NORTH-SOUTH SKIRMISH ASSOCIATION

NORTH-SOUTH SKIRMISH ASSOCIATION, INC.

        Charles Smithgall, National Commander
                  534 West Lemon Street, Lancaster, PA 17603
         cannon534@aol.com

         January 30, 2008

Dear Fellow Skirmishers:
                I would like to update you on policies adopted at the recent meeting of the Board of Directors. We voted to adopt the following policies, all of which are effective immediately.

                First, we approved a non-discrimination policy for the Association. While it has long been our practice to accommodate anyone interested in our sport, we felt that it was necessary at this time to adopt an official policy. This policy will appear on the inside cover of every edition of The Skirmish Rules. The policy states: “The North-South Skirmish Association (the “N-SSA”) is an equal opportunity association interested in
qualified members without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, weight, height, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, the presence of a medical condition which does not prohibit the member from participating in the activities of the N-SSA, disability or handicap, or any other legally protected status.” This motion was presented by Sharon Myers, Allegheny Regional Commander, and Seconded by Richard Rider, North East Regional Commander.

               We considered and adopted a policy which we are referring to as the “common courtesy” policy. This policy states: “Unless previously agreed to by all affected parties, skirmish applications shall be submitted to and signed by the Regional Commander of the region in which the proposed skirmish is to be held.” This motion was presented by Carlton Layne, Deep South Regional Commander, and seconded by Tom Robey, Inspector General.

              We further considered and adopted a policy relating to an initiation fee to be charged to new members. The policy is effective immediately. However, we will allow a grace period for new member applications that are postmarked no later than February 7, 2008. The policy states: “Motion was made to implement a $25.00 initiation fee effective immediately and to adopt this as a policy of the N-SSA. The funds are to be deposited into a capital land fund.” The motion was presented by Davy Crockett, Potomac Regional Commander, and seconded by Kent Snyder, Midwest Regional Commander.

             Finally, we approved a policy defining the duties of a Regional Commander and procedures for disciplinary action against a Regional Commander. The policy, as adopted, is attached.

             If you have any questions regarding these policies, please feel free to contact your Regional Commander.

                                    Sincerely,
                                    Charlie Smithgall
                                    Charles Smithgall, National Commander

                                                                            ATTACHMENT

          General Order 2007.1, Responsibilities and Procedures for Disciplinary Action Against a Regional Commander

          The North-South Skirmish Association, Inc. (“N-SSA” or the “National Association”) has adopted the following duties for the office of Regional Commander.

           1. shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors; and
           2. shall serve as the chief administrative officer of their elected region and ensure their region’s compliance with all N-SSA By-Laws and Skirmish Rules. A Regional Commander is a representative of the National Association
and has a fiduciary duty to the National Association to protect the National Association, its reputation, and its interests. While a Regional Commander, in his or her capacity as a member of the board of directors, participates in the review of N-SSA employees, no Regional Commander is authorized to give directions to any N-SSA employee. The responsibility for direction and supervision of N-SSA employees lies with the National Commander. Any issues relating to the performance of any employee of the N-SSA shall be directed to the National Commander.

               If an accusation or complaint is presented to the National Commander alleging or accusing a Regional Commander of misconduct or acting in a manner detrimental to the National Association, and if the National Commander and Judge Advocate determine action should be taken on the matter:

              a. The National Commander will appoint a committee of three to five members to review the allegations. The committee members shall include a past member of the Board and the Insurance Committee Chair. The Judge Advocate will be kept apprised of the allegations and will be available to consult with the committee as necessary.

b. The committee shall meet promptly to review the allegations of misconduct. The committee shall submit a written report to the National Commander, with a copy to the Executive Secretary, with their findings. All reports shall
be kept confidential and shall not be discussed outside the scope of the committee, the National Commander and the Executive Secretary until such time as the National Commander and Judge Advocate determine action on the report should be taken.

c. If the committee concludes that the allegations of improper conduct have probable cause, and if the National Commander determines action should Be taken on the report, the Executive Secretary shall send to all members of the Board and to the affected Regional Commander written notice of a hearing to consider the allegations and the committee’s report. The notice shall be issued at least 30 days prior to the hearing date. The hearing may be held in conjunction with a regularly scheduled Board meeting, or special Board meeting in accordance with Article XIII, Section 2, of the by-laws. If the Board removes the Regional Commander, the affected region will then have 60 days to hold a special election to elect a new Regional Commander. The affected region’s Deputy Commander shall serve as interim Regional Commander.

If a Regional Commander is removed, resigns, or is not re-elected, he or she shall turn over all files and other property of the region to the new or interim Regional Commander. This shall include, but is not limited to, all paper files, electronic files, bank account information, bank funds, bank statements, mailing labels, rosters, medals, streamers, patches, awards, trophies, plaques, memorabilia, and any and all other property of the region.