Mission and Bylaws
Our Mission And Values
Our Mission
To empower our members to achieve their multisport aspirations.
Our Values
- Inclusiveness
- Respect
- Community
- Encouragement
At the DC Triathlon Club, we pride ourselves in welcoming and respecting all athletes, whether you are a beginner, seasoned, elite or 10x Ironman finisher, young or old, a person of color, LGBT or straight, whether you live in DC/VA/MD or outside of the DC metro area, or in whatever way you may be special and bring rich diversity to the Club. While we are largely a community of triathletes, we welcome all athletes interested in the multisport lifestyle, be it duathlons, off-road sports or whatever sports fulfill you the most.
At the DC Triathlon Club, everyone can expect to receive encouragement from fellow Club members, whether you aim to break the finish line tape or are a back-of-the-pack athlete. We pride ourselves in the camaraderie amongst our members.
Every athlete tries hard, and everyone deserves support. We know most of our members have athletic goals, and thus it is our mission to help our members fulfill their athletic pursuits, whether it is to qualify for the Kona World Championships or finish your first Sprint triathlon. We do so by providing our membership with resources such as structured training programs, training camps, Club training races, seminars, and much more.
Lastly, our sense of community does not just encompass individual athletes, but we also seek to build strong community bonds with the businesses that support us via our partnerships, especially those local to the DC metro area. Community building takes two-way relationships, and we seek to give back as much or more as we get from others.
Ethics
Code Of Ethics
The DC Triathlon Club (hereafter “the Club”) strives to create a safe and welcoming environment for all who are interested in participating in multi-sport events. This Code of Ethics and Conduct is intended to outline the standards that members of the Club are expected to uphold in order to retain the privileges of membership.
Certain behaviors are unacceptable for Club members, regardless of when or where they occur, if they affect other Club members, the reputation and well-being of the Club, or other participants in sporting events. Failure to abide by the guidelines may result in suspension or revocation of membership in the Club. Expectations for Club members include, but are not limited to, the following:
Exercise Honesty
Members shall be honest in their dealings with the Club and sporting officials. Members shall not knowingly submit false information to the Club or to organizers of sporting events. Members shall not knowingly violate race rules to gain competitive advantage.
No Harassment
The Club works to create an environment where all can be comfortable and welcome. Members shall not harass other members.
Train and Race Safely
When participating in Club events, Members will conduct themselves in a way that ensures their personal safety and the safety of others. This includes wearing appropriate safety gear, such as bike helmets, and riding safely and respectfully on a bike. Members shall be personally responsible for familiarizing themselves with the rules of the sport, and the necessary safety precautions and handling skills.
Avoid Abuse
Members shall not engage in behavior that may threaten or appear to threaten other individuals, nor shall members create a hostile environment at Club events. Members shall refrain from inappropriate language or unsportsmanlike conduct toward Club members or other participants at sporting events.
No Discrimination
No manner of discrimination, verbal or otherwise, will be tolerated in any function of the Club, be it based on race, color, nationality, religion, disability, age, appearance, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, political belief, or athletic ability.
No Substance Abuse
Members shall not participate in Club events while impaired by illegal substances. Members choosing to drink at Club social events must do so responsibly.
No Illegal Activities
Members shall not cause or participate in any illegal activity as defined by local, state, or federal law while participating in a Club event.
Be courteous of others
Members are expected to be courteous and cordial to others (including, but not limited to, Club members, spectators, guests and officials) in any Club or sporting event. In the context of Club activities or while representing the Club or invoking the name of the Club be it in person or on social media, members shall not use any form of communication in a derogatory or personally damaging way, nor conduct or condone any programs, activities, publications, speeches and conduct which are offensive or in poor taste or otherwise considered detrimental to the best interests of the Club.
Be responsible
When signing up for a Club event for which entry is limited or a fee is required, Members shall exercise their best efforts to attend and if unable to attend, shall notify the event’s organizer as early as possible but no later than 24 hours in advance.
Make payments promptly
Members shall make prompt payment to the Club of any outstanding balance, including but not limited to payment of fees for membership, special events, uniforms, and other clothing or equipment.
Respect Club Partnerships
The Club has many official partnerships with local and national businesses, providing members access to exclusive benefits, discounts, and services. Members shall use discretion when dealing with our partners, including the use of discounts and adherence to our partner’s policies, to ensure the club maintains our strong relationships.
Policy
Harassment Policy
The Policy Statement
The DC Triathlon Club (hereafter “the Club”) is committed to providing a safe environment for all of its members free from discrimination on any ground and from harassment including sexual harassment. The Club will operate a zero tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment in the Club, treat all incidents seriously, and promptly investigate all allegations of sexual harassment. Any person found to have sexually harassed another will face disciplinary action, up to and including termination of membership in the Club. All Club members in a leadership position or any person working or volunteering for the Club who are in a position of leadership are expected to adhere to this policy or they may be expelled from the Club by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Such decisions shall be final and not subject to review.
All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and treated with respect and in confidence.
No one will be victimized for making such a complaint.
Definition of Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated. It includes situations where a person is asked to engage in sexual activity as well as situations that create an environment that is hostile, intimidating or humiliating for the recipient.
Sexual harassment can involve one or more incidents, and actions constituting harassment may be physical, verbal and non-verbal. Anyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of the member’s sex and of the sex of the harasser. The Club recognizes that sexual harassment may also occur between people of the same sex. What matters is that the sexual conduct is unwanted and unwelcome by the person against whom the conduct is directed. Anyone who sexually harasses another will be reprimanded in accordance with this policy.
All sexual harassment is prohibited whether it takes place during official Club activities or during gatherings of Club members for training, racing, or social purposes.
Complaint Procedure
Anyone who is subjected to sexual harassment should, if possible, inform the alleged harasser that the conduct is unwanted and unwelcome. The Club recognizes that sexual harassment may occur in unequal relationships and that it may not be possible for the member to inform the alleged harasser. If a member cannot directly approach an alleged harasser, the member can approach the designated member of the Club’s Board of Directors. If the designated member of the Club’s Board of Directors is involved in the incidents that gave rise to the complaint, then the accuser should approach the secondary designated member of the Club’s Board of Directors.
- Primary designee of the Club’s Board of Directors:
Vice President of Membership (secretary@dctriclub.org) - Secondary designee of the Club’s Board of Directors:
President (president@dctriclub.org)
The Club recognizes that sexual harassment often occurs in unequal relationships and person in such situationss often feel that they cannot come forward. The Club understands the need to support members in making complaints.
Sanctions and Disciplinary Measures
Anyone who has been found to have sexually harassed another person under the terms of this policy is liable to any of the following sanctions:
- Verbal or written warning
- Termination of DC Triathlon Club membership for relevant specified period of time up to lifetime
The nature of the sanctions will depend on the gravity and extent of the harassment. Suitable deterrent sanctions will be applied to ensure that incidents of sexual harassment are not treated as trivial. Certain serious cases, including physical violence, will result in the immediate lifetime termination of membership of the harasser and the action will be reported to the local authorities.
Implementation of This Policy
The Club will ensure that this policy is widely disseminated to all members and readily accessible on the Club’s website. It will be included on the Club’s website alongside the Club’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The Club recognizes the importance of monitoring this sexual harassment policy and will ensure that it evaluates the effectiveness of this policy and make any changes needed.
Policy
Communications Policy
Updated: 9/2/17
Target audience: Any DCTC member communicating about the DCTC on his/her own personal social media accounts or posting to the DCTC website’s forums:
- Be Smart: You are personally responsible for any content that you publish on social media platforms, so use good judgment.
What you may consider funny may be offensive to others.
Consider how your comments or posts might appear if we were called to defend them by a news organization – just like you would at any public event or forum. - Respect Copyrights & Confidentiality: Only post things you have permission to post.
Make sure you have permission to post any copyrighted (e.g. images, logos) or potentially confidential information. - Be a Responsible Advocate: You may share information or your personal opinions about political campaigns, parties or candidates on your personal social media accounts, but not on the Club forums, as long as you are not a spokesperson for DCTC.
However, you must be careful to avoid any type of attribution to DCTC. - Be Accurate: Even though you may be expressing a personal opinion, do your research and source your information.
- Be Generous: Social media is, at its base, social. Share, connect, and provide links to interesting things going on, both at DCTC and beyond.
- Share Stories & Best Practices: If you have a great story to tell or have a great idea for DCTC to tell our story through social platforms, share those with colleagues.
- Ensure that your content abides by our Club’s values of inclusiveness, respect, community and encouragement.
Should you violate these policies and/or harm DCTC’s reputation, your post will be deleted from the Club forums and/or you may be asked to delete your post from your personal social media account(s). Should violations repeat themselves, your Club membership may be terminated.
Bylaws
ARTICLE I
Name and Location
Name and location. The name of this organization is the DC Triathlon Club, Inc. (DC Tri Club). It is located in Washington, D.C., and the metropolitan area.
ARTICLE II
Definitions
DC Tri Club. “DC Tri Club” or “the Club” is used herein to mean the DC Triathlon Club, Inc., an organization registered with USA Triathlon (USAT), Inc. and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(7) organization.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Member. Every DC Tri Club member (herein referred to as “member”) shall be currently registered as a member of DC Tri Club and shall have paid their annual DC Tri Club dues. Members are also responsible for meeting any applicable rules or codes of conduct issued by the Club. A member may be expelled from DC Tri Club for failing to meet any applicable rule or code of conduct by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Such decision shall be final and not subject to review.
ARTICLE IV
Meeting of Members
Section 1. Place of meetings. Meetings of the membership shall be held at any suitable place convenient to the membership as may be designated by the DC Tri Club Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as “Board”)
Section 2. Annual Meetings. The annual meeting of the members of DC Tri Club shall be held between October 1 and December 31. At such meeting there shall be elected by ballot of the members a board of Directors in accordance with the requirements of Article V of the Bylaws. The members may also transact such other business of the organization as may properly come before them.
Section 3. Special Meetings. It shall be the duty of the President to call a special meeting of the members upon receiving any one of the following items: 1) a resolution of the Board of Directors, or 2) a petition signed by members representing at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total membership having been presented to the Secretary. The notice of any special meeting shall state the time of such meeting and the purpose thereof. No business shall be transacted at a special meeting except as stated in the notice.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to send a notice by post or electronic mail of each annual or special meeting, stating the purpose thereof as well as the time and place where it is to be held, to each person who is currently a member in good standing at their address of record, at least fourteen (14) days, but not more than thirty (30) days prior to such meeting. Service may be accomplished by the delivery of any such notice to the member. Notice in person or through electronic means shall be considered as notice served. Attendance by a member at any meeting of the members shall be a waiver of notice by them of the time, place, and purpose thereof.
Section 5. Quorum. The presence, either in person, by absentee ballot, by electronic ballot or by proxy on one or more of the issues specified in the notice, of the members representing at least ten (10%) of the total membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at all meetings of members. If the number of members at a meeting drops below the quorum and the question of a lack of quorum is raised, no business may thereafter be transacted.
Section 6. Adjourned Meetings. If any meeting of members cannot be organized because a quorum has not attended, the members who are present may, except as otherwise provided by law, adjourn the meeting to a time not less than forty-eight (48) hours from the time the original meeting was called.
Section 7. Voting. At every meeting of the members, the members shall have the right to vote. The vote of the members representing a majority of the quorum at a duly called meeting shall decide any question brought before such a meeting, unless the questions is one upon such, by express provision of the Bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control. No person shall be eligible to vote unless he/she is a member of DC Tri Club as defined in Article III. Votes shall be cast in closed ballot.
Section 8. Absentee, Proxy and Electronic Ballot. A member may vote by absentee ballot, proxy ballot, or by electronic means on any one or more issues specified in the notice received for the meeting. Any absentee ballot must be in writing, must be signed and dated, and must be given to the Secretary. A member may also designate a proxy to vote his or her ballot by designating the authority in writing, signed and dated. For the purposes of this provision, receipt of an electronic mail from the e-mail address of record for a member shall be considered a writing that has been signed and dated by the member. A member may also vote by means of an electronic voting system established by the Club. In addition, a proxy designation through such electronic voting system shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements for designating a proxy pursuant to this section.
Section 9. Order of Business. The order of business at all regularly scheduled meetings of the members shall be as follows:
- Determination of quorum.
- Proof of notice of meeting or waiver of notice.
- Reading of minutes of preceding meeting.
- Reports of officers. The report of the Treasurer shall include a report of all expenditures made by the Board of Directors since the previous meeting of the membership.
- Reports of committees.
- Unfinished business
- New business.
ARTICLE V
Directors
Section 1. Number. The affairs of this organization shall be governed by the Board of Directors composed of a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of fifteen (15) members The number of Directors may be changed by a vote of the members at any annual or special meeting; provided, however, that no such change shall operate to extend or curtail the term of any elected Director.
Section 2. Election of Directors. The ten elected Directors shall be elected at DC Tri Club’s annual meeting with a quorum present, or by means of an electronic voting system. Each candidate for Director shall have the opportunity to submit a statement in writing to the membership. No person shall be eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors unless he/she has been a member of DC Tri Club as defined in Article III for at least one year unless unanimously approved by the current Board of Directors. All qualified members may be listed on the election ballot. If more than ten members are candidate for election to the Board of Directors, then the ten members receiving the most votes shall be the ten elected Directors. If ten or fewer members are candidate for election to the Board of Directors, no member shall be elected to the Board of Directors unless such member has received at least a majority vote of the quorum.
Section 3. Powers and Duties. Each Director shall serve as an officer of DC Tri Club with the powers and duties accorded each officer by Article VI of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors shall have all powers and duties necessary for the administration of the affairs of DC Tri Club. It shall be the duty of each at-large Director to serve as Chair or Co-chair of at least one of the Club’s committees.
The powers and duties of the Board of Directors shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
- To ensure that DC Tri Club is primarily a non-profit athletic and social organization available to all adults in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area who wish to participate and/or compete in triathlons or other multi sport events;
- To provide for the establishment of and collection of membership dues and special assessments in accordance with Article VIII;
- To promulgate and enforce such rules and regulations as may be deemed proper respecting membership rights and obligations, all of which shall be consistent with the provisions of these Bylaws;
- To appoint members of committees as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate; and
- Insofar as permitted by law, to do any other thing that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors will promote the purposes of the DC Tri Club and is not inconsistent with the provisions of these Bylaws.
Section 4. Election and term of office.
- Each Director shall serve a term of office fixed at two (2) years, except if necessary to comply with subsection (b). The Directors shall hold office until their successors have been elected and hold their first meeting. .
- Terms shall be staggered such that the terms of approximately one-half of the elected Directors shall expire each year.
- For the next election of Directors occurring after December 1, 2011, there shall be two classes of Directors, Class A and Class B and 50% of the Directors shall be designated to each class. Class A Directors shall be elected for a two year terms. In the first election of Directors after December 1, 2011, Class B Directors shall be elected only for a term of one year, but shall be elected for terms of two years for any subsequent election.
- A Director may be re-elected to an additional term, without limit.
Section 5. Vacancies. Vacancies of the Board of Directors caused by any reason other than the removal of a Director by a vote of the membership shall be filled by vote of the majority of the remaining Directors, even though they may constitute less than a quorum; or by the members at a special meeting to be called by the Board; and each person so elected shall be a Director who shall serve out the unexpired portion of the term.
Section 6. Removal of Directors. At an annual or special meeting duly called, any Director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the majority of members present with a quorum present, and a successor may then be elected to fill the vacancy thus created. In addition, a Director may be removed for cause by unanimous vote of the remaining Directors. A Director who fails to attend more than three meetings of the Board during any given term may be removed with cause.
Section 7. Compensation. No compensation shall be paid to Directors for their services as Directors.
Section 8. Organization meeting. The first meeting of a newly elected Board of Directors shall be held within thirty (30) days of election with written notice to the elected Directors of the date, time, and location of such meeting.
Section 9. Regular meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at such time and place as shall be determined, from time to time, by the President, or a majority of the Directors, but at least four (4) such meetings shall be held each year. Notice of such regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Director, personally or by mail, electronic mail or telephone, at least seven (7) days prior to the day named for such meeting.
Section 10. Special meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the President or by any three (3) Directors on at least a three (3) day advance notice to each Director, given personally or by mail, electronic mail or telephone, which shall state the time, place and purpose of the meeting.
Section 11. Waiver of notice. Before or at any meeting of the Board of Directors, any Director may, in writing, waive notice of such meeting and such waiver shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance by a Director at any meeting of the board of Directors shall be a waiver of notice by them of the time and place thereof. If all Directors are present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, no notice shall be required and any business may be transacted at such meeting.
Section 12. Quorum. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the acts of the majority of the Directors, except as otherwise provided within the Bylaws.
Section 13. Action without meeting. Any actions by the Board of Directors required or permitted to be taken at any meeting may be taken without a meeting if all of the members of the Board of Directors shall individually or collectively consent to such action. Such consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board of Directors.
Section 14. Expenditures. All DC Tri Club expenditures made by any member, including any Director, on the behalf of DC Tri Club for which DC Tri Club will be liable must be subject to prior approval in accordance with Article IX, Section 4.
ARTICLE VI
Officers
Section 1. Designation. The principal officers of DC Tri Club shall be a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. In its first meeting after the election, the Board of Directors shall designate a Director to serve in each of the principal officer positions.
Section 2. Qualifications. Each officer shall be a member of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Removal of officers. Any officer may be removed either with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors. The office will then be transferred to one of the remaining Directors until a special meeting of the members is called to either remove the Director and elect a new Director, or to reappoint the office to the original Director. This special meeting must be called within 45 days of the removal of the officer, unless the annual meeting will occur within that 45 day period.
Section 4. Terms. Officers shall serve for terms of one year, unless they otherwise resign from the Board or the Officer position, are removed pursuant to these Bylaws, or become ineligible to serve as an Officer of the corporation. In the event that an individual replaces an Officer, he or she shall serve the remaining portion of term for the Officer he or she replaces.
Section 5. President. The President shall preside over all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the general membership. He/She shall have all powers and perform all duties accorded to him/her by these Bylaws. The President may serve consecutive terms as President if elected by majority vote of the current Board of Directors.
Section 6. Vice President.
The Vice President shall fulfill all duties and exercise all powers of the President in his/her absence. He/she shall have all powers and perform all duties accorded him/her by these Bylaws.
Section 7. Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer, including but not limited to:
- Serving on the Board of Directors;
- Preparing an annual DC Tri Club budget for submission to the Board of Directors for approval. Upon approval by the Board, the budget will be presented to the membership;
- Collecting all funds raised by DC Tri Club through fundraising efforts;
- Maintaining full and accurate records of all money raised by DC Tri Club through fundraising;
- Disbursing all funds as authorized by the Board of Directors in accordance with these Bylaws;
- Collecting all Club dues and special assessments, maintaining a record of all members’ payments and making monthly financial statements available to the board and/or Club members upon request; and filing any and all tax reports and returns.
Section 8. Secretary.
The Secretary shall perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary, including but not limited to:
- Serving on the Board of Directors;
- Keeping the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and of the general membership;
- Maintaining a DC Tri Club membership roster consisting of the members’ names, telephone numbers, addresses, and dates of birth as specified in Article III of these Bylaws. In no event shall this roster be loaned, sold, or given to any organization or any person not a member of DC Tri Club, except legal counsel, or as otherwise authorized by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors for purposes of providing the benefits of Club membership to members; A roster containing only member names may be given to USAT officials and race directors.
- Determining any member’s eligibility to vote at any meeting of the general membership;
- Certifying as valid any absentee ballot given to the Secretary in advance of any meeting of the board of Directors or of the general membership; and
- Preparing and distributing all notices of meetings to Club members.
ARTICLE VII
Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
Liability and Indemnification. The officers and directors of DC Tri Club shall not be liable to the members for any mistake of judgment, negligence, or otherwise, except for their own individual willful misconduct or bad faith. The officers and directors of DC Tri Club shall have no personal liability with respect to any contract or other commitment made by them, in good faith, on behalf of DC Tri Club, DC Tri Club shall forever hold each such officer and director free and harmless against any and all liability to others on account of any such contract or commitment, and the DC Tri Club shall indemnify such officer and director for any such liability.
ARTICLE VIII
Dues and Assessments
Section 1. Dues. Membership dues may be established and assessed by an affirmative vote of the majority of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Special assessments. In addition to any dues established by these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may levy a special assessment on members of the Club for any purpose that the Board of Directors may consider appropriate or necessary, provided that any such assessment shall have the assent of the majority of the Board of Directors.
Section 3. Non-payment of dues or assessments. Any dues or assessments levied pursuant to these Bylaws which are not paid on the date when due shall be delinquent and any member owing such dues or assessments shall lose the right to vote and compete with DC Tri Club until such payment is made. Any dues or assessments may be waived, postponed or reduced by the Board of Directors for an individual member for reasons of financial hardship as determined by the Board.
ARTICLE IX
Fiscal Management
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The DC Tri Club fiscal year shall be January 1 to December 31 of the calendar year.
Section 2. Books. The Treasurer shall maintain books containing accurate and timely record of all monies raised by DC Tri Club fundraising efforts and all monies raised by DC Tri Club from members as dues or assessments.
Section 3. Inspection of books. Any member may inspect DC Tri Club’s books upon request to the Treasurer. The outgoing President and newly elected President shall review the books after the Treasurer has closed the books at the end of the fiscal year.
Section 4. Expenditures. All expenditures exceeding $75 made by any member on behalf of DC Tri Club for which DC Tri Club will be held liable or accountable must have prior approval of, at a minimum, one of the Officers. The Officers shall establish policies defining who has spending authority for the organization and at what thresholds.
Section 5. Annual budget. The Board will establish and adopt an annual budget no later than March 1 of each term. Upon the Board’s approval of the budget, it shall be available to the membership upon request.
ARTICLE X
Amendments
Amendments. The Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of members representing at least sixty-seven percent (67%) of the members present at a duly noticed meeting with a quorum present, or by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors, provided that the Board of Directors may not amend Article V, Section 7, addressing Board compensation.
ARTICLE XI
Compliance – Interpretation
Compliance and Interpretation. Any disputes with regard to the interpretation of these Bylaws shall be resolved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.