question about starting a trad club/organizations

NightHawk · February 16, 2007, 07:51:00 PM

Here in central Indiana we don't have a trad club/organization. The closest one is in southern Indiana it's called ITBA and is a good club ran by some great people.

My question is I'm wanting to start an organization/club here in central Indiana (indianapolis area) There was a club that used to exist some years ago called the Indiana Longbow Association. The club has been extinct for several years now. I would like to reestablish that club/organization and have trad only get togathers, shoots and other fellowship (bow making, knapping, arrow smithing, ect... )

What would be the best way to go about reestablishing this club. As far as I know noone from the old club is still active in archery. I called the person that used to run the club and his wife told me that he died about 4 years ago.

NightHawk · February 17, 2007, 08:12:00 AM

ttt

pointy sticks · February 17, 2007, 09:31:00 AM

I don't know but I would think there should be, somewhere, a charter if it were a registered club. I'd try to find out who had that last and go from there. Maybe there is a State registry where you could look. Not sure who it work in the US but thats what I'd do here.

macbow · February 17, 2007, 09:57:00 AM

Have you talked with anyone from the ITBA, If they are set up as a state wide organazation you might get a lot of info and either be a part of ITBA or become a local club affiliated with them.
Either way they should be a big help on the proceedures.
Ron

2fletch · February 17, 2007, 10:04:00 AM

NightHawk, It probably varies from state to state, but usually you have to register a club name with your state. They will also need to know whether or not it's a nonprofit organizarion. The club name is registered by an individual (could be several individuals)and I suppose that name stays registered until that person cancels it.

Before you get to far along be sure to consider insurance for the club. Insurance rates to cover a club today is probably in the $400/year range. It will protect the landowner,officers, and members from liabilities.

Good luck!

GameMaster · February 17, 2007, 02:41:00 PM

Hello, it sounds like you are in for a job. First how many interested people like you do do have to start with? My club started in 1952 with 11 couples and now is one of the largest in Wisconsin. It is called Racine Instinctive Bowmen. I have been a member since 1975 and have been very involved in running the club. I suggest you start out with your group with a monthly meeting and come up with a constitution or the way you want to run your club. I don't want to make this too long so if you want to contact me give me a call 1-262-639-7236. Shane Hill www.ribarchery.com is our website.

Shakes.602 · February 17, 2007, 03:28:00 PM

Find a Generous Benefactor that will let Ya use some Land, for Majorly Cheap, or FREE is ALWAYS GOOD!!

John3 · February 17, 2007, 06:10:00 PM

Contact the state about the name. Get with others write the by-laws, advertise, give back. You will do fine.

JDS III

Dave Lay · February 17, 2007, 08:14:00 PM

you may need a set of bylaws to register, we did here in Arkansas. We even copy writed the name of the club.. But write them carefully and take your time. This will sound wierd, but we started as a bowhunting club with a couple 3-d tourneys thrown in as fund raisers and since we did a poor job on our bylaws in a few years we basicly had a group take us over and turn it into a tournment club. We had a heck of a time, and only got it back when they saw it was a heck of a lot of work when you dont have others setting up the range for ya. And most bailed and shot where they didnt have to work. We gained control and did some by law amendments to cover us better..so just know what direction you want to travel and stick with it.... good luck!!

Shakes.602 · February 18, 2007, 08:03:00 AM

Oh, and Dont Forget the INSURANCE!!! Liability, etc. Our Old Club here in Town Tried to Sue the Club, because he twisted his Ankle at a Shoot. From what I could Understand from one of the Older Members was that we had Posted Signs about Rough Ground, Slippage Area,etc. Gotta Make it as "Idiot-Proof" as Possible!!
"THE INSURANCE COMPANIES RULE THE WORLD"
Sad, but True.

Voodoofire1 · February 18, 2007, 09:23:00 AM

Dang Joe, wish you lived a little closer, I'd let you use my place,I've already got the course, the building, camping area, and ponds for a little fishing as well as a big ole' campfire, I've thought about doing it too, but there just aren't hardly enough trad shooters around here to shoot with let alone make a club, sure wish there was though, this place is perfect.Still going to the semo hunt Joe?