ARTICLE IX - DISCIPLINE

Section 1. The Club Executive or Board of Directors may cause to be reprimanded, fined, suspended, or expelled from the membership, any person who, after a fair and impartial hearing, shall be found guilty of violating any rules of this club or AFCA or of conduct detrimental to this club or to the cat fancy. Following a unanimous recommendation from the executive officers, further action will require an affirmative vote by a majority of the members attending the next regular meeting of the club at which at least two-thirds of the eligible members are present. The following procedure will be used:

a) the charge;

b) the meeting of the executive;

c) the recommendation to the general meeting;

d) the vote by members;

e) a possible appeal in writing; and

f) Possible reinstatement.

Section 2. Every charge shall be made in writing and a copy of the charge(s) shall be furnished to the accused at least 15 days prior to the date of hearing. No oral or anonymous charges will be considered. The person or persons filing such charges shall attend the on-line hearing as shall the accused. The accused shall be afforded the opportunity to refute a charge at any stage in the process. From time to time it may be possible for a meeting to be called to deal with the charges. In this instance the person or persons filing such charges shall attend the hearing as shall the accused.

Section 3. An appeal in writing may be made from the ruling, resulting from the procedure outlined in Article IX, Section 1, at the next regular meeting of the club and the majority vote of the members present shall be binding on all parties.

Section 4. In the event that a member is expelled from the club, he/she may, not less than six months after the date of such action and upon evidence of his/her good intentions, make application for reinstatement of membership.