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Constitution - 2007 Draft
Table of Contents
Article I Adoption of League Name
Article II Objectives
Article III Rules of Membership
Article IV Dues and Fees
Article V Membership Meetings
Article VI Executive Board of Directors
Article VII Extended Board of Directors
Article VIII Other Committees
Article IX League Officers
Article X Managers, Coaches and Umpires
Article XI League Affiliations and Rules
Article XII Finances and Accounts
Article XIII Amendment Procedure
ARTICLE I
Name
The Monroe Little League, a Connecticut nonprofit corporation, hereby adopts its constitution consistent with the Charter of Little League™ Baseball, Inc. Hereafter the Monroe Little League shall be referred to as "The League."
ARTICLE II
Objective
Section 1. The objective of The 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 League will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All directors, officers and members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance.
Section 3. Non-Profit Tax Entity. In accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code The League shall operate exclusively as a non-profit organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball games. No part of it net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; and no substantial part of its activities shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation; nor shall it participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE III
Membership
Section 1. Eligibility. Any person who lives or works within the authorized boundaries of the Little League and who is sincerely interested in active participation to effect the objectives of The 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 the Little League Regulation IV and who resides within the authorized boundaries of The League shall be eligible to compete for participation but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of The League.
(b) Regular Members. Any person actively interested in furthering
the objective of The League who lives or works within its
authorized boundaries may become a regular member upon election as
hereinafter provided. The secretary shall maintain the roll of
membership to qualify voting members. Only Regular Members in good
standing are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting or Special
Meetings. Note: Regular Members of The League automatically
include current Managers, Executive Board Members, Extended Board
Members, Officers of the Board and any other person who is
recognized by the Board as a volunteer. For example, a volunteer
having devoted significant time and energy to the program.
(c) Honorary Members. Any person may be elected as an honorary member by the unanimous vote of all directors present at any duly held meeting of the
Executive Board of Directors but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management of the property of The League.
Section 3. Other Affiliations: Players and regular members shall not be required to be affiliated with another organization or group to qualify as members of The League. Regular members should not be actively engaged in the promotion and/or operation of any other baseball program.
Section 4. Suspension or Termination. Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the
Executive Board of Directors.
(a) The Executive Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of the League and/or Little League Baseball. 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) The Executive Board of Directors shall, in a case of player member, give notice to the manager of the team of which the player is a member. Said manager shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player before a duly appointed committee of the
Executive Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player's right to future participation. The player member involved shall receive a written letter to the parent outlining the circumstances and confirming the action taken by the
Executive Board of Directors. This is to insure that a player will not be able to re-enter The League at a later time.
ARTICLE IV
Dues and Fees
Section 1. Dues for regular members may be fixed at such amounts as the
Executive Board of Directors shall determine prior to the beginning of any membership period.
Section 2. Regular members who fail to pay their fixed dues within thirty (30) days from the time the same become due may by vote of the
Executive Board be dropped from the rolls and shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership.
Section 3. A reasonable Little League participation fee may be assessed as a parents' obligation to assure the operational continuity of The League. At no time should payment of any fee or dues be prerequisite for participation in The Little League Baseball program. (Little League Regulation XIII(c)).
ARTICLE V
Members Meetings
Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the members of The League shall be held during the month of October in each year for the purpose of electing regular members and directors and receiving reports and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting. 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 ensuing year.
Section 2. Notice of Meeting. Notice of each annual meeting of the members shall be mailed or otherwise delivered to each member at the last recorded address at least ten (10) days in advance thereof setting forth the place, time and purpose of the meeting; or in lieu thereof, notice may be posted at the Beardsley Field Concession Stand or given in such form as may be authorized by the members, from time to time, at a regularly convened meeting.
Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the members may be called by the
Executive Board of Directors or by the Secretary or President at their discretion. Upon the written request of ten (10) regular members, the President shall call a special meeting to consider a specific subject. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the members.
Section 4. Quorum. The presence in person or representation by absentee ballot of one- fifth (1/5) of the regular members, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.
Section 5. Voting. Only regular members shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of The League.
Section 6. Absentee Ballot. For the expressed purpose of accommodating a regular member in good standing who cannot be in attendance at the annual meeting, 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 the annual meeting and the election of members to the
Executive Board of Directors. The Secretary shall present all absentee ballots to the election chairman on the date of the annual meeting prior to the conduct of the election process.
Section 7. Rules of Order. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceeding of all meetings, except where same conflicts with the Constitution or By-Laws of The League.
ARTICLE VI
Executive
Board of Directors
Section 1. Board and Number. The management of the property and affairs of the League shall be vested in the
Executive Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall be not less than five (5) or more than fifteen (15). The Directors shall upon election immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 2. Required Members. The Executive Board membership shall include the officers, including the Player Agent of Baseball, Player Agent of Softball and a minimum of one manager. The number of managers (from all leagues) elected to the
Executive Board should not exceed a minority of the total board members.
Section 3. Annual Elections and Term of Office. At each annual meeting, the members shall determine the number of directors to be elected for the ensuing year and shall elect such number of directors. The number so fixed may, within the limits prescribed by the foregoing Section 1, be increased, at any regular or special meeting of the members, and if the number is increased, the additional directors may be elected at the meeting at which the increase is voted, or by any majority vote of all members present or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the secretary prior to the election meeting.
Section 4. Vacancies. If any vacancy occurs on the Executive Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 5. Meetings, Notice and Quorum. Regular meetings of the
Executive Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual election and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the
Executive Board. The President or the Secretary may, whenever any of them deems it advisable, and the Secretary shall, at the request in writing of five (5) directors, issue a call for a special meeting of the
Executive Board. Notice of each meeting shall be given by the Secretary to each director either by mail at least three (3) days before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each director, or by telephone or telegraphic or personal notice twenty-four hours preceding the meeting. In the case of special meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not so stated may be acted upon at the meeting. Five (5) members of the
Executive Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, if the
Executive Board consists of fifteen (15) members; otherwise 1/3rd of the duly constituted
Executive Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 6. Duties and Powers. The Executive Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine and to delegate such powers to them as the
Executive Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.
The Executive 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 Executive Board shall have the power by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any director or officer or committee member of The League in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 4(a).
The Executive Board shall receive at the annual meeting of the members of The League a report verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the directors, showing the whole amount of real and personal property owned by The League, where located, and where and how invested; the amount and nature of the property acquired during the year immediately preceding the date of the report and the manner of the acquisition; the amount applied, appropriated or expended during the year immediately preceding such date; the purposes, objects or persons to or for which such applications, appropriations or expenditures have been made; and, the names and places of residence of the persons who have been admitted to membership in The League during such year. Such report shall be filed with the records of The League and an abstract thereof entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the annual meeting.
ARTICLE VII
Extended Board of Directors
Section 1. The Executive Board of Directors shall appoint an
Extended Board of Directors which shall consist of all the
Executive Board members and other appointed regular members. Other
members of this committee shall include but are not limited to all
Safety Officer, the Chief Umpire, Field Coordinator, Concession
Stand Director, League Directors, the Equipment Manager and
Director of Team Moms.
Section 2. The Extended Board of Directors shall oversee all
League baseball operations including the Major and Minor league
programs, the selection and disciplining of all managers and
coaches at all levels, implementation and enforcement of all local
playing rules adopted by the Board of Directors from time to time
and the issuance and replacement of playing equipment, supplies
and uniforms.
Section 3. The Extended Board of Directors shall interview,
investigate and recommend the selection of managers to the
President for all levels of play, all of who shall be subject to
approval by the Executive Board of Directors.
Section 4. The Extended Board of Directors shall enforce all local
playing rules including the code of conduct for all managers,
coaches, and umpires; and investigate and make recommendations to
the Executive Board of Directors , which shall make the final
decision in any such matter.
Section 5. The Extended Board of Directors shall manage the
conduct of the Major and Minor League programs including the
scheduling of tryouts, practices and League games during the
playing season including all playoff games and tournament play.
Section 6. The Extended Board of Directors shall oversee the
issuing of equipment, supplies and uniforms to each team at all
levels of play, ordering new and replacement equipment, supplies
and uniforms as needed from time to time and ensuring that all
equipment used during the playing season meets all Little League
Baseball, Inc. standards.
Section 7. The Extended Board of Directors shall operate within
the amount appropriated in the approved budget.
ARTICLE VIII
Other Committees
Section 1. Finance Committee. The Executive Board of Directors, at
its discretion, shall appoint a Finance Committee consisting of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) directors. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Committee.
The Committee shall investigate ways and means of financing the Local League including team sponsorships and submit recommendations.
It shall be responsible for taking up collections at games, if such collections are authorized by The League and shall turn over said collections to the treasurer immediately after each game.
Section 2. Building, Grounds and Property Committee. The Executive
Board of Directors shall, at its discretion, appoint a Building, Grounds and Property Committee consisting of at least one but not more than three (3) directors, and other appointed regular members. The Committee Chairman shall seek out individuals to serve on the Committee. The Committee shall be responsible for;
a. investigating and recommending available sites and plans for the improvement of Beardsley Fields, including ways and means, the latter in co-operation with the Finance Committee,
b. supervising the performance of approved projects, and
c. the care and maintenance of the playing field(s), buildings and grounds.
d. operating within the amount appropriated in the approved budget.
Section 3. Umpire Committee. The Executive Board of Directors
shall, at its discretion, appoint an Umpire Committee consisting of at least the Chief Umpire. The Chief Umpire, who in such capacity will report functionally to the Baseball Operations Committee shall recruit, interview and recommend to the Baseball Operations Committee for appointment a staff of umpires, including replacements.
When appointed, the staff of umpires shall be under the personal direction and responsibility of the Chief Umpire who shall train, observe and schedule the staff.
Section 4. Auditing Committee. The Executive Board of Directors
shall, at its discretion, appoint an auditing Committee consisting of three (3) directors. The President, Treasurer and signatories of checks are not eligible.
The Committee will review The League's books and records annually prior to the annual meeting and attach a statement of their findings to the annual financial statement of the President and Treasurer; or may, if directed by the
Executive Board of Directors or membership, secure the services of a certified public accountant to accomplish such review.
Section 5. Nominating Committee. The Executive Board of Directors
shall, at its discretion, appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and 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 and Committee Members.
ARTICLE IX
Officers, Duties and Powers
Section 1. Election. Immediately following the annual meeting, provided there be a quorum, the
Executive Board of Directors shall meet for the purpose of electing officers and appointing committees for the ensuing year.
Section 2. Officers. The officers of the Local League shall consist of a president, one or more vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer and a player agent of baseball and a player agent of softball, all of whom shall be members of the
Executive Board and who shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected. Regulation (b).
The Executive Board of Directors may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office. Appointed officers or agents shall have no vote on actions taken by the
Executive Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the
Executive Board by the membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the
Executive Board.
Section 3. President. The President shall;
(a) Conduct the affairs of The League and execute the policies established by the
Executive Board of Directors.
(b) Present a report of the condition of The League at the annual meeting.
(c) Communicate to the Executive Board of Directors, such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions to tend to promote the welfare of The League.
(d) Be responsible for the conduct of The League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued The League by that organization.
(e) Designate in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of The League such contracts and leases as may have received prior approval of the
Executive Board.
(g) Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to The League and report thereon to the
Executive Board circumstances warrant.
(h) Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Executive Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof.
(i) With the assistance of the player agent, examine the application and support proof-of-age documents of every player candidate and certify as to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection.
(j) Serve as League representative to District II of Little League Baseball, Inc. and to all other public and private entities.
Section 4. Vice-President. The Vice President shall;
a) In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided he/she is authorized by the President or
Executive Board so to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of that office, and
b) Shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the
Executive Board of Directors or by the President. Section 5.
Secretary. The Secretary shall:
(a) Be responsible for recording the activities of The League and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.
(b) Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of secretary or as may be assigned by the
Executive Board of Directors.
(c) Maintain a list of all regular and honorary members, directors and committee members and give notice of all meetings of The League, the
Executive Board of Directors and Committees.
(d) Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, the Executive
Board of Directors and if in existence the Executive
CommitteeExtended Board of Directors, and cause them to be
recorded in a book kept for that purpose. In so doing also conduct
all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in
connection with said meetings and shall be responsible for
carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise
committed.
(e) Notify members, directors, officers and committee members of their election or appointment.
Section 7. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
(a) Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the
Executive Board of Directors at the first meeting after the end of the fiscal year.
(b) Receive all monies and securities; and deposit same in a depository approved by the
Executive Board of Directors.
(c) Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of The League, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with the policies established in advance of such actions by the
Executive Board of Directors.
(d) Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the membership and
Executive Board of Directors at the first meeting after the end of the fiscal year.
Section 8. Player Agent of Baseball. The Player Agent of Baseball shall:
(a) Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate up-to-date record thereof.
(b) Receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the president in checking residence and age eligibility.
(c) Conduct the player draft and all other player transactions or selection meetings.
(d) Prepare the player agent's list.
(e) Prepare for the president's signature and submission to Little League Headquarters, team rosters, including players' claimed and tournament team eligibility affidavit.
(f) Notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements or trades.
Section 9. Player Agent of Softball. The Player Agent of Softball shall:
(a) Record all player softball transactions and maintain an accurate up-to-date record thereof.
(b) Receive and review softball applications for player candidates and assist the president in checking residence and age eligibility.
(c) Conduct the softball player draft and all other player transactions or selection meetings.
(d) Prepare the player agent's list.
(e) Prepare for the president's signature and submission to Little League Headquarters, softball team rosters, including players' claimed and tournament team eligibility affidavit.
(f) Notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements or trades.
ARTICLE X
Manager, Coaches and Umpires
Section 1. Team managers and coaches shall be appointed annually by the
Extended Board of Directors, with the approval of the Executive Board of Directors, and who shall be responsible for the selection of their teams and for their actions on the field. Regulation 1(b).
Section 2. Umpires shall be appointed annually by the Umpire in
Chief, with the approval of the Extended Board of Directors, and who shall be responsible for their assignments and for their actions on the field. Regulation 1(b).
Section 3. While holding such office, where sufficient volunteer resources exist to run The League, Player Agent shall not manage or coach.
ARTICLE XI
Affiliation
Section 1. Charter. The League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter.
The League shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program.
Section 2. Rules and Regulations. The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shall be binding on The League.
Section 3. Local League Rules. The local rules of The League shall be adopted by the
Executive 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 and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated.
ARTICLE XII
Financial and Accounting
Section 1. The Executive Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of The League and it shall place all income in a common League treasury, directing the expenditure of same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
Section 2. The Executive Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit same for the common treasurer of The League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of The League.
Section 3. The Executive Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball unless all of the funds so raised be placed in The League treasury.
Section 4. The Executive Board shall not permit the disbursement of League funds for other than the conduct of Little League activities in accordance with the rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated.
Section 5. No director, officer or member of The League shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation or emolument from The League for services rendered as director, officer or member.
Section 6. All monies received, including Auxiliary Funds, shall be deposited to The League, in a local bank and all disbursements shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by The League treasurer or authorized signatory.
Section 7. The fiscal year of The League shall begin on the first day of October and shall end on the last day of September.
Section 8. Distribution of Property upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution of The League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the members shall distribute the property of The League to such other non-profit organization or organizations maintaining an objective similar to that set forth herein, which shall be entitled to exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote at any duly organized meeting of the members provided such notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting.
By unanimous vote of the Regular Members on _______________, 2006 , at Monroe, Connecticut.
................................................. , Secretary
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