1.01 INTRODUCTION
This section will explain what the United States Parachute Association (USPA) is, how it operates and how it is structured. This section also includes the Constitution and By-Laws and the Group Membership Program.
1.02 DEFINITION
The United States Parachute Association is a membership organization. It has been incorporated as a not-for-profit association. Each regular member has an equal vote and an equal voice in establishing the policies of the Association.
1.03 SCOPE
This section includes:
A. An outline of the organization structure of the Association
B. The Constitution and By-Laws
C. The Group Membership Program
1.04 PURPOSE
A. USPA is the official U.S. skydiving representative recognized by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) and the official skydiving representative of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) in the USA.
B. USPA is officially recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as the representative of skydivers in the United States.
C. USPA is an organization of skydivers, run by skydivers for skydivers, and it is your voice in skydiving.
D. USPA keeps skydivers skydiving.
1.05 REPRESENTATION
A. Nearly all drop zones have a USPA Safety & Training Advisor (S&TA) who is your direct link to your Regional Director. The S&TA is a local jumper who is available on your drop zone to provide you with administrative services and information. The S&TA is appointed by your Regional Director.
B. Regional Directors are jumpers from your region of the country and are elected by you (and the other members within your Region) every two years. Ballots are distributed in Parachutist magazine, the official publication of USPA. The Regional Director is a member of the Board of Directors (BOD); he or she is your representative on the Board. There are 14 Regional Directors.
C. The Board also includes eight National Directors who are elected by the USPA membership at large.
1.06 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. The BOD establishes USPA policies and procedures by a majority vote at the meetings held twice a year. The BOD operates through the committee system and has established small committees (comprised of BOD members with special qualifications and interests) to provide guidance and advice in major areas of activity within the sport.
B. The BOD elects officers (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer). The officers, together with an elected member-at-large, make up the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is responsible for making decisions and taking care of important matters that arise between the semi-annual Board meetings.
C. The actions of each working committee must be approved by the full Board before becoming USPA policy. Each Director has one vote at BOD meetings. Voting responsibility includes not only making business decisions and setting policy but also the establishment and modification of the Basic Safety Requirements and Recommendations. BOD members cast their votes based on the input they receive from their constituency (the membership) and their own judgement.
1.07 HEADQUARTERS
A. Since the Board of Directors meets only twice a year, it is necessary to have an administrative staff to conduct the day-to-day business of the organization. This staff is USPA Headquarters and it is located at 1440 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Telephone: (703) 836-3495,
Fax: (703) 836-2843.B. The BOD hires an Executive Director to run Headquarters. He is given various responsibilities and duties by the BOD. The Headquarters staff in turn works for the Executive Director. USPA Headquarters has a number of duties, obligations and functions that can be summarized by saying that its job is to serve the USPA membership and carry out the instructions and policies of the Board of Directors.
1.08 BY-LAWS
USPA operates under a constitution and by-laws that define the organization’s purpose. The by-laws define the conditions for both individual and group membership. For reference, the Constitution and By-Laws are included here, followed by the Group Membership Program.
1. The name of the corporation is United States Parachute Association, Inc., hereinafter referred to as USPA.
2. The purposes for which USPA is formed are as follows: To encourage unity among all persons interested in skydiving; to promote safety in all skydiving activities in the United States, to sanction skydiving competitions; to document officially all national and world skydiving records set by citizens of the U.S., to promote and encourage the study and knowledge of skydiving among the membership and the public at large; to cooperate with all government agencies connected with aeronautics or aeronautical
activities; to compile information regarding the science of skydiving and to edit, publish, and disseminate the same; to select and train the United States Skydiving Team for world competition; to use skydiving as a vehicle to promote civic responsibility among citizens; to assist local and national authorities in any emergency; to encourage members to be useful in service to our country at all times.3. The principal office of USPA is in Alexandria, VA or as otherwise directed by the Board of Directors (BOD).
Article I - Membership
SECTION 1: TYPE
A. Regular Membership
1. Annual Membership
2. Lifetime Membership
B. Temporary Membership
C. Honorary Membership
1. Annual Honorary Membership may be conferred by the BOD for significant contributions to skydiving.
2. Honorary Lifetime Membership may be conferred by the BOD upon distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions to skydiving and, in particular, to USPA.
3. Honorary Lifetime Office may be conferred by the BOD upon individuals who have distinguished themselves as pioneers and leaders in the skydiving field and, through personal sacrifice, have dedicated themselves to USPA.
D. Group Membership
1. Group Membership is available to skydiving centers, clubs, and schools.
SECTION 2: REQUIREMENTS
Any individual or group interested in skydiving is eligible for membership, except that the Executive Committee may declare any individual or group ineligible for membership for causes consistent with those set forth in Article I, Section 6A as grounds for censure, suspension, or expulsion. Such denial shall be subject to review by the BOD. Upon submission of a proper application for membership and upon request, any individual or group so denied eligibility for membership will be granted a hearing before the BOD at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Written notice of this meeting will be given to the individual or group at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting. Following such hearing, a majority vote of the BOD present at that meeting will decide the matter. Application for membership shall be in such form as prescribed by the BOD. No person under the age of sixteen (16) shall be eligible for actual skydiving although membership is encouraged.
SECTION 3: VOTING POWERS
Voting powers shall be vested solely in regular members.
SECTION 4: DELINQUENCIES
Notification of failure to pay dues or other indebtedness to USPA, when due, shall be sent to the delinquent member within thirty (30) days following the delinquency. If the said dues or other indebtedness shall not have been paid within thirty (30) days after mailing of the notice, the membership of said individual or group shall be terminated.
SECTION 5: REINSTATEMENT
Any individual or group whose membership has been terminated for indebtedness or nonpayment of dues may reapply for membership in the same manner as new members after payment of indebtedness.
SECTION 6: DISCIPLINARY ACTION
A. Any member may be censured, suspended or expelled by the Executive Committee, with such action subject to review by the BOD, for causes including but not limited to transgression of basic ethical principles of USPA as detailed in the Constitution, By-Laws, and policies of USPA. If requested, the individual or group shall be granted a hearing before the BOD at its next scheduled meeting. Notice in writing shall be given the individual or group at least thirty (30) days in advance. A majority vote of the BOD shall decide any action on the matter.
B. Under a reciprocal agreement with the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association (CSPA), USPA respects and honors disciplinary actions of the Board of Directors of the CSPA and accepts the due process procedures of the CSPA as satisfying those guaranteed in subparagraph A above.
SECTION 7: DUES AND ASSESSMENTS
Each member shall pay dues as prescribed by the BOD.
SECTION 8: RENEWAL
Individuals or groups may apply annually for membership renewal in a manner prescribed by the BOD or Executive Director.
Article II - Meetings of the Association
SECTION 1: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
General Membership Meetings (GMM) may be called by the BOD, the Executive Committee, or the President. A minimum of one (1) such meeting shall be held each calendar year.
SECTION 2: BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS
Board of Directors Meetings may be called by the BOD, the Executive Committee, or the President. A minimum of two (2) such meetings shall be held each calendar year.
SECTION 3: NOTICE
Individual notice shall be sent to each Director not less than thirty (30) days prior to any full BOD meeting. Notice in an official publication shall appear at least thirty (30) days prior to any GMM.
SECTION 4: AGENDA
In the case of any BOD Meeting, the Secretary shall furnish each Director with a proposed agenda at least five (5) days prior to the meeting.
SECTION 5: RULES OF ORDER
Roberts Rules of Order shall govern USPA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the By-Laws.
Article III
(deleted October, 1986)
Article IV - Board of Directors
SECTION 1: GENERAL
USPA shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of at least eight (8) National Directors. Additionally, Regional Directors shall be elected from each region. All Regional Directors shall reside in the region from which they were elected throughout their term. Both National and Regional Directors shall carry equal vote and authority.
SECTION 2: TERM
All Directors shall be elected for two-year terms and may be re-elected. They shall hold office until the election and qualification of their successors.
SECTION 3: RESIGNATION
The resignation of any Director shall be tendered to the BOD.
SECTION 4: IMPEACHMENT
Any Director may be removed for cause by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present at any BOD Meeting, provided that such action was contained in the proposed agenda of the meeting.
SECTION 5: VACANCY
Any vacancy among National or Regional Directors may be filled for the unexpired term by nomination from the BOD, including the outgoing Director, and election by the current BOD at the meeting wherein the vacancy becomes a matter of official business.
SECTION 6: QUARUM
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the BOD, not counting absent Directors who are members of the Armed Forces or Ex-Officio Directors, but in no case shall the quorum be less than one third (1/3) of the total number of duly qualified Directors.
SECTION 7: ABSENCE
Any Director who fails to attend two consecutive general or special meetings of the BOD may be dismissed from the BOD by a majority vote at or after the second missed meeting.
SECTION 8: DUTIES
The President shall appoint, subject to BOD approval, all U.S. delegates and alternates to the FAI, but may remove them as he sees fit.
SECTION 9: EX-OFFICIO MEMBER
USPA recognizes one ex-officio representative with full voting power from the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) as an official member of the BOD.
Article V - Officers
SECTION 1: GENERAL
The Officers of USPA shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All Officers shall be members of the BOD. The BOD may elect additional Officers as it deems necessary, and may hire an Executive Director.
SECTION 2: TERMS
The Officers shall hold office for a term of two years and shall be elected by the Directors at the first BOD meeting following election. They shall hold office until the election and qualification of their successors.
SECTION 3: RESIGNATION
The resignation of any Officer shall be tendered to the BOD and may be voted
on by the BOD at any regular or special
meeting.
SECTION 4: VACANCY
If any vacancy shall occur in any office, the BOD shall elect a member to fill the unexpired term.
SECTION 5: CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
The BOD may elect a Chairman of the Board. The person designated shall be selected for his experience and wisdom, and shall give guidance and counsel to the BOD.
SECTION 6: PRESIDENT
The President shall preside at all meetings of USPA and the BOD; he shall enforce the By-Laws of USPA; and perform all executive and other duties ordinarily pertaining to the Office of President. The President shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees and of the NAA’s BOD. If the President cannot act as the NAA ex-officio member, the BOD shall appoint an ex-officio member.
SECTION 7: VICE PRESIDENT
In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall assume Presidential responsibilities. In the event the Vice President is not available, a temporary presiding officer shall be selected from the BOD.
SECTION 8: SECRETARY
The Secretary shall give notice of all meetings of USPA and of the proceedings at all meetings; shall have custody of the seal of USPA, and shall affix same to papers and documents as required; shall keep a register of the name and address of each member; shall notify members accepted into USPA; shall conduct such correspondence as is not conducted by the President; and shall conduct such other duties as directed by the BOD. The Secretary may engage such assistants as may be necessary as approved by the Executive Committee and delegate such tasks thereto as in the judgment of the Secretary may serve the best interests of USPA.
SECTION 9: TREASURER
The Treasurer shall receive all monies payable to USPA and shall deposit same in a bank designated by the BOD; shall have charge of all funds and securities of USPA; shall disburse funds as approved by the BOD; and shall keep accounts of the financial affairs of USPA. In the performance of these tasks the Treasurer may engage employees as approved by the Executive Committee and delegate thereto such tasks as do not require his personal performance. An annual financial report shall be printed and be available to all USPA members.
SECTION 10: DELEGATION OF DUTIES
The Secretary and Treasurer may delegate their respective duties, but not their respective responsibilities, to a member of the Administrative Staff.
Article VI
Election of the Board of Directors
SECTION 1: ELECTION SCHEDULE
Biennial election of the BOD will be held every even numbered year as follows, with at least one month between each phase of the election:
October—Nomination of candidates
November—Publication of names of nominees
December—Ballot election by mail
January—Announcement and seating of new Board of Directors
SECTION 2: CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION
A Nominating Committee composed of no less than three current BOD Members appointed by the current BOD will nominate candidates for National Director. Regional Directors will be nominated for election to the BOD by obtaining a written petition signed by a minimum of ten (10) percent of the current members of their Region as of 1 June of the election year. Incumbent Regional Directors need only submit their intent in writing.
SECTION 3: ELECTION OF NATIONAL DIRECTORS
A slate of candidates for National Director will be presented to the membership for vote. All members may vote for any number up to eight (8) of the proposed candidates for National Director. The eight candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be certified as National Directors for the ensuing two years.
SECTION 4: ELECTION OF REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Petitions for Regional Director will be accepted by the Executive Director and the names of those candidates placed on the ballot. No limitation is placed on the number of candidates in any one Region. However, members may vote for only one Regional Director candidate. Members, other than those currently living or serving overseas, cannot vote for a Regional Director candidate outside the voting member’s Region. The candidate in each Region receiving the largest number of votes shall be certified as Regional Director for the ensuing two years.
SECTION 5: DEFINITION OF REGIONAL AREAS
Regional Areas for election purposes are defined as the fifty states of the Union subdivided as delineated, approved, published, and dated by the BOD as Annex 1 of these By-Laws.
SECTION 6: ELIGIBILITY TO VOTE
All current regular members at the time of the election are eligible to vote.
SECTION 7: VALIDATION OF BALLOTS
Ballots will list all National Director candidates and Regional Director candidates for each Region. At least fifteen (15) candidates will appear on the ballots for National Director. These candidates must have been USPA members for one year immediately prior to their nomination. Ballots marked with more than eight (8) National Directors will be declared invalid and not counted in the National Director balloting. Ballots marked with more than one Regional Director will be declared invalid and not counted in that Regional election. Ballots that do not contain the voting member’s original signature will be declared invalid.
SECTION 8: VOTING DEADLINE
All ballots must be received by the date and time specified on the ballot. Ballots received, after said date will not be counted.
Article VII - Seal
The seal shall consist of a circular die with two concentric circles, between which shall be the corporate name of USPA. The State in which incorporation occurred and the year of incorporation shall appear in the center of the die.
Article VIII - Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of USPA shall begin on 1 January and end on 31 December of the calendar year.
Article IX - Committees
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The BOD shall elect an Executive Committee composed of six (6) members of the Board of Directors. This Executive Commit-tee will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, one other BOD member, and the Chairman of the Board, all of whom have the right to vote on the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be authorized to act between meetings and in such matters as may be assigned to it by the BOD. The Executive Committee is authorized to raise or lower salaries of employees. All Executive Committee actions are subject to ratification by the BOD.
SECTION 2: STANDING COMMITTEES
The BOD shall establish the following standing committees:
•Competition
•Constitution and By-Laws
•Finance and Budget
•Judging and Record Attempts
•Membership Services
•National Collegiate Parachuting
•Nominations and Elections
•Safety and Training
• Sport Development
Article X - Amendments
A. Proposals to amend the Constitution and By-Laws shall be submitted in writing to the BOD. The proposal shall then be acted upon by the BOD at a full Board of Directors Meeting. A two-thirds (2/3) majority of the BOD present may approve any amendment to these By-Laws except sections referring to size, composition, and election of the Board of Directors.
B. A motion to amend a section referring to size, composition, or election of the Board of Directors shall be submitted to a vote of the general membership by mail ballot.
USPA REGIONS BY STATE AND ZIP CODE
NORTHEAST REGION
Massachusetts 010-027
Rhode Island 028-029
New Hampshire 030-038
Maine 039-049
Vermont 050-054, 056-059
Connecticut 060-069
EASTERN REGION
New York 100-149
New Jersey 070-089
Pennsylvania 150-191, 193-196
Delaware 197-199
District of Columbia 200, 202-205
Maryland 206-212, 214, 219
MID-ATLANTIC REGION
Virginia 201, 220-246
North Carolina 270-289
South Carolina 290-299
SOUTHEAST REGION
Georgia 300-319, 339
Florida (excluding western panhandle) 320-323, 326-342,
344, 346, 349
SOUTHERN REGION
Florida (western panhandle) 324-325
Alabama 350-352, 354-369
Tennessee 370-385
Mississippi 386-397
Kentucky 420-427
MIDEASTERN REGION
Ohio 430-458
Indiana 460-479
Michigan (except upper peninsula) 480-497
West Virginia 247-268
CENTRAL REGION
Iowa 500-516, 520-528
Illinois 600-607, 609-620, 622-629
Missouri 630-631, 633-641, 644-648, 650-658
Kansas 641, 661-662, 664-679
Nebraska 680-681, 683-693
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
Wisconsin 530-532, 534-535, 537-549
Minnesota 550-551, 553-563, 565-567
South Dakota 570-577
North Dakota 580-588
Michigan (upper peninsula) 498-499
SOUTHWEST REGION
Oklahoma 730-731, 734-741, 743-749
Texas (except Gulf region) 750-769, 790-799, 885
New Mexico 870-875, 877-884
GULF REGION
Arkansas 716-729
Louisiana 700-701, 703-708, 710-714
Texas (Gulf area) 755-759, 770-789
MOUNTAIN REGION
Colorado 800-816
Wyoming 820-831
Idaho (southeastern) 832-834
Utah 840-847
NORTHWEST REGION
Montana 590-599
Idaho (excluding southeast) 835-838
Oregon 970-979
Washington 980-986, 988-994
Alaska 995-999
PACIFIC REGION
Nevada (northern) 893-897
California (northern) 936-966
Hawaii 967-968
WESTERN REGION
Arizona 850, 852-853, 855-857, 859-860, 863-865
Nevada (southern) 889-891
California (southern) 900, 902-908, 910-928, 930-935
TERRITORIES
Guam 967-969
Puerto Rico 006-009
Virgin Islands 006-009
1-2.01 INTRODUCTION
The United States Parachute Association (USPA), the official national
representative body for skydiving in the United States, and skydiving schools,
centers, and clubs have a mutual interest in fostering and promoting skydiving.
Because of this mutual interest, a special class of membership Group
Membership
has been established in accordance with Article I.1.C of the USPA By-Laws.
1-2.02 PURPOSE
It is to the advantage of both skydiving schools, centers and clubs and the USPA membership to encourage unity within the sport.
More importantly, the chances of the success and survival of the sport are much greater if all facets of skydiving present an image of solidarity when dealing with the general public and especially with all levels of government.
By accepting skydiving schools, centers and clubs as members, both USPA and those businesses will benefit through improved communications with the skydiving public and within the skydiving industry. Such membership will aid in the prompt channeling of information about local problems, regional attitudes, and trends to USPA. This will assist USPA in promoting and defending the sport. USPA will be able to more effectively represent skydiving, provide improved member services and assist the members to speak with a stronger and more unified voice.
The purpose of Group Membership, therefore, is to establish a business and professional relationship that strengthens the bonds of unity within the skydiving community and enhances the growth of the sport.
1-2.03 BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
Each Group Member is eligible for the following benefits either as part of the membership or on a user fee basis:
A. Credentials:
1. Authorization to use the phrase "Member of the United States Parachute Association."
2. An appropriate and attractive "Certificate of Membership."
B. Free Advertising:
1. A no-cost fax and phone listing in each issue of Parachutist magazine.
2. A no-cost listing in the USPA DZ Directory.
C. Subscription to the "Professional."
D. USPA-sponsored insurance.
E. USPA courtesy inspection and recognition of participation.
F. A copy of the USPA Skydiving Aircraft Operations Manual.
G. Access to USPA research and case files.
H. Support from the Airport, Access and Defense Fund in accordance with SOP 26.
I. Legal referrals and expert testimony on a case-by case basis.
J. Government relations support at the state and federal levels on issues affecting state and nationwide skydiving.
K. Timely notification of issues relating to DZ operations.
L. USPA sport promotional programs.
1-2.04 GROUP MEMBER PLEDGE
This Group Member Pledge represents a commitment on the part of the Group Member to provide service and conduct business within accepted ethical guidelines. This commitment will foster a healthy business environment without causing an undue burden on any party. Each Group Member agrees and promises to:
A. Comply with the Basic Safety Requirements (BSRs) in connection with all skydiving activities.
B. Support USPA promotional programs at the drop zone.
C. Require individual USPA membership for all non-student (A-license qualified) skydivers who are jumping at its facilities. Encourage USPA membership among student skydivers.
D. Ensure that all employees and staff of Group Members are appropriately qualified and trained in accordance with USPA Recommendations and (where applicable) hold USPA ratings and/or FAA licenses & certification commensurate with their duties.
E. Include USPA in DZ hold harmless release, consistent with state laws.
1-2.05 PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION
A. Application forms for Group Membership may be obtained from USPA Headquarters or a USPA Regional Director upon request. Prior to expiration of membership, USPA Headquarters will distribute the necessary information and forms for membership renewal.
B. To apply for Group Membership, submit the following with the appropriate fee to USPA Headquarters:
1. The completed Group Member Application Form
2. The signed Group Membership Pledge
3. The completed Inspection Checklist
C. Upon receipt of the completed application and fee, USPA Headquarters will forward a copy of this application to the appropriate Regional Director. The Director has up to 30 days to respond to Headquarters with his advice as to whether or not the application should be approved.
D. In certain cases, USPA Headquarters may refer applications to the USPA Executive Committee for approval.
E. Membership will be valid for a period of one year from date of acceptance but may be terminated by either party for any reason upon 30 days written notice. Any Group Member exercising its privilege to terminate its membership upon 30 days notice shall not be entitled to refund of any applicable annual membership fee.
F. A decision by USPA to issue or not to issue, to renew or not to renew, or to terminate a Group Membership may be reviewed by the Executive Committee and shall be based upon any facts, circumstances or other information gained by whatever means USPA, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate.