Rule 2151.Definitions.

The chapter on unincorporated associations applies to a broad class. An “association” is an unincorporated association that conducts any business or engages in any activity of any nature, whether for profit or otherwise, under a common name. What matters is acting under a common name, not whether the group seeks a profit.

Two exclusions keep the chapters from overlapping. An association does not include a partnership as defined in Rule 2126, or a corporation or similar entity as defined in Rule 2176, which covers entities regarded as distinct from their members, such as limited liability companies and joint stock companies. “Action” means any civil action or proceeding brought in or appealed to any court subject to these rules.

The rules that follow let an association sue through members as trustees ad litem (Rule 2152), be sued by its name or through an officer (Rule 2153), and keep members from paying a money judgment against the association as such (Rule 2155).