The Bylaws of the USS Victorious
Revision 5.1 Stardate 12305.08 (05/08/23)
Rear Admiral C. Mark Anderson, Commanding
Article I Meetings
General Meetings
Our general membership meetings occur monthly with the exception of a membership vote to reschedule or cancel. Members are advised to arrive earl if they wish to order food or drink so as
to keep disruptions of the meeting to a minimum. In the event of local conventions, holidays, or inclement weather, the Executive Committee will reschedule, move, or postpone the meeting.
The Executive Committee will notify members of the change by e-mail, (where applicable) by telephone from each of the department heads, or in person.
Announcement
The Executive Committee announces general membership meetings via e-mail, (where applicable) by telephone from each of the department heads or in person. They post them well in
advance in the club calendar as well.
Conduct of Meetings
The Executive Committee shall conduct the meetings by Robert’s Rules of Order, and by the protocol and chain of command set forth by the constitution and bylaws. In the interest of the
membership, the Executive Committee will conduct the scheduled meetings. They will cover appropriate subjects for new and old business as per a publicized agenda. The Executive
Committee will provide this agenda before every meeting.
At each general meeting, a financial statement and minutes from the previous meeting will be read, reviewed and submitted for approval. The Second Officer, or appointed representative, will
keep minutes from each meeting.
A primary concern of the membership is the smooth, orderly flow of meetings. The Executive Committee will designate who “has the floor”. The person who “has the floor” must be allowed
to speak without interruption. Those who do not “have the floor” have the right to listen quietly and respect the member who has the floor. The Chair may revoke possession of this right at their
sole discretion.
The assembly of fifty percent (50%) of primary members shall constitute a quorum for normal business, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or Bylaws.
Executive Committee Meetings
Executive Committee meetings may occur at anytime. These meetings are usually not open to the membership, however minutes from each Executive Committee meeting are available for
review. Members may obtain a copy from the Second Officer. The Executive Committee may meet in Special Session to discuss sensitive matters involving disciplinary action, or serious
matters concerning the welfare of the organization.
Full Disclosure of Club Records
A member may obtain a copy of the minutes from any Executive Committee meeting, except Special Sessions, upon request.
A member may obtain a copy of the minutes from any general meeting, upon request.
A member may obtain a copy of a Financial Statement of this organization, upon request.
The Executive Committee has seven (7) days, or until the next meeting, whichever is greater, to fill the request.
Article II Format and Organization
Overview
As a member of Victorious, members deal in fantasy. We are not REALLY in the Star Trek universe. We do not REALLY serve on a starship. We are simply a group of people who happen
to enjoy the same television show and share similar interests.
Fantasy and role-playing are an integral part of the enjoyment of fandom. Many of our members have costumes to allow them to play the part as Starfleet officers, Klingon warriors, or other
alien lifeforms. Role-playing makes this club fun, allowing an escape from everyday life into the world of Star Trek. Granted, some people tend to get “into characters” more easily than others!
One thing to keep in mind is a firm grasp of reality within the fantasy. Friends may suddenly become enemies. Enemies may suddenly become allies. Club officers may give “orders” within
the realm of role-play. A “superior officer” in fantasy may be younger, or a subordinate in “real life,” but within the realm of fantasy, and within the scope of this organization, the Executive
Committee is in charge. Members should keep this in mind when becoming involved with an interactive fan club such as the USS Victorious.
Organization
In honor of Star Trek, the membership has based our organization on the fictional Federation Starship USS Victorious. The Victorious is a Sovereign class starship with a modified Fleet
Command refit in Starfleet. That is the military and exploration arm of the United Federation of Planets, as seen in Star Trek television series and movies.
This document considers the following terms interchangeable:
Club or Organization……….. Ship/Starship
President………………………….Commanding Officer (CO)
Vice President ………………….Executive Officer (XO)
Secretary …………………………Second Officer (SO)
Executive Committee ……….CO, XO, and SO
Department Heads……………Officers who assist the XO
He/His …………………………….She/Hers/Her
Chain of Command
Victorious will follow a chain of command similar to the military:
Commanding Officer
Executive Officer
Second Officer
Officer in Charge
….. Senior ranking officer afterwards
Commanding Officer
The Commanding Officer oversees all operations of the starship USS Victorious. The primary duties are to preside over meetings, and handle all external affairs of the organization. He attends
meetings of other clubs, reporting back to the members of Victorious. The Commanding Officer may not have direct assistants, other than the 1st and 2nd officers, and those members who
volunteer to assist with special projects.
The Commanding Officer shall maintain the Captain’s Log. He will also keep all communications with other clubs, including newsletters, in this logbook. The Commanding
Officer may not hold any other Department position on the Victorious as long as he remains Commanding Officer.
Executive Officer
The Executive Officer supervises the smooth operation of the organization. His primary duties are to handle all internal affairs of the organization. He is also the treasurer of the organization.
He has the authority to mediate any disputes among the crew. He also handles membership concerns and problems. All promotions and discipline of members is also his responsibility to
bring to the Executive Committee for approval.
To lighten the Executive Officer’s workload, he may choose to delegate some of this responsibility to no more than five (5) assistants. These assistants are Department Heads, and
will have titles such as Chief Engineer, Chief Medical Officer, etc. The Executive Officer may relieve or replace a Department Head for just cause.
The Executive Officer will maintain the Executive Officer’s Logbook, keeping notes and records of all issues concerning the membership. The Executive Officer shall make a treasury report at
each meeting, and maintain a ledger of all transactions of the club.
The Executive Officer shall keep all financial records of the club. He shall also manage the reports and concerns of the department heads. These reports, plus copies of the reports submitted
to the Commanding Officer, and will become part of this logbook. The Executive Officer may not hold any other Department position on the Victorious as long as he remains Executive
Officer.
Second Officer
The Second Officer is the Administrative Assistant to the Commanding and Executive Officers, as well as the rest of the organization. All reports and correspondence pass through his hands at
some point. All membership records, database management, and the production of the club newsletter and the events calendar fall to his direct responsibility. To lighten the Second Officer’s
workload, he may choose to delegate some of this responsibility to no more than two (2) assistants. These may include, for example, the Ship’s Counselor, Records Officer,
Communications Officer, etc. The Second Officer may relieve or replace an assistant for just cause.
The Second Officer shall maintain the minutes of meetings in the Second Officer’s Log. He will also file a copy of ALL reports concerning the internal and external affairs of the ship in the
Ship’s Log. The Second Officer may also hold a Department Head position while serving as Second Officer
Officer in Charge
The Officer in Charge is a member placed in “command” of an event or function. They lead the “Away Team” on a particular “mission.” They are responsible for the actions of the members
under their charge. They may speak for the organization, and will be granted the same respect due to the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, or Second Officer. The Officer in Charge
will report any incidents requiring disciplinary action to the Executive Committee.
Department Heads
Department Heads assist the Executive Officer. The Department Heads manage smaller sections of the membership. This management includes making phone calls, handling membership
materials, and voicing concerns or opinions from the membership to the Executive Officer.
Department Heads are required to report to the Executive Officer any of their department’s
activities, recommendations for promotions and/or awards, and to voice the concerns and opinions of those in their department.
Full Disclosure of Club Records.
The logbooks of the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Second Officer, or Department Heads are available for review or inspection by any member upon request. The officer must fill
the request within seven (7) days, or until the next meeting, whichever is greater.
A member may request a copy of a specific document contained in the logbooks of the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Second Officer, or Department Heads, or contained in
the Ship’s Log. The officer must fill the request within seven (7) days, or by the next meeting, whichever is greater.
Article III Rank and Promotion Guidelines
Membership Categories
Only primary members may hold rank or positions aboard the Victorious. Secondary members may transfer with their rank intact, but they will be outside of the chain of command. They will
not be considered for promotion aboard this ship.
Primary members of Victorious who are also members of another “Federation” Star Trek fan organization may only rise to the rank of Lieutenant. Command level grades should reflect a
level of commitment, dedication and loyalty to their ship.
Executive Committee
The Commanding Officer will hold the minimum rank of Commander and the maximum rank of Admiral.
The Executive Officer will hold the minimum rank of Lt. Commander and the maximum rank of Vice Admiral.
The Second Officer will hold the minimum rank of Lieutenant and the maximum rank of Rear Admiral.
The organization automatically promotes these officers to the minimum rank requirements, or equal to the next officer beneath them. They may earn higher rank, so long as they do not
outrank their superior officer or exceed their maximum rank. An exception may be granted and the Executive Committee Officers and may hold a higher rank then the maximum rank indicated
above. This exception would apply if the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer or Second Officer is in a Command position or holds a higher rank of an external organization in which the
Victorious is a member of. In this case any higher rank would have to be approved by a majority vote of the membership. In this instance the Executive and Second Officer may also exceed the
maximum rank indicated above, as long as they remain one rank below the Commanding Officer.
Past Executive Committee members who serve a full term of office or members of an external organization in which the Victorious is a member of may hold their current or previous rank as
honorary, but they remain outside the chain of command.
Department Heads
Department Heads may be any rank up to and including Commander. However, they should remain one rank higher than the members of their department so long as they do not outrank the
Second Officer. If a member of the department earns a rank higher than that of the Department Head, the Executive Officer may replace the Department Head.
Officers and Enlisted Personnel
Aboard any starship, there are both officers and enlisted crew. The difference is usually that officers attend Starfleet Academy and graduate with a commission.
Our organization defines the difference between officers and enlisted crew quite simply. Officers are members in good standing, own a uniform or other Star Trek related costume, and actively
participate in club activities. Enlisted personnel are primary members of the USS Victorious who have not yet obtained a uniform or other Star Trek related costume, or who may not be active
enough in club activities to have moved through the enlisted ranks.
New Members
New members start as secondary members for the first sixty (60) days. Once they become active members, they may begin earning promotions. In the event of a “Red Alert” this period may be
shortened. (A “Red Alert” may simply be a time of low membership turnout.)
Transferring Members
Primary members who transfer from other Star Trek organizations may transfer their rank and status earned previously to Victorious on a case by case basis. Some basic guidelines to follow:
Their sixty (60) day probation period is waived. They immediately become primary members, if they choose.
They come aboard with their current grade or rank as long as it can be documented.
The highest rank available on a transfer is on a case by case basis depending on the type of transfer.
Flag rank may be transferable, it is honorary and has to be approved by the membership.
Their rank must not interfere with the current command structure of this ship. If there is a conflict, their rank will be reduced to the highest grade possible, with a notation that their rank is
reinstated at the earliest convenience.
Enlisted Ranks
General members start out in the enlisted ranks. They move through the ranks by attending meetings and activities. Enlisted crew make up the core of the work force aboard ship. They
serve in all areas of the ship. And may only advance to officer ranks if the have a uniform or other Star Trek related costume.
The following are the enlisted ranks, from lowest to highest:
Crewman 3rd Class, E-1
Crewman 2nd Class, E-2
Crewmen 1st Class, E-3
The rank and position may sometimes be interchangeable. For example, the following are all acceptable variants:
Engineer’s Mate 2nd Class
Yeoman, 3rd Class
Technician, 1st Class
Specialist 3rd Class
Petty Officers are supervisors of other enlisted crew. They may also serve as Technicians, operators of equipment, and other mid-level management.
The following are the Petty Officer ranks, lowest to highest:
Petty Officer 3rd Class, E-4
Petty Officer 2nd Class, E-5
Petty Officer 1st Class, E-6
Chief Petty Officer, E-7
Senior Chief Petty Officer, E-8
Master Chief Petty Officer, E-9
Command Master Chief Petty Officer, E-9
Command Master Chief Petty Officer of the Ship, E-9
Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer, E-9
Fleet Command Master Chief Petty Officer, E-9
Warrant Officers are special crew members who are masters of their particular trade or field. These specialists have earned higher rank and status, while still never attending the Academy.
These include pilots, medical technicians, science technicians, etc.
The following are the Warrant Officer grades from highest to lowest.
Chief Warrant Officer
Warrant Officer
Officers
Officers are supervisors of departments and sub-departments aboard ship. Officers must have a uniform or other Star Trek related costume. In fiction, they have attended the Academy or other
secondary education, or been awarded a field commission.
The following are Officer Grades from the lowest to highest:
Ensign, Junior Grade (Acting Ensign), O-1
Ensign, O-1
Lieutenant, Junior Grade, O-2
Lieutenant, O-3
Lt. Commander, O-4
Commander, O-5
Captain, O-6
Fleet Captain, O-7
Flag Officers
Victorious recognizes Flag Officers grades. This rank may be awarded by the membership to former command staff members as an honorary
recognition of their past performance. They may also have been awarded by outside national organizations, but do not play a role in this command structure unless they are still a member of
the Executive Committee.
The following are the Flag Officers ranks from lowest to highest:
Commodore (Branch Admiral)
Rear Admiral
Vice Admiral
Admiral
Fleet Admiral
Cadets
There is no age limit for membership. Primary or secondary members under the age of eighteen (18) must have written approval from parent or legal guardian before becoming a member. A
release form, containing permission to participate in Victorious functions and medical information, must remain on file with the Secretary. Some functions may require the presence of
a parent or guardian, at the discretion of the Executive Committee. These members will serve under the cadet program until the age of eighteen. Members under the age of sixteen (16) may
not hold commissioned officer ranks, unless a member shows himself/herself, to be of the mature and responsible caliber to hold such a position, at the discretion of the Executive Committee. In
this case, the cadet may receive a “field commission” as an “Acting Officer”. This rank is honorary and may be revoked at anytime by their Department Head and/or member of the
Executive Committee for any action/behavior deemed inappropriate.
The Victorious is not a “baby sitting service”, and the Executive Committee may determine if parental/legal guardian must be present at any or all club functions for a given minor.
Brevet Rank
The Commanding Officer may award Brevet rank at any time to an officer performing a specific job or service to the organization. There may be conditions to these ranks, and the Commanding
officer may remove the Brevet rank at his discretion. Brevet rank is removed in the event of any disciplinary action against them. No exceptions!
Field Commissions
The Commanding Officer may award Field Commissions at any time to exceptional enlisted members. Field Commissions may not be removed. These members are required to meet the
criteria for the original field commission to move ahead in the rank structure. Members are denied additional brevet rank or promotions until the conditions of the Field Commission are
met. This would include the title of “Acting Ensign,” as seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Honorary Rank
There are some people in a community that deserve special recognition. These may be actual civic leaders of the community who, for instance, support local fandom in some unique manner.
The membership of Victorious may elect to grant someone in this position honorary rank in our organization, which may include flag rank, up to Admiral. This rank is purely fictitious,
however, and is not part of the chain of command.
Promotions
Department Heads may recommend promotions for enlisted crew any time. The Executive Committee may promote enlisted crew at any time for outstanding service to the ship.
Promotions for Warrant and Commissioned Officers occur every March, July, and November. Promotions require an evaluation and recommendation by the members’ department head to the
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee will then discuss the promotions and make a decision.
Article IV Costumes, Uniforms and Club Shirts
Uniforms or costumes are not required for membership, but are required if a member wishes to advance to officer rank. Recommended uniforms for Starfleet are uniforms as seen in Star Trek:
The Next Generation movie Insurrection and Nemesis, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Reasonable variations of TNG, DS9 or Star Trek: Voyager uniforms are permitted. Uniforms from the
original Star Trek series or movies are other acceptable options.
The main rule with costuming: “Have fun!”
Insignia for officers is depicted in Star Trek: The Next Generation, a series of metallic gold “pips” worn on the collar.
Insignia for warrant officers is a series of metallic silver “pips”, worn on the collar.
Insignia for enlisted ranks is small black patches with gray stripes worn on the collar.
Insignia for Petty Officers is small patches with gray chevrons worn on the collar.
The recommended “commbadge” to be worn, is as seen in the final TNG episode, “All Good Things” Star Trek Insurrection and Star Trek Nemesis.
Club shirts may be worn at club functions, meetings and any other official club function where uniforms or costumes will not be worn. Club shirts typically are in the members
Department color, red, for command, gold, for security/engineering, blue, for medical/science. Club shirts typically have the club line art logo on the back and a standard line art commbadge
on the front left side with the ship name curved over the commbadge and the registry number along the bottom of the commbadge.
Any member who belongs to a national fan organization that the club is an official member and this organization has a logo type patch. The member may wear this organization’s patch on the
right sleeve of the club shirt. All members belonging to a local fan organization or fleets, that the club is an official member and this organization has a logo type patch, the member may wear
this organization patch on the Left sleeve of the club shirt.
Weapons
Victorious members may carry a Phaser I, II sidearm or a Phaser rifle. This is in accord with a Star Trek uniform.
“Peace bonded” weapons that represent alien or period weapons are allowed as long as the bond is visibly tied and cannot be removed easily.
Since the purpose of the club is to have fun, real life weapons such as firearms, knives, swords, bludgeoning weapons, bladed weapons, whips, or martial arts weapons are not permitted, will
not be worn as part of a costume or uniform and will not be tolerated. Weapons historically are not associated with fun activities, and are out of context with the Star Trek ethic.
Under no circumstances are any other weapons permitted with a Starfleet uniform or other alien costume (including Klingon Warrior Armor) unless they are props only. Wooden or plastic
replicas of swords or alien weapons are allowed if proper safety precautions are made and common sense is used.
Any violation of “live steel” will result in immediate expulsion from an event and the member will face further disciplinary action.
Any weapons carried in accordance with Florida Statute 790.06 are permitted.
Article V Regulations
Unfortunately, rules and regulations must be a part of any organization. Most rules listed in this section are basic common sense. Others are common courtesy, practiced by civilized human
beings for centuries. Some are unique to Star Trek fandom.
It is assumed, by the very nature of this organization, that its membership understands the concept of proper behavior. It is also assumed that members understand basic human values and
how to treat their fellow citizens.
At events, members not only represent themselves, they represent the Victorious as a whole. Improper behavior reflects on the group. It is assumed that members will conduct themselves
accordingly.
The following actions will not be permitted. Examples or definitions have been provided:
Insubordination
Not submitting to authority; disobedient. Directly disobeying the wishes of the Executive Committee, or the Officer in Charge at an event or function. Verbal attacks, not following
directions, or a blatant disregard for a superior’s views would also be considered insubordination.
Exceeding or Attempting to Exceed Authority
The Executive Committee is authorized to speak for the organization. In some cases, they are in charge of a project or event. They may also place another member in charge of a situation or
project. That person, the Officer in Charge, is said to have authority. Exceeding authority is pretending to have authority that one does not have, or, attempting to take charge of a situation
without the express permission of the Executive Committee.
Conduct Unbecoming a Starfleet Officer
This rule is difficult to define, as we are not really in Starfleet or in the future. However, there are certain ideals set forth by Gene Roddenberry in Star Trek and some common curiosities, to
which we presume to adhere. While representing this organization (in costume, in club T-shirts, while working at a convention, club recruiting table, any situation where a member may be
representing the USS Victorious or Star Trek fandom), members are responsible to reflect these ideals and act in a positive manner. When a member fails to follow through on a commitment
made to another crew member or to the organization as a whole (barring circumstances out of that members control) or represents the organization negatively, that is “unbecoming conduct”.
Deception or Attempt to Deceive
Attempting to make someone believe what is not true, to lie, delude or mislead. This generally applies to activities related to the club, but may extend to situations which in general, affect the
club.
Actions that Damage Property
Destroying something that doesn’t belong to you. This could be property of a member a nonmember, a hotel room, convention facility, etc.
Theft of Money or Property
Thieves will not be tolerated. Honesty is considered the most important virtue of a Starfleet Officer.
Assault or Threatened Assault
Action in which you are involved in striking a person in an attempt to do bodily harm. In some instances, someone may be forced to fight back and defend themselves. That is considered “self
defense” and will be taken into consideration. Remember, merely telling someone that you will assault them is a threat to that person and is considered a verbal assault.
Defamation of a Member’s Character
Action in which a member talks badly of another member. This would be something that causes the person distress, either in their personal or professional lives. This organization will not be
used to air someone’s personal “dirty laundry.” Ugly rumors, direct insults, racial slurs, and other “colorful metaphors” are examples of this.
Drunk and Disorderly Conduct
At times, the Victorious will host a party or event where alcohol is served. The “Romulan Ale” may flow freely, and people tend to overindulge. Once one becomes disruptive, or belligerent, or
violent, to the point they are disorderly and unruly, that would be considered “drunk and disorderly”. Usually, a member will be simply escorted away to “sleep it off”. However, if the
organization is badly represented, or there are complaints from people outside of this organization, then the Executive Committee has no choice but to take disciplinary action.
Anyone violating the above may be expelled from meetings or events and may face further disciplinary action.
Communication Policy
It is not the intent of this rule to prohibit free speech. As free-thinking beings, all are welcome to voice their opinions as individuals under the laws of the state of Florida and the United States of
America. However, all club communications must be approved by the Executive Committee. No one may speak for the organization as a whole other than the Commanding Officer, Executive
Officer, or Second Officer. At times, an approved representative may be appointed by the Executive Committee to speak for the USS Victorious. Telephone calls, letters, internet
communications, or any other communication must be handled by the Executive Committee. This includes recruiting materials, correspondence with other Star Trek clubs, the media, or any
organization. Anyone violating this rule may face disciplinary action.
Alcohol Policy
At times, Victorious may hold a meeting or event at a location where alcohol is served. It is recommended that members drink in moderation and do not drink and drive. Designated drivers
are encouraged at all events where alcohol is served.
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking is not condoned or tolerated. Underage members found under the influence will face expulsion from the events and may face further disciplinary action.
Substance Abuse
The illegal use of narcotics and drugs will not be condoned or tolerated. Any member found using, selling, or under the influence of illegal substances will face expulsion from the event and
may face further disciplinary action. No Drugs!
Article VI Disciplinary Action
Any member who violates the laws of Federal, State, or local governments while attending a convention or club related function, or whose charges directly affect this organization, shall be
immediately suspended from this organization. If convicted of these charges, their membership will be terminated. There is no appeal process.
Any member who has violated the Constitution and Bylaws of this organization, the standards of conduct set forth by the ideals of Star Trek, or has just generally been a detriment to this
organization, shall face disciplinary action.
On The Spot
At any time, the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, Second Officer, or the Officer in Charge, may verbally reprimand a member for being disruptive. They may also request a
member to leave a function, or “relieve them from duty”, if they continue to be disruptive. Only these officers may discipline members in this fashion. This has nothing to do with “rank”; it has
to do with authority. If anyone other than these officers attempt to discipline a member, they may face the charge of Exceeding Authority. However, any member may remind another to adhere to
proper conduct during an event during which they are representing the club.
Formal Charges
Any member may file formal charges for violations of regulations. Charges may be levied against any member, regardless of their rank or position. Charges must be filed within thirty (30)
days of the alleged offense. Charges must be in writing and presented to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee (or appointed representative) will investigate the charges.
If the charges are valid, the Executive Committee will decide whether to take disciplinary action. A unanimous vote of the Executive Committee is required to initiate the proceedings.
There are two formats for disciplinary action. These formats are summary judgment and a Vote of the Membership. If an Executive Committee member is involved in the incident, either as the
accused or as a witness or victim, summary judgment is not possible. A Vote of the Membership must be held.
The Executive Committee meets in Special Session to discuss matters of disciplinary action. They are not to discuss matters of the charges with any member not directly involved in the
investigation. The Executive Committee may not discuss the case with the accused, even if they are a friend or family member. At no time is the investigation to be discussed with the accused
until the Executive Committee has decided whether or not to proceed against the member.
Once the decision to proceed has been made by the Executive Committee, the accused will be provided with a copy of the original charges levied, and will receive official notification as listed
below.
Summary Judgment
In keeping with the military format of this organization, the Executive Committee may meet to pass summary judgment for violation of the Constitution or Bylaws, or refusal to follow
instructions issued by the Executive Committee.
The accused must be notified in person, by e-mail, by phone or in writing, a minimum of three (3) days before summary judgment is passed. The accused has the right to be present. No
witnesses will be heard for summary judgment.
The charges will be read, and copy presented to the accused. They will then have the opportunity to make a statement. The accused may choose to appeal summary judgment and ask for a Vote of
the Membership. If a Vote of the Membership is called, the accused will be considered notified,and the membership will convene a minimum of fourteen (14) days later.
The actions available for summary judgment are:
Written reprimand
Reduction in rank
Loss of position
Up to 120-day suspension (member not allowed to attend activities sponsored by the Victorious.)
Conditional suspension; Terms for reinstatement may include any or all of the following:
Written apology to any parties involved
Reimbursement to any parties for damages incurred
Alcohol or substance abuse treatment (special cases)
Counseling or professional therapy (special cases)
Any suitable condition set forth by the Membership
Permanent Expulsion
Vote of the Membership
The accused may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee by a written letter to the general membership. This letter must be sent to the Second Officer by US Mail within fourteen
(14) days of the Executive Committee’s decision. The Second Officer will confirm the receipt of the request. The request will be read to the general membership. They will then decide the
outcome of the appeal. It will require a 2/3rds majority to overturn the summary judgment. The members who are present will then vote on the request. If there is less then 2/3rds of the
membership present, then a member will be chosen to contact the rest of the primary members for their vote to account for proxy/absentee votes. This will then be presented at the next meeting
of the membership, to overturn or uphold the Summary Judgment.
Discipline of the Executive Committee:
The Executive Committee is not above the law. Any executive officer responsible for any violations of the Constitution or Bylaws will face the same penalties as any other member. They
will have the same options as stated above.
There are a few differences in the disciplinary actions against the Executive Committee members. These differences are:
The officer may not be removed from his/her position. These members are elected officers of this organization. If the offended member wishes, he may bring about Recall measures as outlined in
the Constitution.
If the judgment of the Membership is for permanent expulsion, Recall measures must be initiated immediately.
Article VII Expansion of the Organization
It is our hope that the USS Victorious will “live long and prosper” as an organization. Part of this growth could result in the formation of similar organizations in other areas. This would make
management easier, and still keep things fun.
Runabouts
Our members come from all over the Tampa Bay area. There are correspondence members all around the state, and they could be anywhere in the country as well. Suppose two (2) members
from another city or county decide to commute together to Victorious meetings. They also plan to recruit new members for Victorious from their area. These people may then petition the
Executive Committee for “runabout” status. These people agree to remain a part of the Victorious but commute to and from meetings and conventions together, plus aid the Executive
Officer in communications. The only stipulation is that the two people live at different addresses. Couples or families can not qualify as a runabout.
Design Teams
Design Teams are formed when members feel that they can support a separate club within theirarea, or have developed a specialized program that is different from that of the Victorious.
However, members who start or join design teams must waive all voting rights with the USS Victorious. They are also unable to hold an elected office in this organization and become
secondary members. The Victorious will support these Design Teams every step of the way in the formation of their new club. If the Design Team is not strong enough to move to the next
level, or is not successful, the members of the Design Team will be welcome to return to Victorious.
Article VIII Revision Procedures
Unlike the Constitution, the Bylaws are more fluid, allowing easy and frequent changes to suit current circumstances. Bylaws revisions or amendments may be proposed during any meeting of
the Executive Committee by a unanimous vote. A Bylaw revision or amendment may also occur during a regular general membership meeting. The assembly of fifty percent (50%) of active
members would constitute a quorum. An amendment or revision will pass with a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the primary members, allowing for proxy/absentee voting. Members may propose
Bylaws changes to the Executive Committee for consideration at any time.
Article IX Approval
Amendments and Revisions
Reference numbers for revisions are included. Whole numbers indicate complete re-writes. Tenths indicate substantial revisions. Hundredths indicate simple revisions and clarifications.
- Revision 1.0 – 1/15/96 Original Crewman Handbook
- Revision 2.0 – 7/14/96 Bylaws were ratified by unanimous vote on this date
- Revision 2.01 – 8/25/96 Article III: Changed Marine Leader rank from Sergeant Major to Major
- Revision 2.02 – 9/15/96 Article III: Redefined Enlisted ranks. Changed upper ranks from “Crewman” to “Specialist” or “Technician”
- Revision 2.03 – 9/15/96 Article IV: Redefined Enlisted and Petty Officer insignia to reflect the custom patches that we designed.
- Revision 2.04 – 9/16/96 Article III: Added Warrant Officer ranks to encompass proposed fighter squadron, and to reward noncommissioned personnel. Also added a provision in Paragraph 9 for brevet and “Acting Ensign” titles, to reflect recent events.
- Revision 2.1 – 10/13/96 Article VIII: Added an article establishing the 457th Special Operations Group as a separate entity. Removed all references to “marines” from the body of the Bylaws and incorporated them into Article VIII.
- Revision 2.2 – 10/15/96 Article III: Streamlined and explained promotion procedure. Added option to attend UFPI Academy or OCS to allow new members to become officers more quickly. Established the ability for the Captain to award “brevet rank” and “field commissions” to deserving members. This is to reflect the Executive Committee’s attitude that officers should be members of UFPI, however allows the Captain to promote certain deserving individuals who are not members of UFPI.
- Revision 3.0 – 4/1/97 Major rewrite. Removed references to Klingon group, Marines, etc. Added sections about runabouts and design teams. Provided better disciplinary action hearings, plus streamlined and clarified much of the document.
- Revision 3.1 – 02/15/98 Major rewrite. Removal of all references to UFPI. Introduction of proxy/absentee voting for several issues. Redefinition of Cadet program. Removal of Board of Inquiry, and changed to Vote of the Membership. Redefinition of the difference between enlisted and officers.
- Revision 3.2 – 4/25/99 Article I Meetings changed to reflect new meeting schedule, in person form of contact also added. Article III Rank and Promotion Guidelines changed to maximum rank for Commanding Officer from Fleet Captain to Commodore, Officer ranks section added Commodore.
- Revision 4.0 – 6/25/00 Article II Organization Changed to reflect new Sovereign class ship, Commanding and Executive Officer Section changed to state either couldn’t hold another ship position while serving in these two positions, while the Second Officer area changed to he can. Article III Department Head rank increased to Commander. Article IV wording changed to better reflect recommended uniform and commbadge.
- Revision 4.0 -5/24/01 No Changes.
- Revision 4.0 -6/23/02 No Changes.
- Revision 4.1 -6/22/03 CHANGED Article IV to read Article IV Costumes, Uniforms and Club Shirts. Added club shirt wear and patch locations. Added the Movie Star Trek Nemesis as a reference for uniforms and commbadges.
- Revision 4.2 -5/22/05 Changed Article III Exception added to allow a higher rank if approver by majority vote, Flag Officer change to recognize Flag rank if still a member of the Executive Committee, Weapons Section wording changed to include Section for Florida Statute Section 790.06, and peace bonded weapons for period costumes.
- Revision 5.0 -5/24/09 Changed Article I Added exception where members have voted to change or reschedule a monthly meeting. Article IV Costumes, Uniforms, and Club Shirts, Weapons. Moved “Peace Bonded” to the beginning of this section to help cut down on confusion. Article V Regulations, Conduct Unbecoming a Starfleet Officer. Added “When a member fails to follow through on a commitment made to another crew member or to the organization as a whole (barring circumstances out of that members control) “
- Revision 5.1 – 5/09/2015 Changed References from OPS to SO. Changed Article II Second Officer, removed Operations Officer. Changed Article III, Executive Committee maximum ranks changed. Added additional enlisted ranks. Changed Flag Officer section to recognize Flag Ranks.
- Revision 5.1 – 5/14/2016 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/13/2017 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/12/2018 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/11/2019 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/9/2020 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/8/2021 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/8/2022 No Changes
- Revision 5.1 – 5/8/2023 No Changes