TOPS MEMBERS

As TOPS members, we come together each week for support and encouragement in losing and maintaing weight loss. All activities of the chapter focus on this purpose. As a group, we strive to help each other become good losers. The dedication of each officer and member will help all achieve this goal.

Members

Each member contributes to the chapter's success by:

Being attentive at and contributing to each meeting.
Being entusiastic about succeeding and helping others to succeed.
Working hard to set a positive example of weight loss and support.
Focusing on good health.

Each member is an essential and valued part of the group. The feelings of satisfaction, pride, and accomplishment - which you feel when you succeed and see that you are helping other membersa long the road to a slimmer, healthier life - are our greatest rewards.

from TOPS Chapter Guide - page 10

THINGS EVERY MEMBER SHOULD KNOW

Use of "TOPS", "KOPS", or TOPS Club, Inc., "Your doctor prescribes the diet - TOPS provides the 'do it'" and "We're Here For You": TOPS' Name has been trademarked and its methods and publications have been copyrighted and registeredin in the United States and Canada for the protection of its chapters. You must use the "R" in a circle when you use the TOPS name.
Use of TOPS: The primary purpose of TOPS Club, Inc. is to help the overweight TAKE OFF POUND SENSIBLY. Therefore, TOPS never accepts compensation for mentioning any product or service, and never gives permission to anyone engaged in the sale of products or services to contact TOPS chapters or members.
Members may choose to weigh with or without shoes but must continue in same fashion for the rest of the calendar year. Coats, sweaters, and heavy jewelry may be removed outside weigh-in area as well. Appropriate attie is expected, and no one may weigh in in undergarments only.
No person weighs him/herself - including officers. An officer must preside over each weigh in. Members may not leave scale and return to be reweighed or argue with the Weight Recorder.
Four (4) UNEXCUSED absences in a row disqualify a member for any yearly award including KOPS status.
Each member is responsible to read and understand TOPS and KOPS rules as well as Chapter Bylaws.
TOPS national membership must be kept current. If currently, attending members let his/her membership laspe, person cannot be weighed and is disqualified for any annual awards including KOPS. Further, chapter bylaws may require local dues to be kept current to receive chapter awards.
For help in dealing with troublesome members or problems within chapter, contact Coordinator. Seek help before a problem becomes serious.
The chapter shall set up and announce rules governing any chapter competition and follow them in regard to awarding prizes.
Remember, membership in TOPS Club, Inc. is availbel to all persons regadless of race, creed, or financial situation. TOPS WILL NOT ALLOW ANY KIND OF DISCRIMINATION IN CHAPTERS.
Food at chapter meetings: (A) Chapters need not hold food functions if they feel they is best for their members. In any cast, no more than TWO sensible food functions are allowed per year. Notify your Coordinator in advance as to date, time and place of such. (B) However, chapters may have a tasting meeting where a sample is offered to provide a small taste of one special low-cal, low-fat, or low-sugar item or recipe, This is not counted as a food function. (C) No other eating is permitted at a chapter. Note that the weigh-in is part of the meeting.
Priviledged membership may be granted to a KOPS who has been a member for a minimum of five (5) years and is uable to attend TOPS meetigs regularly due to health reasons. The Regional Director shall determine whether or not the membership shall be accepted. A priveleged KOPS: (A) Pays the regular TOPS membership fee through the chapter or the Coordinator. Chapter dues are waived. (B) Retains KOPS status but is ineligible for awards unless he/she returns to chapter. In suich case, he/she shall continue accruing continuous years as long as the weight is maintained according to KOPS rules and is eligible to receive KOPS awards as any other KOPS. Years during privileged membership period are counted towards awards.
TRANSFER MEMBERS: Detailed instructions on transfer members are found in TOPS Weight Recording Guide. Please study that section carefully when completing transfers for members. It is most important to process these forms as quickly as possible, so that members is credited for weight loss for recognition at all levels.
Weigh-ins must be done in such a way as to insure privacy and confidentiality. The weight charts of the membership of the chapter shall be regarded as confidential.
Firearms, ammunition, military ordinance, assault weapons, knives and other cutting or dangerous instruments and related parts or accessories are not permitted at TOPS chapter meetings, sponsored activites or functions.
Smoking and alcohol are not allowed at any TOPS function or chapter meeting.
RECOGNITION DAYS defined: ARD - Area Recognition Day(s)

PRD - Provincial Recognition Day(s) IRD - International Recognition Day(s)

from TOPS Chapter Guide - page 21

TOPS PLEDGE

I am an intelligent person,

I will control my emotions, not let my

emotions control me.

Every time i am tempted to use food

To satisfy my frustrated desires,

build up my injured ego,

or dull my senses,

I will remember ---

Even though I overeat in private,

my excess poundage is there

for all the world to see.

I will TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY.

KOPS PLEDGE

I am an intelligent person,

I have controlled my emotions ---

And not let my emotions

control me,

Every time I am tempted to use food

To satisfy my frustrated desires,

Build up my injured ego,

Or dull my sense,

I will remember ---

That I am to be an example

Of what TOPS can do as I

KEEP OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY.

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