Tennessee State Soccer, 2500 Excutive, Park Drive, Cleveland, TN .37312 | (423) 559-1150 (800) 367-8772

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Sample Bylaws

 

 

 

BYLAW I. GOVERNING BODY

 

A. GOVERNING AUTHORITY

The governing authority of _______________________ shall be vested with the Board of Directors or Executive Committee of ______________________________ whose powers shall be delegated in the Bylaws.

 

B. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of __________ Directors, each having one vote. (Examples)

a. President

b. Vice President or President Elect

c. Secretary-Treasurer

d. Registrar

e. Director of Coaching and Player Development

f. Risk Management Coordinator

g. Recreational Director/Club Team Director

h. State Representative

i. Referee Administrator

j. Uniforms Administrator

k. Fields and Equipment Administrator

2. The immediate past president of the Association may be an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors.

 

C. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall be comprised of the President, Secretary-Treasurer, Registrar, Risk Management Coordinator, Recreational Director, and Club Team Director.

 

D. ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE

1. Officers shall be elected by majority vote of the general membership at the Associations annual meeting.

2. All officers shall be elected for a two-year term and shall not be restricted to a single term of office.

3. Candidates for association offices may be nominated by any voting member of the Association.

4. The President, Secretary, Club Team Director, Coaching Director, State Representative, and Uniform Administrator shall be elected in even number years and shall assume office on June 1 of the year in which they are elected.

5. The Vice President, Treasurer, Recreational Director, Registrar, Risk Management Coordinator, Referee Administrator and Fields and Equipment Administrator shall be elected in odd numbered years and shall assume office on June 1 of the year in which they are elected.

 

E. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at least monthly.

2. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be called by the President as needed.

3. The Board of Directors or Executive Committee shall hold other meetings whenever the President deems it necessary or when the President is specifically instructed to call a meeting, in writing, by three or more members of the Board of Directors.

4. At all meetings of the Board of Directors, five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. At meetings of the Executive Committee, three members shall constitute a quorum.

5. If a meeting is called for the purpose of filling a vacancy in office, the quorum shall be reduced by one-half the number of vacancies to be filled.

6. Minutes of meetings shall be recorded by the Secretary.

 

F. DUTIES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Board of Directors and Executive Committee shall have vested the responsibility and authority to:

1. Interpret and enforce the Associations Constitution, Bylaws, and Playing Rules

2. Formulate and amend Rules in order to serve the best interests and objectives of Association

3. Reprimand, suspend, bar completely, or otherwise discipline any member, player, coach, referee, administrator, parent, or affiliated team for violations of the Associations Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules

4. Budget for and administer the funds of the Association subject to ratification and approval of the membership

5. Hire, supervise, and terminate employees

6. Form standing and special committees and appoint individuals to serve on such committees

7. Appoint individuals to fill vacancies on the Board of Directors until the next regular election

8. Maintain the recreational program as the primary and most important function of the Association and the club team program as part of the natural progression and advancement resulting from player development

9. The Executive Committee shall hear and decide all protests and appeals and shall decide appropriate disciplinary actions for incidents of misconduct.

 

 

BYLAW II. DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

 

A. GENERAL DUTIES OF ALL DIRECTORS

 

1. Each director shall carry out his or her duties in a responsible manner, acting only in the best interests of the Association and its membership.

2. Each director shall be prepared to report on his or her activities and areas of responsibility at meetings of the Board of Directors and general membership.

3. Each director shall follow the Associations financial policy regarding budget proposals, expense reports, and handling of Association monies.

4. Each director shall be familiar with the rules of the Association, TS, USSF, and its divisions.

 

B SPECIFIC DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

1. President

a. Serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee

b. Presides at all meetings of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and membership

c. Serves as an ex-officio non-voting member of all Association committees

d. Appoints committee chairmen and committee members as required

e. Votes only in case of a tie vote

2. Vice President

a. Assists the President with relationships with other groups, paperwork, and matters outside the organization of teams and the play of the game

b. Presides at meetings of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and membership in the absence of the President

3. Secretary

a. Records and distributes minutes of all meetings of the membership, Board of Directors, and Executive Committee

b. Maintains lists of members in good standing and voting eligibility for meetings

c. Maintains all permanent records of the Association

d. Responsible for all written communications of the Association, meeting notices, communication with TS, and contact with other leagues

4. Treasurer

a. Prepares the annual association budget and submits it to the Board of Directors and general membership for approval

b. Maintains records and receipts of all money to be deposited in a recognized bank in the name of the Association

c. Pays all accounts by check with his or her signature

d. Submits financial reports at least quarterly to the President and general membership

e. Produces all financial records when required by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee, properly balanced, and reflecting the current financial status of the Association

f. Prepares and files tax returns in a timely manner

g. Prepares any and all documents pertaining to the Associations Charter of Incorporation and tax exempt status and is authorized to obtain the services of an accountant or attorney, as appropriate; arranges for periodic audit of the Associations books

h. Serves as a member of the Executive Committee

i. Must be bonded


5. Registrar

a. Arranges for and oversees the annual registration of players

b. Maintains communications with TS concerning procedures for registration of players

c. Responsible for collecting fees and player forms; submitting all registration data to the state association in a timely manner; and ensuring that all players are properly registered

d. Assists the Recreational and Club Team Directors and Age Group Coordinators as needed with assigning of players to teams

e. Registrar and any assistants who handle money must be bonded.

7. Director of Coaching and Player Development

a. Works with the Recreational and Club Team Directors and Age Group Coordinators to procure qualified coaches for all teams

b. Responsible for supervising and evaluation of Association coaches

c. Arranges for periodic training and certification of coaches

d. Represents the interests of the Associations coaches on the Board of Directors

9. Risk Management Coordinator

a. Serves as manager for the Associations Risk Management Program

b. Communicates and distributes educational material on risk management

c. Obtains signed Employment/Volunteer Disclosure Statements for all coaches, managers, administrators, employees, and volunteers with exposure to youth of the Association

d. Submits completed disclosure statements to the state office

e. Certifies in writing that all goals, fields and grounds utilized by the Association are in compliance with TS Goal/Field Inspection Forms requirements

f. Submits annually Goal/Field Inspection forms to state office

10. Recreational Director

a. Oversees and directs the recreational program with assistance from Age Group Coordinators

b. Works with each Age Group Coordinator in assignment of players and coaches to teams and the scheduling of games in a fair and equitable manner

c. Works closely with other directors and administrators as well as the coaches to see that players are properly registered and assigned to teams, that they receive uniforms, that games are scheduled, and that referees are assigned to all games

d. Works with the Club Team Director in coordinating field availability

e. Provides the Referee Administrator with game schedules and notification of any changes in schedule

11. Club Team Director

a. Responsible for all aspects of the club team program

b. Responsible for compliance of all club teams with the Associations Constitution, Bylaws, and Playing Rules

c. Insures the fairness of the evaluation and selection process in choosing players for competitive teams

d. Works with the Coaching Director in procuring experienced, qualified coaches for all club teams

e. Works with the Recreational Director in coordinating field availability

f. Provides the Referee Administrator with game schedules and notification of any changes in the schedule

12. State Representative

a. Serves as the associations voting delegate to TS district and state meetings

b. Must be familiar with all the Associations programs in order to properly represent the Association

c. informs the Association and its Board of Directors of district, state, and national activities and those of other leagues as appropriate

d. May serve as the Associations liaison or representative to local civic and governmental bodies and for other functions as deemed necessary by the President or Board of Directors

13. Referee Administrator

a. Responsible for recruiting, assigning, supervising, and evaluating referees for the Association

b. Responsible for arranging periodic training and assessment of referees and assistant referees

c. Ensures that referees are properly registered annually with USSF through the state association

d. Represents the interests of the Associations referees on the Board of Directors

14. Uniforms Administrator

a. Responsible for securing and distributing the uniforms for all teams and other team equipment, as approved by the Board of Directors

b. Maintains proper records of bids received and accepted

c. Maintains records for all uniforms, goalkeeper shirts, and any other items of clothing or equipment issued to teams and in inventory

15. Fields and Equipment Administrator

a. Responsible for the maintenance of the Associations match and practice fields and field equipment

b. Maintains lining equipment and supplies for marking fields and makes certain that match fields are properly marked before scheduled games

c. May serve as liaison in dealing with owners of practice and playing fields

 

 

BYLAW III. STANDING COMMITTEE

 

A. GENERAL

1. The Associations Board of Directors shall annually confirm the appointment of chairmen and members to serve on standing committees.

2. Specific duties and responsibilities of each committee, procedures for selecting committee members, and job descriptions for committee members shall be established by the Board of Directors and detailed in these Bylaws and the Associations Rules.

3. Committee members who fail to carry out their duties in a responsible manner or whose actions are detrimental to the Association and/or its programs may be removed from their position by the Board of Directors.

 

B. COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES

Standing Committees and their general areas of responsibility shall be as follows:

1. Appeals and Discipline: The Executive Committee, with the President as Chairman, serves as the Associations Appeals and Discipline Committee to hear protests and appeals and make decisions on appropriate disciplinary action for incidents of misconduct.

2. Awards: Handles the pricing, ordering, and distribution of trophies, patches, medals, or other awards to be given

3. Budget and Finance: Chaired by the Treasurer; responsible for preparation of the Associations annual budget and presentation of the proposed budget to the Board of Directors

4. Coaching: Chaired by the Coaching Administrator; responsible for establishing and administering programs for coaches

5. Concessions: Make decisions on what, when, and where to sell concession items. The Chairperson may organize the leagues teams (through the team managers/ mothers) so that many parents take turns manning the concession stands.

6. Field Maintenance: Chaired by the Field Coordinator; responsible for maintaining the game and practice fields, goals, and nets as necessary; must be thoroughly familiar with how to lay out a field including the proper dimensions for each age group; responsible for lining the fields and maintenance of the lining equipment and supplies of chalk or other lining material. (In some situations this committee will be responsible for mowing the fields or applications of seed and fertilizer.)

7. Insurance: Is familiar with the Associations insurance programs and claim procedures; answers questions about the coverage, maintains a supply of claim forms, and assists in filing claims with TS. (May be the Registrar.)

8. Long Range Planning: Chaired by the President or his appointee to set long-range goals for the Association and formulate plans for accomplishment

9. Membership: Chaired by the Vice President, encourages non-member organizations and individuals to affiliate with the Association; reviews applications for membership and recommends appropriate action to the Board of Directors

10. Nominating Committee: Formed annually prior to the Association elections to recruit qualified individuals to serve as officers and committee members

11. Publicity: Maintains a good working relationship with the local newspapers, radio and TV stations, getting maximum coverage for special soccer events and for player registration

12. Recreation Committee: Chaired by the Recreational Director, the committee is comprised of one Age Group Coordinator for each age group in the recreational program and may include separate coordinators for boys and girls programs; handles all matters related to the recreational teams and play of the game including assignment of players to teams, scheduling and rescheduling of games and practices, settling problems between coaches in each group, finding coaches, arranging for coach and player instruction; enforces the philosophy of the Association and coach and parent (spectator) conduct on the field and at practice; assists the Board of Directors in planning, establishing, and administering the Associations rules and regulations related to play of the games

13. Referee: Chaired by the Referee Administrator; responsible for establishing and administering programs for referees of the Association

14. Rules and Regulations: Chaired by the President or his or her appointee; annually reviews current and proposed rules of the Association and recommends changes in the Associations Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules including any that may be required by state or national rules.

15. Special Events: Chaired by the President or his or her designee, arranges for all tournaments, skills contests, annual meetings, or other special events of the Association; responsible for submitting applications to the state soccer association for any tournaments.

16. Team Organization: Each coach will be expected to organize his/her team and its parents to handle the various tasks related to the team itself. Positions to fill include: Team Manager as right-hand to the coach and coordinator of all assignments not related to coaching; Assistant Coaches to help the head coach in instructing the players; Club Linesmen to help officials (referees) at the games; Telephone Chairperson for contacting players; Refreshment Chairperson to arrange for water and other drinks for games and practices; Transportation Coordinator to arrange carpools; Uniform Chairperson to wash and distribute uniforms for each game; and any others that may be appropriate for the teams structure

 

 

BYLAW IV. MEMBERSHIP

 

A. GENERAL

1. The voting membership of the Association shall include individuals currently active in the associations programs.

2. Non-voting membership may be granted to other organizations or individuals interested in the advancement of the sport of soccer and the Association.

 

B. CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

1. Players

a. Shall include players currently registered with and participating in soccer programs under the jurisdiction of the Association.

b. Shall be accorded one vote per player.

c. Parents shall cast votes for youth players. Adult players shall cast their own votes.

2. Officials

a. Shall include all currently active coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, and referees.

b. Shall be accorded one vote for each affiliated individual.

 


C. RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

1. Members in good standing are granted various rights and privileges as defined by the Board of Directors in the Associations Rules.

2. Rights of players and officials in good standing shall include the right to vote at the Associations general membership meetings.

 

D. TERM OF MEMBERSHIP

1. Term of membership shall be one seasonal year beginning on September 1 and ending on August 31.

2. Membership shall automatically renew each seasonal year provided the member is in good standing, has paid applicable fees, and is actively participating in the programs of the Association.

 

 

BYLAW V. GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

 

A. DATES

The Association shall hold general membership meetings semi-annually in the months of ___________________ and _____________________.

 

B. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES

Roberts Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the parliamentary authority for all meetings of the Association, unless otherwise agreed to by the participants by a two-thirds vote.

 

C. VOTING ELIGIBILITY

1. Voting eligibility at general meetings of the Association by affiliated voting members is determined by the class of membership.

2. Only those voting members of record, duly affiliated, with all fees paid and in good standing, shall be entitled to vote.

 

D. VOTING BY DIRECTORS

1. Each member of the Board of Directors shall be entitled to one vote, except the President, who shall cast a vote only in the case of a tie.

2. Directors shall not vote in an election except as the representatives of an affiliated member.

 

E. VOTING BY PROXY

1. Regular voting members and directors may vote at general membership meetings by proxy.

2. The proxy must designate, in writing, the name of the assistant to represent the member at the general meeting.

3. The proxy for any member must bear the name of the member wishing to vote by proxy, the person designated to vote, and the signature of the member.

 

 

BYLAW VI. AMENDMENTS

 

A. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS

1. Amendments to the constitution and bylaws must be approved by two-thirds of the voting members at a general membership meeting.

2. Members and directors may vote by proxy.

 

B. AMENDMENT OF PROPOSALS

1. Proposed amendments may be submitted by any affiliated member.

2. Proposals should include the number and text of the current rule, the text of the proposed new or revised rule, and the reason for the change.

3. Proposals to revise or amend the Constitution and Bylaws shall be submitted, in writing, to the President at least 30 days in advance of the general meeting.

4. Amendment proposals shall be published and distributed to affiliated members for study at least 14 days prior to the general meeting at which the proposal will be considered.

 

 

Note: These Bylaws are patterned after those of TS. As such, they may be far more extensive than is needed by a local association. It is incumbent upon each group to draft bylaws reflective of their own organization. Keep in mind, however, that local association rules cannot be less restrictive than those of TS or USSF and its divisions, USYSA and USASA.