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WATERTOWN
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE By-Laws ARTICLE
I NAME
AND IDENTIFICATION This
organization shall be known as Watertown Youth Soccer League and is
referred to as the League or WYSL in this document.
WYSL shall establish its own official logo, color scheme, and
any other indicia or separate identifying marks as may be determined
to be appropriate by the Board. ARTICLE
II PURPOSES The
purposes of the League are: to offer a comprehensive soccer program
for all boys and girls of Watertown; to
promote the knowledge, playing and appreciation of the sport of soccer
generally through instruction, training and education programs
and through participation in soccer team matches, including
in-town games and league play; and to assist in development of the
ideals of good sportsmanship, as well as individual physical health
and character, within the framework of competitive team play. ARTICLE
III TYPE
OF ENTITY A.
The League is organized in the form of a corporation under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is registered as a
not-for-profit entity. The
League shall have no capital stock and shall not be conducted for
commercial business purposes or pecuniary gain. The League is
organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in
Section 501 ( c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and shall not carry
on activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt
from Federal Tax Laws B. No part of the revenues or earnings of the League will inure to the benefit of any member, director, or officer of the League, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the League) and no member or private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the League assets on dissolution of the League. C.
No substantial part of the activities of the League shall be
carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence
legislation (except otherwise provided by Section 501(h) of the
internal Revenue Code), or to participate or intervene in
(including the publication or distribution of statements) any
political campaign on behalf of any candidates for public office. D.
In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets and property
of the League, after payment of necessary expenses, will be
distributed to such other organizations as shall qualify under
Internal Revenue Code 501(3)(c). ARTICLE
IV MEMBERSHIP A.
Membership is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. Members are
considered to be those with children actively registered in the
program, either fall or spring, as well as volunteers involved in WYSL,
and others who specifically request membership B.
Dues - Membership dues, if any, and other conditions for
membership shall be established each year by the Board. C.
Background Check - The members acknowledge that the
League deals primarily with youth and that the League desires to
maintain the confidence, trust and well being of the youth in its
program. Accordingly, the
League reserves the right to ask for personal references and to
conduct background reviews of members who are in a position of
authority and trust in respect of youth in the League s programs.
1). The League will require those members in contact with children, including but not limited to coaches and referees, to comply with applicable conditions of MYSA and related procedures for the protection of youth as established from time to time by BAYS and as applicable to such member s functions. 2).
The League may request from the Criminal History Systems Board
(CHSB) a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report, upon the
determination of a majority of the directors.
Any information received by the League in this regard will be
maintained and used in accordance with the requirements and procedures
under applicable regulations and laws of Massachusetts. ARTICLE
V LEAGUE
MEETINGS A.
The League shall have a minimum of one (1) regular general (business)
meeting during the year, as established by the Board, constituting an
Annual Meeting once each year. Additional meetings may be held as
necessary. The Annual Meeting shall take place
in May or June each year. The
primary purpose of the Annual Meeting will be to elect officers and
directors, establish a general annual calendar, and other business
deemed by the Board to be important to the organization. B.
Notice of the Annual Meeting and other general meetings shall be
published and appropriately communicated by mail and telephone, and
through community newspapers and television advertising.
Notice shall be made not less than 10 days prior to the
scheduled meeting. Calling a
General (including Annual) Meeting shall be the responsibility of the
President or Majority of the Board. In
addition, a petition by a minimum of twelve of the Membership may
require that the President call a general meeting. C.
Rules and Procedures - The Board may adopt such other
rules, procedures, policies and guidelines as it may determine to be
appropriate from time to time for the conduct of its meetings in
support of the activities and purposes of the League. ARTICLE
VI GOVERNMENT A.
The League shall be governed by a
member Board of Directors, consisting of 13
individuals, each whom shall be elected by the members to
serve as a Director. The Board
of Directors shall have the authority to exercise entire control and
management of the operations, affairs, property and powers of the
League. The Board shall conduct the operations and affairs of WYSL and
is responsible for carrying out the League s stated purposes. The
Board may delegate any of its powers to the Executive Committee, at
any time and from time to time. 1)
The Executive Committee shall be made up of at least three (3)
Directors, including the President, Vice President, and one other
Director as appointed by the Board. The
Executive Committee shall have full authority and power to manage and
carry out the day-to-day operations of the League, subject only to the
discretion of the Board to withdraw delegation of such power or
otherwise to determine that the actions of the Executive Committee are
contrary to the stated purposes of the League. 2)
Directors Shall be appointed to a three (3) year term. Term of
a Director on the Board shall not be
restricted.. 3)
It is the intention of WYSL to maintain at least one Director
who is a representative of the Town of Watertown Recreation
Department; at least one Director who is a representative of the
Watertown High School soccer coaching staff; and at least one Director
who is involved in the instructional league; to the extent feasible. B.
The election of Directors shall take place at the Annual
Meeting for each year, for a term beginning July 1.
Prior to such meeting, the President shall appoint a nominating
committee consisting of three (3) members, selected from the general
membership. The nominating
committee shall solicit nominations and
prepare a slate of candidates for Directors. 1) The slate of candidates for Directors will be presented to the membership as part of the official notice of the Annual Meeting. Other nominations may be made and accepted during the meeting, subject to the rules and procedures adopted and applicable to the conduct of such meeting. 2)
The entire election process shall be supervised and audited by
a three (3) member committee of non-candidates.
Election counting will be open, in a general meeting. 3)
The members present at the annual meeting shall elect the Board
of Directors, and approve by majority any business presented at said
meeting. 4)
Any Director may resign by giving written notice to the
President, with such resignation to be effective upon the date notice
is given or such other later date as may be specified in the notice. 5)
Any Director may be removed as a Director (but not as a member
of WYSL) by the action of of the other Directors, for any reason or no
reason. 6)
Any Officer or Director who is absent from four (4) consecutive
meetings may be required to relinquish
his/her seat on the WYSL Board
of Directors, after review by the Board. 7)
Vacancies on the Board or in any office (whether from
resignation, removal or otherwise) may be filled,
until the next election,
by a 2/3 affirmative vote of the Board, within thirty days of
said vacancy. ARTICLE
VII OFFICERS,
COORDINATORS AND COMMITTEES A.
Within 60 days of the election, newly elected Directors will
meet with ongoing Directors to appoint officers and assign
coordinators to committees in order to carry out the designated tasks
and functions set out below. Officers shall be members of the Board of
Directors. Coordinators and other committee members may be drawn from
the general membership of the League. 1)
A person must be a member in good standing to serve as an
officer and/or committee coordinator. Any
person may serve as a Director and also as an officer and/or committee
coordinator. 2)
It is the intention of WYSL to choose, as President, a person
who has served as a Director of the Board for at least one term prior
to her/his selection as President, and that she/he agree to also serve
one additional term as a Director following the presidency. 3)
For purposes of appointing officers, as well as establishing
policies and procedures, a quorum is required. A quorum is a majority
of Board members. B.
Officers (Individuals) President: Chief Executive Officer of the organization. She/he shall set and preside over meetings, ensure that the business of the organization is conducted in accordance with the By-laws, and shall be the primary contact for Watertown Youth Soccer League, Inc., business. Vice
President One or more
individuals will serve as Vice President. Any Vice President may serve
in such managerial capacities in assistance of the President or
otherwise, as the Board determines. Any
Vice President may serve the functions of the President if the
President is not available or is unable to perform. Secretary:
The Secretary shall prepare, keep and publish the records of
the meeting and any decisions of interest to the membership.
She/he also will send notices of meetings and other information
as directed by the President and Board.
Treasurer:
The Treasurer shall be responsible for preparation and
management of the budget, quarterly reports to the board, and an
Annual Financial Statement at the Annual Meeting.
She/he will be recommend for Board Approval, the annual fee
policy. She/he will be responsible for deposits and disbursements of
the organization, and is accountable for maintaining accounts in
proper order. The
Treasurer shall have primary signing authority of checks, with
the President or a Vice President (as secondary signer) for checks
over $400. A 2/3 vote of the Board will be necessary to authorize any
other persons as signatories. The Treasurer shall also be responsible for filing and reporting all necessary financial information with the state and other government agencies as required by law.
Instructional
The Instructional League Coordinator shall be
responsible for planning and League
managing the introductory soccer program for K-2nd grade level,
boys and girls Coordinator
( Little Kickers ). He/she
will coordinate and oversee the
program which emphasizes basic skills, rules and understanding of the
sport and team participation to the children, parents, coaches and the
general community. The Instructional League Coordinator shall appoint and be supported by a committee of assistants to manage vital program functions. They will rely on and call upon the appropriate skills and resources among Board members. C.
Coordinators/Committees (Individuals or Committees) - Coaching: The Coach Coordinator shall establish the coaching needs of the organization, including the rules governing coaches and teams. She/he leads the Board in recruitment, preparation and assignment of coaches and teams. Each season, she/he shall make recommendations of coaches and team assignments for Board approval. The Coach Coordinator shall also act to fill coaching vacancies as soon as possible, with approval of the executive Committee, and will have the authority to make temporary appointments where necessary. The
Coaching Committee will work to increase understanding of the game,
its rules and skills, by arranging for instructional programs for
players and coaches. The committee will also gather and distribute
information about soccer activities outside the jurisdiction of WYSL
(such as Major League Soccer games, and indoor leagues). Registrar:
The Registrar shall have the primary responsibility for
maintaining team rosters and official registration lists of members,
coaches, referees and players in order to report and confirm such
information to the League and to BAYS as called for from time to time.
She/he shall maintain accurate and timely communication to the Board
on the status of membership and program participants, and may provide
policy review and changes to the Board, where appropriate. Referees:
The Referee Coordinator shall establish the refereeing needs of
the organization, including the rules governing play.
She/he shall present a plan, for Board approval, for
recruiting, managing and game assignments, she/he shall be responsible
for referee hiring, dismissal and evaluations. The
Referee Coordinator shall also act to fill vacancies as soon as
possible, and will have the authority to make temporary appointments
where necessary. Bays Representative The BAYS Representative shall act as the League s principal representative to the BAYS Soccer League and all its official meetings and activities. She/he accepts the responsibility to represent the interests of WYSL at said meetings and to communicate appropriate information to the Board. Finance
The Finance Committee shall provide financial support and
oversight to the Committee Treasurer and the Board. They will: assist in determining appropriate fees each year; review, on a regular basis, records kept by the treasurer; and make recommendations to the board on capital expenses Equipment:
The Equipment Coordinator shall plan, budget and manage all
aspects of league equipment, supplies, and uniforms, which by Board
directive, shall be of the highest quality and safety standards.
She/he will manage inventory, control and maintenance of said
supplies and equipment, and be responsible for coordination of
purchasing and providing uniforms and equipment for each team. Fields:
The Field Coordinator will be the primary contact with the Town
Recreation Department, and shall be responsible for the scheduling and
coordination of field facilities for games and practices, including
indoor spaces for pre-season practice or clinics during inclement
weather. She/he shall present,
for Board approval, an annual plan that supports the program
scheduling, games, practices and necessary permits to support the
plan. The FC shall also
produce, maintain and distribute maps and directions to Watertown
fields, as well as proper and compliant field markings and game
equipment. The
FC shall be the arbiter on field playing conditions, working in
coordination with the Town Recreation Department. Publicity:
The Publicity Coordinator
shall have the responsibility to promote and raise the level of
awareness of the organization and its programs and calendar.
She/he shall be the primary contact with the press, television,
schools and other communications channels.
She/he
shall serve as the primary coordinator with the Board members to:
promote WYSL functions, events, and calendars; prepare and coordinate
regular game and tournament press releases through respective coaching
staffs; and post notices of schedules, or requests for referees,
coaches, or other assistance. ARTICLE
VIII BOARD MEETINGS Board Meetings shall include an open session, which may be attended by any member of WYSL, during which session, members may raise new business, or voice opinions on matters before the Board. Board Meetings will also include an Executive Session attended only by Board members and those specifically invited. ARTICLE
IX -
REMOVAL OF MEMBERS, DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Any
Member, including Board Members and officers, may be suspended or
expelled from membership, should the Board determine that the person
has acted contrary to the purpose or rules of the WYSL.
Such determination must be in the form of a resolution approved
by not less than 2/3 of the Board. Any
such action requires due process, which provides that, if requested, a
hearing on the matter be properly scheduled and notice published, with
an opportunity for the affected member to present a defense prior to
the vote. The decision by the
Board shall be considered binding. ARTICLE
IX -
AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS A.
By-laws may be amended only by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
membership present and voting at a properly called general meeting.
Proposals must have been submitted in writing to the Secretary,
with the valid signature of at least 12 members in good standing; and
submitted at least 21 days in advance of the next scheduled meeting;
and include proper notice (of at least 10 days) to the Membership, and
by publishing said notice, at least 7 days notice, in the local press,
and such notice shall be posted at the Community Bulletin Board at the
Main Public Library, at the Town Clerk s and on Cable TV. B.
Any prior By-laws of the Watertown Youth Soccer League, Inc.
organization are hereby repealed. This
By-law shall become operative upon the acceptance and affirmative vote
of the membership present at a duly called and conducted General
Meeting. ARTICLE
X -
DISSOLUTION By
an affirmative vote of the membership present at a duly called and
conducted General Meeting, this organization may dissolve itself.
Dissolution shall require distribution of the assets of the
organization as provided for not-for-profit organizations, under the
Internal Revenue Code-Section 501-or other appropriate code. ARTICLE
XI - AFFILIATION The
League agrees to participate as a member of Boston Area Youth Soccer
(BAYS), to maintain active good standing in BAYS, and hereby
subscribes to agree to abide by the rules and regulations of BAYS as
are applicable to the League. ARTICLE
XII - REFERENCE The
Board may adopt other guidelines, policies, practices or procedures
for the purpose of implementing and conducting the activities of
the League, provided that such items are consistent with the
purposes set forth in these By-laws. Any
such guidelines or policies will be attached as Exhibits to
these By-laws and incorporated by this reference. Approved
by the Board of Directors, Watertown Youth Soccer League, May 2000.
EXHIBIT
1 WATERTOWN
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE Objectives,
Policies and Guidelines Objectives 1.
To teach our youth the fundamental skills of soccer and to
encourage player development through a team sport competitive
environment, appropriate to the age and development stage of the
player. 2.
To inspire and encourage our youth to practice the ideals of
good sportsmanship, physical fitness and scholarship. 3.
To provide evenly-balanced opportunities for all players to
develop skills at their respective levels in order to provide a player
experience which is positive, motivating and rewarding. 4.
To provide a reasonably controlled and physically safe playing
environment for competitive play. 5.
To encourage the participation of adults of the community, as
role models for youth players and as active members generally,
including participation as spectators, supervisors, coaches and
officers. 6.
To promote a strong sense of community and pride of
representation for the town of Watertown among the youth players. WYSL
- Colors/Logo; Uniforms The
official colors of the WYSL shall be as follows:
Red and Black The
official letterhead logo for WYSL shall be the [___________].
PLAYER
REGISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY [BAYS
TERMS] Functions 1.
Registration of Players: WYSL
is responsible for recruiting and registering players and forming them
into teams of equivalent and appropriate number within their
respective divisions with [certified] qualified coaches under BAYS.
Player registration shall be according to BAYS rules and
by-laws. WYSL shall register
players and teams with WYSL and players shall not be eligible for
competition until such registration with BAYS has taken place. 2.
Fees for Players: WYSL
shall establish it own schedule of fees for its players.
As a guidelines, fees for players should include the fees for
the BAYS assessment and WYSL expenses for the year so that payment of
one fee covers all expenses, including insurance. 3.
Payment of Boston Area Youth Soccer Association Fees: WYSL
is responsible for payment of BAYS fees and levies for its players.
Such fees shall be due at the time the player is registered. 4.
Playing Fields and Equipment: WYSL
is responsible for providing and maintaining sufficient playing fields
of the required sizes to support home team scheduling for its own
teams. WYSL is responsible for
marking the fields to meet BAYS field standards, and home team shall
provide a game ball. 5.
Conduct of Players: WYSL
is expected to maintain and promote good sportsmanship and good
conduct at its games. 6.
Uniforms and Personal Equipment: WYSL
shall make sure players wear the required uniforms as specified by the
BAYS. 7.
Promotions, Sponsorships, and Fund-Raising Projects: WYSL
may engage in promotions, solicit sponsorships for teams, and conduct
fund-raising projects. 8.
Referees: WYSL
will be responsible for providing certified referees, each of whom
will be required to referee 8 games per season. EXHIBIT
2 WATERTOWN
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE Coaches
Policy Position:
Head Coach Hours: 4-8
per week Months:
7 months (September-November; April-June) Requirements: 1.
Must be twenty one (21) years of age or older. 2.
Must be qualified and registered under MYSA and BAYS. 3.
Must agree to adhere to the By-laws rules and regulations of
Watertown Youth Soccer League, BAYS and MYSA. 4.
Must possess the ability to communicate with the board of
directors, parents and players. 5.
Must have commitment to gain knowledge of the game of soccer. 6.
Previous coaching experience is preferred but not required
(except for Little Kickers). Goal:
The League strongly supports all coaches receiving at least a
Class G coaches instruction and certificate grade.
The League will reimburse any person who takes a coaching
license clinic for the fee amount of such clinic, provided that the
person agrees to coach a WYSL for a minimum of two consecutive
seasons. For
an application, please contact the league secretary at: Watertown
Youth Soccer League [______________] Watertown,
MA 02172 Watertown
Youth Soccer League is an equal opportunity volunteer placement. EXHIBIT
2 WATERTOWN
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE Disciplinary
Policy for Coaches Coaches
who violate the coaching guidelines and or the rules and regulations
of Watertown Youth Soccer, BAYS and MYSA, or any of the governing
bodies of Youth Soccer will be subject to the disciplinary actions as
described below: Generally,
for an infraction of any of the rules of the League, BAYS, MYSA or
other applicable rules, the coach will receive: 1.
For the first occurrence - A
verbal warning which will be noted in their file. 2.
For the second occurrence - A written warning which will be
placed in their file. 3.
For the third occurrence - Suspension for one week minimum (or
at least one team match). 4.
Any further occurrence - Suspension for the season and review status
by the Board as to whether the person will be allowed to coach at all. These
disciplinary guidelines are subject to BAYS and/or MYSA rules and
authority which may direct the League to discipline, suspend or remove
a coach separately. Note:
Coach has a right of appeal to the board of directors. EXHIBIT
2 WATERTOWN
YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE Coaching
Guidelines The
following are the policies and procedures that outline the
responsibilities and code of conduct that the Board of Directors have
established for all coaches associated with our program. 1.
Coaches or the team manager should be at the practice
field/pitch 15 minutes prior to practices and games. 2.
Coaches are strongly encouraged to secure an assistant coach.
Coaches and their assistants will work together on practice
plans, game strategies, player assessment, and administration and
logistics for game and training travel.
3.
There should be a minimum of two supervisors, including the
coach, on the field for each practice session and game.
(Designate a parent to act as supervisor if needed.)
4.
There will be absolutely no alcohol, tobacco or drugs used by
coaches or players. 5.
There will be no foul or abusive language on the field, bench
or locker rooms or otherwise directed towards players. 6.
No coach will move a player from one level without the express
approval of the board. Coaches
must communicate with each other when players are needed to play up ,
i.e. from the B level to the A level. Each
coach must agree to the move. The
requesting coach will notify the board of all such moves within 10
days of same. 6.
All coaches must be willing to communicate openly with parents
of the players, and will be obliged to cooperate with the Boys
Coordinator or the Girls Coordinator, as the case applies, in
communicating with parents. 7.
Coaches may suspend, but must not remove any player from a team
without the approval of the Board. 8.
Coaches must notify the Board of any player or players who
abuse a player or players on the team. 9.
Coaches must provide the Education/Placement Committee with an
evaluation of each child s skill development as called for, and should
be willing to provide any such assessment to the player s parents upon
request (See player evaluation form.) 10.
Coaches must provide the official roster for their team to the
BAYS representative before the deadline. 11.
Coaches can not add or remove a player to a roster without the
express approval of the Board. 12.
It is the responsibility of the coach to be aware of and follow
all applicable BAYS league rules. In
the case of any question or dispute, each coach should refer the
matter to the VP/BAYS Representative. Thank
you for your cooperation . Your
contribution to Watertown Youth Soccer is important and valuable. 57EMC8496/1.A679857_1 |