Rules
RULES FOR THE PURE ROD & GUN CLUB, INC. (Rev. 1/21)
The purpose of the Club is to lease or own land and water area in excess of 153 acres, including buildings and facilities, in Plainfield Township, Illinois, and operate the Club for perpetuity to provide outdoor recreation in swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, picnicking, hunting and such other recreation as appropriate to forward the development of these characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team play, and self-reliance, which are the essentials of good sportsmanship and the foundation of true patriotism.
RULES OF MEMBERSHIP:
1. A Social Member does not have the right to vote, hold office, bring in a guest, or hunt.
2. A Complimentary Membership may be provided on an annual basis to an individual who has made a significant or material contribution for the benefit of the Club. These Members also do not have the right to vote, hold office, bring in a guest, or hunt.
3. Individuals that are interested in membership shall submit an application to the Board of Directors in the form and manner prescribed by the Board of Directors, which includes a background check. All such applications shall be signed by a current Club Member as sponsor and signed by the applicant who shall thereby pledge himself or herself and family, as appropriate, to abide by the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations of the Club.
4. All new applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. The Board of Directors will take into consideration the contents of said background check in determining whether an applicant will or will not be approved for membership in the Club.
5. The new applicant’s social security number will be removed from the application after the process of background checks is complete.
6. A Member’s significant other may be considered a spouse if they can show proof of residency with that Member (Driver’s License or State ID).
7. Sons and/or Daughters of Members are entitled to the privileges of the family membership until he or she reaches 18 years of age. Once a child reaches 18 years of age, they may only enter the Club property with a Member as a guest. The son and/or daughter will be required to pay the current guest fee. Sons and/or daughters who enter the Club as a guest are not allowed to hunt.
8. The following priorities will be followed regarding new memberships:
a. Son or daughter of a current Equity Member;
b. Other family member of a current Equity Member;
c. Other applicants.
9. Annual dues and special assessments shall be set annually or more often, if necessary, by the Board of Directors.
10. An Equity Member having served 10 consecutive years, or 14 cumulative years, on the Board of Directors will have their annual dues waived as long as they hold their Equity membership.
11. Annual dues and special assessments shall be payable in full on February 20th of each calendar year. Any Member who does not make these payments timely will be subject to a $50 late fee, assessed on the 20th of each month, for each month that the annual dues and special assessments are not paid. Gate cards may be deactivated if annual dues are not paid timely.
12. All Club Members must have, in their possession, a valid membership card each day they visit the Club and show it to the caretaker or any other Member of the Club upon request.
13. The Board of Directors, the caretaker, or another Member have the authority to ask any Member for their membership card when seeing a violation of any Club rule by any Member, their family, or their guest.
14. Any Member who refuses to cooperate when asked for their membership card may be suspended from using the privileges of the Club grounds. Further, the individual may be required to appear before the Board of Directors.
15. When a member of the Board of Directors, the caretaker, or another Member pulls a Member’s card, a complaint form must also be filled out and signed as to why the card was taken from the Member.
16. All Members must affix a current Club vehicle sticker on the passenger side of their windshield by March 20th.
17. A Member (under the age of 70 on May 1st of the current year) must put in 6 hours of work at the Club each year. He or she must sign in and sign out on the log book; the failure to do worktime will result in the current fine being applied to the next year’s dues. Following any worktime day, the Member should attempt to have his membership card stamped by the Work Chairman. An able-bodied Member or a member of their family can perform worktime on behalf of another Member. Disabled Members may be exempted from worktime if they present the appropriate documentation to the Board of Directors.
18. You are required to contact the Financial Secretary within 20 days when there is a change of family status, address, or contact information.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Members are responsible for the actions of their children and guests
2. Members must let guests in and out of the gate. Under no circumstances may a gate card key or vehicle sticker be given to a non-member. Guests are always to be under the supervision of the Member.
3. All Members must have their guests sign a completed indemnity form and pay the appropriate guest fee(s) for each calendar day their guests are on the property. The fee(s) must be paid when entering the Club.
4. Members shall always conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen; no profane language, nor improper conduct is permitted on the grounds or property of the Club.
5. There is to be no consumption of alcohol when using Club equipment. The Club equipment is to be used during worktime hours only, unless authorized by the Board of Directors or the Work Party chairman.
6. Firearms, including but not limited to BB guns, sling shots and air guns, shall not be permitted on the Club grounds unless specifically approved by the Board of Directors.
7. Speed limit, one-way, and do-not-enter signs are posted around the Club and must be obeyed.
8. Any unlicensed vehicles are not permitted on the Club grounds.
9. All Club Members using a golf cart on Club grounds must be able to provide proof of insurance and a Club number, have a valid driver’s license, and not
be under the influence of alcohol.
10. There is to be no throwing of stones, sticks, etc. at the ducks or geese on the property. Their nesting areas are not to be disturbed.
11. Any Club Member disposing of garbage that is not generated at the Club will be responsible for the full cost of emptying a dumpster.
12. Campfires are to be built in designated areas only. No pallets, wood with any metal objects attached, or wood treated with paints or varnishes is allowed to be burned.
13. No pets are allowed at Club events.
14. All pets must be under the control of the Member or leashed at all times.
15. No bicycle riding after dark.
16. All minors under 16 years old must be in their campsite or in the presence of an adult by 10pm.
17. Children under the age of 13 must have a life preserver on while on the boat docks or in a boat.
18. Fireworks are not allowed on the Club grounds.
19. No remote controlled flying devises (including drones) will be permitted to operate on Club property.
20. A minor child is described as someone age 15 years and younger. While a 16 or 17-year-old child may use their parent’s membership card to enter the
Club, the Member is held responsible for the actions, behaviors, and violations of the 16 or 17-year-old child.
21. The Club grounds shall not be used for the purpose of displaying merchandise for sale or advertising purposes unless specifically approved by the Board of Directors.
22. No request for use of Club facilities will be allowed to non-members unless specifically approved by the Board of Directors.
23. The Club is not responsible for any theft or accident that may occur on Club property.
CLUBHOUSE RULES:
1. Using the clubhouse restroom as a laundry room is not permitted.
2. Members who use the bathroom facilities must keep the premises clean. Any vandalism or willful damage to Club facilities will not be tolerated.
3. Pets are not allowed in the clubhouse or the shower house.
4. If the clubhouse is used, it is your responsibility to clean up.
5. There is NO smoking in the clubhouse.
PARKING RULES:
1. No parking is allowed within 15 feet of any pavilion.
2. Cars are not permitted to park on or block boat dock areas.
3. Do not park as to damage any Club property (trees, picnic tables, etc.)
4. Vehicles with boat trailers are required to park in designated boat ramp areas.
PICNICKING RULES:
1. Any Member having fires are responsible for completely extinguishing the fire before leaving the grounds and cleaning out the fire ring before moving to a new campsite.
2. Members are responsible for cleaning up the area they have used.
3. Dumping of any garbage or litter on the Club grounds other than in the dumpsters is prohibited.
4. Private picnic groups need reservations for all pavilions. Reservations and a security deposit of $50 may be made with the caretaker. A signature from each party attendee is to be attached to a completed indemnity form and given to the caretaker immediately following the event. At this time, the Member will pay the guest fee(s) for the attendees. A Member must be at the gate to let their guests in and out of Club property. Please fill out all information on the indemnity form before the guests arrive, except for the guests’ signature, which will be signed upon their arrival.
5. Personal belongings are to be removed from a pavilion after use. If camping near a pavilion, your belongings should be removed from the pavilion daily after each use to order to allow other Members to use that pavilion.
BOATING RULES:
1. Gas motors may be used only at the designated boat ramps for loading or offloading boats on trailers. Only electric motors can be used for trolling on the lake.
2. No diving or swimming from boats.
3. The Club is not responsible for damage to any fishing tournament participant’s boat.
4. No boats are allowed in the swimming area except for the lifeguard’s boat.
5. Illinois boating rules and regulations apply to all boats while on Club property.
6. Boats may only be parked in designated areas where indicated on the club grounds.
7. All boats of Members stored on club grounds, must have a current Club boat sticker and Club number displayed on the boat.
8. Only one boat per Member is allowed to be stored on Club property.
FISHING RULES:
1. Posted fishing limits pertain to membership cards only, not the number of individuals fishing.
2. Do not throw minnows or live bait into the lake.
3. Trot lines or “jug fishing” are prohibited.
4. All individuals fishing on Club property must have an Illinois Fishing License.
5. All posted fishing rules, specifically pertaining to fish limits, must be observed.
6. Bass are catch and release only. Possession of a bass is a serious violation of Club rules.
7. All fish taken must be recorded in the log book, located in the clubhouse.
8. Throw nets and minnow traps are prohibited.
9. There is a minimum size limit of 7 inches or larger to keep Bluegill and a daily limit of 6.
10. Bowfishing must be authorized by the hunting chairman. The hunting chairman will also approve equipment and issue a license for bowfishing.
11. A Member must be in the boat with any minor (15 years and under).
HUNTING RULES:
1. Specific rules can be requested from the hunting chairman.
2. The rules for the archery range are posted at the range.
3. No bowfishing from land. Bowfishing can only be done from a boat. See the hunting chairman for rules, regulations, and an inspection of bow rigs before beginning to hunt.
CAMPING RULES:
1. The camping season commences on May 1st each year and ends one week before the proposed hunting season begins. Camping may begin sooner to coincide with the weekend at the discretion of the Executive Board. There is NO CAMPING DURING HUNTING SEASON. Camping during the hunting season will result in the loss of camping privileges for one full year from the time of the infraction. Winter camping is determined at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
2. A new permit must be obtained each time you move to a camping area or move from one camping area to another. The procedure is as follows:
- Pick out your campsite
- Obtain camping permit from caretaker, authorized delegate, or the camping form box, located at the rear of the clubhouse.
- Fill out camping form completely
- Return original copy immediately to caretaker, authorized delegate, or the camping for box, located at the rear of the clubhouse
- Camper should retain duplicate copy of the camping permit
- Permit must be displayed in clear view at the campsite or on the camper. Do not display behind tinted camper windows if the permit is not clearly visible.
3. Discipline for violating camping rules will result in a warning, write-up, and suspension and fine.
4. Members should inspect their campsite upon entering or leaving the Club grounds and report any subpar conditions to the caretaker.
5. Members will be held responsible for the condition of their campsite when leaving the grounds.
6. Members are responsible for extinguishing fires completely and walking the site to clean up any litter before leaving the grounds.
7. No Member or camper is permitted to cut or remove any trees or shrubs on Club property without approval from the Work Party Chairman or the Board of Directors.
8. Leave the campsite as you would like to find it.
9. Any Member who has set up a tent, trailer, or camper at a campsite must sleep overnight 2 times in every 7-day period, except during winter camping season.
10. Any Member that sets up a tent, trailer, or camper at a campsite must sleep overnight on the day that they set up camp.
11. Tents must be moved to another area within your campsite 2 times in every 7-day period to prevent the grass from dying.
12. The longest stay at one time in the same area (as defined by the Club landscape map) will be no longer than 2 weeks (unless extended by the Camping Chairman due to weather conditions.) That area then must be vacated for no less than the aforementioned period. If the original campsite was set up in area “A”, any new campsite would have to be set up in area “B” or “C” etc.
13. There are outhouses at various locations which are kept open at all times. No cans, disposable diapers, or any other trash may be thrown into the outhouses.
14. Portable waste receptacles must be emptied at the dump station regardless of contents. Do not empty these receptacles in the outhouses.
15. Campers are expected to dispose of their trash or garbage in the dumpsters provided on the property.
16. The parking area by the clubhouse is not to be used for picnicking or overnight camping. There is also no camping in the camper storage area.
17. The Club property is not to be used for the storage of vehicles or non-camping equipment.
18. Members may use rugs in front of their campers. This mat must be picked up when not camping to avoid damage to the grounds.
19. All campers, trailers, pop-ups, and motor homes must have their Club number displayed on both sides of the tongue of the camper in a visible area.
20. If the camper is stored on property, a Club camper storage sticker must be displayed on the unit in a visible area, not behind tinted windows. Any Member with a permanent storage spot must also put their storage spot number on the rear bumper of their camper.
21. Each Club Member is limited to 1 tag-a-long utility trailer. When camping, the utility trailer (tag-a-long) must be parked adjacent to their camper, to not take up two campsites.
22. Boat trailers are not allowed to be parked on campsites. If you have a boat, it must be kept in the water and the boat trailer must be parked in the designated area by the dump station. NO BOATS ARE ALLOWED TO BE STORED ON THE TRAILER.
23. After camping season, the dump station is closed. Dump station is for club generated waste.
WINTER CAMPING RULES:
1. If the Board of Directors permits winter camping, you may leave your camper in the same spot for an extended time.
2. You must sleep in your camper at least 1 time every 7 days.
3. After spending 2 weeks in one area, you must relocate to another spot if another camper requests your current spot.
4. Winter camping (when permitted) must not cause damage to the grounds.
5. The Board of Directors can close winter camping without notice.
6. No storage of unused vehicles or other non-camping equipment is permitted.
7. When campers use Club electricity, they must pay the caretaker a fee of $10.00 per day, per line servicing the camper whether the camper is occupied or not. (If your camper is plugged in, you will be responsible to pay for each line that is plugged in whether you are using your camper or not. The fee for electric is to be paid weekly, no exceptions.) Anyone splitting off another camper’s line will be required to pay the electric fee also.
CAMPER STORAGE RULES:
1. Any Member who has been assigned a camper storage space and has failed to meet the requirements of camping overnight one time in each month of June, July, and August will be subject to a $50 fine for each month.
2. If a Member on the camping storage waiting list is notified that a space is available, they have a 90-day period to place a camper in their designated camper storage space. If they do not acquire a camper in the 90-day time frame or show proof of purchase, the available space will pass to the next Member on the camper storage waiting list. If you pass three years in a row you will go to the bottom of the list.
3. No camper stored in the camper storage area can exceed 30 feet in length. The maximum length (30 feet) includes the tongue/hitch. Any camper stored in the camper storage area before August 2011 will be grandfathered in (for length only) until the Member acquires a different trailer or vacates their camper storage space.
4. When one Member (who has a permanent storage spot) sells his camper to another Member, the storage spot DOES NOT TRANSFER to the buyer of said camper.
5. If a Member with a pop-up storage spot upgrades their camper to a bigger unit, that Member does not automatically acquire a bigger storage spot. The Member will be put at the bottom of the camper storage waiting list.
6. If a Member with a permanent camper storage spot dies, the storage spot will pass to his/her legal spouse only.
7. If a Member inherits a camper from a deceased Member who also had a storage spot, the storage spot DOES NOT TRANSFER to the Member.
8. Winter Camper Storage may be made available by the Board of Directors.
BEACH RULES:
1. No fires in the beach area.
2. No picnics, food, drinks, pop or beer bottles, cans, or plastic are allowed on the beach at any time.
3. No throwing of stones, branches, logs, or any trash/litter is permitted on the beach, or anywhere else on Club grounds.
4. There is to be no fishing gear carried across the beach.
5. Only the lifeguard is permitted to use the boat, ropes or any other lifeguard equipment.
6. Rough or careless playing in the water or on the beach may cause serious injury and is not permitted.
7. No fishing or boating is allowed in the swimming area at any time of the year. All Members, their family, and guests are required to adhere to this rule.
8. No smoking on the beach.
9. No pets are allowed in the beach area (including the beach pavilion) during open beach hours or a beach event.
10. The Beach Chairman or the Board of Directors can close the beach without notice. Reasons for beach closures are as follows but not limited to: outside temperature below 70 degrees, life guard unavailable, and adverse weather conditions.
11. Swimming shall only be permitted at the beach except in lifesaving situations or when approved by the Board of Directors.
HAYRACK RIDE RULES:
1. The driver of the hayrack ride must be a Member that is qualified to operate the tractor. Member must not be under the influence of alcohol. The driver will have the authority to remove anyone from the ride due to misconduct.
2. There must be an adult on the wagon to supervise the children.
3. At no time can you plan a hayrack ride without permission from the Board of Directors.
4. All riders must get off the wagon when going down the steep hill south of the beach.
5. Hayrack rides are only authorized during Club events or by the Board of Directors.
VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES (MINIMUM):
NOTE: A Member shall not be disciplined without a hearing, with notice, by the Board of Directors. Notice of such hearing shall be given at least seven days prior to such hearing and be provided in written or printed form. The notice shall state the date, time and place of hearing, and the reason or reasons for such hearing. Such notice shall be given (I) by serving the Member personally or (2) by delivery through United States Postal Service to the Member at their last address as shown on the records of the Club.
The following are examples of common violations and penalties:
1. Stealing or willful damage to Club property: SUSPENSION OR DISMISSAL
2. Giving out gate card key to a non-member: 3 MONTHS SUSPENSION DURING PRIME SEASON & 1 YEAR PROBATION (PRIME SEASON IS JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST)
3. Guest infractions; your guests are your responsibility: CARD HOLDER WILL NOT BE PERMITTED GUESTS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR & 1 YEAR PROBATION or a SUSPENSION MAY APPLY DEPENDING ON THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE INFRACTION.
4. Speeding on Club grounds: 6 HOURS OF EXTRA WORKTIME & 1 YEAR PROBATION - THE WORKTIME MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE MEMBER OR HIS FAMILY ARE PERMITTED BACK ON CLUB GROUNDS.
5. Fishing over the limit: PERSON OR PERSONS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY $35.00 PER FISH OVER THE LIMIT. MEMBER WILL RECEIVE A 1 YEAR PROBATION AND A SUSPENSION SET BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
If it is found that a Member is continually violating the rules or has committed a series of violations at any one time, a loss of membership may result. If any complaint is signed against a Member for violation(s), the Board of Directors, according to the complaint’s seriousness, will determine the appropriate penalty. All Members are to understand that by no means are these the only violations, just the most frequently abused.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
The Club reaffirms its commitment as an equal opportunity organization. The Club’s policy is to make any membership and employment decision regarding any person, employee or job applicant without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or based on any other reason prohibited by federal or state law, or local ordinance. Additionally, the Club hires, promotes and disciplines employees solely on the basis of their ability and qualifications, job performance and evaluations.
NO HARASSMENT POLICY:
The Club's policy is to maintain an environment free of harassment of any kind. Furthermore, employees have the right to work in an environment free of harassment whether racial, sexual or otherwise. Members also have the right to enjoy the privileges of the Club free of harassment. Harassment may be verbal or physical. The Club will not tolerate harassment by employees or non-employees, e.g. Members, and employees/Members must report any incidents of harassment by third parties. If any employee or Member feels he or she is being harassed or mistreated in any way, he or she MUST immediately report such conduct to the Club's Board of Directors.
ANTI-SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY:
Because the full scope of prohibited sexual harassment is frequently not understood, the following is a clarification of the Club’s prohibition against any form of sexual harassment.
The Club is an equal opportunity organization and strictly enforces the rights of its Members and employees to be free from hostile discriminatory conduct. Sexual harassment constitutes hostile discriminatory conduct. Not only is it inappropriate, it may subject Members, employees, and the Club to legal liability. Hence, if the Club determines that any Member or employee has engaged in such conduct, the Club will issue discipline.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission defines sexual harassment as unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. While not exhaustive, examples of sexual harassment include:
1. Conditioning benefits, such as salary, on the granting of sexual favors;
2. Stating or implying that another's performance is attributable to the sex of that person;
3. Stating or implying that a person's position at the Club is the result of granting sexual favors;
4. Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; Displays of sexually offensive or derogatory posters, pictures, cartoons or drawings; and
5. Sexually offensive or provocative commentary or joking which the recipient finds unwelcome.
Be aware that no member of the Board of Directors, chairman, or other Member has the authority to suggest to any employee that the employee's continued employment, future compensation, or any other term of employment will be affected in any way by that employee's entering into (or refusing to enter into) any form of personal relationship with that Member.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CLAIMS OF HARASSMENT:
A Member or employee who believes he or she has been harassed or mistreated in any way, including on the basis of sex, should deal with the incident as directly and firmly as possible by clearly communicating their objection that the conduct is unwelcome and request that the offending behavior stop. If the Member or employee feels uncomfortable with objecting directly to the offensive person or if that person refuses to stop the objectionable behavior, they MUST report the matter immediately to the Club’s Board of Directors. We cannot help resolve a harassment problem unless we know about it. Therefore, you have the responsibility to bring the problem to our attention so that we can take whatever steps are necessary to correct the problem. We will ask that you complete the Harassment Complaint form, available from the Club’s Board of Directors, to record the nature of the harassment as well as other pertinent information related to the harassment. To the extent we are able, we will keep all complaints confidential.
The Club's policy is to conduct thorough investigations of all harassment complaints. The Club will take appropriate disciplinary action against individuals that the Club finds to have participated in inappropriate conduct. Furthermore, the Club forbids retaliation against a Member or employee who has reported an incident of harassment or otherwise assisted in an investigation of harassment. The Club requires anyone who believes that they are victims of such retaliation to report the conduct in the same manner as a report of harassment. The Club will make every good faith effort to ensure its employees' and Members’ compliance with this policy.
As allegations of harassment are serious and can be extremely harmful to the alleged offender, these allegations must only be made in good faith. Allegations made in bad faith may subject the Complainant to adverse action. Bad faith means using the sexual harassment complaint procedure for a reason other than attempting to end sexual harassment. Simply because a charge cannot be proven does not necessarily mean that the charge was in bad faith.