TEXAS
OLD TIME FIDDLERS ASSOCIATION
OPERATING
POLICIES
I. Dues and Memberships:
A. There will be no grace period for membership renewal. A person paying dues with a check that is returned will. be removed from the membership rolls and contest directors will be notified that the person's membership card is invalid until such time as the dues are paid with cash.
B. Texas fiddlers or accompanists registered as associate members may pay the additional dues and gain fiddler or accompanist status for the remainder of time left under the associate membership.
C. Members will be notified that dues are payable by stamping inside their newsletter: “Last Issue, Membership expires this month, and pay dues now.”
D. An Associate membership card may be issued to a members spouse if so requested.
II. Newsletter:
A. Only approved contests will be listed in the newsletter, except for paid advertisements.
B. New record releases by TOTFA members, only, may be announced in the newsletter.
C. A copy of each issue of "The Texas Fiddler" will be sent to the Library of Congress.
D. Back issues still available or extra copies of the newsletter may be ordered from the Association for $1.00 per issue.
E. The newsletter will be mailed at first-class rates.
III. Judges and Judging:
A. Three complaints in writing against a judge will warrant an investigation by the Board of Directors.
B. A Director should be one of the judges for the State Championship Contest.
C. Judges may call for the following categories of tunes: breakdown, waltz and “tune of choice” or “tune of choice other than a breakdown or a waltz.”
D. Judges may not call for specific tune to be played in a contest.
E. Three judges will be used to judge a contest if at all possible.
IV. Registration:
A contestant must present a valid membership card to register for competition. A contestant must be there in person to register for a contest.
V. Alcohol:
The control of alcohol and persons under the influence is the responsibility of contest sponsors and directors, not the Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association.
VI. Disorderly Conduct at Contests:
Any disorderly conduct at Association contests by any Association member will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and may lead to suspension of membership for up to one year. Complaints should be written and signed by the complainant and forwarded to the President, Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association.
VII. Contest Approval:
Contests applying for approval too late to be listed in the newsletter will be required to mail notices to the entire membership of the association. A fee will be charged for a mailing list. No other contest will be approved for the same date as the TOTFA convention and state contest.
VIII. Accompanist Contests:
Contestants in accompanist contests must have accompanist or fiddler membership in the Association. One guitar player can be used during an accompanist contest when the contestant is a bass player.
IX. Gate Fees:
If an admission fee is charged, officials of the TOTFA may negotiate for a percentage of that fee to be returned to the Association.
X. Items for Sale:
Individuals offering items for sale bearing Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association insignia must be approved by the Board of Directors.
XI. Advertisement Rates:
A. Full-page ads are $100.00.
B. Half page ads are $50.00.
C. Fourth page ads are $30.00.
D. Eighth page ads are $20.00.
TEXAS
OLD TIME FIDDLERS ASSOCIATION
AWARDS
I. Red Steeley Favorite Fiddler Award:
Presented annually to the “best-liked” Fiddler Member selected by all member vote. Eligible to win only once. Sponsored.
II. Favorite Accompanist Award:
Presented annually to the “best-liked” Accompanist Member selected by all member vote. Eligible to win only once.
III. Most Improved Fiddler Award:
A special award to the fiddler in the Association who has “most improved” in fiddle playing ability since the last Annual Contest and Convention. Selection made by the Directors.
IV. Associate Member Award:
Presented annually to the Associate Member who has contributed the most to the Association and Texas Fiddling. Selected by Fiddler and Accompanist vote. Eligible to win only once.
V. Directors' Award:
A special award to honor a person or organization deemed worthy of recognition by the board of Directors. Not an annual award
VI. President's Award:
A special award to honor a person or organization deemed worthy of recognition by the President. Not an annual award.
VII. Out-Going President's Award:
An award given to each out-going president. Sponsored
VIII. TOTFA Appreciation Award:
Special award given to persons in appreciation for assistance to the Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association. Not an annual award.
TEXAS
OLD TIME FIDDLERS ASSOCIATION
2005/2007 DIRECTORS
President:
Mark Seale
P.O. Box 861
Hempstead Tx, 77445
979-826-6128 (home)
Directors:
Heidi Labensart
512-698-2621
Jacob Johnson
817-295-8583
mailto:txfiddler@wmconnect.com
Bryan Jimmerson
936-560-6599
107 Trentwood Circle
Victoria, Texas 77901
Phone: (361) 576-3800
e-mail: ptriley@tisd.net
Jason Andrew
P.O. Box 417
Whitewright Tx, 75491
Phone: 903-364-2191
e-mail: jasonandrew903@msn.com
“The Texas Fiddler” is the official publication of The Texas Old Time Fiddlers Association (TOTFA). The "Fiddler" is published monthly and mailed First Class to all members of the Association.
TOTFA is a non-profit organization incorporated in the state of Texas.
TOTFA mailing address:
P.O. Box 653
Hempstead, Texas 77445
Last Updated: January 30, 2006