08/23/2025
For those not able to make tonight's zoom call, don't worry, there will be more scheduled with more notice! But sharing the page and sharing this info among pickleballer's in our region will help quicken the formation of the organization. In todays call and future calls we are going over the fundamentals of the group.
Here is a rough draft of the proposed Bi-Laws with some of the goals included.
Bylaws of the Galveston (Gulf Coast) Pickleball Association
(A Texas Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation, 501(c)(3) Pending/Approved)
Article I – Name & Purpose
Name: The name of this organization shall be the Galveston (Gulf Coast) Pickleball Association (hereafter, “the Association”).
Purpose:
Promote the sport of pickleball in the Gulf Coast region.
Foster community engagement through recreation, competition, and charity.
Organize and host fundraising activities including pickleball tournaments, cook-off competitions, and Mardi Gras-related events.
Dedicate net proceeds from activities to support the Association’s designated philanthropic initiatives.
Article II – Membership
Eligibility: Membership is open to any individual who supports the Association’s mission.
Dues:
Annual membership dues shall be set by the Board of Directors and reviewed yearly.
Dues must be paid in full to maintain good standing and participate in Association events.
Rights & Privileges: Members in good standing may:
Vote on Association matters.
Participate in Association events.
Serve on committees or volunteer teams.
Participation Requirement: Members are encouraged to:
Attend at least two Association meetings or events annually.
Volunteer at least once per year at a tournament, cook-off, or Mardi Gras krewe activity.
Article III – Code of Conduct
Members shall:
Show respect, fairness, and sportsmanship on and off the court.
Avoid disruptive, discriminatory, or abusive behavior.
Comply with tournament, cook-off, and event rules.
Uphold the reputation of the Association at community events.
Accept disciplinary actions for violations as determined by the Board (ranging from warnings to suspension of membership).
Article IV – Governance
Board of Directors:
Consists of a minimum of 5 and maximum of 9 members, elected by the membership.
Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Events Coordinator.
Board members serve two-year terms.
Duties:
President: Oversees all Association operations.
Vice President: Assists President; assumes duties in their absence.
Secretary: Maintains records, meeting minutes, and correspondence.
Treasurer: Manages finances, dues, and reporting.
Events Coordinator: Oversees tournaments, cook-off team, and Mardi Gras krewe activities.
Article V – Permanent Trustee Member
Role: The Association shall appoint and maintain one Permanent Trustee Member to act as an independent overseer of compliance with these bylaws and nonprofit regulations.
Authority:
Reviews all Board decisions for compliance with bylaws and 501(c)(3) nonprofit laws.
May veto Board actions that are in conflict with bylaws or jeopardize nonprofit status.
Serves as custodian of official bylaws and amendments.
Advises the Board on matters of governance, compliance, and ethical standards.
Selection & Tenure:
The initial Permanent Trustee shall be appointed by the founding Board.
Successors (if required due to resignation, incapacity, or death) shall be appointed by unanimous Board vote.
The Permanent Trustee holds office for life or until voluntary resignation.
Restrictions:
The Trustee does not manage daily operations or finances.
The Trustee cannot receive compensation beyond reimbursement for direct expenses.
The Trustee cannot be removed except by unanimous vote of the Board plus approval by two-thirds of the membership.
Article VI – Meetings
Annual Meeting: An annual general membership meeting shall be held to review activities, elect directors, and approve major actions.
Board Meetings: The Board shall meet quarterly, or more often as needed.
Quorum: A simple majority of Board members constitutes a quorum.
Article VII – Committees
To effectively manage programs and member engagement, the Association shall establish the following standing committees:
Tournament Committee – Plans and oversees the four (4) annual nonprofit pickleball tournaments.
Cook-Off Committee – Organizes and manages the Association’s cook-off team and fundraising efforts.
Mardi Gras Krewe Committee – Coordinates parade participation, float preparation, and krewe fundraising.
Philanthropy & Community Outreach Committee – Recommends charitable beneficiaries and manages community partnerships.
Membership & Conduct Committee – Encourages recruitment, handles member conduct issues, and supports engagement.
Committee chairs are appointed by the President with Board approval. Committees report progress and recommendations at Board meetings.
Article VIII – Programs & Events
The Association shall organize and maintain the following annual initiatives:
Pickleball Tournaments: Four nonprofit tournaments each year benefiting philanthropy.
Cook-Off Team: Competing in regional events, including the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Cook-Off.
Mardi Gras Krewe: Supporting community spirit and fundraising through parades and sponsorships.
Article IX – Finances
The Association is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3).
No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any member or private individual.
All funds shall be used exclusively to further the mission and philanthropic purpose.
The Treasurer shall provide quarterly financial reports to the Board and an annual report to members.
The Permanent Trustee shall review financial reports for compliance.
Article X – Philanthropy
The Association shall designate one or more charitable beneficiaries each year.
All net proceeds from tournaments, cook-offs, and Mardi Gras activities shall be allocated to these beneficiaries after operational expenses.
Beneficiaries shall be selected annually by majority vote of the Board, with input from the membership and oversight by the Trustee.
Article XI – Amendments
These bylaws may be amended at any Annual or Special Meeting by a two-thirds majority vote of members in good standing, provided notice is given at least two weeks prior. All amendments require review and approval by the Permanent Trustee before becoming valid.
Article XII – Dissolution
Upon dissolution, assets of the Association shall be distributed to one or more charitable organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3), as determined by the Board with approval from the Permanent Trustee.
