Board of Directors' Roles
The local league Board of Directors, elected from and by the adult
members of the league, is responsible for the day-to-day operations
of the league within the rules, regulations and policies of Little
League. This board does not have the authority to alter, suspend or
change any of the rules, regulations or policies of Little League.
However, wide latitude is given to this board in many areas of
operation so that the local needs of the community may be met. For
instance, the local league board of directors is entirely
responsible for choosing a method for selection of Tournament Teams
(or "All Stars").
Annually, the regular membership of each Little League is
required to meet and elect the board of directors. Following the
election, the board of directors meets to elect its officers from
within the newly elected board. The officers required are:
president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, player agent,
safety officer and information officer.
The board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of
its meetings and the management of the league as it may deem proper.
The board has the power to discipline, suspend or remove any
director or officer or committee member of the league, subject to
provisions of the local league constitution.
Members of the local league board of directors, particularly the
officers, should not be involved as members of other boards when
such membership may cause a conflict of interest.
President - Apart from all other considerations, sound
leadership, couched in knowledge, experience and common sense, is
the greatest requirement and most exemplary qualification of the man
or woman selected as president of a Little League.
While efficient organizational and administrative abilities are
desirable credentials, the search for good leadership must transcend
all other attributes in the adult who gives direction to the Little
League movement in the local community. Dedication to the goals and
purpose of Little League is inherent in the volunteer aspect of
those who serve, but not everyone who serves is gifted with the
quality of leadership. Presidents must reflect these qualities if
they are to be of benefit to children.
The president has many responsibilities in the administration of
the league. Each President is elected by, and is accountable to, the
local league board of directors. Duties of a president are described
within the limits of the rules and regulations, and within the local
league constitution, giving each president the ability to oversee
the affairs of all elements of the league.
As the chief administrator, the president selects and appoints
managers, coaches, umpires and committees. As such, no person
becomes a manager, coach, umpire or committee member without the
approval of the president. However, all appointments are subject to
final approval by the local league’s board of directors.
Importantly, the president is the officer with whom Little League
International maintains contact. The president also represents the
league in the District organization.
The president should be the most informed officer of the league.
Each president must know the regulations under which Little League
operates and in authorizing the annual application for charter,
binds all members of the league to faithfully observe the
regulations. Little League Baseball International Headquarters
reserves the right to require a league to remove any officer who
does not carry out the terms of charter application. Serious
violation can result in loss of the league’s charter by action of
the Charter Committee in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Beyond the requirements of league administration, the president
should personify the best public image in reflection to the
community at large. Each president should take an active role in
gaining support and winning friends for the league program.
The president presides at league meetings, and assumes full
responsibility for the operation of the local league. The president
receives all mail, supplies and other communications from the Little
League Headquarters. A president may manage, coach or umpire,
provided he/she does not serve on the protest committee, nor serve
as tournament team manager or coach.
Vice President - The vice president presides in the
absence of the president, works with other officers and committee
members, is ex-officio member of all committees, and carries out
such duties and assignments as may be delegated by the president.
Separate vice presidents may also be selected to oversee individual
divisions within the league. If so, one vice president should be
selected as the one to preside in the absence of the president. A
vice president may manage, coach or umpire, provided they do not
serve on the protest committee.
Secretary - The secretary maintains a register of members
and directors, records the minutes of meetings, is responsible for
sending out notice of meetings, issues membership cards and
maintains a record of league’s activities.
Treasurer - The treasurer signs checks co-signed by
another officer or director (or as directed by the local league’s
constitution), dispenses league funds as approved by the board of
directors, reports on the status of league funds, keeps local league
books and financial records, prepares budgets, and assumes the
responsibility for all local league finances.
Player Agent - The player agent conducts annual tryouts,
is in charge of player selection, assists the president in checking
birth records and eligibility of players and generally supervises
and coordinates the transfer of players to or from the Minor Leagues
according to provisions of the regulations of Little League
Baseball. Separate player agents may also be selected to oversee
individual divisions within the league. The player agent must not
manage, coach or umpire in the division over which he/she has
authority, unless the local league has received explicit written
permission to allow this from Little League International.
Safety Officer - The safety officer coordinates all safety
activities including supervision of ASAP (A Safety Awareness
Program), ensures safety in player training, ensures safe playing
conditions, coordinates reporting and prevention of injuries,
solicits suggestions for making conditions safer, and reports
suggestions to Little League International through the ASAP
system.
Information Officer - The information officer manages the
league’s official home page on active.com, manages the online
registration process and ensures that league rosters are maintained
on the site, assigns administrative rights to league volunteers and
teams, ensures that league news and scores are updated on a regular
basis, collects, posts and distributes important information on
League activities including direct dissemination of fund-raising and
sponsor activities to Little League International, district, public,
league members and media, serves as primary contact person for
Little League and active.com regarding optimizing use of the
Internet for league administration and for distributing information
to league members and to Little League International, and displays
enthusiasm for using the Internet for league administration, for
sharing information and for creating a more enjoyable and efficient
Little League experience.
For more information, see the Structure of
Little League Baseball and Softball.
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