C. To be considered in good standing, a member (golden or not) must not have violated the rules of good sportsmanship and thereby received sanctions from the league. (See Section II.)

D. Greenbears can become a "golden" member by maintaining membership in good standing for two years; and finally then receiving an affirmative vote from a majority of the current golden-level members, to be conducted by the Greenbears Sports Commissioner. Golden-level members may be inactive for 12 months without losing their status, but they must regain good standing within the following 12 months, or they must begin the qualifying period again.

There is an exception: the original seven Greenbears are golden level members from the beginning; if they become inactive, they can regain golden status simply by regaining good standing, and receiving approval from the Sports Commissioner--no two year waiting period or vote is necessary for the original seven Greenbears. Golden members:

D. Although some may be golden-level associates through years of dedicated membership, Greenbears are all equals, so there is no elected president. Decisions are made informally, through mutual agreement. A Sports Commissioner will serve as arbiter over Greenbears sporting competitions.

Section II

A. The conduct of each Greenbear reflects on all of us. Greenbears should strive to be eloquent, literate, and knowledgeable about many subjects besides sports.

B. Greenbears shall always follow the rules of the sports that they are competing in, and be good sports whether winning or not. Greenbears should always remember that, just as we often frown upon the boorish behavior of modern athletes and professional team owners, we should not behave in the same manner.

Section III

A. The Sports Commissioner will necessarily preside over the operation and regulation of all Greenbears sporting contests. He will choose a Deputy Commissioner to assist him when necessary. He should consult with other Greenbears before deciding major questions, but he will have the final decision in any disputes.

B. Greenbears must also follow a common set of rules, which are applicable to all sporting contests. The basis of the rules are that all members must compete in earnest with the goal of winning, and never try to lose or to assist others in such a way as to undermine the spirit of open, fair competition. They must respect the Commissioner's decisions, and be gentlemen at all times.

C. Each competition will also have its own set of rules, which the Commissioner will be responsible for setting. Greenbears should try to understand the rules before competing. They must respect these rules, and not try to defeat the intent of the rules or dispute them without serious cause.

D. The Commissioner shall carefully consider any protest offered, within reason. Greenbears are encouraged to make protests that are valid, and to offer their opinions about any rules that they deem to be unfair, or suggestions that would benefit the group as a whole.

Members who do not abide by the rules of good conduct, even if they are golden-level or presently in good standing, are always subject to sanctions as determined by the Sports Commissioner; or a ban, based on a two-thirds majority negative vote by the (other) golden-level members, to be conducted by the Greenbears Sports Commissioner. Banned members can be immediately reinstated to their previous level of membership by a positive vote of the same two-thirds majority.