FOHBC Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for Federation Members

This Code of Ethics guides the members of the Federation in understanding the ethical responsibilities and standards established to remain consistent with the Mission of the Federation. It serves as a guide for following ethical practices within and outside of the Federation as it relates to the hobby.

Guidelines for Federation Members:

  • Practice fair, honest and considerate business practices in all bottle-related transactions.
  • Represent all bottles for sale or display accurately and completely.
  • Refrain from altering bottles for sale in any way except cleaning.
  • Refuse to buy or sell bottles that have been obtained illegally.
  • Accept responsibility to be aware of and adhere to all State, Federal and local laws and regulations regarding private property and all current and potential archaeological sites.
  • Obtain written or verbal permission to search or dig on any property owned by others.
  • Refrain from digging on State or Federal property without written or verbal consent from proper authorities.
  • Refrain from digging in burial grounds or specified archaeological sites.
  • Report to appropriate state agencies (Department of Natural Resources) any potentially historic or prehistoric site.
  • Respect both public and private property rights, property improvements, and signs, and refrain from causing any damage.
  • Restore digging sites, including vegetation, to the satisfaction of the owner, taking time to properly fill all holes and re-root plants when possible.
  • Practice safety in all digging and collecting activities.
  • Share knowledge of the Federation and the hobby whenever requested.
  • Adhere to the Mission Statement of FOHBC, striving always to promote and advance the organization and the bottle-collecting hobby.
  • Adhere to the Bylaws of the Federation.

Adopted by the Federation Board of Directors on March 3, 2026

Code of Ethics for the Federation Board Members, Committee Chairs and Federation Representatives

This Code of Ethics guides the leaders of the Federation in understanding the ethical responsibilities and standards established to remain consistent with the Mission of the organization. It serves as a guide for following ethical practices within the organization toward other Federation leaders and members in order to maintain the dignity and value of each person, and their ideas, and their contributions.

Guidelines for Federation Leaders:

  • Faithfully attend the Board of Director meetings and participate in a manner that is in the best interest in the continued operation of the Federation.
  • Respect all leaders and members of the organization in all matters related to the Federation.
  • Remain professional in communications in all meetings for the benefit of the Federation and its members.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality related to the Federation, its leaders, and its members in all actions related to personnel issues, private information, and otherwise sensitive matters.
  • Act with integrity, courtesy, competence, diligence, and honesty whenever representing the Federation.
  • Use reasonable care and exercise independent professional judgment in all Federation-related activities.
  • Inform the Board of Directors members of issues that may negatively affect the Federation and its operation.
  • Perform assigned responsibilities in a professional, cooperative manner.
  • Ensure that the assets of the Federation, entrusted to the board members, are managed in a legal, responsible, and transparent manner in order to further the mission of the Federation, especially ensuring that no funds are inured to the benefit of any individual leader or member. (Understanding Private Inurement and How It Impacts Your Nonprofit | Board Effect) For expenditures made on behalf of the Federation, with appropriate prior approval, present reimbursement requests with applicable receipts within six (6) months of purchase.
  • Place the integrity of the Federation above individual interests.
  • Adhere to the Bylaws of the Federation.

Adopted by the Federation Board of Directors on March 3, 2026.