligation” for the following
year.
Any member in arrears in annual dues on February 15th of each year shall be
automatically dropped from membership and can only be reinstated upon
application in writing and payment of all moneys due the association.
If required, assessments for special purposes may be made from time to time.
Assessments can only be made through association membership legislation at a
regular meeting of the WSBA.
Section 3.
In the event that any member of this association becomes
incapacitated to the extent that financial contributions in the form of dues and
assessments become an extreme hardship for that member or family members, the
officers may recommend waiving said dues and assessments (other than national or
international affiliation requirements) for a reasonable period of time for that
member or members. For reason of clarification, reasonable means in this
instance the length of time that the hardship exists.
Section 4.
Memberships are not transferable.
Section 5.
Individuals and active duty members of the Armed Forces who are
serving within the clubs operational area, who exemplify the ideals of the club,
may be eligible for honorary membership status without the normal dues
obligation. A suitably nominated candidate for honorary status may be considered
at a regular membership meeting. A two-thirds (2/3)-majority vote by members
present would be required for acceptance. Honorary members will enjoy all
privileges of membership except voting rights. Honorary members are bound by the
Etiquette Rules and By-Laws of the WSBA. Honorary membership status will be
subject to annual review at the last scheduled meeting of the calendar year to
determine if the recipient is still involved with the club, and if continuation
of the honorary membership is warranted. Honorary memberships granted before
this amendment were made for life and will remain unchanged.
ARTICLE IV – COMPORTMENT
Section 1.
All members are expected to conduct themselves in a
sportsmanlike manner. Disorderly conduct by any association member will not be
tolerated. Disorderly conduct is defined as, but not limited to foul and abusive
language, damage of equipment, poor attitude, interference with organized
events. Non-compliance with rules or regulations established by the association
or lack of cooperation with officers or other officials.
A member who displays a prolonged tendency of disorderly conduct will be given a
written warning from the association’s officers.
If an altercation should arise, the officers may make a request in writing to
the association president for a hearing before a board of review. If such a
request is granted, the review board shall comprise the following members, all
considered to be members in good standing, the President, Vice-President,
Secretary, Treasurer, and five members from the floor. The five shall be
approved by the President
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
Section 1.
The officers of the association shall consist of no less than a
President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
Section 2.
The term of each officer shall be for one (1) calendar year
following annual elections.
Section 3.
At least thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting the
President shall appoint a nominating committee of not less than three (3)
members in good standing, who will submit the names of candidates established in
Article V, Section 1., at least fifteen (15) days prior to the annual election.
Section 4.
Nominations from the floor of the annual meeting will be
accepted providing consent from the nominee is obtained prior to submittal of
the nominee’s name.
Section 5.
Elections shall be conducted by closed ballot on forms provided
by the Secretary, which shall show the names of all candidates for the office in
which they have been nominated. In the event only one (1) candidate for any
office is nominated, the vote for that office may be made by acclimation.
Section 6.
In the event a vacancy occurs in any office prior to the end of
the first nine (9) months of office, a special election shall be held to fill
the vacancy for the balance of the current term.
Section 7.
If during a term of office an officer’s comportment is suspect
as a member, or members feel disciplinary action is in order, the membership may
ask for a board of review to discuss the matter. If said board recommends
removal from office, then a vote by the membership shall be solicited. If a
majority of the entire membership concurs with the board’s recommendation, the
procedure to follow will be to call a special meeting to vote on whether the
officer shall be removed form office.
Section 8.
As the WSBA expands over a wider geographic area it may be
necessary to appoint representatives to effect association business. The
President may appoint a representative from the area they will represent. The
appointment must be a member in good standing, have volunteered for the
position, and the appointment must be ratified by a vote of the membership at a
scheduled meeting. The term of the appointment is one (1) calendar year. The
duties of the representative are spelled out in Article 6., Section 5. of these
By-Laws.
ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
Section 1.
The President shall:
a) preside at all association meetings.
b) enforce all rules and regulations of the association to the best of his/her
ability.
c) have full authority in matters of the WSBA consistent with the wishes of the
general membership.
d) from time to time appoint when necessary a chairman or coordinator to
organize membership assistance for handling special functions of the club.
Section 2.
The Vice-President shall:
a) perform all duties in the absence of the President.
b) be chairman of the nominating committee.
Section 3.
The Secretary shall:
a) perform all duties in the absence of the President and the Vice-President.
b) keep minutes of all official meetings,
c) process WSBA correspondence assigned by the President.
d) procure all licenses, permits, and all official or legal documents deemed
necessary for conducting business of the association.
Section 4.
The Treasurer shall:
a) perform all duties in the absence of the President, Vice-President, and
Secretary.
b) collect and keep and account of all funds received from the collection of
dues, assessments, fees, donations, or any other income, and to attend to the
disbursement of the same thereof.
c) submit financial reports as required.
d) have authorization for making all deposits and withdrawals of funds that are
necessary for conducting the association’s business. Such authorization shall be
extended to the President should the Treasurer not be available at the time of
executing a transaction.
Section 5.
The WSBA Regional
Representative shall:
a) hold a position equivalent to the Vice-President.
b) perform all duties of the President for the regional group of which he/she is
a part (in accordance with Article VI, Section 2, Paragraph a.)
c) act as liaison between the main and regional groups.
ARTICLE VII – FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Section 1.
The officers are authorized to expend, without membership
approval, funds necessary in the
conduct of routine business of the association.
Section 2.
The officers shall provide financial reports no less than
quarterly, which shall include an
annual report of operations.
The financial reports will include a Statement of Revenue and Expenses, and a
Statement of Cash Position.
Section 3.
Financial statements may be reviewed by dues paying members in
good standing during
the meeting in which they are presented.
Section 4.
An annual budget for the following year will be presented at the
January meeting along
with the December report. A budget must be approved by a simple majority of the
members at a scheduled meeting.
ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS
Section 1.
There shall be a minimum of six (6) monthly meeting held yearly,
one of which shall be the annual meeting. The exact meeting dates shall be
confirmed by mutual consent of the membership. Generally meetings will be
scheduled for the autumn and continue until spring.
Section 2.
The annual meeting and election of officers shall be held in the
fourth calendar quarter of each year. The exact place and time of the meeting to
be fixed by the officers.
Section 3.
A special meeting can be called by the officers should they deem
it necessary to do so.
Section 4.
If the membership expresses sufficient interest a workshop
meeting can be called by the officers.
Section 5.
Except for the removal of an officer, members in good standing
who are present at a regular or special meeting shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS
Section 1.
A proposal to amend any article or section of these By-Laws may
be presented for consideration by a member in good standing at a regular
association meeting. Said proposal shall be referred for review by a committee
selected by the President.
Section 2.
The committee shall present their opinion to the membership
within a reasonable time at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 3.
A vote shall be taken and if approved by a two thirds (2/3)
majority of the members in attendance, the amendment shall be incorporated into
the By-Laws.
Wisconsin Scale Boating Association
Scale Boating Etiquette
June 2001
The following guidelines are not meant to stifle activities of model boaters,
but rather to maximize the ultimate enjoyment of all members of the Wisconsin
Scale Boating Association.
1. Treatment of New Members.
Since enjoyment of model boating, whether it be building, modifying, improving,
or operating is the prime goal of the WSBA it is hoped that long time members
will “go out of their way” to make new members feel welcome and willingly share
their knowledge of the hobby with newcomers. Most novices have a lot to learn
and may feel hesitant to ask for advice. If you have a special area of expertise
share it with others. Helping others is what it’s all about.
2. Competitive Events.
While the objective of WSBA competition is to win, members should never lose
sight of the primary objective of WSBA which is to have fun. Win or lose the
general rule of good sportsmanship should always apply.
3. The Frequency Board.
A frequency board is customarily present at both competitive events and
Fun-Runs. The board provides a visual display of the frequencies of the
transmitters controlling every boat on the pond. The procedure is to place on
the board a clothespin containing the name of the boat owner/ operator at the
designated frequency. The pin should be placed on the board BEFORE turning on
the transmitter, Under absolutely no circumstances should a transmitter be
activated anywhere in the area unless one’s name pin is in place on the
frequency board.
4. Time-Sharing on the Pond.
Observe common courtesy in sharing operating time in the pond. If your
transmitter operates on a popular frequency remember there are probably several
other boaters waiting to launch their craft. On crowded days after one half hour
of running members should inquire if others sharing their frequency are waiting
to run. Also the name on the frequency pin will identify the person running at
that wavelength on the pond enabling any anxious boater to inquire how long it
will be before pond time will be available on the frequency currently in use.
Club events are held for the enjoyment of dues paying WSBA members, who are
entitled to their share of pond time. A member may allow a responsible youngster
or a non-member adult to operate on the member’s time at a given frequency.
Members should not however allow them to operate a second boat at a second
frequency, thereby depriving dues paying members of pond time on that frequency.
If youngsters are old enough to responsibly operate a boat, they are probably
old enough to hold “junior membership” in the club and be entitled to operate on
their own.
5. Unscheduled Boating.
If you are planning to boat on an unscheduled day call a few other members and
ask them to spread the word about the outing. Ten boaters can have five times as
much fun as two.
6. Always be willing to do your part.
Remember WSBA boating events don’t just happen. Someone has to plan them and the
membership at large has an obligation to help carry out those plans. In
scheduled events like Mall shows, regattas, picnics, or festivals, it takes all
hands to assure success. Much preparation is required and the clubs officers
cannot do it all. Setting up the WSBA pool at an indoor show takes many
man-hours of labor, as does emptying and dismantling the pool. Assuring a steady
turnout and constant operation during an event requires commitment on the part
of all. Donations from some of these events help defray the cost of operation
the club and allow for lower annual dues.
7. Operation of Fast Boats.
Members operating boats on which they have spent months, perhaps years, in the
construction process and on which they lavish tender loving care are inclined to
get more than a little nervous when a speedy plastic model starts rocketing
around the pond. While plastic speedboats are certainly welcome in the club (a
number of our members started that way) prudence dictated good judgment in the
operation of fast boats. The proper procedure is to request running time for
speedboats so the owners of those craft can conduct their own private
“demolition derby” if that is their desire. After all, speedsters are crowd
pleasers.
8. Common Courtesy.
It is important that rules of common courtesy and friendliness be observed at
all times. All model boaters will be judged by the actions and attitudes of the
fellows wearing the familiar blue caps and shirts with the WSBA insignia. Treat
your fellow boaters and visiting spatters in a courteous, friendly manner.
Remember that our welcome at county ponds and elsewhere depends upon our
attitude, and the publics perception of us. Help WSBA win all the “brownie
points” possible.
9. Wear WSBA Apparel at Club Events.
WSBA members are requested to wear club identification at sanctioned events,
caps, polo shirts, tee shirts, and/or name badges if they have them. A tent or
mall dotted with the blue and white WSBA insignia makes a favorable impression
on sponsors and the public.
10. Participation in Non-WSBA Sanctioned Events.
When modelers choose to take part in events or exhibits not sanctioned by the
WSBA it is requested that they not wear apparel bearing the WSBA insignia. The
club takes its liability responsibility very seriously. There is no liability
insurance coverage for non-sanctioned events, and the club wants to avoid
exposure, even by inference, at functions not sanctioned by the WSBA.
11. Help Update Club Records.
Members are urged to keep the secretary informed of any change of address,
telephone number, or e-mail address so the club roster may be kept current.
Newsletters may be delayed in delivery, or not delivered at all if the club has
an incorrect or outdated address. Likewise, members may not be
notified of spur of the moment outings if the club does not have current phone
numbers and e-mail addresses.
12. Channel Identification.
The number of the channel on which a transmitter is operating should be
prominently displayed on the transmitter antenna, facilitating identification of
a boater operating on a specific channel. Most radios come with a frequency flag
from the manufacturer, or can be purchased at the hobby shop where the radio was
purchased.
13. Identification of Personal Property.
It is advisable for members to mark personal property such as chairs, toolboxes,
transmitters, battery chargers, etc. with their name to establish ownership of
found and help avoid misappropriation.
14. Medical Information.
It would be advisable for members with serious medical issues to keep relevant
medical information in their tool box while at the park or event. In case of an
emergency a medical history and medication list could be vital in treatment by
paramedics. Consult with your physician on what information would be of value in
an emergency. Also include contact names and numbers for family. To keep the
information confidential seal it in an envelope that is clearly marked as your
medical information, and notify fellow members of its location so it can be
accessed quickly if needed.
These guidelines are not all inclusive. They will be subject to revision and
replacement as circumstance dictates. The WSBA is not trying to be Draconian in
structuring its operations but does want policies in place and understood so as
to minimize any complications or misunderstandings amongst members and in member
dealings with the public. If you have suggestions for additions or corrections
feel free to voice them to an officer or at a meeting.
The Wisconsin Scale Boating Association Ltd.
Suggested Contest Regulations
Preface: The following events are open to all scale R/C model boats with the
exception of those powered by internal combustion engines.
A. Predicted Log
Using a minimum of 10 gates, including the 8 buoy cluster, this event prohibits
the use of any means of keeping time (by anyone other than the judges), which
may result in disqualification. Personal timepieces will be placed in the
contestants pocket.
1. Prior to starting
his/her run, the contestant must inform the judge the number of minutes and
seconds he/she expects to complete the course in.
2. Boats will head out and return bow first.
3. Time starts when the stern leaves the dock and ends when the bow enters the
dock.
4. Contact with the buoys is inconsequential, however, regardless of the number
of attempts required, the boat must pass thru each and every gate that is a part
of the course.
5. Points earned are obtained by taking the difference between the predicted
time and the actual time, in seconds, and subtracting that figure from 300. The
figure thus obtained is his/her score.
Examples:
Name: Predicted Time Actual Time Difference in seconds Subtract from 300
Joe Smith 3:00 7:48 288 12
Dick Brown 2:45 3:09 24 276
Bob Clark 3:10 8:15 305 - (excessive)
Dick Brown with a score of 276 is declared the winner.
B. Precision Steering & Docking
1. Clearing a marker or passing thru a gate cleanly & properly shall be worth 10
points.
2. Contact with a properly passed marker or contact on the
inside of a gate shall be worth 6 points.
3. Course corrections including a reversing move may be made until the models
bow passes a vertical plane across the front edge of a gate.
4. Once the bow has passed the vertical entrance plane of a gate the boat must
continue on. No second chance is permitted and if the gate is passed on the
outside the score for that gate is "0" (zero).
Docking at Floating
Dock;
The floating dock must permit free approach to docking at either side of the
docks, as docking at either side is permitted. The boat is to pull up parallel
to and within a scale ropes throw (max. of 3 inches), come to a complete stop
with the major portion of the boat along side the dock. Should the stern of the
model pass the dock before stopping it is a "forfeit" and must continue on the
course having earned a score of "0" (zero). Having stopped along side the dock
the contestant will announce that he/she has docked and hold that position for 3
seconds or until the judge tells him/her to proceed. Hitting any portion of the
dock with the bow results in a score of "0" (zero) and the model is to continue
on. Rubbing the side of the boat against the dock will result in a score from 0
to 7 points depending on the force of impact. When departing the dock the model
should depart in a smooth manner without causing movement of the dock.
Pier Dock;
A maximum of 5 points shall be awarded the model both on departing and returning
to the pier dock. Any contact with the dock will result in a score from 0 to 4
points. In all the forgoing, the judge shall allow for adverse actions caused by
the wind or waves.
C. Conning Event
This event shall utilize the Precision Steering and Docking course and its
movements.
A two-man crew is necessary for running this event. the contestant may choose
his assistant. The contestant stands facing the water while his/her assistant
operates the transmitter while keeping his/her back to the course at all times.
The contestant will call out the commands required to run the course while
his/her assistant attempts to conform to the commands. Scoring this event will
be the same as that used in the Precision Steering and Docking event.
D. Salvage Event
This timed event uses a derelict shaped piece of wood with a dowel extending
above and below the hull. A very time consuming event it is rarely used for
several reasons including the large latitude permitted for the means of
capturing the derelict.
E. Most Realistic Operation
Seldom used except for multi-day annual events, national or international
contests. This event is not very popular.
F. Static Scale Judging
Judging of this event of fully operational R/C models is accomplished while the
models are on display on tables. Three classifications are usually used;
1. Military – Armed
2. Working vessels (includes unarmed military craft).
3. Pleasure Craft
A panel of three knowledgeable persons is to act as judges. In some instances a
separate panel is used for each of the three categories of models.
Point Judging System
1. Construction - 0 to 36 points. This deals with workmanship and use of
materials.
2. Detail - 0 to 30 points. Complexity of the model and refinement of details
are involved.
3. Conformity to Scale - 0 to 20 points. Proper scale and location of parts with
logical construction.
4. Finish - 0 to 20 points. General appearance, painting, aging, and weathering.
5. Scratch building - 0 to 25 points. All portions of the model fabricated by
the modeler and percentage of scratch building are the main factors. Pre-formed
wood, plastic, and metal items are considered basic materials for scratch
building.
6. R/C Operating Devices - 0 to 20 points. This deals with the number of
operating R/C devices. These features should conform to features on the
prototype and must be taken into account.
7. Judges Bonus - 0 to 10 points. This permits a judge to award points based on
his/her opinion of the model as a whole.
G. Best of Show Award
This segment of an exhibition or contest is best served by one of two methods.
1. A knowledgeable three person panel.
2. A vote of the participating modelers.
The models are to be judged when on table display and must be fully operational
R/C vessels.
General Rules & Regulations
A. Course Requirements
1. All buoys are to be cylindrical in shape, 3 to 8 inches in diameter. They are
to be readily visible and have vertical stripes of contrasting color. Their
material must be such that they will be non-injurious to models.
2. The distances between hazards (gates) must be at least 20 feet to allow for
course corrections. The exceptions to this rule are clusters of gates such as
the 8 buoy hazard.
3. All markers (buoys) are to be visible from the operating area. No marker is
to cover or hide another buoy.
When setting up "gates" so as to allow for both larger and smaller craft, the
distance between buoys shall be:
a. 18 inches for vessels less than 30 inches in length or having a beam less
than 6 inches.
b. 36 inches for the larger models.
B. Contest Rules
1. There are two alterative methods which may be used to overcome an expected
problem with the amount of time required to run a contest:
a. Combine Predicted Log and Precision Steering & Docking
events.
b. Two courses are to be set up. All contestants should use
the same course for a given event.
2. The Predicted Log event shall be held first.
3. Immediately prior to the start of the contest the C.D. (contest director)
shall call all contestants together and inform them of the rules & regulations
regarding the operation of the contest. He shall also point out the limits of
the operating area and answer any questions that may arise.
4. Only contestants running an event and his/her judge are permitted in the
operating area.
5. Each contestant is to be given a "Course Card" at the start of his/her run.
Once he/she has started his/her run no verbal assistance is permitted during the
run.
6. No navigational aids other than prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and caps
or hats are permitted.
7. Should a model be bogged down by weeds, or have power failure, the contestant
is free to ask permission to bring his model in, correct the problem, and
re-enter at a later time.
8. If more than one boat is running the course a model running a timed event
shall have the right of way. Other than that, the first boat in the water has
the right of way over others.
9. All radio transmitters must bear a tag on their antenna indicating its
frequency.
10.Ties in a given event shall require a re-run of that event using a modified
course. Original scores will be used when computing overall points.
11. Contestants shall be awarded only one trophy in each event regardless of the
number of models he/she may enter.
12. A "Hi-Points" or "Best Overall" trophy may be awarded to a contestant whose
aggregate total of points is highest.
13. Any model which takes "First Place" in the "Static Scale Judging" event is
prohibited from entering that model in this event again in the future.
14. All decisions made by contest officials shall be binding and considered
Final.
Note; These rule are
submitted by the Regatta Rules Committee, composed of Mr. D. Muntinga, Mr.
J. Horton, and Mr. D. LaMack, appointed by the membership. The above rules will
be given a trial period before final adoption. If you have comments or
suggestions contact one of the committee members listed above. Submitted April
14,1994.