Article
I - Name
This organization
shall be known as the Upper Makefield Youth Baseball League, Inc., hereinafter
referred to
as "Local
League".
Article
II – Objective
Section
1
The objective of
the Local League shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community
the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for
authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and
will grow to be good, decent, healthy, and trustworthy citizens.
Section
2
To achieve this
objective, the Local League will provide a supervised program under the rules
and regulations of Upper Makefield Youth Baseball League , Inc. All Directors,
Officers, and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of the exceptional
athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future
citizens is of prime importance. In accordance with Section 501-(c)-(3) of the
Federal Internal Revenue Service Code, the Local League shall operate
exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised
program of competitive baseball. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the
benefit of any private shareholder or individual; no substantial part of the
activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to
influence legislation, and which does not participate in or intervene in any
political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Article
III – Membership
Section
1
Eligibility - Any person sincerely interested in active participation
to further the objective of this Local League may apply to become a member.
Certification
– In accordance with
Little League regulation, any person interested in being on the Executive
Committee, Board of Directors, manager and/or coach must complete a criminal
background check.
Section
2
Classes.
There shall be the
following classes of Members:
(a) Player Members. Any
player candidate meeting the requirements set forth by the Local League shall
be eligible to compete for participation. Player members shall have no rights ,
duties, or obligations in the management or in the property of the Local
League.
(b) Regular Members. Any
adult person actively interested in furthering the objectives of the Local
League may become a Regular Member upon registration with the league and the
payment of dues. Only regular members in good standing are eligible to vote at
the General Membership Meeting.
The secretary shall maintain the roll of membership to qualify
voting at the General Membership Meeting.
Note: Regular members of the league automatically include all
current Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires, Board Members, Officers of the
Board and any person who is recognized by the board as a volunteer in the Local
League.
Section
3
Suspension
or Termination. Membership may
be terminated by resignation or action of the Executive Committee and/or Board
of Directors ("Board") as follows:
(a) The Executive
Committee, by a majority vote shall have the authority to discipline or suspend
, but not terminate the membership of any Member. The Member shall be notified
, and have the right to appeal the disciplinary action or suspension to the
Board of Directors ("Board").
(b) The Board of
Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted board
meeting , shall have the authority to uphold or overrule any action taken by
the Executive Committee to discipline or suspend membership of any Member.
(c) The Board of
Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted board
meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate
the membership of any Member when the conduct of such person is considered
detrimental to the best interests of the Local League . The Member involved
shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the
charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such
charges.
(d) The Board of
Directors shall, in case of a Player Member , give notice to the Manager of the
team for which the player is a Player Member. Said Manager shall appear in the
capacity of an advisor, with the player before the board or a duly appointed
committee of the Board. The player’s parent (s) or legal guardian (s) may also
be present.
Article
IV - Dues for Regular Members ( Not
Players )
Section
1
Dues for Regular
Members may be fixed at such amounts as the Board of Directors shall determine
for a particular fiscal year. [ See article XI, Section 6 for fiscal year of
league ].
Section
2
Regular Members
who fail to pay their dues within 30 days of application to become a member may
be dropped from the rolls and forfeit all rights and privileges.
Article
V - General Membership Meetings
Section
1
Definition. A General Membership Meeting is a meeting of the
membership of the league (including Special General Membership Meetings,
Section 7). A minimum of one per year (Annual Meeting, see Section 6) is
required.
Section
2
Notice
of Meeting. Notice of the
General Membership Meeting shall be delivered personally, electronically, or by
mail to each member at the last recorded address at least seven (7) days in
advance of the meeting, set forth the place, time, and purpose of the meeting.
Section
3
Quorum. At any General Membership Meeting, the presence in
person or representation by absentee ballot of one-tenth ( 10 percent ) of the
members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present,
no business shall be conducted.
Section
4
Voting. Only regular members shall be entitled to make motions
and vote at General Membership Meetings. However the Board of Directors may
invite, admit, and recognize guests for presentations or comments during
General Membership Meetings.
Section
5
Absentee
Ballot. For the expressed
purpose of accommodating a Regular Member in good standing who cannot be in
attendance at the annual meeting , or any General Membership Meeting at which
new Board Members will be elected, an absentee ballot may be requested and
obtained from the Secretary of the League. The absentee ballot shall be
properly completed, signed and returned in a sealed envelope to the Secretary
prior to the date of election.
Section
6
Annual
Meeting of the Members. The
Annual Meeting of the members of the Local League shall be held on the first
Monday of the month in October at 7:30pm each year for the purpose of electing
Board of Directors, receiving reports, reviewing the Constitution, appointing
committees, and for the transaction of such business as may properly come
before the meeting.
(a) The
Membership shall at the Annual Meeting, determine the number of Directors for
the ensuing year and shall elect such number of Directors, and those Directors
that shall serve as Officers of the Board of Directors.
(b) The Officers
of the Board of Directors shall include, at minimum , the President, Vice
President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Player Agent.
Section
7
Special
General Membership Meeting of
the Members may be called by any Officer of the Board of Directors at their
discretion to consider a specified subject. No business other than that
specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted.
Section
8
Rules
of Order for General Membership Meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of
all General Membership Meetings, except where same conflicts with the
Constitution of the Local League.
Article
VI - Board of Directors
Section
1
Authority. The management of the property and affairs of the Local
League shall be vested in the Board of Directors.
Section
2
Increase
in Number. The number so fixed
at the Annual Meeting may be increased at any regular board meeting by a
majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section
3
Vacancies. If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, it may
be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular Board
meeting.
Section
4
Board
Meetings, Notice, and Quorum.
(a) Regular
meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held on the first Monday of the
month throughout the year at a time and place specified by the Officers of the
Board of Directors.
(b) The President
or Secretary may , whenever they deem it advisable issue a call for a
Special Board Meeting. In the case of the special meeting a notice shall be
given to the Members of the Board and shall include the purpose of the meeting
and no matters not so stated may be acted upon at the meeting.
(c) Notice of
each Board meeting shall be given by the Secretary personally, electronically,
or by mail to each Director at least one (1) day before the time appointed for
the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director.
(d) Only members
of the Board of Directors may make motions and vote at meetings of the Board of
Directors.
Section
5
Duties
and Powers. The Board of
Directors shall have the powers to appoint such standing committees as it shall
determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall
deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.
The Board may
adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the
management of the Local League as it deems proper, provided such rules and
regulations do not conflict with this Constitution.
The Board shall
have the power by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular or Special
Board Meeting to discipline , suspend, or remove any Director or Officer, or
Committee Member of the Local League in accordance with the procedure set forth
in Article III, Section 3 (a,b,c ).
Section
6
Rules
of Order for Board Meeting.
Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all Board of Directors
meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of the Local
League.
Article
VII -Duties and Powers of the Board
Section
1
Appointments. The Board of Directors may appoint such other Officers
or agents as it deems necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and
duties of each.
Section
2
President. The President shall:
(a) Conduct the
affairs of the Local League and execute the policies established by the Board
of Directors
(b) Present a
report on the condition of the Local League at the Annual Meeting
(c) Communicate
to the Board of Directors such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such
suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the Local League.
(d) Be
responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the
policies, principles, and regulations , as agreed to under the conditions of
the charters issued to the Local League by each organization.
(e) Be
responsible for the strict conformity to the Local League Rules adopted by the
Board of Directors.
(f) Designate
other Officers, if necessary, to have the power to conduct business and execute
contracts on behalf of the Local League which have had prior approval of the
Board of Directors.
(g) Investigate
complaints, irregularities, and conditions detrimental to the Local League and
report thereon to the Board or Executive Committee as circumstances warrant.
(h) Prepare and
submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the
proper execution thereof.
Section
3
Vice-President. The Vice-President shall:
(a) Perform the
duties of the President in the absence of the president, provided he or she is
authorized by the President or Board so to act. When so acting, the
Vice-President shall have all the powers of that office.
(b) Perform such
duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the
President
Section
4
Secretary. The Secretary shall:
(a) Be
responsible for recording the activities of the Local League and maintain
appropriate files, mailing lists, and necessary records.
(b) Perform such
duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
(c) Keep the
minutes of the meetings of the Members, the Board of Directors, and the
Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that
purpose.
(d) Notify
Members, Directors, Officers, and committee members of their election or
appointment.
Section
5
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
(a) Perform such
duties as are herein set forth and such duties as are customarily incident to
the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
(b) Receive all
monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board
of Directors.
(c) Keep records
for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the Local
League.
(d) Prepare an
annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the
membership and the board of directors.
(e) Submit to an
annual audit of the financial accounts of the local league. This audit must be
conducted no later than September 30th of each year.
Section
6
Player
Agent. The Player Agent
shall:
(a) Record all
player transactions and maintain an accurate up-to-date record thereof.
(b) Receive and
review applications of all player candidates and assist the President in
verifying residence and age eligibility.
(c) Conduct the
try-outs, player placement, the player draft, and all other selection meetings.
(d) Prepare the
Player Agent’s List
(e) Prepare for
the Presidents signature and submission all team rosters.
Section
VIII - Executive Committee
Section
1
The Board of
Directors may appoint an Executive Committee which shall consist of not less
than three(3) nor more than five (5) Directors, one of whom shall be the
President of the Local League, the Vice -President, the Secretary, the
Treasurer, and the Player Agent.
Section
2
The Executive
Committee shall advise with and assist the Officers of the Local League in all
matters concerning its interests and the management of its affairs, and shall
have such other powers as may be delegated to it by the Board, but in no event
will the Executive Committee have authority over the Board of Directors.
Section
3
At any meeting of
the Executive Committee, a majority of the total number then in office shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority
present at the meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the
committee.
Article
IX - Other Committees
At the request of
the President or Executive Committee any of the following committees may be
formed to facilitate the specific duties as instructed by the Executive
Committee.
Section
1 - Managers Committee.
The President or
Executive Committee may appoint a Manager’s Committee consisting of three (3)
Directors. The committee shall interview and investigate prospective mangers
and coaches for all divisions, and recommend acceptable candidates to the
President, for appointment and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors.
It shall, during the playing season, observe the conduct of the managers and
coaches and report its findings to the President of the Local League. It shall
, at the request of the President or Executive Committee, investigate
complaints concerning managers and coaches and make a report thereof to the
President, Executive Committee or Board of Directors as the case may be.
Section
2 - Nominating Committee.
The President or
Executive Committee may appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3)
Directors and /or other appointed Regular Members. The committee shall
investigate and consider eligible candidates and submit at The Annual Meeting a
slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. The committee shall also submit
for consideration by the Board of Directors a slate of Officers for the
Executive Committee.
Section
3 - Rules Committee.
The President or
Executive Committee may appoint a Rules Committee consisting of three (3)
Directors and/or other appointed Regular Members. The committee shall review
all Local League Rules, and submit to the
Executive
Committee any recommended changes for the coming season for subsequent approval
by the Board of Directors at the February Directors Meeting prior to the start
of the season. ( see Article X , section 3). The committee shall communicate to
all managers and coaches the Local League Rules as well as the Rules set forth
by the Charters of the Organizations for which the Local League has obtained
membership.
Section
4 - Safety Committee.
The President or
Executive Committee may appoint a Safety Committee consisting of at least one
(1) Director and/or Regular Member. The committee would be responsible to
create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to
provide a safer environment for youngsters and all participants of the Local
League. To develop and implement a plan for increasing safety activities,
equipment, and facilities through education, compliance, and reporting.
Article
X – Affiliation
Section
1
Charter. The Local League shall annually apply for a Charter from
a nationally recognized baseball program, as well as any local baseball program
deemed acceptable to the Board of Directors. The Local League shall devote its
entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter, and it shall not
affiliate with any other program or organization not previously approved by the
Board of Directors.
Section
2
Rules
and Regulations.
The Local League
Rules will have priority over all Rules and Regulations. The Official Playing
Rules and Regulations as published by the national recognized baseball programs
with whom we have a Charter shall be binding on this Local League.
Section
3
Local
Rules, Ground Rules, and/or Bylaws.
The local rules,
grounds rules, and /or bylaws of this Local League shall be adopted by the
Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to
the first scheduled game of the season, and shall have priority over Rules,
Regulations and Policies of all Chartered Organizations with whom we have
membership, but shall not conflict with this Constitution.
Article
XI - Financing and Accounting
Section
1
Authority. The Board of Directors shall decide all matters
pertaining to the finances of the Local League and it shall place all income in
a common league treasury, directing the expenditures of funds in such manner as
will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with
such individual or team.
Section
2
Contributions. The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or
property to individual teams but shall solicit funds for the common treasury of
the Local League, thereby to discourage favoritism, and to endeavor to equalize
the benefits of the Local League.
Section
3
Solicitations. The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in
the name of the Local League unless all of the funds so raised be placed in the
Local League treasury.
Section
4
Disbursements. All disbursements shall be made by check, and shall be
signed by the Local League Treasurer, and/or such other officer or person as
the Board of Directors shall determine.
The Local League
Treasurer must approve all disbursements over $50.00 before any commitment to
purchase is made. This approval must be given in writing using an approved
Local League form. Any action in contrary does not constitute a liability of
the Local League.
Section
5
Deposits. All monies received shall be deposited to the credit of
the Local League.
Section
6
Fiscal
Year. The fiscal year of
the Local League shall begin on October 1 and shall end on September 30.
Article
XII - Amendments
This
Constitution may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a
majority vote at any duly organized meeting of the Members provided notice of
the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting..
This
Constitution was approved by the Upper Makefield Youth Baseball League, Inc.
Executive Committee on:
28th Day, of
December, 2002