Paxton Youth Soccer By-Laws (Written in 1995)

Current Paxton Youth Soccer, Inc. Bylaws

 

ARTICLE I – NAME

Paxton Youth Soccer, Inc., is a non-profit corporation, organized and existing under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 180. This organizations shall be known as Paxton Your Soccer.

 

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE

Section 1

The objective of Paxton Youth Soccer shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community of Paxton 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 Paxton Youth Soccer will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association. 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.

In accordance with Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, Paxton Youth Soccer shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive soccer games. No part of the net earnings of Paxton Youth Soccer shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; no substantial part of the activities of Paxton Youth Soccer is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and Paxton Youth Soccer does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidates for public office.

 

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 – Eligibility

Any person sincerely interested in active participation to affect the objective of Paxton Youth Soccer may be a member.

Section 2 – Classes

There shall be the following classes of Members:

(a) Player Members.

Any player candidate meeting any applicable requirements of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and who resides within Paxton, and other player candidates with the permission of the Board of Directors, shall be eligible to compete for participation but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of Paxton Youth Soccer.

 

(b) Regular Members.

Any adult twenty-one (21) or older residing in Paxton actively interested in furthering the objectives of Paxton Youth Soccer or the parent of any child who is a player member shall be eligible to come to the annual meeting and all special meetings of Paxton Youth Soccer, Inc. and to vote as a regular member.

Section 3 – Suspension or Termination

Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors.

  • The 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 Paxton Youth Soccer and/or Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association.

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.

  • The Board of Directors shall, in case of the Player Member, give notice to the coach of the team of which the player is a member. Said coach shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player’s right to future participation.

 

ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

Section 1 – Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Members of Paxton Youth Soccer shall be held on the third Monday in November each year for the purpose of electing members of the Board of Directors, receiving reports and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting. After the Board of Directors is elected, the Board shall meet to elect the officers.

Section 2 – Notice of Meeting

Notice of each meeting of the Members shall be published at least ten (10) days in advance thereof setting forth the place, time and purpose of the meeting.

Section 3 – Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Members may be called by the Board of Directors or President at their discretion. Upon the written request of ten (10) 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

Fifteen (15) Members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

Section 5 – Rules of Order

Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where same conflicts with the By-Laws of Paxton Youth Soccer.

ARTICLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 – Board and Number

The management of the property and affairs of Paxton Youth Soccer shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall be seven (7). 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 – Annual Election and Term of Office

At each annual meeting the Members shall elect the Directors. All elections of Directors shall be by majority vote of all members present. Each Member shall be allowed to cast as many votes as there are Directors to be elected, but no Member may cast more than one vote for the same candidate.

At the first meeting of the Members, there shall be three (3) Directors elected for a term of three (3) years, two (2) directors elected for a term of two (2) years, and two (2) directors elected for a term of one (1) year. Thereafter, as each Directors term of office expires, the successor will be elected for a term of three (3) years.

Section 3 – Vacancies

If any vacancy occurs in the 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 any special meeting called for that purpose.

Section 4 – Meetings, Notice and Quorum

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual election and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board. The President or the Secretary may, whenever they deem it advisable or the Secretary shall at the request in writing of three (3) Directors issue a call for a special meeting of the 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 personal notice twenty-four (24) 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.

Four (4) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.

The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of Paxton Youth Soccer as it may deem proper.

The 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 Player Member or Regular Member of Paxton Youth Soccer in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 3 (a).

ARTICLE VI – OTHER COMMITTEES

Section 1 – Nominating Committee

The Board of Directors may appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Regular Members as they see fit

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.

Additional nominations for the Board of Directors or for Officers or Committee members may be made from the floor during any annual meeting.

Section 2 – Coaches Committee

The Board of Directors may appoint a Coaches Committee consisting of three (3) Directors. The Committee shall interview and investigate prospective coaches, and recommend acceptable candidates to the President, for appointment and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors.

It shall, during the playing season, observe the conduct of the coaches and report its findings to the President of Paxton Youth Soccer.

It shall, at the request of the President or Board of Directors, investigate complaints concerning coaches and make a report thereof to the President or Board of Directors as the case may be.

Section 3 – Referee Committee

The Board of Directors may appoint a Referee Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Regular Members.

The Paxton Youth Soccer President shall be chairman of any such Committee.

The Committee shall recruit, interview and recommend to the President for appointment a staff of referees.

When appointed, the staff of referees shall be under the personal direction and responsibilities of the Paxton Youth Soccer President, or his designee, who shall train, observe and schedule the staff.

 

ARTICLE VII – Officers, Duties and Powers

Section 1 – Election

Immediately following the annual meeting, the Directors present, provided there by a quorum, shall meet for the purpose of electing Officers and appointing committees for the ensuing year.

Section 2 – Officers

The Officers of the Paxton Youth Soccer shall consist of a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, and a Treasurer all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected. The President shall not hold any other office during his time as President.

All such officers must be elected from the membership of the Board by majority vote of a quorum.

The Board of Directors may appoint such other individuals to such offices or responsibilities as it may deem necessary or desirable, who need not be members of the Board and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office. Such individuals shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board by the Members or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board.

Section 3 – President

The President shall:

  • Conduct the affairs of Paxton Youth Soccer and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
  • Present a report of the condition of Paxton Youth Soccer at the annual meeting
  • Communicate to the Board of Directors such matters as deemed appropriate and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of Paxton Youth Soccer.
  • Be responsible for the conduct of Paxton Youth Soccer in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of Massachusetts Youth Soccer.
  • Designate in writing other officers, if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of Paxton Youth Soccer such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board.
  • Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to Paxton Youth Soccer and report thereon to the Board as circumstances warrant.
  • Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof.
  • With the assistance of other officers, examine the application and supporting proof-of-age documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection.
  • Select and appoint coaches and referees. All appointments are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors by majority vote of members present.
  • Maintain contact with Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association.
  • Preside at annual and special meetings of the Members and meetings of the Board of Directors.

Section 4 – Vice President

In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided the Vice-President is authorized by the President or 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 shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President.

Section 5 – Secretary

The Secretary shall:

  • Be responsible for recording the activities or Paxton Youth Soccer and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.
  • 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 Board of Directors.
  • Maintain a list of all Directors and committee members and give notice of all meetings of the Members of Paxton Youth Soccer, and of the Board of Directors.
  • Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members and the Board of Directors sand cause them to record in a book kept for that purpose.
  • Conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, notes, and resolutions not otherwise committed.
  • Notify Directors, Officers and committee members of their election or appointment.

 

Section 6 – Treasurer

The Treasurer shall:

  • Perform such duties as are herein set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
  • Receive all monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
  • Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of Paxton Youth Soccer, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefor in agreement with policies established in advance of such actions by the Board of Directors. All disbursements by check must have dual signatures of the President and Treasurer.
  • Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
  • Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for the submission to the Membership and Board of Directors at the annual meeting.

 

Section 7 – Registrar

The role of the Registrar is second only to the Presidency of Paxton Youth Soccer.

The registrar shall:

  • Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof.
  • Conduct player registrations and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in checking residence and age eligibility.
  • Conduct the player selection meetings.
  • Prepare the Registrar’s list.
  • Prepare for the President’s signature and submission to MYSA Headquarters, team rosters, including players claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit.
  • Notify MYSA Headquarters of any subsequent player registrations.

ARTICLE VIII – COACHES AND REFEREES

Section 1

Team Coaches shall be appointed annual by the President and be approved by the Board of Directors. Coaches shall be responsible for the selection of their teams and for their actions on the field.

Section 2

Referees shall be appointed annually by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors. The President shall be responsible for referee assignments and for their actions on the field.

ARTICLE IX – Affiliation

Section 1 – MYSA and WAYSA

Paxton Youth Soccer shall annually affiliate with Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and with Wachusett Area Youth Soccer Association [WAYSA] and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such affiliations.

Paxton Youth Soccer shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorize by such affiliations 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 of FIFA, as modified by MYSA and WAYSA, shall be binding on Paxton Youth Soccer.

Section 3 – Paxton Youth Soccer Rules

The local rules, including safety rules, of Paxton Youth Soccer shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one moth previous to the first scheduled game of the season, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules and Regulations of FIFA.

Section 4 – Inter-league Rules

Teams of Paxton Youth Soccer may participate in regularly schedule soccer games with teams from other youth soccer organizations, which are affiliated with MYSA or with WAYSA, and may participate in tournaments approved by MYSA. All Rules duly adopted by MYSA, WAYSA or the tournament organizer shall be binding on all Members and Coaches of Paxton Youth Soccer.

ARTICLE X – Financial and Accounting

Section 1

The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of Paxton Youth Soccer and it shall place all income in a common 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 Board shall not permit the contribution of funders or property to individual teams but shall solicit same for the common treasury of Paxton Youth Soccer, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of Paxton Youth Soccer.

Section 3

The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Paxton Youth Soccer unless all of the funds so raised by placed in the Paxton Youth Soccer treasury.

Section 4

The Board shall not permit the disbursement of Paxton Youth Soccer funders for other than the conduct of Paxton Youth Soccer activities.

Section 5

No Director, Officer or Member of Paxton Youth Soccer shall receive, directly or indirectly, any salary, compensation or emolument from Paxton Youth Soccer for services rendered as Director, Officer, or Member.

Section 6

All monies received shall be deposited to the credit of Paxton Youth Soccer in its bank account and all disbursements shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the Paxton Youth Soccer Treasurer and President.

Section 7

The fiscal year of Paxton Youth Soccer shall be the calendar year.

Section 8 – Distribution of Property upon Dissolution

Upon dissolution of Paxton Youth Soccer and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of Paxton Youth Soccer to another Federally incorporated entity which maintains the same objectives as set forth herein, which are or may be entitled to exemption under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.

Article XI – Amendments

The 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 notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting.