CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

I. Name: The name of the organization shall be the Jersey Coast Youth Soccer Association Inc. (T/A Jersey Coast Youth Soccer) a corporation not for profit.

The term association or league when used herein shall also apply to the organization.

II. Object and Purpose:

A. To promote, develop and advance the sport of amateur youth (under 19 years of age) soccer between traveling teams consisting of players properly carded by the NJSYSA.

B. To encourage the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.

C. To organize, manage, operate and conduct league competition and other such approved programs for the membership clubs teams.

D. To ensure due process and fair representation to all who fall under the jurisdiction of this association (Article IV)

III. AFFILIATION: This association shall be affiliated with and be under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (NJYS), the United States Youth Soccer association (USYSA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).

IV. JURISDICTION:

A. This association shall have full jurisdiction and the authority over:

1. All member players, coaches, parents or guardians, club reps or delegates and alternates, clubs and teams, elected and appointed officials and members and all other such members.

2. All referees so assigned to the association matches.

3. All matters of concern to or connected with the youth soccer program which it shall conduct.

4. The association shall also have the full authority as herein provided (after a proper disciplinary hearing or proceeding) to suspend, or place on probation, or expel any player, coach, parent or guardian, club or club delegate (rep) or alternate, referee, team, officer, and any other members or individuals under it’s jurisdiction, who or which is found to be in violation of or in breach of, the Constitution and By-laws, or Rules and Regulations or the established policies of this association or any organization the league is affiliated with, or for any conduct or behavior inconsistent with or detrimental to the object, purpose, operation or the management of this association. (See Art XVII)0

V. STRUCTURE: The Primary unit of organization within this association shall be the member clubs .

VI. MEMBERSHIP:/NEW CLUBS MEMBERSHIP

This association shall be comprised of the following membership categories.:

A) Voting Members:

1.The category of voting members shall be comprised of the following.

a. The (7) elected officers as detailed in Art VII. Note-all elected officers vote

b. The club through a (one) voting member delegate (rep) or alternate who shall represent their club at each monthly general membership meeting.

2. Membership shall be retained indefinitely (as long as one team is registered) and shall have no restrictions based on gender, religion, color, race or national origin provided however that such member is in good standing with the league and all organizations the association is affiliated with, is not currently subject to any discipline as outlined in Article IV Section A-4 of these By Laws, has paid all dues and fines and maintains a qualifying status of membership as described herein. Clubs seeking membership into the league with 1 or more teams must first apply to and be approved by a majority vote of the board. Upon approval clubs must pay all fees and post a $250.00 bond. All clubs must have at least one team registered with the league to retain voting membership. Any club that does not enter a team for 2 consecutive seasons must reapply for membership.

3. Each voting member of the association is entitled to but one vote on any issue requiring a vote, however since all elected officers are entitled to vote - any elected officer who also represents a club, shall cast that vote for their club.

4. When a club has more than one member serving as an elected officer of this association, all such additional officers shall be entitled to a vote.

B) Associate and Social Members: (*Note Alternate reps may vote in the absence of the primary rep.)

I. All current active players and coaches,*alternate reps, and other adult volunteers within the association shall be considered as non-voting associate members.

2. The players family (parents or guardians) shall be considered as non-voting social members, who shall be allowed to attend games and other such related (social) events and to attend general membership meetings--along with the club delegate-rep (or alternate)--on behalf of their (associate member) minor child player. All other non voting adult members may attend meetings--however with the exception of division commissioners--all non voting members shall not have the privilege of addressing the membership unless invited to do so by the E/B.

VII. OFFICERS AND APPOINTED DIVISION COMMISSIONERS

A) The elected officers of this association shall be

                        1)                         President              4)                         Treasurer             7) Board Member
                        2)                         Vice President.      5) Registrar
                        3)                         Secretary               6) Board Member

B) These elected officers shall be known as the Executive Board. See Article X

C) The appointed Division Commissioners ( Boys/Girls U8 to U19-one each) of this association shall be so designated as non voting associate members. See Article VIII Sections G-1-2-3

D) To qualify as a candidate for an elected office of this association the person seeking candidacy must be a voting or adult associate member--be in good standing within the association and with any organization the league is affiliated with (for one I year immediately preceding the election) and also must be at least 21 years of age by election day.

VIII DUTIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS: AND APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS.

A) The President of this association shall: (Also see Article IX Sec D)

I. Preside over all general membership and Executive Board meetings and be responsible to coordinate the operations of the association.

2. Represent the association at meetings or conferences with other organizations.

3. Be authorized to instruct the treasurer to issue checks in amounts over $500.00 but not exceeding $2000.00 per check, for emergency expenditures or those of which he/she considers to be for the good and welfare of the association.

4. Ensure that the Constitution and Bylaws and Rules and Regulations and established policies of this association are adhered to.

5 Shall chair a (the) Disciplinary Action Review Board (See Article XX Sec B) and shall also appoint (unless otherwise specified)-(See Article VIII Sec B-2)--the chairs to all standing committees and special committees (subject to the majority approval of the E/B) and shall also have the responsibility to monitor the activities of the same. Note--Conflict of interest –See Art XX Section B-1

B) The Vice President shall:

1. Perform all duties of the President in his or her absence.

2. Serve as the chair of and appoint members to a *protest committee–as necessary or as required. Note--all prospective committee members shall be subject to a majority veto of the of the E/B. *(See Art XX Sec-A) and the policies and procedures for protests and the committee under the Rules and Regulations)

C) The Secretary shall:

1. Keep an accurate account of all general membership and Executive Board meetings of this association, as well as in maintaining all records on file.

2. Distribute and read minutes of the previous general membership meeting, and read all correspondence to the league.

3. Maintain the membership roster.

4. Be responsible for all correspondence not carried out by committees or other officers.

5 Give notice (written or oral) of any proposed amendment (s) of the Constitution and By-Laws to the voting members at the monthly general membership meeting prior to the monthly general membership meeting at which the amendment (s) will be voted on. (See Art XVI-Sec A-1)

6 Provide a list or an oral report of scheduled general membership meeting dates and the location of the meeting.

D) The Treasurer shall:

1. Collect all association monies and deposit same into the approved bank account of the association.

2. Have the authority to issue checks up to $500.00 and to issue checks over $500.00 but no more than $2000.00 with the approval of the president (or the vice president if the president is not available) as outlined in Section A-3 of this Article. Checks over 2000.00 must be approved by a-quorum-majority of the EB.

3. Submit and distribute a complete and comprehensive financial report at each general membership meeting, with a copy to remain on file with the Secretary.

E) The Registrar shall:

1. Maintain the registration records of the League, as well as prepare the divisional schedules for distribution to or for the availability of the E/Board, Member Clubs, District Commissioners, Area Commissioner, and NJSYSA President. Compile and make available the divisional standings for and to the general membership.

2. Be responsible for obtaining bids, ordering, and the distribution of all awards.

3. Shall serve as Head Commissioner and, as such, assume those responsibilities that are outlined in the Rules and Regulations of this Association.

F) Board Members: (Two)

1. (1) Shall review and update these By-Laws and the Rules and Regulations of this association as necessary subject to the approval of the voting members of the association and shall also take the minutes of general membership meetings and maintain the membership roster in the absence of the Secretary.

2. (2) Shall serve in an administrative capacity as determined and deemed necessary by the E/B.

G) Division Commissioners shall:

1. Act as the general coordinator of play in his or her division, and shall advise the E/B when the Rules & Regulations of the association are not being adhered to.

2. Shall be appointed or replaced as necessary by and at the discretion of the Registrar/Head Commissioner subject to the majority veto of the E/B or be appointed or replaced by the majority vote of the E/B..

3. Submit the standings for his or her division and report any divisional related problems to the Registrar (who serves as head commissioner). Commissioners must inform the head commissioner of any fines due for not calling in scores.

IX. TERMS OF OFFICE/ ELECTION OF OFFICERS/VACANCIES/NOMINATIONS

A) The term of office for all officers shall be for two years. The President, Secretary and Registrar will be elected in even numbered years, and the Vice President, Treasurer and two board members will be elected in odd numbered years. Nominees and incumbents may only run for and or serve in one elected office concurrently. Sitting elected board members that are not up for re-election may run for a different elected office but must vacate their current position prior to the commencement of elections.

B) The president shall appoint a nominating chairperson during new business at the April meeting so as to compile a list of candidates for elected office. Nominations will be taken for each open office up to the adjournment of the May meeting–at which time the nominations will be closed. The election of officers which shall be held at the June meeting provided however that a quorum of (7) eligible voting members are in attendance at the annual meeting. (See Art XI Sec A) The vote shall be by a secret ballot when more than one candidate exists for a specific office.

C) If any candidate for an elected office is running unopposed, the league secretary shall be instructed to cast (1) vote for said candidate in order to elect. The specific candidate (s) for each office receiving the most votes shall become the newly elected E/B members. (See Art. XII) In the event of a tie between 2 or more candidates for a specific office–an immediate second vote shall be held among the affected candidates to determine the winner. If the candidates are still tied after the second vote (See E) the newly elected E/B members shall then appoint an officer from among the affected (tied) candidates.

D. If an elected officer misses (3) consecutive general membership meetings without the prior knowledge and or approval of the E/B—(such absence “may” be deemed by the E/B as an implied resignation)--or if an elected officer is dismissed by the E/B (Art XIX, Sec B), then a vacancy shall exist. If an elected officer resigns--thus creating a vacancy, he or she is expected to submit his/her resignation in writing to an E/B member and turn in everything belonging to the league at that time.

E The president shall have the authority and responsibility to make any and all interim or full term appointments (subject to the majority approval of the Executive Board) to fill any and all vacancies due to resignation or due to any other reason or event which may occur during the course of his or her elected term of office. All appointed officers shall serve until the next election for that office.

X. EXECUTIVE BOARD:/QUORUM OF THE E/B

A) The Executive Board shall consist of the elected officers of the association. This Board shall manage the month to month operations of the association—and shall be empowered to meet and conduct league business and to also conduct emergency meetings and have the authority to create, revise or disband any new or currently standing and or special committees as necessary. (Also see Article VIII)

B) A quorum of the Executive Board must be present and shall consist of at least (4) members of the Executive Board in order to conduct any business requiring a vote.

XI. MEETINGS—ALSO SEE ARTICLE VI SECTIONS A & B

A) The regular annual general membership meeting shall be held in June on the third (3^rd) Tuesday of the month, at which time the election of officers shall take place.

B) All other general membership meetings shall be held on the 3^rd Tuesday of month.

C) Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the President, or by majority vote (4) of the E/B, either for a general membership meeting or meeting of the E/B.

I. If a special meeting is required, the President shall notify the League Secretary.

2. It shall be the League Secretary’s responsibility to notify all individuals so qualified

to attend, as well as inform them of the purpose (s) of the meeting. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern procedures at all meetings.

XII. QUORUM:/AT GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS (Also see Article X–Section B)

A quorum of at least seven (7) voting members of which a quorum of (4) of the E/B must be present at all meetings of the general membership of this association in order for any business that requires a vote of said members to be voted on. (Note a quorum of 4 is required at E/B meetings)

XIII. COMMITTEES:/CHAIRS ( See Article X Sec A)

A) The President shall appoint the Chairs of *all committees (subject to the majority approval of the E/B), including both standing and special committees *unless otherwise mandated herein by these By-Laws.( *See Article VIII Sections A5&B2)

B) Other than the Disciplinary Action Review Board and the Protest Committee) which are as mandated by this document--all other appointed Committee Chairs, may request members---to serve with them---although such requested members are subject to the majority veto of the E/B. Note-Disciplinary Action Review Board Chair--President---Protest Committee Chair--V.P.--See Art VIII-Sections-A5 & B2 & Art XX Section A and B)

C) Only voting members in good standing shall be eligible to serve on the committees.

XIV. RULES AND REGULATIONS:

A) The Rules and Regulations governing the games, the operation, and management of this association shall be those prescribed and approved by the voting membership at regular general membership meetings of this association. They shall be included in a separate section-apart from these By-Laws, entitled Rules & Regulations.

B) These R & R may be, amended, or repealed at any general meeting by a two-thirds vote of the voting members at said meeting, provided that a quorum (7) exists.

XV. ORDER OF BUSINESS: The order of business for each regular general membership meeting shall be as follows:

1) Call to order 8) Correspondence

                     2)        Secretary’s Report   9) Old Business
                     3)   Treasurers Report   10) New Business
                     4)   President’s Report   11) Committee Reports
                     5)   Registrar’s Report    12) Remarks for the Good/Welfare of the association

                     6)   State Report              13) Adjournment
                     7) Referee Report
          B) At the annual meeting the election of officers shall take place after Committee Reports.

XVI. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS:

A) Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws may be voted on at a regular general membership meeting, as outlined below.

1. Amendments may be presented for review or discussion at any general membership meeting. Such amendment (s) may then be voted on at next general membership meeting, provided that written or oral notice of said amendment (s) was/is given to the voting members as prescribed in Article VIII, Section C-5 of this document.

2. A two-thirds majority of those voting members present at the general membership meeting at which the amendment (s) to the Constitution and By-Laws is/are to be voted on is required for approval of said amendment (s), provided however that a quorum (7) exists as prescribed in Article XII of this document. Otherwise, said amendment (s) shall be tabled and voted on at the next general membership meeting.

XVII. CLUB RESPONSIBILITY:

A) The member clubs--presiding chief officer (s)--shall be responsible for ensuring the proper conduct of all of their specific clubs and their players, coaches, parents, other club members and spectators and that they comply with the By-Laws, the Rules and Regulations and established policies of this association and with any organization the league is affiliated with.

B) Any violation (s) regarding conduct (or) of these By-Laws or the Rules and Regulations or established policies of this association or any organization the league is affiliated with by the aforementioned shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines set forth under Article XX.

XVIII. REFEREE RESPONSIBILITY:/RED CARDS

A) Referees assigned to association matches shall be USSF licensed.

B) Referees shall be impartial, control the play on the field at all times, be aware of and uphold league rules and ensure the safety & welfare of all participants & spectators.

C) Referees, at their discretion, shall take necessary disciplinary action to ensure that F.I.F.A. Laws of the Game are not violated. Any player and/or coach’s pass held as the result of a red card ejection, must be accompanied by a written referee’s report, and must be mailed to the League Secretary no later than 48 hours following the official game time or the make-up game time. All red cards shall carry a minimum (1) game suspension. Any additional actions or suspensions shall be at the discretion of the E/B.

D) Abuse of authority, misconduct, or both, on the part of the referees, however, will not be tolerated by this association. Any violation (s) on the part of the referees shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines set forth under Article XX of this document.

XIX. RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED OFFICERS AND APPOINTED COMMISSIONERS

A) The elected officers and appointed commissioners shall be responsible for carrying out all duties as outlined in Articles VIII and X of the Bylaws.

B) Any Elected board or other member or individual or club who or which, in the opinion of The E/B, is willfully negligent in carrying out their duties, or acts in a manner detrimental to or inconsistent with the objects or purposes or the management or operation of the association, shall be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines set forth under Article XX of this document.

XX. DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY/PROTEST COMMITTEE-(Red Cards See Art XVIII Section C)

A) A Protest Committee may be formed by the E/B as necessary. The V.P. shall serve as chair of and appoint (3) members to this committee—(all subject to a majority veto of the E/B). This committee shall be governed by the policy & procedures as outlined in the rules and regulations of the association. (See Article VIII Section B-2)

B) A Disciplinary Action Review Board may be formed by the executive board , as necessary or as required, to thoroughly research and collect all evidence related to such matters brought before it. This Review Board (See Art VIII, Sec A-5) shall consist of the president who shall Chair the board and (4) voting members to be appointed --by the chair--(all subject to a majority veto of the E/B)--provided however that the appointees (relating to sections A & B) are all in good standing within the league and with any organization the league is affiliated with, and that they are not involved in any such related proceedings in such a way that a conflict of interest would result. Any elected or appointed official or voting or other member who is the subject of any by-laws or rules or policies violation (s) shall not be allowed to participate in any proceedings relating to such protests or to disciplinary or to any other such matters. The President shall resolve any (all) conflict (s) of interest which may result. If the (a) violation involves the league president--the VP shall chair the Review Board.

C) After obtaining all pertinent evidence, a hearing shall be scheduled, allowing all parties involved to respond to the issue (s) being investigated.

D) After said hearing, recommendations regarding disciplinary action, shall be made to the Executive Board.

E). The Executive Board, at this point, may impose sanctions including, but not limited to, those which are outlined in Article IV, Sec A-1 to 4 of this document, or those which may be included in the Rules and Regulations of this association.

F) In the case of referee misconduct or abuse of authority the punishment may result in---probation, suspension, or permanent non-assignment. If severe abuse or misconduct by a referee occurs, all evidence shall be sent to the State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA,) for his review.

G. Any matter involving physical violence and/or personal attack on a referee, as outlined in the United States Soccer Federation publication entitled ‘Assault on Referees”, shall by-pass the disciplinary authority of this association, and go directly to the BOD of the New Jersey State Youth Soccer Assoc. (NJSYSA). This is mandated through our affiliation with that body as outlined in Art VI.Sec2C or any such applicable articles of the NJYSA Constitution and Bylaws. XXI. DISCIPLINARY APPEAL PROCEDURES:--(Also See Article XXII)

A. Any sanctions imposed, actions taken, or decisions rendered with regards to the disciplinary authority of the league, shall be followed by written notification of said sanctions, actions, or decisions to the involved principles by the League Secretary.

B) Any appeal of such sanctions imposed, actions taken, or decisions rendered, must be made to this association first, must be in writing, and must be received by the League Secretary within (2) weeks of receipt of written notification to the party or parties involved.

C) Upon receipt of the appeal request by the League Secretary, the Executive Board shall then review the request and will rule to either grant or deny an appeal.

D) If an appeal is granted by the E/B a date and time for the appeal shall be set. The club and or party or parties requesting the appeal shall be notified in writing by the League Secretary.

E) If the appeal request is denied, the club or party or parties requesting the appeal shall be notified in writing of the decision of the Executive Board by the League Secretary. At this point, the next line of appeal must be the District Commissioner.

F) Appeal requests must be made to the District Commissioner within two (2) weeks of receipt of the written notification of the appeal denial from the League Secretary to the party or parties involved If a decision is not received from the District Commissioner by the party or parties requesting the appeal within thirty days from the date in which it was filed, the appeal may be submitted at this time to the next higher level of authority, which is the Area Commissioner. The Area Commissioner shall then determine the line of appeal from this point on.

XXII. LEGAL ACTION:/GOOD STANDING

A). No JC league elected officer, or appointed official or club, team, parent or guardian, coach, player, referee, associate or any other member or individual, or those who are no longer under its jurisdiction as the result of expulsion due to violation or breach of the Constitution and By-Laws or Rules & Regulations or the established policies of this association or any organization the league is affiliated with, may invoke the aid of the Courts of any State or of the United States without first exhausting all lines of appeal as defined and outlined previously in Article XXI of this document.

B). For violation (s) of any part of Article XXII Section A--the offending individual (s) or organization or both--shall be subject to the sanctions of suspension and/or fines, if applicable, and shall be liable to Jersey Coast Youth Soccer for all expenses incurred by this association and its elected officers in defending each court action including, but not limited to, the following:

I. Court costs,

2. Attorney’s fees,

3. Travel expenses.

4. Reasonable compensation for time spent by Jersey Coast Youth Soccer and/or it’s elected officers, in responding to, and defending against allegations in the action. This includes responses to discovery and court appearances

5. Expenses for holding special Executive Board meetings of this association which are necessitated by the court action.

C) All JC league elected or appointed official or associate or club, team, player, referee, coach, parent or guardian, or any other such member or individual, including those (or who) that are no longer under such jurisdiction as the result of an expulsion due to any violation or breach of the Constitution and By-Laws or Rules & Regulations or the established policies of this association and or any organization the league is affiliated with, shall be considered “not in good standing” until all litigation has been concluded and all costs, fines, fees, and expenses are paid, and until a return to good standing is decided by the E/B of Jersey Coast Youth Soccer and if applicable--the NJ State Youth Soccer Assoc. BOD.

3/4/03