FCLL Baseball: FCLL Constitution
FCLL CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWSFOSSIL CREEK LITTLE LEAGUE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
Article I - NAME
This organization shall be known as the Fossil Creek Little League, hereinafter referred to as Local League.
Article II - OBJECTIVE
Section 1 The objective of the Local League shall be to instill in the children of the community the ideals of fair play, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children who will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy adults.
SECTION 2 To achieve this objective, the Local League will provide a supervised program of competitive baseball and softball games under the rules and policies of Little League. All Directors, Officers and General Members shall remember that attaining exceptional athletic skill or the winning games is secondary. The molding of future adults is the prime importance. In accordance with Section 501-C-3 of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, the Fossil Creek Little League shall operate exclusively as a nonprofit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball and softball games. NO PART OF THE NET EARNINGS SHALL BENEFIT ANY PRIVATE SHAREHOLDER OR INDIVIDUAL. The Local League (Fossil Creek) will not participate or distribute propaganda, or otherwise attempt to influence legislation, and will 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 affect the objective of this Local League may apply to become a Member.
Section 2 Classes. There shall be the following classes of Members:
a. Player Members: Any player candidate meeting the requirements of Little League Regulation IV and who resides within the authorized boundaries of the Local League shall be eligible to participate, but shall have no right, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the Local League.
b. General Member: Any person, actively interested in furthering the objectives of the Local League may become a General Member upon payment of registration fees. General members shall annually be issued a card numbered in sequential order. The Secretary shall maintain the membership role to qualify voting members. Only general members in good standing are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting. All memberships shall expire on midnight September 30. The Board of Directors, Managers, Umpires and Coaches will be shown the up-most respect by Fossil Creek Player and General Members.
Section 3
Suspension or Termination. Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors as follows.
a. The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend or terminate a Member and/or/his/her membership when the conduct of the Member is considered detrimental to the best interest of the Local League and/or Little League Baseball, Incorporated. 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.
b. Any Manager, Coach or Player removed from the ballpark shall appear before at least three (3) members of the Board of Directors. The Manager, Coach or Player involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to explain his/her conduct. The Board of Directors at this meeting shall have the authority to impose penalties as justified.c. Concerning a Player suspension, the Player and his/her Manager shall be given notice of the meeting with the Board. Said Manager, Parent/Guardian, and Division Commissioner shall appear with the Player, as advisors, before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors. The Board shall have the authority to suspend or revoke the Player’s right to future participation in the Fossil Creek Little League. .
Article IV - Dues
Section 1
a. Registration fees may be fixed at such amounts, as the Board of Directors shall determine prior to the beginning of any membership period. General Member’s dues are included in the fees paid at the time of registration.
b. General Membership is open to anyone interested in furthering the objectives of the Local League, upon the payment of $5.00 dues.
Section 2
All General Membership dues are due before April 1.
Article V - Meetings
Section 1 Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where it conflicts with the Constitution or Local Rules of the Local League.
Section 2
The Annual Meeting of the Local League shall be held the first Saturday in August, for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors, receiving reports, and for the transaction of other business as may come before the meeting.
Section 3
Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors shall meet for electing its Officers.
Section 4
At any meeting of the Board of Directors, the presence, in person, of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board shall be necessary to qualify as a quorum.
Section 5
Special Meetings. Upon request of ten (10) General members, the President shall call a Special meeting to consider a specific subject. Notice of the meeting shall be sent to the last recorded address of each General Member by mail, postmarked at least seven (7) days before the meeting. Only the specific subject will be discussed and there must be a quorum. The presence of the Board of Directors is not included in the count towards this quorum.
Section 6
The Board of Directors or President, at their discretion, may call Special meetings of the General members. Same notice of the meeting to be given as per Special Meetings..
Section 7
Absentee Ballot. For the expressed purposed of accommodating a General member in good standing who cannot be in attendance at the Annual Meeting, an absentee ballot may be requested and obtained form 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 the Annual Meeting, and the election of members to the Board of Directors. The Secretary shall present all absentee ballots to the Nominating Committee Chairman on the date of the Annual Meeting, prior to conducting the election process.
ARTICLE VI – Board of Directors
Section 1
The management of the property and affairs of the Local League shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board, upon election, shall IMMEDIATELY enter the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall have been duly elected.
Section 2
Annually the General Members shall elect fifteen (15) people, from the general membership, to serve as the Board of Directors. All elections of the Board of Directors shall be by a majority vote of all members present at the Annual Meeting, or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the Secretary prior to the election meeting.
Section 3
The Officers of the Board of Directors (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Player Agent) may serve until such time that they decide to turn in their resignation in writing to the Board of Directors or are effectively voted out of office. One who has served more than one-half of a term shall be credited with having served that term.
Section 4
Spouses may serve simultaneously on the Board of Directors, but only one spouse may have signature authorization on League bank accounts.
Section 5
A meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held IMMEDIATELY following the Annual Meeting, and on such days thereafter, the Board shall determine as.
Section 6
The presence of two-thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors at any Board of Directors meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 7
The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing and special committees, as it deems necessary. The Board shall have the power to delegate authority to these committees, as the Board shall deem advisable.
Section 8
The Board shall have the authority, by a majority vote of those present at any regular or special meeting, to discipline, suspend or remove any Board Member of General Member of the Local League in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 3a, of this Constitution.
Section 9
At the Annual Meeting, the Membership shall receive an Annual Report verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Board of Directors. This report shall show the whole amount of real and personal property owned by the Local League, the location of the property acquired during the year preceding said meeting, and the manner of acquisition. The report will include an accounting of the amount applied, appropriated or expended during the year, the purposes, objects or person(s) to or for such applications, appropriations, or expenditures have been made. Also, a list must be submitted of the names and places of residence of the persons who have been admitted to membership in the Local League. This Annual Report shall be filed with the President, and entered in the minutes of the Annual Meeting. A copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League Headquarters.
Section 10
To be eligible to be elected President, a General Member must have been a Member in good standing of the Local League (Fossil Creek Little League) for a minimum of two (2) years. All other Officers must have been a General Member in good standing of the Local League for a minimum of one (1) year.
ARTICLE VII – Dispersing
League money shall be dispersed by check only, except Petty Cash, for concession purposes. All checks will be Board approved and will require two (2) authorized signatures.
ARTICLE VIII - Auditing Committee
Section 1
The Board of Directors shall appoint three (3) General Members to the Auditing Committee. Board Members are not eligible to serve on this Committee. The Committee must be appointed third (30) days before the Annual Meeting.
Section 2
The Audit Committee shall be presented at the Annual Meeting for adoption by the Membership. If directed by the Board of Directors, the Auditing Committee may secure the services of a Certified Public Accountant to accomplish such a review.
Section 3
The President, Treasurer or check signers are not eligible to serve on the Auditing Committee.
ARTICLE IX – Other Committees
Section 1
Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) Directors, and two (2) other appointed General 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 Committee Members (i.e., grounds committee, managers committee, etc.)
Section 2
Grounds Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Grounds Committee, which shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of the playing field(s), buildings and grounds. It shall operate within the amount appropriated in the approved budget for that purpose.
Section 3
Playing Equipment Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Playing Committee that shall secure bids on needed supplies and equipment and make recommendations for their purchase to the Board. The Committee shall be responsible for the proper issuance of such supplies and equipment and for the repair, cleaning and storage thereof at the close of the season.
Section 4
Managers Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint a Managers Committee consisting of three (3) Directors. This Committee shall interview and investigate prospective mangers and coaches, for all teams, and recommend acceptable candidates to the Board. 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 Board of Directors, investigate complaints concerning managers or coaches and make a report thereof to the President or Board of Directors as the case may be.
Section 5
Umpire Committee. The Board of Directors shall appoint an Umpire Committee consisting of three (3) Directors. The Committee shall recruit, interview and recommend to the Board for appointment a staff of umpires, including a chief umpire and replacements. When appointed, the staff of umpires shall be under the personal direction of the Local League President, assisted by the Chief Umpire who shall train, observe and schedule the staff, including scorekeepers.
Section 6
District Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a District Committee consisting of the Local League President as chairman and two (2) other Directors. The Committee shall assist the District Administrator in inter-league district functions including the selection of members of the District Administrator’s Advisory Committee and the selection of tournament sites and area tournament directors.
ARTICLE X – Officers, Duties and Powers
Section 1
Election. Immediately following the Annual Meeting, the Directors present, provided there be a quorum, shall meet for the purpose of electing Officers and appointing committees for the ensuring year.
Section 2
Officers. The Officers of the Local League shall consist of a President, a Vice President, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Player Agent, all of who shall hold office for the ensuring year or until their successors are duly elected [Regulation 1 (b). Little League Baseball Operating Manual]. By a two-thirds vote, the Board of Directors may fill any vacancy that may occur in any office.
Section 3
Vacancies. If any vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by a two-third (2/3) vote of the remaining Directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for the purpose. Resignation shall be in writing submitted to the Board of Directors. The resignation shall become final when included in the minutes of the next meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 4
President.
a. The President shall be responsible for conducting the affairs of the Local League and for executing the policies established by the Board of Directors. The President shall report the condition of the Local League at the Annual Meeting, and at such other times as determined appropriate by the President or Board. The President shall communicate such matters and make suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the Local League. [See Article IX, Section 3c)
b. The President shall be responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the policies, rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc., as agreed to under the conditions of Charter issued to Fossil Creek Little League.
c. The President shall preside at all meetings of General Members and the Board of Directors.
d. The President, or other Officer as designated in writing, shall have the authority to make and execute for and in the name of the Local League, such contracts and leases as may have received prior approval of the Board.
e. The President shall investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the Local League and report thereon to the Board of Directors as circumstances warrant.
f. The President shall prepare with the Treasurer, an annual budget to be presented to and approved by the Board of Directors, and be responsible for the proper execution thereof.
g. The President, with the assistance of the Player Agent, shall examine the application and ``proof of age’’ document of every player candidate to certify his/her residence and age eligibility, before the player may be accepted to the League.
h. The President shall receive all mail, supplies and other communication from Little League Headquarters. He/she is the contact between Fossil Creek Little League and Little League Headquarters.
i. The President is ex-officio member of all committees
j. The President shall be a General Member in good standing of the Local League for a minimum of two (2) years.
Section 5.
Vice President.
a. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President, provided the President, or Board of Directors, authorizes him, so to act. When so acting, he/she shall have the authority of that office.
b. The Vice President shall be in charge of all fund raising projects, other than concession and registration. Fund raising projects must have prior approval of the Board of Directors.
c. The Vice President shall be in charge of obtaining Sponsors for the Local League.
d. The Vice President shall hold a meeting with the Board of Directors, Division VP’s, Managers, Umpires and Coaches for the purpose of reviewing the Local League Constitution and By-laws.
e. The Vice President may manage; coach or umpire provided they do not serve on the Protest Committee.
Section 6
Secretary
.a. The Secretary shall be responsible for recording the activities of the Local League and maintaining appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records. He/she shall perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, besides other duties as are customarily incident to the office of Secretary or may be assigned to him/her by the Board of Directors.
b. The Secretary shall maintain a list of all General Members, Board of Directors and Committee members.
c. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of General meetings and meetings of the Board of Directors, in a bound log book kept for that purpose. The book shall serve as a permanent record of the Local League, containing all current and previous League minutes.
d. The Secretary shall conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated concerning said meetings and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions.
e. The Secretary shall issue membership cards to all Members
f. The Secretary shall keep a copy of the League Waiting List.
g. The Secretary shall not manage or umpire.
Section 7
Treasurer.
a. The Treasurer shall perform such duties as are herein set forth, and, such other duties as are customarily incident of the Office of Treasurer or duties that may be assigned to him/her by the Board of Directors.
b. The Treasurer shall receive all monies and securities from all League activities and deposit the same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
c. The Treasurer shall keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the Local League. The Treasurer shall issue checks for allotted funds, with approval of the Board of Directors.
d. The Treasurer shall prepare, with the President, an Annual Budget, to be presented and approved by the Board of Directors.
e. The Treasurer shall prepare an Annual Financial Report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.
f. The Treasurer shall be in charge of registration.
g. The Treasurer shall not manage or umpire.
Section 8
Player Agent.
a. The Player Agent shall Record all player transactions and accurately maintain up to date records on all Player Members.
b. The Player Agent shall receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in verifying residence and age eligibility.
c. The Player Agent shall conduct the Play draft and all other player transactions.
d. The Player Agent shall prepare the Player Agent’s list.
e. The Player Agent shall prepare, for the President’s signature, team rosters, including a Player’s Claimed Affidavit and the Tournament Team Eligibility Affidavit, to be submitted to Little League Headquarters.
f. The Player Agent shall notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements or trades.
g. All Division Vice Presidents and the Umpire Committee shall report to the Player Agent and shall assist accordingly.
h. The Player Agent along with the Division Vice Presidents and Managers shall set, provide, and maintain game schedules, including rainout re-scheduling.
i. The Player Agent shall work with the Managers to determine rainouts.
j. The Player Agent will maintain Waiting Lists with a copy provided for the Secretary
.k. The Player Agent will forward a copy of the team rosters and player eligibility information to each Division Vice President.l. The Player Agent shall not manage, coach or umpire.
Section 9
Division Vice-Presidents.
a. The Division Vice Presidents are not members of the Board of Directors. Division Vice Presidents will report directly to Player Agent and will keep Team Rosters and player eligibility information for their divisions.
b. Division Vice Presidents shall insure sportsmanlike conduct and fair play and will act as arbitrator to avoid game protect situations.
c. The Division Vice Presidents, along with the Player Agent, shall provide and maintain game schedules for their divisions.d. The Division Vice Presidents shall not manage, coach or umpire in their respective Divisions.
Article XI – Managers, Coaches & Umpires
Section 1
Managers.
a. Managers must reflect an understanding of the age group they supervise and must encourage their players at every opportunity. A Manager must be aware that he/she is an example to those with whom he/she works. Managers must instill in their Players a respect for authority of adult leaders in the League.
b. Managers must show that they have an appreciation of the philosophy of Little League Baseball and cooperate in making the program of mutual benefit to all youngsters.
c. The Manager must provide an opportunity for each youngster to participate in each game within the Regulations of Little League Baseball Inc. and Local League Options.
d. The Manager helps in shaping acceptable behavior whether the team wins or loses. He/she must stress fair play along with competition.
e. The Manager must show by example, that they respect the judgment and position of the umpire.
f. Managers must know and correctly interpret and abide by the Rules and Regulations of Little League and the Local League.
g. Managers must pass screening by a Committee and acceptance by the Board of Directors with a majority vote.
h. Managers must attend League approved training on Rules, Regulations, By-Laws and Umpire School.
i. Managers must use sound, reasonable judgment in any protest situation.
j. A Manager is subject to disciplinary action in the event of any unsportsmanlike conduct.
k. Once accepted, Managers must:
1. Attend Manager/Coach meetings.
2. Umpire games outside their division as assigned by the Umpire in Chief.
3. Attend Player Draft and All Star ``Picks’’.
l. Managers shall appoint coaches as needed after players have been selected.
m. Managers shall report to the Player Agent and Managers Committee.
n. Managers are responsible for submitting a list of their coaches to their Division Vice President and the Player Agent.
o. Managers for all Divisions shall meet at least once before the start of the season to review the rules and regulations of their Division and Little League in general.
Section 2
Coaches.
a. Coaches will report to his/her Manager or Division Vice President, and are subject to disciplinary action in the event of any unsportsmanlike conduct.
b. Coaches must attend all League approved training on Rules, Regulations, By-Laws and Umpire School.
c. Once accepted, Coaches must:
1. Attend Manager/Coach meetings.
2. Umpire games outside their division as assigned by the Umpire in Chief.
Section 3
Umpires.
a. The Umpire in Chief and Umpires shall be appointed annually by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, who shall be responsible for their assignments and for their actions on the field. Regulation 1 (b).
b. Umpires must attend all League approved training on Rules, Regulations, and By-Laws and Umpire school.