CNBLL: Constitution/Bylaws
CNBLL Constitution and Bylaws
ADOPTED
September 3, 2008
INDEX
ARTICLE I NAME
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE IV GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
ARTICLE V VOTING
ARTICLE VI OFFICERS OF THE LEAGUE
ARTICLE VII ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE VIII DUITIES OF OFFICE
ARTICLE IX FINANCING
ARTICLE X CHARTER
ARTICLE XI LOCAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE XIII FISCAL YEAR
ACCEPTANCE
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS OF THE
CRANSTON NATIONAL BUDLONG LITTLE LEAGUE
ARTICLE I
ORGANIZATIONAL NAME
The name of the organization shall be called the CRANSTON NATIONAL BUDLONG LITTLE LEAGUE, INCORPORATED. The organization (CNBLL) shall be incorporated under the laws governing non-profit and non-partisan corporations within and by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION
The purpose of this organization shall be to provide a youth sports program. It shall be geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation. To achieve this purpose, CNBLL will provide a supervised program of competitive and instructional baseball games at various levels of ability under the rules and policies of LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL INCORPORATED. Levels of play shall be administered to the age and ability available. Directors, Officers and Staff of the league shall bear in mind that stressing exceptional athletic skills or the winning of games is secondary to providing a safe, fair, and fun filled experience.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
A. Membership is opened to any person (18) eighteen years old or older of good moral character that is interested in promoting LITTLE LEAGUE Baseball.
B. New members must be approved by two-thirds majority of the eligible voting members in attendance at the meeting when new membership is requested.
ARTICLE IV
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
A. All regular membership shall be held on the 1st Wednesday of every month at a time and place specified by the President
B. The meeting agenda shall be, but not limited to:
October
Nomination of Officers
Election of Officers
Appointment of President
Appointment of Committee to review Constitution and by-laws
Appointment of Committee to develop fund raising ideas
Setting of banquet date
Appointment of all other necessary committees to meet demands placed on league
November
Reports from various committees
Setting of dates for January and March registrations
Tryouts dates finalized
Presentation of fund raising activities
December
Constitution and by-law committee report
Presentation of prospective budget for the current season
Finalize fund raising activities
January
Propose season activities
Banquet and awards committee formed
Team equipment and uniform needs must be submitted at this time
Discussion of upcoming registration
February
Determination from January registration as to the number of teams warranted Finalize seasonal functions
Formation of opening day activities committee
Equipment dispersal
March
Report from opening day activities committees
Apply for fundraising permit
Practice schedules presented to coaches
April
Opening day activities finalized
Game schedules presented
Post discussion concerning tryouts and draft
Reports from various committees
May
Discussion of post season activities
June
Finalize post season activities
July
Open Agenda
August
Nomination committee for the slate of officers appointed by the President
Committee appointed by the President for the purpose of reviewing all matters voted upon or discussed at the regular meetings from the records of Recording Secretary for their merit to the organization and update and/or amend this Constitution and by-laws
September
Open Agenda
C The order of business at regular meeting shall be as follows:
1. Roll call of Officers
2. Roll Call of Members
3. Minutes of Last Meeting
4. Treasurers Report
5. Communications and Bills
6. Committee Reports
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Adjournment
D. It is the responsibility of the membership to insure their attendance is duly noted.
E. Meeting requirements:
§ All minutes of general meetings and agendas of upcoming meetings shall be made available upon request.
§ Team representation is mandatory at all general meetings. Representation can either be a manager, an acknowledged assistant coach, or a parent recognized as having an association with that particular team.
§ No manager, assistant coach, or parent may represent more than one team.
§ Failure to have representation at 2 consecutive general meetings will warrant the executive board to issue a written warning to the team manager.
§ Failure to have representation at 3 consecutive general meetings will warrant the executive board to enact a one game suspension against the manager of the team in question.
§ Failure to have representation at 4 consecutive general meetings will warrant the executive board to ask for the resignation of the coaching staff for the team in question. Failure to resign will automatically enact termination of all parties involved.
F. Rules of Order
§ Robert?s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all General Membership Meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution/Bylaws of CNBLL.
ARTICLE V
VOTING
A. Only members who have attended three (3) of the last six- (6) meetings shall be entitled to make motions and vote at General Membership meetings.
B. Each active member shall have one vote. All issues shall be decided by a majority vote except as noted in ARTICLE VII SECTION E.
C. There is no minimum to constitute a Quorum.
D. The election of officers shall be held at the October meeting.
E. The Officers of the League shall include, at a minimum, President, one or more Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, one or more Player Agents and a Safety Officer. The Board shall also include a minimum of one (1) manager.
F. The voting of the officers shall be by secret ballot.
G. All terms of officers shall be for a period of one (1) year.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS OF THE LEAGUE
A. The organization shall be made up of the following officers: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Field and Building Maintenance Coordinator, Concession Stand Coordinator, Major League Player Agent, Minor League Player Agent, Instructional Division Coordinator, Tee-ball Coordinator, Softball Vice President, Softball Player Agent, Softball Senior League Coordinator, Softball Major League Coordinator, Softball Minor League Coordinator, Softball Equipment Manager, Umpire In Charge, Head Safety Officer, Member At Large, League Information Officer and the Past President.
B. The number of Officers of the league may be increased at any General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting of the Members. If the number is increased, the additional Officers may be elected at the meeting at which the increase is voted, or at any subsequent General Membership Meeting. All elections of additional Officers shall be by majority vote of all Members present.
C. If any vacancy occurs in the Officers of the League, aside from the President (See Article VIII- Duties 1st Vice President) due to resignation, serious illness, removal from office, death or otherwise, the President shall be empowered to appoint a suitable person, with approval of the Executive Board, to fill out the current term, until the election of Officers at the October meeting.
ARTICLE VII
ADMINISTRATION
A. The administration of the league shall be under the direct control of the Executive Board.
B. The Executive Board shall consist of all elected officers as defined in Article VI Section A.
C. All matters concerning policy and procedures shall be decided by a majority vote of the Executive Board. All the Managers and Coaches shall be appointed by the President with the recommendation of the Executive Board annually. REMOVAL OF AN OFFICER FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OR A MEMBER OF THE CRANSTON NATIONAL BUDLONG LITTLE LEAGUE SHALL BE BY AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE OF NO LESS THAT NINE (9) MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
D. In the event, the Executive Board deems it necessary to restructure the Minor League Divisions due to lack of player membership, or not having the age availability to fulfill the said divisions herein, the Executive Board by a two-thirds majority vote shall override the current structure. The new Division structure shall become part of the Local Rules and Regulations of CNBLL of the said year. (See Article XI Rules and Regulation.)
E. A majority vote of the general membership, in good standing, at a regular meeting, may petition the Executive Board to review a decision. The results of such a review must be presented to the membership at the next regular meeting. A two-thirds majority vote of the membership in good standing shall override any Executive Board decision.
F. A quorum of the Executive Board shall consist of the President and seven (7) members of the Executive Board.
G. The President shall cast a vote ONLY when an issue is deadlocked in vote during a general meeting.
H. The President shall appoint a nominating committee, at the August meeting, to seek the slate of nominations for Executive Board positions for the upcoming year.
I. Robert?s Rules of order shall govern the proceedings of all Board of Directors meetings, except where the same conflicts with this Constitution/Bylaws of CNBLL.
ARTICLE VIII
DUTIES OF OFFICE
PRESIDENT
Shall preside at all meetings: shall appoint all committees and shall perform all duties, which usually pertain to the office. By virtue of his/her position, he/she shall be a member of all committees. Shall co-sign all checks over $500 with the Treasurer and/or the First Vice President for the payment of all legally contracted bills. Shall have all processed checks mailed to him/her. Shall, with the assistance of Player Agents, examine the application and supporting proof of age document of every player candidate, certify their residence, and age eligibility before any boy and girl may accepted for tryouts and selection.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Shall perform, in the absence of the President, all duties designated to the President. Shall oversee and supervise all fund raising functions of the League. In the absence of the President, the First Vice President shall be authorized to co-sign checks over $500 for paying all legally contracted bills. In the event the President is unable to complete his/her team of office due to resignation, removal from office, serious illness, or death, the First Vice President shall assume all the duties and responsibilities hereto described.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Shall be responsible for keeping a record of equipment allotted to each team, its age, condition, quantity. Shall have the responsibility of acquiring the proper field permits from the Director of Parks and Recreation. Shall assume the 1st Vice President?s office if the 1st Vice President must fulfill the President?s office if he/she fails to fulfill their term of office.
TREASUER
Shall have the responsibility for the custody of all funds of the organization and pay all bills upon the approval of the President. Maintain all records of all receipts and expenditures. The need for the Bonding of the Treasurer shall be considered each year by the Executive Board and undertaken if deemed appropriate. Shall submit monthly and annual financial reports.
RECORDING SECRETARY
Shall keep the minutes of membership and Executive Board meetings. Shall maintain accurate attendance of membership attending meetings. Shall have custody of all records pertaining to CNBLL and its predecessor organizations. Shall contact Executive Board members for meetings and handle all publicity. Shall handle all correspondence with other organizations and perform the duties normally associated with the office.
BUILDING AND FIELD MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR
The position of ?building, fields and equipment maintenance coordinator? shall be established as an elected position on the executive board. The position shall have the responsibility of the opening and closing of these facilities at the beginning and end of the season. It shall also have the responsibility of hanging and removal of all sponsor sign and scoreboards and to provide a safe and clean environment for all.
CONCESSION STAND COORDINATOR
Shall assume complete control of the daily operations, menu, inventory control and staffing of the concession stand. Shall enlist volunteers to aid him/her in the daily operation of the stand. Shall provide to the Treasurer, a financial report every other week during the course of the normal baseball season.
MAJOR LEAGUE PLAYER AGENT
Shall oversee the league tryouts to ensure that each prospective player is given a fair opportunity to present his/her skills. Shall obtain an accurate and complete roster of each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall see that the procedure for obtaining a player from the minor level of the major division is followed as described in the Little League Regulations Manual. Shall be responsible for obtaining the proper permits to post and distribute notices in the city schools from the Superintendent of Cranston Public School?s Office. Shall be responsible, with the assistance of other League personnel as designated, to inform youngsters of the time, date, and location of registration and tryouts.
No Minor League Player shall be eligible to be brought up to the Major League Level, unless he/she has participated in league tryouts of the said year. Shall develop a regular season schedule and be responsible for the scheduling of make-up games. Shall assist the President in verification of applications for eligibility for tryouts and selection. Shall work with the Minor League Coordinator and Minor League Player Agent in all circumstances regarding registration of applicants, tryouts and player selection. Shall ensure that each prospective player is given a full and fair opportunity to play at the level appropriate to his/her skills and abilities without regard to consideration of RACE, SEX, RELIGION, ETHNIC BACKGROUND, OR OTHER CLASSIFICATIONS inconsistent with standard of equal opportunity and fundamental fairness.
MINOR LEAGUE PLAYER AGENT
Shall oversee the league tryouts to ensure that each prospective player is given a fair opportunity to present his/her skills. Shall obtain an accurate and complete roster of each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall see that the procedure for obtaining a player from the lower levels is done so following the guidelines set in the Little League Regulations Manual (Article III, Section d) and the procedures followed by the Major League Player Agent. Shall work with the division coordinators and major league player agent in circumstances regarding registration of applicants, tryouts, player selection, and the movement of such during the course of the season.
Shall oversee the AAA League and at its operations. Shall, with the Major Player Agent run the tryouts for all prospective candidates. Shall obtain an accurate and complete team roster for each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall see that the procedure for obtaining a player for possible movement to the Major League and/or possible movement into the Minor League from the lower division is followed as described in the Little League Regulations Manual (Article III Section d). Shall develop a regular season schedule and be responsible for the rescheduling of make-up games. Shall provide a written inventory of league equipment and monitor its condition for repair or replacement to the 2nd Vice President at the September meeting. Shall act as Safety Officer for the league assuring coaches are instructed in safety procedures during practices and games. Shall act as league?s representative before the Executive Board in all matters pertaining to the division. In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to fulfill his/her term of office for whatever reason the President will name a suitable person as the Acting Coordinator until the election of officers at the October meeting. (See Article VI Section C.)
TEE-BALL COORDINATOR (5-6 YRS. OLD)
Shall oversee the league and its operations. Shall, with the Minor League Player Agent ensure the placement of players by ability and skills. Shall be responsible for the scheduling of all games within the league and the rescheduling of all make-up games. Shall inventory all equipment used within the league and monitor its condition with the assistance of all team managers to assess its need for repair or replacement. Shall provide a detailed inventory of said equipment to the 2nd Vice President at the September meeting. Shall act as the representative for the Safety Officer for the league assuring coaches are instructed in safety procedures during practices and games. Shall act as league?s representative before the Executive Board in all matters pertaining to the division.
In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to fulfill his/her term of office due to resignation, illness, removal from office, or death, the President shall be empowered to name a person to the office. (See Article VI Section C.)
INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION COORDINATOR (6-9 YRS. OLD)
Shall oversee the League and at its operations. Shall, with the Minor League Player Agent ensure the placement of players by ability and skills. Shall be responsible for the scheduling and the rescheduling of games with the division. Shall inventory all equipment within the league and monitor its condition with the assistance of all team managers to assess its need for repair or replacement. Shall provide a written inventory of all equipment to the Treasurer at the September meeting. Shall act as Safety Officer for the league assuring coaches are instructed in safety procedures during practices and games. Shall act as league?s representative before the Executive Board in all matters pertaining to the division. In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to fulfill his/her term of office for reasons whatever they may be, the President will name a suitable person Acting Coordinator to fill out the current term.
(See Article VI Section C.)
FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL PLAYER AGENT
Shall, run the tryouts for all prospective candidates. Shall oversee the league tryouts to ensure that each prospective player is given a fair opportunity to present his/her skills. Shall obtain an accurate and complete roster of each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall see that the procedure for obtaining a player from the lower levels is done so following the guidelines set in the Little League Regulations Manual (Article III, Section d). Shall work with the division coordinator in circumstances regarding registration of applicants, tryouts, player selection, and the movement of such during the course of the season.
FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL SENIOR LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Shall oversee the League and at its operations. Shall obtain an accurate and complete team roster for each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall develop a regular season schedule and be responsible for the rescheduling of make-up games. Shall provide a written inventory of league equipment and monitor its condition for repair or replacement to the 2nd Vice President at the September meeting. Shall act as Safety Officer for the league assuring coaches are instructed in safety procedures during practices and games. Shall act as league?s representative before the Executive Board in all matters pertaining to the division. In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to fulfill his/her team of office for whatever reason the President will name a suitable person as the Acting Coordinator until the election of officers at the October meeting. (See Article VI Section C.)
FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL MAJOR LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Shall oversee the League and at its operations. Shall obtain an accurate and complete team roster for each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall develop a regular season schedule and be responsible for the rescheduling of make-up games. Shall provide a written inventory of league equipment and monitor its condition for repair or replacement to the 2nd Vice President at the September meeting. Shall act as Safety Officer for the league assuring coaches are instructed in safety procedures during practices and games. Shall act as league?s representative before the Executive Board in all matters pertaining to the division. In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to fulfill his/her team of office for whatever reason the President will name a suitable person as the Acting Coordinator until the election of officers at the October meeting. (See Article VI Section C.)
FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL MINOR LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Shall oversee the League and at its operations. Shall obtain an accurate and complete team roster for each team stating their name, address, and date of birth. Shall develop a regular season schedule and be responsible for the rescheduling of make-up games. Shall provide a written inventory of league equipment and monitor its condition for repair or replacement to the 2nd Vice President at the September meeting. Shall act as Safety Officer for the league assuring coaches are instructed in safety procedures during practices and games. Shall act as league?s representative before the Executive Board in all matters pertaining to the division. In the event that the League Coordinator is unable to fulfill his/her team of office for whatever reason the President will name a suitable person as the Acting Coordinator until the election of officers at the October meeting. (See Article VI Section C.)
FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Shall be responsible for keeping a record of equipment allotted to each team, its age, condition, and quantity. Shall inventory all equipment used within the league and monitor its condition with the assistance of all team managers to assess its need for repair or replacement. Shall provide a report of said equipment to the 2nd Vice President at the September meeting.
UMPIRE IN CHARGE
Shall enlist and train capable persons for the purpose of being umpires, and the scheduling of umpiring personnel for games. To make said umpiring staff aware of the certain local rules that apply to the league in question. Shall provide an inventory of league owned umpiring equipment at the September meeting. Shall draft a set of standards and dress code rules that will be adhered to by all umpiring personnel.
HEAD SAFETY OFFICER
The Head Safety Officer shall: be appointed by the President and shall be a voting position on the Executive Board. Shall be aided by all division Coordinators to carry out all of the plans set in place, by the Head Safety Officer, to their respective divisions. Shall be responsible to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for youngsters and all participants of Little League Baseball. Shall develop a plan for increasing safety of activities, equipment, and facilities. Implement a safety plan using education, compliance and reporting. Shall have the full cooperation of members of the league in the implementation of said plan. A written plan shall be presented to the Executive Board at the March meeting. The education portion of said plan should consider meetings and information distributed among participants including players, managers, coaches, umpires, league officials, parents, guardians and other volunteers. The compliance of said rules and regulations should have ?No Tolerance? attitude. It should promote safety compliance leadership by increasing awareness of the safety opportunities that arise from these responsibilities. The reporting aspect of said plan is to define a process that will insure accidents and recorded information is sent to league/district and national offices, and follow-up information on medical and other data is forwarded as available. It is the responsibility of every team manager to have a medical release from a doctor before any child may resume playing due to lost playing time injury.
MEMBER AT LARGE
The position ?Member-At-Large? shall be an elected position and a voting member of the Board. The duties of such position are at the discretion of the President and/or Executive Board. If no acceptable member can fill the position, the position shall remain vacant until the next election.
LEAGUE INFORMATION OFFICER (LIO)
The League Information officer shall: Manage the league?s official web site; Set up online registration and ensure the league rosters are uploaded to Little League; Assign online administrative rights to other CNBLL volunteers; Encourage creation of team web sites to managers, coaches, and parents; Ensure that league news and scores are updated on regular basis; Collect, post important information on league activities including direct dissemination of fund-raising and sponsor activities to Little League Baseball, district, the public, league members and the media.
PAST PRESIDENT
The position of Past President shall be assumed by the outgoing President with his/her right to accept or refuse the position. The position shall duly take its place on the Executive Board and assume rights and voting privileges. The position was created to aid the transition of administration and any other underlying problems that could occur during the year that the Past President may add guidance to any decisions that are reached by the new administration. If the position is refused for whatever reason, the position shall remain vacant.
ARTICLE IX
FINANCING
A. The Executive Board shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of Cranston National Budlong Little League and shall place revenue in a common league account.
B. A complete league effort shall be made to enhance all fund raising activities and every effort should be made to have said money delivered on a timely basis. (Registration must be considered as a fundraiser also).
C. Any single expenditure of $500 or more must be put out bid to all interested vendors. A minimum of 3 bids must be solicited to the Executive Board before any expenditure is approved.
ARTICLE X
THE CHARTER
A. Cranston National Budlong Little League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Inc. and shall take all necessary steps to obtain and maintain such charter.
B. Cranston National Budlong Little League shall annually ensure that its non-profit corporation charter is in good standing with the State of Rhode Island and the Secretary of State Office.
ARTICLE XI
LOCAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Local Rules and Regulations of CNBLL 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, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. In the event that the Local Rules and Regulations of CNBLL are not voted on and adopted as described above, The Local Rules and Regulations of CNBLL from the previous year will be in effect for the upcoming season. The Local Rules and Regulations of CNBLL are not considered part of this Constitution. (See Article XIII for fiscal year of CNBLL.)
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
A. This Constitution and by-laws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a two-thirds majority vote of the membership attending two consecutive meetings where the Constitution and by-laws have been read. The amendment must be read at each of the two meetings and its purpose explained.
B. All former Constitutions, by-laws, and resolutions not contained in the aforementioned articles are hereby repealed and annulled.
ARTICLE XIII
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of Cranston National Budlong Little League organization shall run from October 1st through September 30 of said year.
ACCEPTANCE
The aforementioned Constitution and By-Laws are accepted by the membership and the Executive Board of the Cranston National Budlong Little League, Inc.
Position Signature Date
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Field and Building Maintenance Coordinator
Concession Stand Coordinator
Major League Player Agent
Minor League Player Agent
Instructional Division Coordinator
Tee-Ball Coordinator
Softball Player Agent
Softball Senior League Coordinator
Softball Major League Coordinator
Softball Minor League Coordinator
Softball Equipment Manager
Umpire In Chief
Head Safety Officer
Past President
Member at Large
