NMC Bylaws

National Modena Club
Constitution and Bylaws
Updated Dec. 2006

ARTICLE I
Name
Section 1. This organization shall be known as the NATIONAL MODENA CLUB.
ARTICLE II
Object
Section 2. The object of this club shall be:
To encourage the breeding and exhibiting of all varieties of Modena pigeons, to foster friendliness and good fellowship between fellow members and other breeders. To supply helpful and interesting information through printed literature and otherwise assist in the further development and popularity of the breed.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 3. Membership may be either if the following classes:
(a) Individual membership (1 Vote) : Any member of good character interested in the breeding of Modena pigeons is eligible to membership, and may become a member upon payment of the prescribed fee and agreeing to comply with this constitution and bylaws.
(b) Affiliated Club (0 Vote) : Any local club paying its dues may be part of the N.M.C. Affiliated clubs may host N.M.C. shows and also encourage and promote the N.M.C. functions (i.e. shows, elections). No individual or organization shall be elected to membership until after the membership fee shall have been paid and the membership application has been completed and returned. Affiliate clubs, by their very nature, must support and promote the NMC, thus resulting in a relationship beneficial to both.
(c) 1. Husband and wife membership (1 vote): This membership shall entitle both to all National Modena Club rights and privileges except that only one bulletin and 1 yearbook will be issued for each husband and wife membership.
2. Junior Membership (16 & under, 0 vote): Any member of good character interested in the breeding of Modena
pigeons is eligible to membership, and may become a member upon payment of the prescribed fee, and completion
of the membership application and agrees to comply with this constitution and by-laws.
3. Foreign Membership: Any member of good character interested in the breeding of Modena pigeons is eligible to
membership, and may become a member upon payment of the prescribed fee, completion of the membership form
and agreeing to comply with this constitution and by-laws. Voting privileges to be the same for individuals and
husbands/wives as in USA.
(d) Membership fee for any individual SENIOR member or club or organization shall be $25 (1 Vote). Membership fee for HUSBAND and WIFE shall be $30 (1 Vote). Membership fee for all individuals outside of US shall be $30. (Same voting as US) JUNIOR member, 16 years or under, shall be $10 (0 Vote). Membership for Affiliated Clubs to be $25.00 (0 Vote). The annual dues shall become due and payable on or before January 1st of each year and must be paid prior to February 1st or membership automatically ceases. Members in arrears shall not be mailed a nomination or election ballot that year. However, they may receive a club bulletin and yearbook if dues are paid after Feb. 1.
(e) Removal: Any member in violation of the rules and regulations set forth in the N.M.C. Constitution and Bylaws may be removed from membership if so approved by two-thirds vote of the entire Board of Directors. Proper procedure and investigation as outlined in our Sportsmanship Conduct Guidelines should be followed before any vote is cast.
(f) Voting privileges: Voting privileges will begin 12 months after membership has started for new members (New Members: Anyone who hasn't been a member for the previous 12 months).
(g) In the event of an emergency financial crisis within the NMC, whereby an instantaneous increase in yearly membership dues is required to keep the club on a stable basis, the President of the NMC will inform the Board of Directors of the matter at hand, requesting an increase in dues. The unanimous approval of each and every member of the Full Board of Directors will be required in order to have yearly membership dues raised in this fashion.
(h) Equal Membership Opportunity – No person shall be denied membership based on age, color, nationality, religion or gender.
(i) It is a prerequisite, at any NMC meet or show, to be a paid up member of the National Modena Club to qualify for any NMC awards, cash, trophies or certificates at that meet when such are offered.
ARTICLE IV
Annual Meeting and Shows
Section 4. The Annual Meet and the Annual Meeting shall be held with the National Pigeon Association Grand National Show. The place and date of the District shows shall be approved by the Director of the District in which the shows will be held. There will also be (3) three Regional Shows and (3) three Regional Young Bird Shows, in the Eastern, Central, and Western Regions. The Eastern Region shall be Districts #1, #2, and #8. The Central Region shall be Districts #3, #4, and #5. The Western Region shall be Districts #6 and #7. The Regional Meets will be placed on a rotation basis within the region, from district to district. The directors within each region will mutually decide on the regional site. In regards to the Annual Meet, Regional Shows, and Regional Young Bird Shows, the Director of the District in which these meets are held will perform all necessary duties as they would for any district show, unless otherwise directed by the President.
ARTICLE V
Quorum
Section 5. Twenty members in good standing shall constitute a quorum at any annual or special meeting. Six members or a majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum. The quorum may act on any and all club business brought before them for consideration at the annual or special meeting unless otherwise specified in another part of the N.M.C. Constitution and Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI
Officers
Section 6. The officers of this club shall consist of a President, Eastern Vice President, Western Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Election Commissioner, and a Board of Directors consisting of twelve members with the President serving as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The twelve members of the board of directors will be the President, Eastern Vice-President, Western Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, and one Director from each of the eight districts.
METHOD OF ELECTION
Section 7. Officers shall be elected in the following manner:
(a) All officers with the exception of Election Commissioner shall be elected by mail ballot to be conducted by the Election Commissioner and the results be certified by the President as provided by the bylaws.
(b) The Election Commissioner shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present at the Annual Meeting and shall not be eligible for any other office.
(c) 1. Judges for the Annual Meet will be nominated at the Annual Business Meeting of the National Modena Club one-year in advance. Any member wishing to be nominated by proxy shall notify the Secretary by letter in advance of the Annual Meeting, or arrange to have delivered to the Presiding Officer at the meeting, a written letter of consent, dated and signed be the member seeking the nomination as a judge at the Annual Meet. An election ballot shall be prepared by the Secretary and mailed to all members in good standing on or before February 15th. The ballot shall give voting instructions, provide a signature line, date of the signature (no ballot will be counted that is not signed and dated by the member casting the vote) and note the Election Commissioner must receive the ballot on or before March 15th for the vote to be counted. The Election Commissioner shall count the ballots and make available for publication the results of the ballot no later than April 1st. A minimum of two candidates shall be nominated for both the Gazzi and the Schietti judge. Before being accepted as a candidate for nomination by the Presiding Officer, the candidate who is present at the meeting shall agree to judge if elected. The elected Annual Meet judges shall not be eligible to judge any district or regional meet during the ensuing year. No person shall judge two consecutive Annual Meets.
2. When two elected judges are judging the Annual Meet and cannot agree on the final decision of Best Modena, a third judge shall be selected by a committee of three members present, who have been selected by the Board of Directors present at the show. The NMC will provide transportation and lodging for the judges at the Annual Meet.
3. The President, Secretary and Board of Directors shall decide in advance of the Annual Meet at the close of entries, if in their opinion a third elected judge is needed due to a large entry. In the event of this decision by the Board of Directors, the candidate receiving the second largest number of votes in the variety requiring the second judge shall serve as the third judge.
4.In the event a member is selected to judge the Annual Meet due to the inability of an elected judge to serve for reasons such as sickness, travel, weather, etc., that selected member shall receive the same compensation as the elected judges.
5. The NMC will provide transportation and lodging for the judges at our Annual Meet with a minimum of $250, and a maximum of $650.
(d) No member's name will be placed on the election ballot who fails to return the nomination ballot to the Election Commissioner on time, signed and indicating a willingness to serve if elected.
(e) If the President elect is unable to assume office, the incumbent President shall continue in office until such time as a special election is held to select a new President. Within (10) ten days of inability of the President elect to assume office the President shall direct the Election Commissioner to call a special election. The President shall be selected from the two Vice Presidents elect. The election protocols described in Article VII (Duties of the Election Commissioner), Section 15A and 15B of the Bylaws shall be followed. The newly elected President will assume office immediately upon notification of certified election results by the incumbent President.
(f) Should the President be unable or unwilling to complete the term of office, the National Modena Club membership shall elect, by special election, one of the Vice President to complete the remaining term of the President. The Election Commissioner shall convene within (30) thirty days of notice of the inability or unwillingness of the President to serve.
(g) In the event that one or both of the Vice Presidents decline the nomination for President, a special election will be held to fill the vacancy for President within (10) ten days of notification.
(h) Two people living in the same household shall not hold elected office in the NMC during the same years. This would include but not limited to spouses or other members of the immediate family.
TERMS OF OFFICE
Section 8. The President, Eastern Vice President, Western Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, Bulletin Editor, Election Commissioner, and all members of the Board of Directors shall be elected every other year for a term of two years, to serve until their successors are duly elected and installed.
Section 9. The officers shall all assume office at the beginning of new business at the annual meeting of the year in which the election takes place.
Section 10. The President, Secretary-Treasurer, and Bulletin Editor shall be elected from the members at large. The Eastern and Western Vice President shall be elected from members in their respective regions. (The Mississippi River being the dividing line between the two regions.) The eight elected members of the Board of Directors shall be elected from each of the following districts. In electing members of the Board of Directors, only members residing in each district shall vote for the director of that district.
DISTRICT #1: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware.
DISTRICT #2: Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi.
DISTRICT #3: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Kentucky.
DISTRICT #4: Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Minnesota.
DISTRICT #5: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico.
DISTRICT #6: Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, Hawaii.
DISTRICT #7: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho.
DISTRICT #8: Canada.
ARTICLE VII
Appointment of Standing Committees
A. The President shall appoint the following Standing Committees:
1. Standard Revision Committee of five (5) members.
2. Publicity Director(s) Committee to consist of not more than five (5) members.
3. Master Breeder Committee Chairman is appointed by the President. The Master Breeder Committee members shall be made up of all living Master Breeders of the NMC.
4. Hall of Fame Committee Chairman is appointed by the President. The Hall of Fame Committee members shall be made up of all living Hall of Fame recipients of the NMC.
5. Annual Meet Futurity Committee of three (3) members.
B. These Committees shall serve for a term of two (2) years under the appointing President.

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I
Duties of the President
Section 1. The President shall preside at all meetings of the club, shall act as Chairman of the Board of Directors, appoint all committees not otherwise provided for, and fill all vacancies in office taking place between annual elections. He shall sign all documents requiring his signature, certify the Election Commissioner's report, and perform all other duties pertaining to his office.
ARTICLE II
Duties of the Vice President
Section 2. In the absence of the President, or in case of his inability to act, the Vice President in whose region the meeting is being held shall perform the duties of that office.
ARTICLE III
Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer
Section 3. The Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct all correspondence of the club, keep all the minutes of meetings, and shall be the custodian of all monies, books, papers, and other records belonging to the club.
Section 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep such books as are necessary in which shall be entered the amounts of money received and disbursed by the Secretary-Treasurer and a complete list of the names and addresses of all club members and the dates of their election to membership.
Section 5. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare an annual report to be presented at the annual meeting, giving an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures for the current year, together with any suggestions and recommendations for the future welfare of the club.
Section 6. On the first Monday in July of each election year, the secretary shall mail to the last known address of each member in good standing, a printed ballot. The ballot shall designate the offices to be filled (but will give no names or prospective candidates) with lines on which names of candidates may be written, allowing each member to express his/her preference for officers. The ballot should provide proper space for the member casting the vote to sign and date the ballot. The ballot should also designate the address of the Election Commissioner and note the fact that the ballot must be received by the Election Commissioner on or before the 15th day of August for the vote to be counted. The ballot should also provide space for the member casting the vote to agree to serve or note that they will not serve if elected. No member may be elected who did not cast a properly prepared ballot within the proper time frame. No ballot shall be counted that is not properly completed, dated and signed by the member casting the vote.
Section 7. The two persons for each office (or more in case of ties) receiving the largest number of votes shall be the candidates for that office, and upon permission from the persons nominated, the Secretary shall on or before September 1, prepare and mail printed ballot to all members in good standing. This ballot should have the names and addresses printed clearly on the ballot and at the beginninmg of each line where the name is printed, a space should be indicated in which the voting mark may be placed. All ballots should contain voting instructions, a place for the member voting signature and date (any ballot that is not signed or dated will not be counted) and the address of the Election Commissioner to return the ballot. The ballot must be returned to the Election Commissioner so it is received on or before October 15. The ballot should contain full instructions as to the manner of marking it, and designate the territory or district from which directors are eligible. No member shall run for more than one office on the ballot.
Section 8. Any Remuneration of the Secretary-Treasurer for services rendered shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Secretary/Treasurer shall be bonded for a minimum amount of $5000.00 and it shall be the responsibility of the Secretary/Treasurer to assure that the bond is in place at all times during his/her term of office. The fee for the bond shall be paid by the N.M.C.
ARTICLE IV
Duties of the Board of Directors
Section 9. The Board of Directors shall have general supervision and control of all club affairs, promote the annual show, and in intervals between meetings shall have full authority to take action on any and all matters not in conflict with this constitution and bylaws, as may be deemed for the best interest of the club. Action taken by the Board of Directors between the Annual Meetings that concern expenditures of club funds not approved by a previous membership action shall be approved by those present at the following Annual Meeting.
All Board of Director members are required to vote on matters concerning the Board. Failure to do so may result in their losing the position they hold on the Board. They may be replaced for failure to vote on Board matters by a two-thirds majority vote in favor of same by the entireBoard of Directors. If they are replaced, a new member will be appointed by the President to replace them.
All votes cast by Board members at the Board of Directors meeting, or any other matters that concern the Board, shall be published in our club bulletin.
Any decision made by the Board will require a two-thirds vote by Board members in attendance at the Annual Meet, unless otherwise stated in any other part of the Constitution or Bylaws. Proxy votes are considered in attendance as long as written, dated and signed proxy is given to the highest-ranking officer in attendance before the Board Meeting begins. All other board decisions requiring a vote, unless otherwise stated in another part of the Constitution or Bylaws.
ARTICLE V
Duties of the District Director
Section 10. Promote the welfare of the club towards all members within the district. Will approve all district meets. A District Director will not be eligible to judge a district meet, as where in that District Director has the authority to approve that district's meet. Will assist show secretaries in matters concerning the proper conducting of all NMC sponsored meets within their districts. (E.g., making applications for certificates; informing the NMC Secretary of list of certificate winners; informing show secretaries of NMC rules; assisting in all other matters that need to be resolved.) Assist the newly elected District Director. Perform all other duties as may be necessary.
ARTICLE VI
Duties of the Bulletin Editor
Section11.
(a) At the annual Board of Directors meeting of the National Modena Club, the Bulletin Editor shall submit the budget for the club bulletin. The budget shall contain the estimated printing and postage expenses for the calendar year. The budget must be approved by a 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors present at the annual meeting. Any bulletin expenses over the approved budget must be approved by a 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors. The Bulletin Editor is not a member of the executive board and does not have a vote.
(b) If the budget submitted by the Bulletin Editor is not approved by a 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to determine an appropriate budget based on the current financial status of the NMC.
(c) The Bulletin Editor is responsible for producing a quality newsletter to promote the "Bird of Curves" and to ensure that the National Modena Club bulletin contains helpful and interesting information that will assist and further the development and popularity of the breed. The Bulletin Editor retains the right to reject articles that are not in the best interest of the National Modena Club, and will refer these articles to the NMC President for final disposition.
(d) The Bulletin Editor will also serve as the Yearbook Coordinator. Every two years, the NMC will publish a yearbook based on membership support under the direction and financial approval of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE VII
Duties of the Election Commissioner
Section 12. Within ten days after closing date for voting, August 15, or the receipt of nomination ballots, the Election Commissioner shall count the ballots returned to him and promptly announce the names of candidates for each office, and the number of votes received.
Section 13. Within ten days after closing date from the receipt of election ballots, October 15, the Election Commissioner shall count all ballots returned to him and immediately furnish the President and Secretary with a report of the results as shown on the face of the returns.
Section 14. No votes shall be counted except those on official ballots properly marked and signed by the voting member. No change may be made on the ballot once cast and no ballot shall be counted that is altered or changed in any way.
Section 15.
(a) After counting the nomination and election ballots, the Election Commissioner shall carefully preserve and deliver them either personally or by registered mail, to the President within 30 days after closing date for his verification. The official results of the election, after verification by the President, shall be forwarded to the Secretary-Treasurer for publication in the next bulletin.
(b) The Election Commissioner shall conduct a special election for President when the President elect is unable to assume office. The election process will commence within 15 days of notice from the President to conduct a special election. The closing date for receipt of votes will be 30 days after ballots have been mailed to the membership. The Election Commissioner shall count all ballots within 10 days of closing and immediately provide the President and Secretary with a report of the certified election results. The Election Commissioner will forward all ballots to the President, in person or by registered mail, for record purposes.
(c) The N.M.C. ballot destruction date shall be three years from the closing date of an election. Ballots shall be retained by the Secretary/Treasurer for a three year period. After this period, and if no issues concerning the election are pending, the ballots may be destroyed.
Duties of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee
The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall review all proposed changes submitted by any member that will affect the Constitution or Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation of the N.M.C. prior to the change being voted on. The Committee will report at the Annual Meet or before any problems in the wording of the proposed change that will adversely affect another section of the Constitution/Bylaws or Articles of Incorporation of the N.M.C. It is not the duty of the committee to make comment on the actual merit of any proposed change but rather report any adverse affect on wording elsewhere in the N.M.C. Constitution/Bylaws or Article of Incorporation. When possible, the chairperson of this committee may contact the member making the proposed change before the Annual Meet and advise the member to amend his proposed change. The Committee is unable to give final approval or disapproval of any proposed change but rather to advise and recommend.
ARTICLE VIII
Duties of the Publicity Director
Section 16. The Publicity Director(s) committee shall be responsible for providing publicity on Modenas, by collecting information and articles of interest to Modena Breeders. This publicity shall be forwarded to pigeon magazines and to the NMC Bulletins. The Publicity Director(s) shall assist the Bulletin Editor in securing articles, pictures, etc., for NMC yearbooks as well as Modena specials of magazines.
ARTICLE IX
Duties of the Standard Revision Committee
Section 17.
(a) The Standard Revision Committee shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the proposed changes or revisions in the club standard. It shall be charged with the responsibility of editing all text matter and illustrations and arrangement of technical form and expression. It is the intent of this section that all members be encouraged to submit suggestions and recommendations for any desired change in the Standard that we believe will be for the welfare and advancement of the varieties in which they are interested and ultimate breed improvement.
(b) The committee shall carefully consider all proposals and report, through the chairman to the members at the next annual meeting. Any proposal rejected by the majority of the Standard Revision Committee will terminate in the Standard Revision Committee. Any proposals approved by the majority of the Standard Revision Committee must be submitted by the SRC Chairman to the Secretary to be published in the bulletin (90) ninety days before the annual meeting. After discussion at the annual meeting a majority vote of approval will require a ballot to be sent to the general membership for approval. This ballot will be returned to the Election Commissioner reporting the voting outcome in the bulletin.
ARTICLE X
Section 18. The Certificate Chairman will have stewardship of the NMC Certificate System and be accountable to the NMC President in the administration of the Certificate System. The Certificate System records are public and available to the membership. No part of the certificate records is considered confidential to NMC members in good standing.
A. CERTIFICATE SYSTEM
1. Challenge Certificate Shows
a. Challenge Certificates may be awarded at the Annual NMC Meet, three NMC Regional Meets, all NMC District Meets, and three NMC sponsored Young Bird Meets.
1) Challenge Certificate will be awarded at the Annual Meet, three NMC Regional Meets, all NMC District Meets according to the guidelines in 2.a & b.
2) Challenge Certificates will be awarded at the NMC sponsored Young Bird Meets according to the guidelines in 2.c.
2. Challenge Certificates
a. Challenge Certificates will be awarded to the "best of color" or section (i.e., Best NCC) when the following conditions are meet.
1) The Modena must wear a seamless band of correct size; one band only.
2) There must be competition, i.e., more than one exhibitor in each class (YH, YC, OH, and OC). All four classes must be represented.
3) At least three exhibitors must be showing in the color or section.
4) The judge must believe that the quality of the winning exhibit justifies awarding a Certificate.
b. Challenge Certificates must be awarded to the following in both Gazzi and Schietti: Best Old Cock, Best Old Hen, Best Young Cock, Best Young Hen (i.e. Best Old Gazzi Cock, etc.)
1) A Challenge Certificate must be awarded to the Reserve Gazzi and Reserve Schietti.
2) If one of the above awards is won by a bird that is not "best of color", and a Challenge Certificate was not awarded to the color class due to insufficient competition, the judge may award a Challenge certificate to the respective "best of color".
c. At three NMC sponsored young bird meets per year, six challenge certificates will be awarded per show if the total Modena entry is 200 birds or greater. Challenge certificates will be awarded for, Best Young Gazzi Cock, Best Young Gazzi Hen, Reserve Gazzi, Best Young Schietti Cock, Best Young Schietti Hen & reserve Schietti. No Challenge Certificates will be awarded for color classes at these young bird shows.
1) The three annual NMC sponsored Young Bird shows will consist of one show per region; defined as :
The Eastern Region - Districts 1, 2, & 8.
The Central Region - Districts 3, 4, & 5.
The Western Region - Districts 6, & 7.
2) The show will be awarded (placed) by the Vice President and District Directors, collectively, of the Region that the show falls under.
3) The NMC sponsored young bird shows will be held in October thru December. They must not conflict with any District and Regional shows in their geographic area.
d) No more than one Challenge Certificate shall be awarded to a bird at any individual show.
e) The District Director of each approved show will supply the Certificate Chairman with the completed application for Challenge Certificates. The application shall include the following information: Color, Age, Sex, Complete Band Number (example: NPA 93 NM 320V), Owner, Breeder, Number of birds competing in that color or other qualifying remarks (example: Best Young Gazzi Cock). The judge must sign to application for each bird on the application.
f) Challenge Certificates will be mailed to the exhibitors of winning birds when the Certificate Chairman receives the applications from the District Directors.
g) If a Challenge Certificate is lost or destroyed, the Certificate Chairman will issue a new Certificate when appropriate information is provided and conformed by records.
h) At all NMC meets we recognize a “Parade of Colors” when picking Best Schietti & Best Gazzi. This will consist of placing in order the top ten best of color winners in both Schietti & Gazzi. Any bird that has not won a certificate in its color class that places ahead of a certificate winning bird in the “Parade of Colors” will be eligible for a certificate.
1. Certificates for birds in the “Parade of Colors” will only be awarded at NMC meets that have a minimum of 250 Modenas’
2. Certificates for birds in the “Parade of Colors” will only be awarded if there are a minimum of 100 Gazzi or 100 Schiettis.
3. Champion Certificates
a. Champion Certificates will be awarded when the following requirements are met:
1) Application by the owner or breeder to the NMC Certificate Chairman, acceptance of such application by the Chairman.
2) Evidence must be submitted that the bird in question has won at least three Challenge Certificates under three different judges. One of the Challenge Certificates must have been won as an old bird.
b. Champion Certificates will be suitable for framing and will list qualifying Challenge Certificate wins.
4. Reports
a. The Certificate Chairman will supply Challenge Certificate applications to each District Director.
b. The District Directors will send the completed application to the Certificate Chairman upon completion of the show.
c. The Certificate Chairman shall provide the Bulletin Editor with a report of the Challenge Certificates awarded and Champion Certificates awarded. The information will be published in the NMC bulletin.
d. The Certificate Chairman shall be financial responsible for the Certificate system during the calendar year. He may submit a financial report to the President for reimbursement approval. Upon approval by the NMC President, the NMC shall reimburse the Certificate Chairman for money dispersed.
5. Certificate Chairman
a. The Certificate Chairman shall be appointed by the NMC President and shall serve until a new Certificate Chairman is appointed.
b. Shall be responsible for the administration of the Certificate system.
c. Shall maintain accurate records that are available for inspection.
d. The NMC President will resolve any dispute within the system.
B. SHOW RULES TO BE FOLLOWED AT ALL DISTRICT OR REGIONAL MEETS:
1. Birds must wear seamless band of correct size (1only). No split bands.
2. Classes should be judged as follows: YH, YC, OH, & OC, in that order.
3. All birds must have bands checked before and after judging.
4. The judge must be a qualified person that has been accepted by the District Director of the NMC.
5. No one will be allowed to talk to a judge while he is judging any class or classes. All questions in regard to placing, etc., are to be asked after all judging is completed. Anyone breaking this rule is subject to having all his or her entries disqualified by the Show Superintendent. Complaints will go to the Show Superintendent and will be discussed and will be discussed in an area far enough away from the judging as not to disrupt the Judge or the Show for other members. The complaint should be handled in a proper manner. Any complaint to the will not be allowed in any manner other than through the Show Superintendent. Anyone offering such complaint to the Judge will face disqualification of his or her entire show entry by the Show Superintendent.
6. Judge's decisions are final. A protest on a judge's decision can be made to the Show Superintendent under the following condition only: 1) The first or second place bird in a class has an obvious disqualifying fault as described in the NMC standard.2) The first or second place bird in a class is the subject of faking, i.e. artificial coloring on the feather or any feather replacement. 3) The first or second place bird of a class has a split or unauthorized band. Protest on judge's decisions will not be allowed for any other reasons. A protest fee of $10.00 will be paid to the host club via the Show Superintendent. If the protest is upheld, the protest fee shall be refunded. The protest must be made to the Show Superintendent before the judging of Specials. Once the judge has started judging Specials, no protest may be initiated. The Show Superintendent will investigate the protest with any two NMC members in good standing. If this panel of three unanimously determine that the protest is legitimate, the Show Superintendent will consult the judge and advise him of the protest. The judge will then have the opportunity to reevaluate the Modena in question and will make the final decision. Once the judge's reevaluation has taken place, the judge's decision will be final. At no time will the protesting exhibitor speak to the judge. All communications to the judge in regard to the protest will be the Show Superintendent. Any violation of this will result in the disqualification of the entire show entry of the violator by the Show Superintendent.
7. A correct and accurate account of placement of birds must be kept and available to all that show, upon request.
8. All coop tags are to be made on each bird with color, sex, class, and band number.
9. Birds withdrawn from the show before the completion of judging will forfeit all winnings unless approved by the Show Superintendent; and the exhibitor will be subject to a three-year band of all NMC shows.
10. Keep a steward on hand to keep aisles clear so birds can be transported to and from the judging area. The immediate judging area must be kept clear of all spectators.
11. Anyone identifying his bird in the presents of a judge gives the judges the right to disqualify the bird. Under this rule any exhibitor may request a disqualification.
12. The word CHAMPION is not to be used on trophies or specials. Trophies should read BEST MODENA, and NMC should be put on all trophies.
13. Rules 1,2,5,6,and 11 are to be sent out with specials for the show.
14. Awards at all NMC meets should be as follows:
Best Gazzi Best Modena Best Schietti
Reserve Gazzi Best Old Modena Reserve Schietti
Best Young Gazzi Best Young Modena Best Young Schietti
Best Old Gazzi Best Old Schietti
Best Young Gazzi Hen Best Young Schietti Hen
Best Young Gazzi Cock Best Young Schietti Cock
Best Old Gazzi Hen Best Old Schietti Hen
Best Old Gazzi Cock Best Old Schietti Cock
15. No birds will be allowed to leave the showroom until the Show Secretary has closed the show. The only exception to this being if the bird is sick or the owner has illness in his family or themselves ill. Then the Show Secretary must give permission to allow the bird to leave and also must personally check out each and every bird for that person. Anyone not following this rule will have their entire entry disqualified and the show record will show these birds disqualified. The board may also have the right to not allow this person entry to any NMC show for a three-year period, with two-thirds vote of the board.
16. The NMC to officially recognize the 10' wide by 15" high banner featuring the NMC approved illustrated standard drawings as a visual aid in the judging of Modenas at all NMC sanctioned shows.
C. JUDGE'S QUALIFICATIONS
1. Judges for the NMC Annual Meet shall be deemed qualified by virtue of being elected by the membership in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.
a. Judges for the Annual Meet must have judged at least three NMC meets.
2. All other judges for all District Meets and Regional Meets shall meet the following qualifications:
a. Must be a current member of the NMC.
b. Must be an active breeder and exhibitor of Modenas.
c. Have the proper knowledge of the standard and color classifications to recognize standard bred Modenas.
3. Proposed judges selected by the host club shall submit for approval, the name of the selected judge to the District Director in whose district the meet is being held, for that Director's approval.
D. MASTER BREEDER QUALIFICATIONS
1. All nominees shall be members of the NMC for a period of not less than 10 years prior to the year in which the applicant is being presented.
2. Nomination forms shall be filled out completely, printed or typewritten. The person doing the nomination should supply all the necessary information. Nominations may come from any NMC member including the person nominated. Committee members should feel free to respond to the person submitting the nomination for additional information, plus any other member of the NMC that they feel information is required from.
3. List only wins which have occurred at NMC District, Regional or Annual Meets. The word 'wins' would mean Best of Color (with three (3) or more exhibitors in that color class), Best Young or Old Gazzi or Schietti, and Best Modena. Winning at our meets is a very important consideration for Master Breeder, but the committee should also keep in mind the Fancier's ability to improve and create a lineage of Modenas. Some Fanciers have done more in improving and supplying birds to Fanciers, and those Fanciers in turn have done the winning at the shows, forgetting all about the True Breeder. A Master Breeder is thus a creator as well as an exhibitor.
4. Show record forms shall list at least 10 years beginning with the earliest year submitted. Years shall be listed in chronological order. Consideration should be given to the breeder having serious illness problems in his loft or with himself and/or a theft problem in his loft.
5. All wins listed shall be upon birds, which were bred by the nominee. The birds may have been exhibited by another breeder, who will submit to the committee, if needed, written documentation that the nominee is the breeder.
6. All nominations must be submitted on official nomination forms. These forms can be obtained upon written request to the Secretary-Treasurer of the NMC. These forms shall be filled out completely in detail, signed and forwarded to the Chairman of the Master Breeder Committee no later than August 15th of the year in which the nominee is being presented.
7. The Master Breeder Committee members shall be made up of all living Master Breeders of the NMC. The President shall appoint a Chairman from these eligible members. The person nominating an eligible nominee shall forward the official form for Master Breeder to the Chairman of this committee by August 15th, who shall then forward copies to all members of his committee. Those committee members, after checking the nomination forms, vote Yes or No, sign it and return it to the Chairman by October 15th. A vote of two-thirds majority of those voting is needed for approval. The results shall then be sent to the President by December 1st. All disagreements should be one(s) of valid reasoning, all personal feeling being eliminated. All other sections for Master Breeder shall remain the same as stated in the Bylaws.
8. Awards shall be presented at the Annual Meeting.
9. The number of awards to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
10. The number to be presented each year will be decided by the committee.
E. HALL OF FAME QUALIFICATIONS
1. Must be a member in good standing of the N.M.C. for ten years or more
2. Has inspired both new and old members of the N.M.C. by giving freely of his/her knowledge of breeding Modenas.
3. Should have served as an officer of the N.M.C. and shown he/she would freely offer his/her time to our club and breed.
4. Should be active at shows at least in his/her district with help in judging and/or book work and setup and tear down of show, if possible.
5. Should be an inspiration to fellow breeders through loyalty to his club and good sportsmanship.
6. Should have been helpful to both new and old members.
7. Nominations shall be typewritten or printed and shall list all information needed by the committee to form a decision.
8. The Hall of Fame Committee members shall be made up of all living hall of Fame members of the N.M.C. The President will appoint a Chairman from those eligible members. The person nominating an eligible nominee shall forward the nomination letter to the Chairman of the committee by August 15, who shall then forward copies to all members of the committee. These committee members, after checking the nomination paperwork will vote Yes or No, sign it and return to the Chairman by October 15. A vote of two-thirds majority of those voting is needed for approval. The results will then be sent to the President by December 1st. All disagreements should be of valid reasoning, all personal feelings being eliminated. All other sections of Hall of fame members shall remain the same as stated in the Bylaws.
9. Awards shall be presented at the Annual Meeting.
10. The number to be presented each year will be decided by the committee.
F. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NMC JUNIOR ACHIEVMENT AWARD
1. You must have maintained an active membership in the NMC for the past (3) three years. Exception would be made for a junior who enters the hobby at an older age and is unable to attain the time requirement before the age of (18) eighteen. In such case, documentation by an NMC officer or director must be submitted to the Junior Committee of the applicant's achievements to promote the Modena hobby.
2. Each applicant must complete at least one of the following:
a. Must have earned a total of (20) twenty entries in NMC sponsored shows in this time period. All birds entered must be bred and owned by the junior member.
b. Must have won Best Gazzi or Best Schietti in junior competition in at least one NMC show.
c. In the event of lack of junior competition, must be approved by the NMC District Director as a breeder of competitive Modenas.
3. The applicant must prepare an article for the NMC bulletin on such topics as pigeon disease, loft management, local pigeon shows or their own pigeon activities or interview an NMC Master Breeder and prepare an article for the NMC Publicity Director.
4. You must promote the Modena Hobby in at least (2) two of the following ways:
a. Give an oral presentation or pigeon display at a group or organization (school, Scouting, 4H, etc.)
b. Design or build a Modena shipping crate for display at an NMC show or provide a photo for the bulletin.
c. Recruit at least (2) two new members for the NMC.
d. Attend at least (2) two NMC shows.
e. Be prepared to help in the work of putting on an NMC show such as set up, maintenance or tear down.
f. Provide the NMC Secretary with a photo display of Modena breeder's lofts and birds.
g. Sketch the floor plan, nesting arrangement, perches, ventilation, feeders, water dispensers, etc. of a Modena Loft.
ARTICLE XI
Order of Business
Section 19. Unless otherwise provided for by a two-thirds vote of the Club, the order of business at the annual meeting will be as follows:
1. Call meeting to order
2. Roll call of officers
3. Minutes of last meeting
4. President's report
5. Secretary's report
6. Treasurer's report
7. Report of Standing Committees
a. Standard Revision Committee
b. Certificate Chairman
c. Master Breeder / Hall of Fame Committee
d. Annual meet Futurity Committee
e. Publicity Director
f. Election Commissioner
8. Unfinished Business
9. Installation of Officers
10. New Business
11. Discussion
12. Election of Election Commissioner
13. Adjourning of Meeting
Section 20. The Law of Common Courtesy shall be the guide of this club and the manner in which the annual meeting will be handled, subject to Constitution and Bylaws, and to such other official rules as may be adopted by the National Modena Club.
Section 21. The Constitution and Bylaws of the NMC may only be amended by a majority vote of the general membership. Proposed changes by members must be presented to the Secretary and published in the bulletin, (90) ninety days in advance of the Annual meeting. Each proposed change will be read, discussed and voted on by the members in attendance at the annual meeting. The outcome of that vote will be placed on a ballot as a recommendation by the members in attendance at the annual meeting. All proposed changes will be voted on by the general membership in the form of a ballot sent by the Secretary. This ballot will be sent to all members in good standing on the First day of March of that calendar year, and may or may not be sent with the club bulletin. The ballot will have voting instructions and state that the ballot must be completed, signed And returned to the Election Commissioner so he will receive it on or before the 1st day of April of that calendar year. The Election Commissioner will report the outcome in the next scheduled bulletin. A majority vote in favor will result in the adoption of the proposal.
ARTICLE XII
Sportsmanship Guidelines
Section 22. Sportsmanship Guidelines:
1) Sportsmanship Conduct Violations
a. Any member engaged in badgering, chastising, or rude questioning directed at the judge at any time, before, during, or after the judging.
b. Any member the verbally or physically attacks another NMC member at any NMC meet.
c. Any member that pulls his/her entries from the show prior to the authorized release time without permission from the Show Superintendent.
d. Guilty of "faking" or "cheating".
e. Any member Handling and /or disturbing another exhibitor's birds without permission.
f. Any member creating a disturbance on NMC show premises before, during, or after the show.
g. Any member identifying his/her bird in the presence of the judge.
h. Any member in violation of NMC or other published show rules.
i. Any member caught stealing pigeons or personal property of another exhibitor/breeder, in or out of the showroom.
j. Any member that distributes degrading memos about NMC officers and/or fellow members, or sends hate mail to any NMC member.
k. Any member found guilty of fraudulent practices, or whose conduct impairs the welfare of the NMC.
2. Penalties for Sportsmanship Conduct Violations
Penalties for Sportsmanship Conduct Violations will be the decision of the Board of Directors. Depending on the severity and frequency of the violation, the Board of Directors may take one of the following actions. The NMC Board of Directors will act based on a two-thirds vote of the entire Executive Board.
Penalty Option:
a. No action.
b. Letter of warning.
b.1. After receiving a letter of warning, a repeat violation will receive a greater penalty
c. One-year suspension from exhibiting at NMC meets.
d. Three-year suspension from exhibiting at NMC meets.
e. Five-year suspension from exhibiting at NMC meets.
f. Lifetime expulsion as a member of the NMC.
In addition: Any member that is serving a suspension will not be permitted to hold an NMC office, receive an NMC appointment, or serve as an NMC judge.
3. Procedure to receive complaints of "Unsportsmanlike Conduct".
a. Any NMC member in good standing who has witnessed a sportsmanlike conduct violation as outlined will report the violation to the Show Superintendent. The member reporting the complaint should do so in written form. If done at the show room, the complaint should be given to the Show Superintendent in writing dated and signed by the member filing the complaint. If done after the show is over, the complaint should be sent in written form within 15 days of the date the show took place, in complete detail and signed via certified mail to the Show Superintendent. The Show Superintendent will investigate the complaint and report his/her findings to the District Director of the geographic area in which the complaint was filed via certified mail within 10 days of his/her receiving the complaint.. The District Director will upon receipt of the complaint notify the N.M.C. President via certified mail that the complaint has been filed and send a copy of the complaint with the notification within 5 days of his/her receiving the complaint.
b. The District Director will investigate the charges, which include written statements from any witness. This procedure should be completed within 30 days from the date he/she receives the complaint. The Director will then forward the complaint, plus all information in regard to the complaint (witness statement, evidence, etc.) to the accused via certified mail with written instructions to answer the complaint within 30 days from the date received. The accused should then answer the complaint via certified mail in written form, sent to the Director within the 30-day period. The accused must answer within 30 days or his/her answer to the complaint will not be accepted. Once the accused has answered the complaint, or failed to do so with in the 30 day period, the Director should forward to the entire Board of Directors, via certified mail, a copy of the complaint, witness statements, evidence, answer from the accused, etc. Once all Board members have received all the needed information, via certified mail, the N.M.C. President will call for a vote from the Board members. The vote will be cast via ballot provided by the President. No votes shall be cast in any other manner (internet, telephone, etc.). The ballot must be returned to the President within 15 days from the date received by the Board members via certified mail. Each ballot will give a yes or no answer to the punishment. Should a Board member fail to vote, his/her vote will be counted as a yes vote to the punishment the majority ruled on. The Board and all others involved should strive to assure that the information in regard to the complaint is shared only with those on a need to know basis. The Ballot will provide a space for the Board member to sign and date it.
c. The Board of Directors will administer disciplinary action with a two-thirds vote in favor of it by the entire Board. The President will notify, via certified mail, the accused of the outcome of the vote of the Board of Directors within 10 days of his/her receiving the ballots.
4. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Outside the Showroom:
a. Any member in good standing may report a sportsmanlike conduct violation directly to his/her District Director. Should the complaint be filed against his/her Director he/she may skip the process of filing through the Director and forward the complaint directly to the President. The President will then follow the steps the Director should normally follow.
b. The same steps outlined for complaints of violations in the showroom will be followed. If at all possible, complaints in regard to Unsportsmanlike Conduct should be handled via certified mail and not at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE XIII
Financial
Section 23. Policy on Disbursement of Funds for Service Rendered and Reimbursement for Expenses
1. Payment for Services Rendered:
All services rendered on behalf of the National Modena Club by elected and appointed officers, chairmen, committees and individuals are voluntary and are not compensated monetarily from NMC funds. The NMC will not be held responsible for cost incurred for services rendered unless prior approval has been obtained from the NMC President and both NMC Vice-Presidents collectively. If payment for "services rendered" is being considered by the NMC President, the NMC President will confer with the Eastern and Western Vice-Presidents and be in unanimous agreement prior to payment. The final decision for payment approval of "services rendered" will rest with this body of three officers. If one of the aforementioned NMC offices is not occupied, the decision will be deferred to the NMC Board of Directors and will require a 2/3 vote of approval. Any such payment for "services rendered" will be included in the published secretary's financial report.
2. Expense Reimbursement
Elected and appointed officers, chairmen, committees, and individuals should submit "request for reimbursement" for supplies, materials, and postage required in performing NMC related duties and assignments. Requests for reimbursement should include all applicable receipts. All such requests for reimbursement will require approval from the NMC President, and such expense reimbursements will be included in the published secretary's financial report.
Section 24. E-Bulletin:
Foreign Members who subscribe to the NMC E-Bulletin, via the NMC web-site, for the entire calendar year will pay the normal membership rate, not the modified rate charged due to the additional postage costs.