CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
OF THE
SOONER STATE RODEO ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE I. - NAME
The name of the association shall be Sooner State Rodeo Association, Inc.,
Acronym: SSRA (the “Association”).
ARTICLE II. - OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE
The purpose and objective for which the association is organized and the
nature of the business to be carried out by said organization are as follows:
A. To act as a
501(C)(3), non-profit organization.
B. To be an educational organization by spreading tolerance, awareness
of diversity and the breakdown of stereotypes of homosexuals.
C.
To perform charitable duties for the surrounding area through fund-raisers, horse shows, rodeo performances, etc.,
for any particular charitable organization the general membership of the association shall choose.
D.
To produce a group of well-rounded individuals interested in western related events, such as rodeos, horse shows, horseback
riding, western/square dancing, clogging, etc., by either participating in or helping to produce.
E.
To be an organization for the counties of Oklahoma to include Kay, Osage, Pawnee, Washington, Nowata, Craig, Ottowa,
Rogers, Mayes, Delaware, Adair, Cherokee, Wagoner, Tulsa, Creek, Okmulgee, Muskogee, Sequoyah, Okfuskee, Hughes, Pittsburg,
Haskell, Le Flore, Latimer, and McIntosh, and the communities there in, barring all prejudices related to sex, national origin,
sexual orientation, religion, race or any other prejudice the organization may encounter.
F.
To establish a group of people to collectively work on fundraising events and organizational activities who are both
professional and proficient.
G.
No part of the net earnings of the association shall insure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members,
trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable
compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in ARTICLE
II hereof. Net earnings after dissolution of the association shall be donated to designated non-profit, charitable organization(s)
as selected by the Executive Board.
H.
No substantial part of the activities of the association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or the otherwise attempting
to influence legislation, and the association shall not participate in, or intervene in, including the publishing or distribution
of statements, any political campaign on the behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE III. - MEMBERSHIP
SECTION - I - Membership
Fees, Dues, and Guidelines
A. Membership dues
and fees shall be established by the Executive Board.
B. Evidence of
Membership
1. The official roles
of the Association.
2.
The Association will issue membership cards showing evidence of membership.
C. Transfer of
Membership
1. Memberships are not
transferable from one person to another.
SECTION - II -
Classification of Memberships
A. General Membership
- Individual
1. An individual general
membership application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate membership fee.
2. May participate in
any and all Association activities and IGRA sanctioned events.
3. Shall be entitled
to one (1) vote.
4. May receive the Association
newsletter, unless member indicates otherwise.
B. Associate Membership
- Individual
1. An individual associate
membership application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate membership fee.
2. May participate in
any and all Association activities and IGRA sanctioned events.
3. Shall not have
voting privileges or be eligible to hold elected office.
4. May receive the Association newsletter, unless member indicates otherwise.
C. Commercial Membership
1. A commercial membership application must be completed and submitted with the appropriate membership
fee.
2. May participate in any and all Association activities, but may not compete at IGRA Sanctioned Rodeos
and or events.
3. Shall be entitled to one (1) vote but shall not be eligible to hold elected office.
4. May receive the Association newsletter, unless member indicates otherwise.
D. Honorary Membership
1. May be held by any person(s) who show dedication to the Association.
2. Will be bestowed on a current year basis, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
3. Shall not have any voting privileges and shall not be eligible to hold elected office.
SECTION - III -
Disciplinary Actions
A. Probation of
Membership
1.
The Executive Board may place any active member on probation for any violation of rules, regulations, or Bylaws of
the Association and/or IGRA, as well as failure to follow through with committed projects or duties.
2.
Probation periods will be determined by the Executive Board, to be not less than thirty (30) days and not greater than
ninety (90) days.
3. Shall occur for any
unfulfilled monetary obligations.
a. May be reinstated
upon payment of the obligation and any charges incurred, within thirty (30) days.
4. Two (2) probationary
actions within a twelve (12) month period may lead to Termination of Membership.
5.
Anyone who is placed on probation shall have their voting privileges and ability to participate in any Association
activities or IGRA sanctioned rodeos suspended during their period of probation.
B. Termination of Membership
1. Any proposed termination of membership shall be submitted, in writing,
to the Executive Board. Termination of membership will be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
2. Termination must be completed within thirty (30) days of written notification to member.
3. Proposed membership terminations shall be based
on conduct unbecoming to the organization, to include, but not limited to:
a. Misrepresentation
of the organization.
b. Fraud.
c. Theft from the organization
or any of its members.
d. Misuse of organizational
property.
e.
Use of the organization’s newsletter, pamphlets, flyers, or any other media to express personal opinion without
prior consent by a majority vote of the Executive Board.
C. Right to Appeal Disciplinary Action
1. Any disciplinary action may be appealed to the Membership at the next
General Meeting. The Appeal must be submitted in writing within ten (10) days of the original decision.
2. Final decisions on probation or termination of a membership shall be accomplished within sixty (60)
days.
ARTICLE IV. - AFFILIATION
A.
The Association shall affiliate itself with the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) and all state, national,
and international organizations that adhere to the objectives and purposes of the Association.
B.
No member shall bind the Association through joining, representing, or affiliating with any other organization without
prior approval, by majority vote of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE V. - FISCAL YEAR
A.
The fiscal year shall begin on the first (1st) day of October of each year and end at midnight on the thirtieth (30th)
day of September of each calendar year.
B.
All memberships shall run concurrently for one (1) year from month of receipt.
ARTICLE VI. - OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
SECTION - I - Election
of Officers
Elections will be held in the month of September with nominations being accepted in the month
of August.
A. Eligibility
for Office
1.
Any active individual General Member residing within the State of Oklahoma or within fifty (50) miles of the Association
county borders as specified in Article II, D and who is in good standing may be nominated for office.
2.
Only active members who have completed six (6) months membership in an IGRA Sanctioned Rodeo Association and have three
(3) months membership with the Association (SSRA) are eligible to run for office.
3.
Candidates must have paid the Association membership fees for their potential term of office.
4.
Members of the Executive Board may not be in a familiar relationship or couple together and serve on the Executive
Board at the same time.
5. Nominees must be present
to accept nomination as well as be present during elections for the nomination to be accepted.
6.
No member of the Association’s Executive Board may be a member of any other IGRA Sanctioned Rodeo Association’s
Executive Board at the same time.
7.
Retiring officers must remain in an advisory capacity, as needed, for three (3) months following completion of term
of office.
B. Officers
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Recording Secretary
4. Corresponding Secretary
5. Treasurer
6. Trustee
The elected officers shall make up the members of the Executive Board performing
the duties prescribed by these Bylaws. It shall be incumbent of all officers to engage in an area of total communication,
cooperation, and dissemination of all information regarding the operation of the Association.
C. Election of
Officers
1.
The elections of officers shall be by secret ballot. A majority of the votes cast by active members present and
in good standing, shall be necessary to elect. (A majority is defined as more than one half (1/2) of the votes cast
by persons quantified to vote, excluding blank ballots.)
a. Any vacancy, which may occur in
the elected offices during the elected year, shall be filled by an appointment of
the Executive Board.
b.
Said appointment duration shall be only until the next General Membership Meeting at which time an
open election shall be held.
D. Duties of Association
Officers
1. President
a. Shall be the principal
officer of the organization.
b. Shall preside at all
general and specially called meetings of the Association.
c. Shall appoint special
committee chairpersons with the approval of the Executive Board.
d. Shall serve as ex-officio
member of all committees.
e. May appoint a Sergeant-At-Arms.
2. Vice President
a. Shall perform the
duties of the President in his/her absence.
b.
Shall assume the office of President in the interim should it become vacant in the event of death, resignation, or
incapacity of the president to complete the term of office, until a special election can be held.
c. Shall serve in such
capacity as assigned by the President.
d.
Shall be responsible for Membership, Public Relations, and Royalty if there is no Royalty Director.
e.
Shall be responsible for maintaining the inventory of and sales of all Association promotional items, such as:
T-shirts, patches, pins, logo merchandise and other related items.
3. Recording Secretary
a.
Shall record accurate minutes of the proceedings of all Association meetings, with copies of the General Meeting Minutes
made available to the General Membership for the next monthly meeting and copies of the Executive Board Minutes made available
to the Executive Board at their next monthly meeting.
b.
Shall preserve in a permanent file all records and official acts of the Association, its Executive Board and the Board
of Directors.
c.
Shall maintain a current list of Standing Rules and the official membership roles.
d.
Shall be responsible for sending the official membership list to all IGRA Rodeos, and Convention. They must be
postmarked or e-mailed two (2) weeks prior to the event.
e.
Shall perform the duties of President in the absence of both the President and Vice President.
4. Corresponding Secretary
a. Shall handle all official
correspondence of the Association.
b. Shall be in charge
of the Association’s newsletter.
c.
Shall conduct the reporting to appropriate news sources the activities of the Association upon approval of the Executive
Board.
d. Shall maintain the
Association’s calendar.
e.
Shall provide any photographs to media after approval by the Executive Board,
and will provide photo coverage of all Association events, if possible, either personally or by appointing another member
to do the events coverage.
5. Treasurer
a.
Shall be custodian of all funds of the Association, with said funds to be deposited in a bank account designated by
the Executive Board.
b. Shall keep an itemized
account of all receipts and expenditures of the Association.
c. Shall present a written
itemized financial report at all Association meetings.
d.
Shall let any member of the Association look at the books, allowing fifteen (15) days from receipt of written request
to comply with said request.
e. All moneys raised or turned in to the Treasurer
will be deposited within five (5) banking days.
6. Trustee/Alternate
Trustee
a. The Trustee shall
serve a three (3) year term, concurrent with the IGRA fiscal year.
b.
An Alternate Trustee will be appointed by the Trustee or the Executive Board to represent the Association in the absence
of the Trustee.
c. The Trustee or Alternate
Trustee will represent the Association at IGRA Board of Trustee meetings.
d.
The Trustee or Alternate Trustee will submit written and/or oral reports at the next general meeting immediately following
the IGRA Board Meeting.
SECTION - II -
Guidelines/Duties of Standing Committee/Chairpersons
A. Standing Committees
1. Rodeo, Events, and
Training Committee
2. Royalty and Fundraising
Committee
3. Audit and Budget
Committee
4. Bylaws and Legal Affairs
Committee
5. Historical Committee
6. Nomination Committee
The Executive Board, Royalty Title-holders, and all said Committee Chairpersons
shall be the members of the Board of Directors, performing the duties prescribed by these Bylaws. It shall be incumbent
of all officers and chairpersons to engage in an area of total communication, cooperation, and dissemination of all information
regarding the operation of the Association.
B. Operation of
Standing Committees
1.
The Standing Committees shall be comprised of a minimum of three (3) members, one of which is the appointed Standing
Committee Chairperson.
2. The chairpersons of all Standing Committees shall be appointed by
the Executive Board within 30 days of elections.
3. The names of each committee member shall be registered with the Recording Secretary.
4. Each Standing Committee shall meet within fifteen (15) days of appointment to review
Standing Rules of Order for each respective committee.
5. All contractual committee work shall be reviewed and approved by the Executive Board.
6. Each Standing Committee shall submit a written report to the Executive Board prior to their monthly
meeting, and are required to give an oral report at the general membership meeting.
C. Duties of the
Rodeo, Events, and Training Committee
1. Shall be responsible
to and work with the Rodeo Director for the production of all Association rodeos.
2. Shall be responsible for organizing events such
as Playdays.
3. Shall be responsible
for organizing the necessary framework for training and instruction of members of the Association for their participation
in rodeo and gymkhana (timed) events.
D. Duties of the
Royalty and Fundraising Committee
1. Shall be comprised of all reigning Association
Royalty.
2. Shall be responsible for providing the entertainment necessary at any function or fund raising event
of the Association.
3. May run a well-organized dance program to include instruction in various forms of Country/Western
dance.
4. Shall be responsible for organization, production and hosting the Mr/Ms/Miss
SSRA Competition under the direction of the Royalty Director.
5. Shall be responsible for the raising of funds necessary for the operation of the Association.
E. Audit and Budget Committee
1. Shall audit the Treasurer’s books on a quarterly basis and make recommendations for additional
control if necessary.
2. Shall submit a quarterly report to the Board
of Directors.
3. Shall submit a written copy of the quarterly report to the Recording Secretary to be placed in the
Association’s corporate records.
4. Shall be responsible for the preparation of the Association’s annual budget and quarterly revisions
thereto.
F. Bylaws and Legal Affairs Committee
1. Shall review the Association and IGRA Bylaws; prepare any recommendations, amendments and/or revisions
for presentation to the Executive Board.
2. Shall meet at least twice annually, and as needed, for changes requested during General Membership,
Executive Board and/or Board of Directors’ Meetings..
3. Shall be responsible for the recruitment of an attorney for the Association, if possible.
4. Shall make copies of the Association Bylaws available to the members each year, if applicable.
G. Historical Committee
1. Shall maintain and
provide accurate and complete historical records (i.e. flyers, brochures, and pertinent documentation of all organizational
events and fund raisers performed by and for the Association.)
2. Shall prepare historical
documentation for quarterly review by Executive Board.
H. Nomination Committee
1. Shall consist of a Chairperson and two (2) members from the General Membership, in good standing,
of the organization.
2. No member of the Executive Board shall be a member of the Nomination Committee.
3. No member of this committee shall be a candidate for an office unless nominated from the floor at
the time of elections.
4. Shall meet within fifteen (15) days of appointment to review responsibilities of said committee.
5. Shall announce declared nominations at the meeting prior to elections, with nominations open from
the floor on the day of elections.
SECTION - III -
IGRA Convention Delegates
A. The IGRA Convention
Delegates shall be elected annually by the General Membership.
B. Convention Delegates
shall be elected two (2) months prior to the Convention.
1.
If any elected Convention Delegate or alternate cannot attend the IGRA Annual Convention, the Executive Board may appoint
an active member in good standing of the Association to replace said Convention Delegate or alternate.
2.
The Executive Board may not appoint a Convention Delegate unless no elected alternates exist.
C. The Trustee
and the Association President shall serve as IGRA Delegates, with additional Delegates and Alternates elected as authorized
by IGRA.
D. The Trustee or Alternate Trustee shall submit written and/or oral
reports at the next Association General Meeting immediately following the IGRA Annual Convention.
E. The Trustee or Alternate Trustee is required to attend all IGRA Conventions and Board of Trustee
meetings.
ARTICLE VII. - MEETINGS
SECTION - I - General
Membership Meetings
A. General membership
meetings will be held monthly during the fiscal year.
B. One (1) of these
meetings will be held during the month of September for elections.
C. One (1) of these
meetings will be held in October for installation of officers.
D. The Executive
Board will announce each upcoming meeting, including date, time, and location at each meeting.
SECTION - II -
Executive Board and Board of Directors Meetings
A. The Executive
Board shall meet at least once a month or at the special call of the President or majority of the Executive Board.
B. The Board of
Directors shall meet at least once quarterly or at the special call of the Executive Board or a majority of the Board of Directors.
SECTION - III -
Special Meeting
A.
In order for the General Membership to call a Special Meeting, a petition with the signatures of the voting quorum
of the Membership in good standing, as recorded in the files of the Recording Secretary, must be presented to a member of
the Executive Board. The President or Vice President will act upon said petition, by notifying the General Membership
in a timely fashion of the meeting date, time, and location.
B. The President,
with the majority vote of the Executive Board, may call a special meeting of the general membership.
C. The Association shall adhere to any and all laws and/or statutes
of the State of Oklahoma and/or the United States of America, now or to come.
D. The Chairpersons of all Standing Committees may call, at their
discretion, regular or special meetings of said committees.
SECTION - IV -
Quorum, Absentee, and Proxy
A.
A quorum of the General Membership of the Association shall consist of ten percent (10%) of the General Membership
in good standing as certified by the Recording Secretary. The membership rolls shall be open for inspection prior to
the general membership meeting.
B. All voting shall
be by Robert’s Rules of Order, revised and subsequent editions.
C. No absentee
votes shall be allowed.
D. No proxy vote
shall be allowed.
ARTICLE VIII. - BOARDS
SECTION - I - Board
of Directors of the Association
A. The Board of
Directors shall consist of President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, Alternate
Trustee, Royalty Title-holders, and all Standing Committee Chairpersons.
1. The Chairperson of
the Board of Directors shall be the President of the Association.
B. Meetings shall
be conducted at least once quarterly, or as directed by the Executive Board.
C. Each officer,
Royalty with their Director as a whole, and each Standing Committee Chairperson shall have one (1) vote.
D. A Quorum of
the Board of Directors shall be a simple majority of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) present at meeting.
E.
The Association and its membership shall indemnify each director, officer, royalty title-holder, and committee chairperson
against all expense, loss or liability incurred in connection with the prosecution, settlement or defense of any civil, criminal,
administrative, or investigative proceeding, in which the director, officer, royalty title-holder, or committee chairperson
is involved because of being or having been such, except to the extent that the director, officer, royalty title-holder, or
committee chairperson is finally adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct, and the matter out of which the liability,
loss, or expense arises.
SECTION - II -
Executive Board of the Association
A. Shall consist
of the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Trustee, and the Alternate Trustee.
1. The President shall
serve as Executive Board Chairperson.
B. Meetings shall
be conducted when necessary, but at least once a month.
C. Responsibilities
of the Executive Board.
1. To prepare an agenda
for the Board of Directors’ meetings.
2.
To provide the Board of Directors with an in-depth report for the removal from office any Elected Officer, Committee
Chairperson, Royalty Member, or Association Member.
3. In the event of the death
of an officer or board member, the Executive Board may choose to have that individual’s term be completed posthumously
in name only while still electing a member to fill the vacancy left open.
ARTICLE IX. - CLUB INSIGNIAS, COLORS
SECTION - I - Association
Flag/Banner
A. Any use of the Association Flag/Banner
for an event other than an Association or IGRA function must be approved by the Executive Board.
SECTION - II -
Association Logo
A. The Association
logo should appear on all official correspondence of the organization.
ARTICLE X. - PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
SECTION - I - Robert’s
Rules of Order.
A. Robert’s
Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall be the sole parliamentary authority.
ARTICLE XI. - DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION
SECTION - I - Authority
to Dissolve
A. Board of Directors
Review
1.
Any proposal to dissolve the organization must be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board, which will investigate
and discuss for dissolution.
2.
If the proposal is determined to be valid, it shall be brought before the active General Membership for a vote.
3.
If a quorum is not established at the General Membership Meeting a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the General Membership
present will be required to dissolve the Association.
SECTION - II -
Financial Obligations upon Dissolution
A. Outstanding
Obligations
1.
Outstanding financial obligations will be determined and satisfied by the Board of Directors within thirty (30) days
of dissolution.
2.
After payment of all determined outstanding debts, the balance of the moneys remaining will be distributed to non-profit,
charitable organizations to be determined by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XII. - BYLAWS
SECTION - I - Amendments
and Additions
A.
A minimum of six (6) copies of the Amendments and Additions must be submitted, in writing, to the Executive Board for
review and discussion.
B.
The Executive Board shall present said amendments and additions no later than the next regularly scheduled General
Membership Meeting, at which time the President will be required to call a vote thereof.
C.
Amendments and Additions may be passed at the General Membership Meeting with a majority of the vote.
ARTICLE XIII. - MR/MS/MISS SSRA
SECTION - I - General Rules
A. The Association’s Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition shall comply with all current IGRA Standing Rules governing the selection
of Mr./Ms./Miss.
B. The Association’s Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition will be held in the month of September annually when possible.
C. The Royalty Fundraising Committee will be in charge of organizing and hosting the competition with the outgoing Mr./Ms./Miss
SSRA Title-holders being co-chairs, with the assistance of the Royalty Director of the Association.
SECTION
- II - Contestant Qualifications
A. Must be a General Member in good standing of the Association for at least ninety (90) days and have paid their membership
fees for the fiscal year in which the title may be held.
B. Must reside within the state of Oklahoma or within fifty (50) miles of the Association county borders as specified in Article
II D during their reigning title year.
C. Must raise and/or donate a minimum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00) for the Association within
the twelve (12) month period prior to competing in the Royalty Contest to show dedication and support of the organization; said funds may be acquired through either assisting the current Royalty Team members and/or through individual
effort.
SECTION
- III - Rules Governing the Selection of the Mr./Ms./Miss
A. Scoring will be done on a comparison basis, with high and low scores from each category thrown out and the remaining scores
tallied for each category.
B. All entries and the entry fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) must be submitted no later than the Sunday before the contest.
C. Each category of competition, (Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA) will have a second runner-up, first runner-up, and winner (provided the
number of contestants allows.)
D. All results of the Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition will become a matter of the Association’s records. Results shall
reflect the order of placement. Individual results and judges sheets shall be mailed to all contestants within five (5) days
after the competition.
E. All contestants in each competition category will be lined up by a contestant number to be assigned by random drawing of
the Royalty and Fundraising Committee by order of the applications being turned in, for each competition category.
SECTION
- IV - Judges
A. Qualifications
1. Be a non-member of the Association unless otherwise designated by the majority vote of the Executive Board.
2. Be qualified in at least one (1) of the following areas:
a. Horsemanship
b. Entertainment
c. Western Wear
d. Public Presentation
e. Personal Interview
3. A panel of five (5) judges will be selected for each segment.
4. If there are not enough judges, then the Association Vice President and Trustee, or their appointees must fill the vacancies.
B. Responsibilities
1. A panel consisting of the Royalty Director and the current Royalty will select the judges.
2. The Royalty and Fundraising Committee shall direct, coordinate, present, and host the Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Competition in
accordance with IGRA requirements and guidelines.
3. The Royalty and Fundraising Committee shall draw up the rules and regulations for the competition. If any problems or controversies
should arise during the competition, the Executive Board will make final decision as necessary.
4. The Royalty and Fundraising Committee shall instruct the Judges and Contestants, alike, as to the exacting rules of each
competition. These instructions shall be in written form, distributed to each judge and contestant.
5. The judges shall use standardized scoring sheets included as Exhibits A-1 through A-9.
6. Entry form packets will be available sixty (60) days prior to the Competition from the Royalty Director or Current Royalty.
7. Contestants must provide a written plan of action consisting of goals for the Association Royalty during their reign. They
must be in a sealed envelope with the contestant name listed on the front. They must be turned in to the Royalty Director
at the beginning of the competition. The plans will be reviewed with the competition winners to build a Royalty plan of action
for the coming year.
8. Upon assuming their respective title, Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA will become co-chairs of the Royalty and Fundraising Committee,
with the first and second runner-ups serving as committee members.
SECTION
- V - Areas of Judging
A. Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA contestants shall compete in all categories.
1. Categories:
a. Personal Interview
b. Western Wear
c. Horsemanship
d. Entertainment
e. Public Presentation
B. Horsemanship, Western Wear, Entertainment, and Public Presentation competitions will be open to the public. Personal Interview
will be closed to the public.
C. Scores for each category will be accumulated by comparison basis, with high and low scores from each category thrown out
and the remaining scores tallied. Contestants receiving the most points will receive the titles.
SECTION
- VI - Point Values
A. Each category has been assigned a point value. There will be five (5) judges scoring, with the high and low score from
each category being dropped - leaving 480 total possible points.
1. Personal Interview - 50 points
2. Western Wear - 25 points
3. Horsemanship - 25 points
4. Entertainment - 25 points
5. Public Presentation - 25 points
6. Plan of Action - 10 points
B. Each contestant begins each category with the total points available for that category.
SECTION
- VII - Competition Guidelines
A. Personal Interview - The judges will be looking for:
1. Poise
2. Confidence
3. Familiarity with the Association, its rules and Bylaws, IGRA, their benefits to the gay community at large, and the responsibilities
of Royalty.
4. Attire: Casual Western Wear (Miss contestants will appear in male attire.)
B. Western Wear
1. Will be staged separately from Horsemanship and Entertainment segments of competition.
a. Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA contestants will model contemporary western fashions such as, but not limited to, what can be found in
today’s western wear catalogs or in quality western stores.
b. Miss contestants may not wear stage costumes for the western wear competition.
c. All contestants are required to provide a written description of their western wear on a 5”X 7” index card.
C. Entertainment
1. Talent competition will be a presentation of a “show” routine, country/western in nature.
a. Routines will have a five (5) minute time limit. Exceeding the time limit will result in a five (5) point per minute deduction,
or portion of a minute penalty.
b. Contestants may not receive tips during the presentation.
c. Music selection, if any, must be taped and cued. The selection must be the only number on the tape. CDs may be used with
prior permission, but must be clearly marked as to selection number.
d. Presentation will be done SOLO.
e. Props may be used. There is a two (2) minute limit for set-up and breakdown. Exceeding the limit will result in a deduction
of five (5) points per minute or portion thereof. No pyrotechnics allowed. Contestants are responsible for their own props.
D. Horsemanship
1. These rules are basically the same rules governing the Modified Reigning Pattern of the American Quarter Horse Association
as amended and approved by IGRA.
2. Western riding is neither a stunt nor a race, but should be done with reasonable speed. It is a competition in the performance
of a sensible well-mannered, free and moving ranch horse, which can get its rider around on the usual ranch chores, over the
trails, or give a quiet, comfortable and pleasant ride on open country.
3. The contestant (rider) will be judged on ability to control mount through gaits (walk, trot, and lope.) Contestant must
demonstrate poise, confidence, sportsmanship, and showmanship.
4. The Miss Contestant completes this portion of competition in male attire.
5. A hackamore, curb, or snaffle bit is permissible. Chain curbs are permissible, but must be at least one-half inch (1/2)
in width and must lie flat against the lower jaw of the horse with a two (2) finger allowance between jaw and chain. No wire
curbs, regardless of how well padded or covered, nor any chinstrap more narrow than one-half (1/2) inch will be permitted.
6. The following pattern and routine prescribed is permitted. It is essential that judges and riders adhere to it. (Refer
to Exhibit A-7 for pattern.)
7. Begin pattern at the end of a defined area comparable to IGRA standard arena. The pattern begins with contestant mounted
and walking horse to the first recommended change.
8. At recommended change, mounted contestant should be in a trot until the next recommended change area.
9. At recommended change mounted contestant should change from trot to a lope until the next recommended change area.
10. At recommended change mounted contestant should break from a lope to a trot towards center of arena.
11. Upon reaching center of arena, mounted contestant should stop and back their mount five (5) feet.
12. The rider may ride with reins in the style in which he/she has been taught. Rider may change hands as necessary.
13. Riders’ hands shall be clear of horse and saddle while horse is in motion. Riders’ free hand may be resting
on riders’ thigh while horse is in motion.
14. Romals, quirts, and crops, if worn or carried, may not be used.
15. The contesting horses must be properly groomed and in sound condition. All equipment used must be in good and safe repair.
E. Public Presentation
1. The contestant will be asked one (1) question on stage.
2. The contestants will be judged on the following:
a. Poise
b. Stage presence
c. Content of answer
d. Confidence
3. The questions will be determined by the current reigning SSRA Royalty and the Royalty Director.
SECTION
- VIII - Royalty Competition and Announcement of Winners
A. Friday night will consist of Western Wear and Public Presentation. Saturday day will consist of Interview and Horsemanship.
Saturday night will consist of Entertainment.
B. Announcement of Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA Royalty shall take place Saturday following the competition and after an audit has been
completed.
C. The audit verification shall be done by manual tabulation of judging sheets by the Association Audit Committee.
SECTION
- IX - Duties and Responsibilities of Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA
A. Shall sign agreement with the Association which states, “In the event I receive the title Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA:
1. I agree to represent the association for one (1) year.
2. I agree to compete in the Mr./Ms./Miss International Gay Rodeo Competition.
3. I acknowledge and understand that I must raise a minimum of $500.00 for a 501 non-profit organization to retain my title
and remain eligible to compete at the International Gay Rodeo Competition.
a. Contestant’s contributions to the Association fundraisers will be figured by dividing the profit from fundraisers
by the number of Royalty members participating in the event.
b. Moneys raised for other non-profit organizations shall be verified by a written statement or receipt from an official of
said organization and turned over to the Royalty Director.
B. To represent the Association with enthusiasm, pride, and dignity.
C. To serve as a spokesperson for the Association, always keeping the organization’s image and best interest foremost
in his/her mind.
D. Attend at least eight (8) of the Association Meetings and at least 3 Rodeos, including the Association Rodeo and/or Horse
Show as well as other related functions.
E. Assist in the recruiting of contestants for the following years Royalty competition. To educate and to assist the new Royalty
as needed.
F. Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA shall be members of the Board of Directors, with only one (1) vote out of their respective committee.
G. Shall check the Association calendar for coordination of projects.
H. Attempt to schedule at least one (1) project per quarter.
I. Failure to comply with rules governing Mr./Ms./Miss SSRA can result in revocation of titles. Sash, Crown, and Belt Buckles
must be returned at that time.
J. Royalty members must avoid any personal action unbecoming to their title and the Association.
K. Appropriate sashes will be worn at any and all functions when representing the Association, unless wearing the sash could
endanger the wearer, i.e. when WORKING OR COMPETING in the arena. These functions include, but are not limited to: Fundraisers,
rodeos, horse shows, Grand Entry, and other Association events.
SECTION
- X - Discipline
A. If for any reason, a current titleholder does not demonstrate a good faith effort toward
the accomplishment of their duties according to the Royalty Point System, they first face probation then removal of their
title.
B. The Royalty Point System requires each Association titleholder to achieve thirty (30) points per quarter to demonstrate
a good faith effort.
C. Points are obtained as follows:
1. Association General Membership Meetings - 10 points
2. Attending University, Convention, or any IGRA sanctioned Rodeo and should participate in Grand Entry - 20 points
3. Sponsoring/participating in a fundraiser - 10 points
4. Attending a fundraiser - 5 points
D. Failure to earn thirty (30) points in a quarter could result in the title being removed.
E. The Royalty Director is responsible for reporting the points to the Executive Board for verification and approval.
