Hello Future Members:
Our club continues to get bigger and bigger, as President I have taken it upon myself to cater to new members, not the old farts such as myself, it's through new membership that we continue to grow as a club and a community of spearos.
I've been approached many times concerning new members wanting information on how to join and what must they do. Here is all the information you will need to make a determination as to wether you want to become a member of the largest club on the east coast. The text is taken directly from our constitution and it's all the information you will need, additionally there is a membership application posted at the bottom of this page which you can download and fill out.
Membership Benefits:
1. 10% Discount at selected dive shops.
2. Access to members only webpage on spearboard and on the longfins website coming by November 2008.
3. Free T-Shirt to all members who sign up.
4. Parties, Free Trips and special events that we hold for our members throughout the year depending on our
finances.
5. Membership is $50.00, or $100.00 which includes all the above plus two free tournament dives for the current year
of membership.
Member categories:
ARTICLE 1V – MEMBERS:
1. Membership to the Longfins is open to all persons regardless of age, sex, race, religion, sexual
preference, or physical disability.
2. Persons under the age of 18 must submit a waiver of liability signed by their legal guardian prior to
acceptance into the club and must be accompanied by that guardian at all cub events.
3. It is recognized that free diving and spear fishing are inherently risky activities. While it is the policy of
the Longfins to promote and encourage safe practices, each member is ultimately responsible for his/her
own safety. The club does not accept any liability for personal loss or injury.
a. Active Member – Must have completed the requirements for a new member and be voted into
the club. Must have paid annual dues within the required time. (Voting takes place after 50
members)
b. Inactive Member – Members who have not paid annual dues within the required time will be
reclassified as inactive. A member who is inactive may not vote, receive points for club dives,
submit fish records, or receive the club newsletter.
5. Duties of members:
a. Uphold and aide by he conditions set forth in the constitution and by – laws.
b. Conduct themselves safely and abide by recognized safety rules.
c. Act in a courteous, civilized, and respectful manner whenever wearing the cub emblem or acting
as an identifiable member of the club.
d. Carry out all assigned duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability.
e. To observe and comply with all Federal, State, and Local regulations regarding diving and taking
of game.
f. Abide by the rules of competition and act in a manner consistent with fairness and good
sportsmanship.
ARTICLE V – NEW MEMBERSHIP:
1. After the Club had been formed, prospective members must be sponsored by an active member of the
club.
2. Prospective members are subject to a 90 day probationary period. During this time they must attend two
regular club dives. (Probationary period takes place after 50 members)
3. When the probationary requirements have been met, the probationer will be considered for membership
only at meeting.
4. Within one month of acceptance into probationary period the new member must pay the dues as a
specified by the treasurer.
5. Newly accepted members shall be credited with all points and records accumulated during their
probationary period.
ARTICLE V1 – TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP:
1. Active Members:
a. To maintain active status in the club, members must pay their annual dues at or before the
December club meeting.
b. Members who maintain active status shall be credited with the points for club dives and fish
records for the entire year.
c. Active members shall receive all privileges and benefits of organized club activities.
2. Inactive Members:
a. Members shall automatically be reclassified as inactive for failure to pay their annual dues at or
before the December meeting.
b. Inactive members shall automatically be reclassified as active members if their annual dues are
received by the Treasurer on or before January meeting.
c. Inactive members will not be credited with points for club dives and fish records accumulated
prior to their reclassification as active members.
3. Termination and Reinstatement of Membership:
a. Inactive members shall automatically be terminated from membership for failure to pay their
club dues on or before February’s meeting.
b. After termination of membership, persons wishing to be reinstated must:
1. Be recommended for reinstatement by an active club member.
2. Receive an affirmation vote of 2/3 of the members present, in secret ballot voting to be
reinstated.
4. Membership Requirements:
a. Members are required to join the Underwater Society of America (U.S.O.A.) to be eligible to
participate in inter-club dive meets or other sanctioned events. Members are encouraged but not
required to join this organization to participate in the club dives.
b. Annual dues are $50.00, second family members are $10.00 with membership to U.S.O.A.
c. Members must posses
