2025 MFTHBA Rulebook

38 of the Board members. Procedures for termination of membership or rejection of membership application are covered under the provisions of the Violations section of this Handbook. Section 2. Membership Responsibilities, Obligations and Agreements A. Every member, by joining the MFTHBA, agrees to abide by the following: 1. To be governed and act in accordance with the Bylaws, Rules, Standards and Policies of the MFTHBA. 2. To respect that the Board of Directors, comprised of the Officers and Directors elected by the membership or appointed to fill a vacancy, represents the bod within the MFTHBA to make decisions and take actions on the part of the membership, and as such are the final authority within the MFTHBA. 3. In the event of an issue unresolved within the MFTHBA, the member agrees that he or she will not commence any action, whether in law or equity against MFTHBA in any court other than those State courts located in Douglas County, Missouri, and/or Federal Court in the State of Missouri. If unsuccessful in an attempt to overturn MFTHBA decisions or actions, or Bylaws, Rules, Standards or Policies, the member agrees to reimburse MFTHBA for MFTHBA’s attorneys’ fees, court costs and other expenses in defense of such suit. Section 3. Proprietary Information, Documents and Photography A. Members of MFTHBA have a duty to preserve the pedigree registry, membership information, performance records and other documented evidence of the MFTHBA’s business and history, all of which are the property of MFTHBA. This includes MFTHBA electronic data made available to members via the MFTHBA website or other access. 1. Information from the registry is to be for the private use of the individual member, including advertising or promotion; any other proposed use must be submitted to and approved by the Board of Directors for a specific purpose. It is the duty of such member to use such data only for the purpose for which MFTHBA granted conditional license. 2. Information used for commercial purposes must have the approval of the Board of Directors, and such data used only for the purpose for which MFTHBA granted conditional license. 3. Publication of data for which conditional license was granted shall carry the following source designation: “This information was provided by the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association from its official records.” Any use other than for the stated purpose shall make the member liable for actions shown under the provisions of the Violations section of this Handbook. 4. Members shall grant MFTHBA and the MFTHBA Hall of Fame an automatic release to use any photograph or other form of likeness reproduction of a member or event participant. This includes the horse owner, their horses, exhibitors, and registered equine names to promote MFTHBA’s objectives and activities. This also includes use by third parties with authorization from MFTHBA. Section 4. Affiliated Organizations The following outlines the affiliated organizations operating under the parent umbrella of the MFTHBA and information regarding these units. A. Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Youth Association (MFTHBYA). MFTHBYA Membership provides for a full-fledged program for young people who love the Fox Trotting Horse. Youth, 17 years of age or under as of January 1 of the current year, may participate. Ownership of a horse is not a requirement. Purpose of the program is to emphasize good horsemanship and provide recognition for those youth who show initiative and interest in owning, showing, riding, raising or maintaining Missouri Fox Trotting horses. This program will be governed by all the rules and regulations adopted by the MFTHBA. 1. Membership : The annual membership fee as set forth entitles the youth member to receive information about the organization and participate in youth activities. 2. Advisory Committees :