Discuss

Reminders:
  • Proposal here is in it's original form as it was submitted. This is one proposal and thus one vote
  • Executive Board - Voted the following way:
    1. 8 Yes, 0 No, 2 Abstain - Board Yes

    Notes: This proposal seeks to add a board appointed and non-voting position to the Executive Board. The basic premise behind it is that currently the position of State Chairman is the final arbiter of the organizations by-laws. In practice however this is not an ideal situation. An individual may run for the position of State Chairman and be well qualified in many of the duties and responsibilities of that position yet lack understanding of Robert's Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure. This can lead to decisions being made that are not in line with any given set of by-laws. It also presents a situation where one individual may attempt to override the will of the board at-large by interpreting a situation the way they see things rather than how they should be. A parliamentarian who CAN be appointed by a board (not has to be) would be voted into the position by the majority of the current board would serve as a neutral party and ensure that all bylaws and guidelines are being followed. Such an individual would theoretically be well versed in parliamentary procedure and Roberts. This is a non voting position so they would exist in an advisory position rather than a policy maker.
  • 50%+1 State Body vote required to pass this proposal


Quote
Proposal to amend and update USA Wrestling Kansas By-Laws Article IV: Officers

Submitted by: William Nigel Isom (Official's Director)

Background:

In order to enhance the governance and procedural integrity of USA Wrestling Kansas, it is proposed that a new officer position, Parliamentarian, be added to the Board of Directors. The Parliamentarian will serve as an advisor on parliamentary procedure, ensuring that meetings are conducted in accordance with the organization's by-laws and Robert's Rules of Order. Additionally, the Parliamentarian shall serve as the final interpreter on matters concerning the by-laws, ensuring consistency and adherence to organizational governance principles.

Proposed Change
Text in red is additions
Text to be removed is stricken through

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

(1) Corporate Board - The officers of the organization shall be:

Parliamentarian - a non-voting member elected annually by the Board of Directors

(5) State Chairman
c. The State Chairman will also interpret this constitution and associated rules, and render a decision whenever there is a question regarding the contents of this document. Any interpretation may be overturned by a total two-thirds voting membership of the Corporate Board.
c. When the Parliamentarian is not present in the quorum of a meeting, the State Chairman will assume the roles and duties of that position for that meeting.

(17) Parliamentarian - The Parliamentarian shall serve as an expert advisor on parliamentary procedure and organizational governance. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with USA Wrestling Kansas by-laws and Robert’s Rules of Order, assisting the State Chairman in maintaining order during meetings, and interpreting procedural rules to resolve disputes. The Parliamentarian shall be responsible for guiding board members on procedural matters, ensuring consistency in decision-making processes, and maintaining the integrity of board meetings. Additionally, the Parliamentarian will interpret the constitution and associated rules and render a decision whenever there is a question regarding the contents of these documents. Any interpretation may be overturned by a total two-thirds voting membership of the Corporate Board.

Rationale:

The addition of a Parliamentarian to the Board of Directors will enhance the governance structure of USA Wrestling Kansas by ensuring adherence to established rules and best practices. This role will provide guidance on procedural matters, fostering transparency, efficiency, and compliance with the organization's by-laws. By having a designated authority on parliamentary procedure, the Board can conduct meetings with greater consistency, reduce conflicts arising from procedural misunderstandings, and uphold the integrity of decision-making processes. As this is a position appointed by the board, there is greater assurance that only a qualified candidate would be placed into this position. This proposal moves the interpretation of the By-Laws document to the Parliamentarian from the State Chairman.