CHARTER, BYLAWS & CODE OF CONDUCT
OF THE “INDY F.O.G.” PAINTBALL TEAM


The “Indy F.O.G.” has been formed to organize an amateur level paintball team whose purposes are:  to provide informal paintball games against teams who share our emphasis on safety and sportsmanship; to participate in paintball tournaments; to provide cost savings through cooperative equipment purchases; and to promote the sport of paintball by setting the highest standard of sportsmanship, teamwork, and brotherhood.

SECTION 1:  PERSONNEL

The “Indy F.O.G.” is made up of officers, other active members and reserve members.  The purpose of three levels of membership is to make welcome all ages, all commitment levels and all skill levels.

A. LEVELS OF DUTIES

1.  COMMANDING OFFICER-- This position has command of entire team; books games; places phone calls to all members for any information connected with games, meetings or any general information; deals with any disputes on field; and resides over all meetings, votes or any internal structures.

2.  EXECUTIVE OFFICER—This position is hand picked by the Commanding Officer after any elections.  All duties of this office are to assist the Commanding Officer in all team functions.  If the Commanding Officer for any reason resigns his command the Executive Officer assumes all responsibilities until an election can be taken.

3. FIELD CAPTAIN—This office will be in charge of any tactics played on the field, will assist the Commanding Officers in any squad.  On field his power is equal to the Commanding Officer.  This “Honorary” captain’s position will terminate at the end of the play.  This position is picked by the attending ranking officer or by majority vote.  The Commanding Officer has the ability to make this position permanent.

4. LIEUTENANT—The Lieutenant is to be a squad leader.  There will be one lieutenant per squad for a total of three.  They are hand picked bye the Commanding Officer after any elections.  Once the lieutenant is picked he is responsible for determining all squad tactics.  They will also handle any inner-squad disputes and determine when merit awards should be issued.

5. SERGEANT—they are hand picked by the Lieutenant.  They will assist the Lieutenant in any functions that he deems necessary. There will be one sergeant per squad for a total of three.

B. ACTIVE MEMBERS—Are the officers and the frequent players of the “Indy F.O.G.”

1. REQUIREMENTS FOR ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP:
a. Active members will attend as many events in which the team participates as is possible.
b. Active members will adhere to the team’s code of conduct.
c. Active members will attend games and special meetings in uniform.
2. BENEFITS OF ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP:
a. Active members may become officers.
b. Active members are to be called first for games and tournaments.

C. RESERVE MEMBERS-- Are those casual players who meet the team’s standards of fair play and sportsmanship but do not want the level of commitment required by the active level of membership.

SECTION II—UNIFORM
The purpose of the uniform is to distinguish “Indy F.O.G.” members from “ordinary” paintball players, to promote “friend or foe” recognition on the paintball field and to foster team spirit and unity.

SECTION III—ASSET MANAGEMENT
The TREASURER will be responsible for managing the assets, expenses and income of the Indy F.O.G.  These responsibilities may be delegated to other officers or active members.

A. ASSETS-- Chronographs, carbon dioxide tanks, fill stations, scales, other team purchases and the team fund are owned by all team members.  Upon disbanding the team all assets are to be sold and those proceeds will be divided among the current active members.
B. EXPENSES-- Purchases may be made from the team fund with a majority vote from active members.  At the discretion of the captains, team fund may be used to cover tournament fees.
C. INCOME—Moneys generated through “Indy F.O.G.” for any purpose deemed necessary after passengers by vote of current members.

1. DUES—There are no dues paid by any “Indy F.O.G.” member unless deemed necessary by the Commanding Officer and only after vote of a majority of the active members (51%).  Any money needed for the “Indy F.O.G.” paintball team is to be received equally from all active members.

2. MERIT AWARDS

a. The Commanding Officer, Executive Officer and Field Captain will determine awards distribution.

b. Awards will be given to those members who show outstanding qualities under fire, attitudes, and general conduct.

c. Awards will be in the form of recognition plaques or increased rank.

SECTION IV—CODE OF CONDUCT

“Indy F.O.G.” will promote the sport of paintball by enforcing the highest standard of sportsmanship.  Below are the guidelines recommended by the team; however, field rules will always have priority.

A. PROTECTIVE GEAR

1. EYE PROTECTION—It is mandatory for every person, who is on, in or directly exposed to the fields while games are in progress, to wear an ANSI-approved goggle.

2. OTHER PROTECTIVE GEAR-- is highly recommended to wear a full layer of clothing over arms and legs to prevent direct hits on the skin.  Face, neck, groin, ear, and knee protection is also recommended. (Player’s discretion)

B. HAND SIGNALS

1. VISUAL AND VERBAL SIGNALS—Team members should clearly know the field method of signaling orders.

2. VISUAL HAND SINGALS—Shall be taught by the Executive Officer.

C. LIABILITY WAIVERS

1. Team members will comply with field liability waiver signing procedures.

2. Team member will be aware of the inherent risks involved in the sport of paintball although the sport has a very good safety record and the “Indy F.O.G.” stresses a high level of safety.

D. VELOCITY LIMITS

Velocities will be limited to 285 FPS for outdoor play and 220 FPS for indoor play or lower depending on field requirements.

E. REFEREES
Team members will respectfully abide by all referee rulings.  Any dispute must be presented to a field captain after a brief “cooling-down” period.  The captain will determine whether or not to pursue the dispute.  All disputes will be handled by the captains according to the tournament rules or by consulting the opposing team captains.

F. PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR
Behavior such as becoming intoxicated, making aggressive physical contact with another person, or violently arguing, fighting or protesting during team events will result in immediate loss of playing privileges.

G. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW
It is mandatory that all applicable national, regional and local laws and regulations be complied with at the field.  Such laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, those regarding business licensing, zoning, permits, selling or furnishing paintball guns to minors, and silencers/sound suppressers.  Such laws and regulations take precedence over this code of conduct in case of conflict.

H. PROBATIONARY PERIOD
Probationary members must complete 120 days of membership before becoming an active member.  They have the right to vote immediately.  Probationary members must attend at least 2 “Indy F.O.G.” meetings within the 120day period.  Upon completion of the probationary period new players must be voted in by majority vote of the current members.  Probationary members will participate in team purchases.  Probationary members that are not “voted in” will be refunded any moneys collected for team purchases during the probationary period.

SECTION V—POLICIES AND AMENDMENTS

A. TEAM EVENTS—The “Indy F.O.G.” maintains an active event schedule.  The rules listed below which are used by the captains to arrange games, tournaments and other events are guidelines only.  Weather, event availability and participation level also affect the schedule.

B. All meetings to be scheduled by the Commanding Officer or Executive Officer.

C. In the event that the Commanding Officer cannot perform any of the above-mentioned responsibilities, the Executive Officer will assume command.

D. ELECTIONS—The captain will be elected by ballot.  All members will vote.  The Executive Officer which, is appointed by the Commanding Officer, must be appointed after the election or upon demotion for any reason by the Commanding Officer.

E. Annual elections will be held to elect the Commanding Officer.  The period to be served will be from January 1st through December 31st.

F. LIFE MEMBERS are those who have been honored by the team for outstanding past service.  2/3 majorities elect life members.

G. SQUADS—have been formed to provide for promoting partnering, for offsetting weaknesses and for facilitating communication between team members.  Team members should know their squad’s members and it’s mission.

1. SPEARHEAD—Will perform all functions of the main squad, which is responsible for forming and advancing a skirmish line.  Designated Squad 1.

2. RIGHT FLANK OR RECON—Will be on the right side of Spearhead and have responsibility of pushing the right side to try to exploit any opening in that side.  Designated Squad 2.

3. LEFT FLANK OR SNIPER—Will be on the left side of Spearhead and have responsibility of pushing the left side and try to exploit any opening in that side.  Designated Squad 3.