By-Laws of the Jaguars United Soccer Jaguars
United
Chapter 1. Members.
1.1 Jaguars United shall
have only one class of members. All memberships shall have the same rights,
privileges, restrictions and conditions.
1.2 Jaguars United is a
volunteer service organization whose membership will be open to qualified
individuals willing to work actively in achieving the stated purposes of
Jaguars United. To qualify as a member an individual must be either:
1.2.1
An adult coach, assistant coach, team manager, volunteer referee, or providers
of other support services or,
1.2.2
A Parent or Guardian of players registered with Jaguars United. Qualified
individuals shall be accepted for membership if:
1.2.3
The individual has demonstrated his or her willingness to participate in the
governance of Jaguars United by attending at least four of the last twelve
Jaguars United meetings
1.2.4
The individual has not been convicted of a criminal activity which the State of
Pennsylvania considers inimical to working with children.
1.2.5
The individual has completed a membership application.
1.3 Qualified individuals
may be admitted as members at any time during the seasonal year.
1.4 There shall be no fee or
dues charged members of Jaguars United.
1.5 There is no limit on the
number of members Jaguars United may admit.
1.6 Jaguars United shall
keep an attendance log containing the name, address and telephone number of
each member. Termination of the membership of any member shall be recorded in
the log, together with the date of termination of such membership. The
attendance log shall be kept by the Secretary.
1.7 A member of Jaguars
United is not as such personally liable for the debts, liabilities or
obligations of Jaguars United.
1.8 The membership of a
member shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
1.8.1
Upon his or her notice of termination delivered to the President or the
Secretary of Jaguars United personally or by mail, such membership to terminate
upon the date of delivery of the notice or date of deposit in the mail.
1.8.2
Continuous and willful violation of the provisions of the Bylaws and the rules
of the club as determined by the Judicial committee
and/or the Board of Directors provided that such decision may be appealed under
the provisions outlined in Chapter 5 of these Bylaws.
1.8.3
Commission and conviction of criminal activity which the State of Pennsylvania
considers inimical to working with children.
1.8.4
Failure to attend four (4) of the last twelve Jaguars United meetings.
1.9 Membership maybe
reinstated if the former member qualifies as provided herein and that the
former member's termination was not caused by section 1.8.3 of these By-Laws.
1.10 All rights of a member
in Jaguars United shall cease on the termination of membership as provided
herein.
1.11 Those memberships
described in this amendment as having "full voting rights" are
entitled to vote on any issues nominated for a vote by the board of the Jaguars
United.
Chapter 2. Meetings
2.1 Monthly meetings shall
be held on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of
the Pleasant Hills Borough Building or at the Jefferson Borough Building. All
members are encouraged to attend all meetings.
2.2 The date, time and place
of monthly meetings maybe changed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors
provided that all members are given forty-eight (48) hours
notice of such changes.
2.3 The regular monthly
meetings will be held to determine policies and procedures not otherwise
specified in these Bylaws provided that:
2.3.1
The seventh meeting of the seasonal year shall include a consideration of the
incoming year's budget
2.3.2
Elections of officers whose tenures expire at the end of the seasonal year
shall be held no later than the seventh regular meeting provided that
nominations are made at least one meeting before elections are held.
2.3.3
The first and seventh regular meetings shall include considerations for changes
in the Rules and Regulations as provided by the Constitution. Rule changes may be
made at other times during the seasonal year (to account for emergent
conditions) provided that the Executive Committee approves the rule change with
a two thirds majority vote of committee members present at a duly constituted
committee meeting and provided further that the rule change is ratified by a
majority vote of the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting.
2.4 The Agenda for each
meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors President provided that
the Agenda follow the order given:
a) Call to Order
b) Roll Call
c) Acceptance of new members
d) Reading of the last meeting's minutes
e) Acceptance of those minutes
f) Reports by the President, Treasurer,
Registrar and Committees.
g) Unfinished Business.
h) Proposals for amendments to the
Constitution, By-Laws.
i)
Nominations and elections of officers (seventh meeting)
j) New Business
k) Adjournment
2.4.1
New Business may be included in the Agenda on approval of a majority of the
Board of Directors.
2.4.2
Matters not included on the Agenda maybe brought up on the floor during any
meeting provided that two-thirds of the members present and voting agree to do
so and that a quorum to conduct or to continue to conduct a meeting exists.
2.5 Special meetings may be
called by written petition by at least five members of good standing or by at
least three officers, provided that all members are given forty eight (48) hours notice of the time, place and purpose of the meeting.
2.6 A minimum of one half
the number of elected officers plus one (1) (the number if not whole to be
rounded to the closest lower whole number) is needed in order to conduct either
a regular or a special meeting.
2.7 Every act or decision
done or made by a majority of voting members present in person at a duly held
meeting at which a quorum is present is the act of the
members, unless the Constitution, these By-Laws, or provisions of law require a
greater number.
2.8 Voting Rights:
2.8.1
Each member is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote by the
members.
2.8.2
Voting at duly held meetings shall be by voice vote. Voting by written ballot
maybe authorized by a vote of a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Board of
Directors present.
2.9 Council meetings shall
be presided over by the President or in his absence by the Vice President or in
his absence by a chair chosen by a majority of voting members. The Secretary
shall act as the secretary of all meetings of members provided that in the
secretary's absence, the presiding officer shall appoint another person to act
as the Secretary of the meeting. The officer presiding during a meeting shall
not be allowed to cast a vote except to break a tie.
2.10 Unless otherwise
provided for in the Constitution and these By-Laws, or otherwise agreed to by
the membership, Robert's Rules of Order shall be deemed to be adopted at all
meetings conducted by Jaguars United.
2.11 Rules of Conduct: The
President shall conduct all annual and regular meetings of the membership and
shall have the right to close off or limit debate on any business when and if
such debate becomes repetitive and/or unduly lengthy, provided however, no
member shall be denied the right to speak constructively on any matter properly
brought before any meeting.
Chapter 3. Elected Officers. Duties and
Responsibilities
The following officers will
be collectively constitute the “Board of Directors of Jaguars United”:
3.1 The President shall:
a)
Preside at all Jaguars United meetings and Board of Directors meetings.
b)
Represent Jaguars United in all activities requiring the official presence of
Jaguars United. He may appoint a representative in such activities.
c)
Ensure that all matters approved by the membership are carried out in the
manner prescribed. At no time shall the president undertake a project or make
decisions regarding policies and budgetary matters without the approval of the
Board of Directors.
d)
Co-Sign checks for Jaguars United.
e)
Sign all contracts on behalf of Jaguars United
f)
Manage and be responsible for an amount of money set aside by the Board of
Directors for administrative matters.
g)
Be a member of all permanent committees.
3.2 The Vice President
shall:
a)
Assume the President's duties whenever the President is unable to carry out
his/her duties.
b)
Co-sign checks for Jaguars United when either the Treasurer or the President is
unable to do so.
c)
Chair the Judicial Committee.
3.3 The Secretary shall:
a)
Keep accurate records of the minutes of Jaguars United's meetings.
b)
Attend to all the correspondences of the Jaguars United and keep accurate
records of such.
c)
Keep and maintain Jaguars United's membership log.
d)
Keep and maintain all the official documents of Jaguars United including but
not limited to the official copies of the Constitution. These by-laws, the
Rules and Regulations, and all PA WEST rules and regulations.
e)
Chair the Constitution, By-laws and Rules committee.
3.4 The Treasurer shall:
a)
Process vouchers, collect debts and fees owed Jaguars United, maintain
bookkeeping records and co-sign checks for the Jaguars United.
b)
Maintain the necessary bank accounts as authorized by the membership
c)
Prepare and submit financial reports to the membership at each regular meeting.
d)
Submit financial records of Jaguars United for audit upon completion of his/her
term
e)
Chair of the Budget and Finance committee.
3.5 The In-House Coordinator
shall:
a)
Organize and coordinate all In-House leagues authorized by the membership
ensuring strict adherence to the Rules and Regulations of Jaguars United.
b)
Recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval Age Group coordinators,
coaches and assistant coaches for the In-House programs
c)
Be a member of the budget and finance committee.
3.6 The Travel and
Tournaments Coordinator shall
a)
Organize and coordinate all Travel Teams authorized by the membership ensuring
strict adherence to all Jaguars United's Rules and Regulations as well as PA
WEST regulations.
b)
Recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval all travel team Coaches. Assistant
Coaches and Managers.
c)
Be a member of the budget and finance committee.
3.7 The Registrars shall;
a)
Be responsible for collecting player sign-up forms, verifying birth dates,
approving player and team registration forms ensuring that all registration
matters are consistent with PA WEST rules and policies and registering all
players and coaches with PA WEST.
b)
Keep and maintain all player and coach records including all yellow and red
cards issued to travel players.
c)
Be the chair of the Registration committee.
3.8 The Referee Coordinators
shall:
a)
Be responsible for recruiting and training referees for both the in-house and
travel programs.
b)
Be the Chief referee assignor for all in-house and travel games. He or she may
delegate these responsibilities.
c)
Recommend a referee fee structure to the membership for its approval.
d)
Be a member of the Budget and Finance committee.
3.9 The Coach and Player Development Coordinator
shall:
a)
Be responsible for organizing clinics for coaches and players.
b)
Be responsible for the identification and the outplacement of outstanding
players to the Classic league teams or Olympic Development Programs.
c)
Chair the Coach and Player Development committee.
3.10 The Purchasing Agent
shall:
a)
Be responsible for acquiring all supplies and equipment necessary for the
operation of Jaguars United.
b)
Have approved and/or report all expenditures to the President and the Board of
Directors.
3.11 The Field Managers
shall:
a)
Be responsible for the condition of Jaguars United fields and for ensuring that
proper equipment (e.g. goals) is available.
b)
Secure and maintain field permits.
c)
Schedule games and practices.
d)
Oversee/direct field lining.
3.12 The Equipment Manager
shall:
a)
Maintain an inventory of all Jaguars United equipment.
b)
Oversee distribution of equipment to coaches prior to a season.
c)
Oversee the return of all equipment from coaches after a season.
3.13 The Fund Raising
Chairperson shall:
a)
Oversee/direct Association-wide fund-raising efforts
b)
Provide/suggest new fund-raising opportunities
3.14 The Special Events
Coordinator shall:
a)
Oversee/direct any special (non-game, non-practice) activities associated with
the Association including, but not limited to, awards ceremonies, banquets,
picnics, etc.
b)
May under certain circumstances, and with the approval of the Board of
Directors, assist the Fund Raising Chairperson.
3.15 The Webmaster shall:
a)
Be responsible for the maintenance and operation of www.jaguarsunited.com on
the internet.
b)
Be responsible for forwarding correspondence received via the web site to the
appropriate individuals.
c)
Be responsible for overseeing the on-line registration system.
3.16 The Members at Large
shall:
a)
Provide consultation to the Board of Directors in one or more areas of
expertise.
b)
Undertake special assignments as directed by the Board of Directors.
Chapter 4. Committees
Jaguars United shall provide
for the following Permanent Committees. These committees will not necessarily
be operative at all times, but will be formed and activated as deemed necessary
by the Board of Directors.
4.1 The Executive Committee
chaired by the President and comprised of officers designated by the Board of Directors
of Jaguars United shall:
a)
Oversee all activities of the Jaguars United on a day-to-day basis including
the handling of correspondence, resolution of problems and approving the
payment of bills and obligations of the Jaguars United which do not exceed
budgetary limitations set by the Council.
b)
Make Executive decisions and actions necessary for the smooth running of the
Jaguars United and which cannot by their nature await the next Board of
Directors meeting provided that one third of the members of the Executive
Committee do not request that the decision be referred to the Board of
Directors at a regular or special meeting. Such decisions maybe overturned by a
majority of the Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
c)
Prepare the agenda for each Jaguars United meeting. The executive committees
shall have sole authority to include matters for discussion by Jaguars United
at its regular meetings except as provided herein.
d)
Appoint committee chairs unless otherwise provided for in these By-Laws.
e)
Approve all appointments of Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Managers, Age Commissioners.
f)
Consider and vote on the recommendation of the judicial committee regarding
disciplinary actions against a member or an officer of Jaguars United. Such
action shall require a majority of the officers present and voting provided
that a quorum exists as provided for in these By-Laws. The Executive committee
shall meet as needed in order to carry out its responsibilities. All members
shall be duly notified by the secretary of such meetings. A quorum as defined
for Jaguars United meetings is required for business to be conducted.
4.2. The Budget and Finance
committee chaired by the Treasurer and comprised of at the minimum those
officers defined to be ex-officio members viz.
President. In-House commissioner, Travel and Tournaments Commissioner, Referee
Commissioner shall:
a)
Prepare and submit an annual Budget at the Jaguars United's seventh regular
meeting.
b)
Consider and recommend actions on any changes in the player fee structure and
referee pay structure.
c)
Consider and recommend any budgetary matters that were not included in the
annual budget approved.
4.3. The Constitution.
By-laws and Rules Committee chaired by the Secretary and having at least two
other members appointed by the Secretary shall:
a)
Consider and recommend amendments to Jaguars United's Constitution, Bylaws, and
Rules and Regulations
b)
Ensure that actions taken by Jaguars United are consistent with the
Constitution, By-Laws and Jaguars United's Standing Rules. As such, it shall be
the arbiter of questions regarding the Constitution, By-laws and the Standing
Rules. Final acceptance of the committee's interpretation shall be made by a
vote of the Board of Directors.
4.4 The Nomination Committee
chaired by an officer appointed by the President and approved by the Executive
committee shall:
a)
Identify members who may be interested in serving as officers of Jaguars
United.
b)
Supervise the election of officers.
4.5 The Judicial Committee
chaired by the Vice President with no less than two (2) nor more than four (4)
other members whose membership must be approved by the Board of Directors
shall:
a)
Consider all disciplinary matters against officers, members, players or any
other volunteers of Jaguars United provided that only matters pertaining to
violations of Jaguars United's constitution, By-Laws or the Standing rules
shall be considered by this committee.
b)
Consider disciplinary matters with a view of resolving the matter in a timely
manner so as not to prejudice the individual's ability to continue with
assigned duties or responsibilities.
c)
Make recommendations regarding disciplinary matters to the Board of Directors
that shall decide on the disposition of the committee's recommendations under
the provisions outlined in Chapter 5.0 of these by-laws. Such decisions and
matters pertaining to the committee's considerations shall be kept confidential
unless a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the general membership votes otherwise.
4.6 The Publicity and Public Relations Committee chaired by an officer or member appointed by the
President and approved by the Board of Directors shall:
a)
Be responsible for developing and maintaining a good relationship with the
media.
b)
Publish game results.
c)
Announce special events or activities.
d)
Prepare newsletter for coaches and parents.
4.7. The Fund Raising and
Sponsors committee chaired by the Fundraising Coordinator:
a)
Develop, implement and supervise fund raising programs for Jaguars United
provided that such programs are approved by the membership.
b)
Solicit sponsors for Jaguars United's programs and ensure that these sponsors
are properly recognized.
4.8 The Registration
Committee chaired by one of the Registrars shall:
a)
Organize and coordinate registration dates for players.
b)
Assist the registrar in the registration of players and the validation of their
birthdates.
4.9. The Fields and Schedule
Committee chaired by one of the Field Managers, the In-house Coordinator, or
the Travel Coordinator:
a)
Be responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for fields and gyms needed
for Jaguars United's programs.
b)
Make field assignments for practices and games.
c)
Ensure that all fields are properly lined and safe to play on. The committee
chair or his appointed representative shall be responsible for deciding on the
propriety of the use of fields for games and/or practices consistent with the
Standing Rules ensuring that this decision is also consistent with the
regulations set forth by the authority which issues the necessary permits.
4.10 The Equipment and
Uniforms committee chaired by the Equipment Manager or the Purchasing Agent
shall be responsible for the acquisition, maintenance, storage and distribution
of field equipment (goals, balls, etc.) and uniforms for both the In-House and
Travel programs.
4.11 The Coach and Player Development Committee chaired by the Coach and
Player Development Commissioner shall assist the commissioner in coordinating clinics
and player evaluations.
4.12 The Board of Directors
may from time to time establish special committees to consider specific
matters.
Chapter 5. Disciplinary Actions and Appeals
Jaguars United recognizes
the rights of its members to have a fair hearing regarding any matter of
discipline. Jaguars United also recognizes the right of its members to appeal
any decision made by the Jaguars United Board of Directors pertaining to them
directly. A Disciplinary Hearing will be conducted whenever a dispute arises
between players, coaches, volunteers, or parents/guardians that cannot be resolved
by the parties involved, and for alleged violations of Jaguars United rules and
policies. The Jaguars United President will determine if enough evidence exists
to bring the matter before the Board of Directors for a disciplinary hearing.
Disciplinary Matters
All disciplinary hearings
shall be held using the following procedures: All hearings shall be heard by a
quorum of the voting members of the Jaguars United Board of Directors at a
regular monthly meeting. At the discretion of the President, an emergency
meeting of the Board of Directors may be scheduled to address emergency
matters. The accused shall be notified in writing (hardcopy and electronic, if
available) as to the date, time, location and reason for the hearing. The
notice shall also include any witnesses who will testify against the accused.
The notice shall be sent by electronic mail if available and certified United
States Postal mail, and will be postmarked no less than 14 days prior to the
scheduled hearing date. Failure of the accused to appear at the hearing without
written notification to the Jaguars United President may constitute an
automatic judgment against that individual (s). The accused shall have the
right to present evidence in defense (including but not limited to witnesses),
and to confront their accuser(s). If witnesses are to give verbal testimony
during the hearing on behalf of the accused, the names of such witnesses must
be presented to the President of the Jaguars United Board of Directors 7 days
prior to the hearing date. The decision based upon the hearing will be made in
a private session of the Jaguars United Board of Directors. All parties
involved will be notified of the decision at the earliest possible time. Formal
notification signed by the President of Jaguars United shall be mailed to all
parties involved by certified mail within 10 days of the hearing date. The
decision will include the rationale behind the Board's decision including
relevant evidence supporting this rationale.
Appeal of disciplinary
hearings shall be held using the following procedures: Appeals of disciplinary
matters shall be made in writing by certified mail to the Jaguars United Board
of Directors within ten (10) days of the formal notification via certified
mail. The Board of Directors will address the issue at the next scheduled
monthly meeting or at a time determined by the Jaguars United President in
emergency situations. The appeal hearing must afford all parties involved the
same privileges as outlined in the disciplinary hearings section of this item.
The appeal hearing will not be held solely to reexamine the evidence, but to
correct perceived errors in the Board of Directors' understanding of particular
points of evidence that might have significantly affected their decision. New evidence
may be admitted at the discretion of the Jaguars United President if it is
likely to result in a reversal of the Board's decision. The findings of the
appeal hearing shall be mailed by certified mail within 10 days of the hearing
date. As is the case for the primary decision, the appeal decision will include
all evidence considered, the reasoning for the decision, and will be signed by
the Jaguars United President. All decisions of the Board of Directors upon
completion of any appeal will be final.
Non-disciplinary Matters
Non-disciplinary disputes
will be handled with the same procedures and timelines as outlined above, with
the parties presenting their cases and with the Jaguars United Board of
Directors serving as the mediator. Failure of any party to appear at the
hearing without written notification to the Jaguars United President may
constitute an automatic judgment against that party(s). A list of witnesses for
both parties must be submitted to the Jaguars United President 7 days prior the
hearing, who will then distribute the lists to all persons involved. Decisions
of the Board of Directors upon completion of any appeal will be final.
Chapter 6. Conflict of Interest
6.1 No contract or other
decision shall be affected by the fact that a member or an officer may benefit
personally from such transactions provided that such member or officer disclose
such interest and exempts himself or herself from the deliberations and voting
affecting said contract or transaction.
6.2 No officer or member may
vote on a disciplinary matter made against said office.
Chapter 7. Amendments, Repeal or Suspension of
the By-Laws
7.1 These By-Laws may be
amended, repealed or suspended in whole or in part by two thirds vote of the
Board of Directors at any duly called meeting of the Jaguars United provided
that such action is submitted in writing to the Board in a timely manner so
that the it may submit the proposed action for inclusion during the next
Jaguars United meeting.
Chapter 8. Risk Management
Jaguars United recognizes
the need for a comprehensive risk management program to protect the club and
its members. The Jaguars United Board of Directors will serve as a risk
management committee to oversee the implementation and adherence to these
guidelines, as well as continue the development and improvement of the club’s
risk management program.
a) The Jaguars United Board
of Directors will approve the participation of each coach and volunteer based
upon the known character of the individual. Prior to participation, each adult
will be required to sign a US Youth Soccer Employment/Volunteer Disclosure
Statement to document that the individual testifies to not having been
convicted of a crime of violence, or a crime against another person. These
statements will be updated every two (2) years. Should it come to the Board's
knowledge that an individual may not be suited to serve in a particular
capacity with the Jaguars United, (for example, if it becomes known that he/she
provided false information on the Disclosure Statement), that person will be
subject to disciplinary review and/or removal from their position.
b) All coaches and
volunteers must have at least one adult with them at all times when working
with children. The club recommends one adult for every six children. One
parent, guardian, or designated adult caretaker per child will be present at
each practice or game as a condition for participation.
c) Jaguars United will use
the following safety standards for all games and practices:
a.
All goals shall be anchored at all times when in use. Goals shall be properly
stored and secured when not in use. Coaches who violate this process shall be
subject to disciplinary action. Field end lines and sidelines will be clearly
marked with painted lines, cones, flags, or a combination of the three.
b.
The field shall be checked for debris and uneven playing surface collectively
by all coaches and referees participating in the scheduled practice or game.
Debris shall be cleared before use and the participating coaches and referees
will determine if the field is safe for soccer activity. Disagreement which
cannot be resolved among coaches and referees present as to the safety of the
field will result in postponement of the scheduled event.
c.
The area surrounding the field including, but not limited to parking and
spectator seating areas, shall also be checked for potential hazards. Jaguars
United will assume no responsibility for unsafe behavior of parents or
spectators during Jaguars United events (games/practices) at facilities deemed
safe for play.
d.
Coaches and referees will have the responsibility to continuously monitor the
weather. At the first sighting of lightning all children will be moved to a
safe place indoors or to vehicles. Parents and spectators will be advised to
seek shelter as well. Coaches and referees present will monitor the time of
each lightning strike and resumption of activities may occur 30 minutes after
the last lightning strike. In the event of thunder but no visible lightning,
coaches and referees will determine whether seeking shelter is in order.
Resumption of play will be contingent upon re-verification of safe field
conditions by the coaches and referees present as outlined above.
e)
The club shall work with a CPA to development and implement a financial policy
to insure safe handling and recording of all club monies and assets.
f)
No expenditure of any Jaguars United funds will be conducted without the prior
approval of the Board of Directors. The President and/or the Executive
committee may authorize expenditures in the event it is not feasible to await
until the next scheduled meeting for approval. However, it will be contingent
upon him/her/them to justify such expenditure(s) to the Board of Directors. All
payments by check will require no less than two (2) appropriate signatures.
Under no circumstances will officers with familial or business relationships be
permitted to cosign checks.