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Proposed Board Discussion Draft — 2026
Purpose of this draft: This document establishes the permanent governance structure of the Lake Hopatcong Darting Association (“LHDA” or “the Association”). Competition-specific rules, schedules, playoff formats, scoring procedures, and other operational matters should be maintained separately in the LHDA Rules & Regulations and, where appropriate, annual season rules.
The name of this organization shall be the Lake Hopatcong Darting Association, hereafter referred to as “LHDA” or “the Association.”
The purposes of LHDA are to:
LHDA shall operate as a recreational league or association and shall not be operated for the private financial benefit of any individual member.
For purposes of these Bylaws:
“Association” or “LHDA” means the Lake Hopatcong Darting Association.
A “Member” is an individual who has been accepted for participation in LHDA and who has satisfied applicable membership requirements.
A “Player” is a Member who is eligible to participate in LHDA league competition.
A “Team” is a group of eligible Players participating together in an LHDA league season.
A “Captain” is the individual designated by a Team to represent that Team in league business and competition.
A “Sponsor” or “Sponsored Establishment” is the business, organization, or establishment associated with and/or providing a location or financial sponsorship for a Team.
The “Board” or “Board of Trustees” means the governing body of LHDA.
A “Trustee” is an elected member of the Board of Trustees.
An “Officer” is a Trustee serving in an officer position established by these Bylaws.
A “Season” means a designated period of league competition established by the Board.
A Member or Team is in “Good Standing” when it has satisfied all applicable membership, financial, disciplinary, and administrative requirements of LHDA.
A Member or Team is in “Bad Standing” when it is temporarily ineligible for one or more LHDA privileges because of an outstanding obligation, disciplinary action, rule violation, or other condition identified in these Bylaws or the Rules & Regulations.
“Suspension” is the temporary removal of specified membership and/or playing privileges for a defined period or until specified conditions are satisfied.
“Restriction” is a limited disciplinary or administrative prohibition that does not terminate membership.
“Expulsion” is the involuntary termination of an individual’s LHDA membership.
“Quorum” means the minimum number of eligible voting members required to conduct official business.
Membership in the Lake Hopatcong Darting Association (LHDA) shall be open to individuals who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Members shall:
Membership dues, player fees, team fees, sponsor fees, and other charges shall be established in accordance with the authority granted by these Bylaws.
Specific fee amounts should be published in the applicable season’s fee schedule rather than permanently embedded in these Bylaws.
A Member who fails to satisfy applicable financial obligations may be placed in Bad Standing and may be prohibited from participating until the obligation is resolved.
Members in Good Standing shall have the rights granted by these Bylaws, including, where applicable:
Voting rights within the League shall be held by the following:
The Board shall determine, consistent with these Bylaws, whether a matter shall be:
● decided by the Board;
● presented to the Captains for a vote or approval; or
● presented to the general membership for a vote or approval.
The Board shall identify the appropriate voting body when a matter is brought forward and shall follow the voting procedures and requirements established in these Bylaws and the Rules & Regulations.
Nothing in this Section shall be interpreted to grant the Board authority to bypass a vote of the Captains or general membership when another provision of these Bylaws specifically requires such a vote.
Teams shall be formed and registered in accordance with procedures established by the Board.
Each Team shall designate a Captain who shall serve as the primary representative of the Team to LHDA.
Captains shall:
The Board may remove or require the replacement of a Team Captain when the Board determines that the Captain has failed to adequately fulfill the responsibilities of the position or has acted in a manner that negatively impacts the League, Team, or opposing Teams.
Grounds for removal or replacement may include, but are not limited to:
Before removing or requiring the replacement of a Captain, the Board should, when reasonably practicable, notify the Captain of the concerns and provide an opportunity for the Captain to address those concerns.
Removal or replacement of a Captain shall require approval by a majority of the Board members eligible to vote, provided that a quorum is present. The Board's decision and vote shall be recorded in the Board Voting Record and, where appropriate, the Meeting Minutes.
Removal as Captain shall not, by itself, terminate the individual's membership in LHDA or prevent the individual from participating as a Player, provided the individual otherwise remains eligible and in good standing.
Following removal or required replacement, the Board shall request that the Team designate another eligible Team member to serve as Captain. The new Captain shall assume the responsibilities of the position upon notification to the Board and shall serve in accordance with these Bylaws and the Rules & Regulations.
The Board may take separate disciplinary action regarding the individual's membership or participation in League activities when the circumstances warrant such action. Any such action shall be governed by the applicable provisions of these Bylaws and the Rules & Regulations.
The Board shall establish procedures for approving Team sponsors and playing locations.
Each Team shall be associated with an Establishment approved and certified by the Board to host LHDA League play. The Board shall establish and maintain standards for Establishment certification, which may include, but are not limited to:
The Board, or a person designated by the Board, may inspect an Establishment before certification and periodically thereafter to verify continued compliance with LHDA requirements.
An Establishment seeking to host an LHDA Team shall submit an application in accordance with procedures established by the Board.
The Board shall review the application and may conduct an inspection of the Establishment before granting approval. Approval shall be based on the Establishment's ability and willingness to meet LHDA requirements and provide a suitable location for League play.
The Board may approve, conditionally approve, or deny an application. The Board's decision shall be documented in the League's Establishments with Dartboards record.
An approved Establishment shall remain in good standing by continuing to meet LHDA certification requirements and cooperating with the League, its Teams, Players, and Board.
An Establishment may be determined to be not in good standing when the Board determines that the Establishment:
The Board shall, when reasonably practicable, notify an Establishment of deficiencies and provide an opportunity to correct them before placing the Establishment out of good standing.
The Board may establish corrective measures, conditions, or deadlines for an Establishment that is not in good standing.
Depending on the circumstances, the Board may:
If an Establishment loses certification, the Board shall determine the appropriate disposition of any Team associated with that Establishment in accordance with the Rules & Regulations, including relocation or other arrangements necessary to complete the League season.
A determination that an Establishment is not in good standing shall not, by itself, constitute disciplinary action against the Team or Players associated with that Establishment.
The League shall maintain a current record of approved Establishments, including ownership or management contact information, certification status, inspection dates, and any material conditions or corrective actions.
The Board shall designate an officer responsible for maintaining these records in accordance with the League's established procedures.
Procedures governing Team withdrawal, forfeitures, replacement, and financial consequences shall be established in the Rules & Regulations.
The Board of Trustees shall consist of seven (7) Trustees, unless amended by the membership.
The Board shall have authority to administer the affairs of LHDA and shall exercise all powers not specifically reserved to the membership by these Bylaws.
The Board shall:
The Board shall not take action that conflicts with these Bylaws or a valid decision of the membership.
Trustees shall serve terms of 2 years with no more than 4 members eligible for election in a single year
Trustees shall be elected by the eligible voting membership according to procedures established in these Bylaws.
A vacancy on the Board shall be filled by board appointment
The person filling the vacancy shall serve until the following election
A Trustee may be removed from office by action of the Board or through a vote of the League membership in accordance with the procedures established by these Bylaws.
The Board may remove a Trustee from office upon approval of a minimum of five (5) affirmative votes of the Board. The five-vote requirement shall constitute a supermajority of the seven (7) Board positions.
The Trustee whose removal is under consideration shall be provided reasonable notice of the proposed action and an opportunity to address the Board before the vote. A Trustee shall not be permitted to vote on their own removal.
The Board's decision and vote shall be recorded in the Board Voting Record and Meeting Minutes.
Removal from the position of Trustee shall not, by itself, terminate the individual's membership in LHDA or prevent the individual from participating as a Player, provided the individual otherwise remains eligible and in good standing.
A minimum of five (5) Captains may require the Board to convene a meeting and conduct a vote concerning the removal of a Trustee.
A request under this Section shall be submitted to the Board in writing and shall identify the Trustee whose removal is being requested and the general reason for the request.
Upon receiving a valid request from at least five (5) Captains, the Board shall schedule a meeting or voting process in accordance with the procedures established in these Bylaws. The matter shall be presented for consideration by the voting body designated under these Bylaws.
The Board shall not prevent or unreasonably delay a properly submitted request meeting the requirements of this Section.
The voting requirements for removal of a Trustee through a membership- or Captain-initiated vote shall be a Two-Thirds Majority of Members that are present for the meeting.
A Trustee shall disclose any material personal, financial, team, or other conflict of interest relating to a matter before the Board.
A Trustee with a direct conflict may be required to recuse themselves from discussion and/or voting.
The officers of LHDA shall be:
While Trustees may be assigned to an Officer position, they are not limited to just the activities of the position and are expected to assist in areas their skills add the most value
Unless otherwise specified, officers shall be selected from among the Trustees and appointed by the Board
The primary role of the President is the chief governing officer and presiding officer of the league
The President shall:
The Vice President shall:
The Secretary shall:
The Treasurer shall:
The Event Director shall:
The Statistician shall:
The Liaison shall:
The Board will evenly distribute teams to all members as a primary contact point for the team.
The Board may remove an Officer from the Officer position by Super Majority.
Removal from an Officer position shall not automatically constitute removal from the Board or termination of membership.
The Board shall meet at times and locations established by the Board.
LHDA shall conduct at least one general membership meeting each year in timing defined by the Board.
Special meetings may be called by:
Notice shall include the purpose of the meeting.
Notice of meetings shall be provided at least 14days in advance except in emergencies.
A quorum of the Board shall consist of 4 Trustees.
A quorum for membership meetings shall consist of members present for the posted meeting
The Board and membership may conduct official meetings using voice, video, or other electronic communication methods capable of allowing participants to communicate substantially simultaneously.
Electronic meetings shall be treated as official meetings when conducted in accordance with these Bylaws.
Official minutes shall record:
Only eligible voting Members, Trustees, or other persons expressly authorized by these Bylaws may vote on Association business.
Unless otherwise specified, an action requiring a vote shall be approved by a majority of votes cast by eligible voters.
The following matters shall require a two-thirds vote:
Election procedures shall be established to ensure that each eligible voter has an equal opportunity to cast a ballot.
Official electronic voting may be conducted by text message, email, league platform, or another method approved by the Board when authorized by these Bylaws.
An electronic vote shall establish:
Matters requiring a formal meeting shall take place either over video/voice conferences or in-person meetings. Matters requiring a formal meeting include:
● Bylaw amendments
● Removal of Trustees
● Major financial commitments
● Expulsion of a Member
● Other matters determined by the Board
Routine administrative matters may be decided electronically when authorized.
Potential examples:
● Scheduling
● Administrative deadlines
● Minor operational decisions
● Approval of routine expenditures within an approved budget
● Publication of league information
● Approval for substitution players and roster updates
A person with a direct conflict of interest may be required to abstain or recuse themselves.
The fiscal year shall begin on October 1 of each year and end on September 30 of the following year
League funds shall be maintained in accounts approved by the Board.
League funds shall be spent only for legitimate Association purposes.
Expenses exceeding $100 require Board approval
The Treasurer shall provide financial reports to the Board at least Quarterly
The Board shall establish an annual operating budget.
Compensation for officers, statisticians, tournament personnel, or other league workers shall be approved according to the annual budget.
Members shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with good sportsmanship and the purposes of LHDA.
Disciplinary action may result from:
The Board may impose one or more of the following:
A formal notice that a violation occurred.
A limited restriction on participation, privileges, or responsibilities.
Temporary removal of specified membership and/or playing privileges.
Termination of LHDA membership.
The Board may consider prior violations when determining an appropriate sanction.
The Board is not required to use progressive discipline when the seriousness of the conduct warrants a more severe sanction.
When necessary to protect safety, league integrity, participating establishments, or the orderly operation of the league, the Board may impose an immediate temporary suspension.
An emergency suspension shall be reviewed through the disciplinary process within 3 days.
Except where immediate action is necessary, the Member shall receive notice of the alleged violation and an opportunity to respond before final discipline is imposed.
The Board shall determine the appropriate disciplinary action by Simple Majority
A Trustee with a direct conflict shall not participate in the decision.
A disciplined Member may appeal the decision within 7days.
The appeal panel shall:
A suspended or expelled Member may request reinstatement at the start of the following season unless otherwise specified by the Board.
The Board shall vote on reinstatement of the Member.
If a Simple Majority vote to reinstate the Member, they may play in the current season. If the Board denies the Member reinstatement, then they may apply for reinstatement during the next season.
The Board may establish standing or temporary committees as necessary.
Committees shall have only the authority granted to them by the Board.
Committees shall report their recommendations and actions to the Board.
LHDA shall maintain the following records publicly available at any time:
● Bylaws
● Rules & Regulations
● Annual Budget
● standings
● statistics
● disciplinary decisions
LHDA shall maintain and publish the following records after public meetings:
● Board minutes
● official votes
The Board shall determine publishing requirements for other significant league records where appropriate
LHDA records shall be maintained in an organized manner and made available to Members in accordance with this Section.
Members in Good Standing may request to inspect or receive copies of League records that are appropriate for general Member access, including:
The following records shall generally be considered confidential or restricted from general Member access:
The Board may disclose portions of otherwise restricted records when it determines that disclosure is appropriate and does not compromise confidential or protected information.
A Member requesting access to League records shall submit the request to the Secretary or another Board Member designated by the Board. The request should reasonably identify the records being requested and the purpose of the request when appropriate.
The Board shall make a reasonable effort to respond to requests in a timely manner. The Board may provide records electronically, through the League website, or by another reasonable method.
When a record contains both information appropriate for Member access and confidential or restricted information, the Board may provide the record with the confidential information removed or redacted rather than withholding the entire record.
The Board shall have authority to determine whether a requested record is subject to Member access under this Section. Any denial or limitation of access shall be based on the confidentiality provisions of these Bylaws or the legitimate operational, legal, or privacy interests of LHDA.
Nothing in this Section shall require the League to create a record that does not otherwise exist.
An amendment may be proposed by:
Amendments will be under consideration by the Board and entered into public meetings at a time determined by the Board
Agreement from 5 Captains may force a vote on a proposed amendment
Proposed amendments shall be distributed to eligible voters at least 7 days before the vote.
An amendment shall require Two-Thirds approval.
An approved amendment shall become effective as defined at time of the vote
Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Association in parliamentary matters not specifically addressed by these Bylaws, provided that Robert’s Rules shall not supersede or conflict with these Bylaws, the Rules & Regulations, or other duly adopted special rules of order.
These Bylaws shall become effective on October 9, 2026.
Upon adoption, provisions of prior bylaws that conflict with these Bylaws shall be superseded.
The Board shall maintain the official version of the Bylaws and Rules & Regulations.
List matters that require membership approval rather than Board action.
Potential items:
● Bylaw amendments
● Election of Trustees
● Changes to fundamental membership rights
Potential items:
● Annual league format
● Trustee removal
● Scheduling
● Playoff structure
● Sponsor/location approval
● Discipline
● Routine financial expenditures
● Administrative policies
● Statistical administration
● Events
The Board shall publish, as applicable, an annual:
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