CONSTITUTION FOR THE VICTOR VALLEY/BARSTOW BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION FOR THE VICTOR VALLEY/BARSTOW BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION ARTICLE I: NAME The name of this organization shall be the Victor Valley/Barstow Baseball Umpires Association, herein referred to as the VVBBUA, which is a unit affiliated with the California Baseball Umpires Association, herein referred to as the CBUA. ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES The objective of the VVBBUA shall be to: 1. Promote the advancement of High School baseball by encouraging the spirit of fun and sportsmanship along with advocating loyalty to and amongst the institutions, players, coaches, administrators and other officials. 2. Provide a high quality instructional program for the preparation and development of baseball umpires, which will cover the rules of the game of high school baseball using materials approved by the CBUA, which may include the official Rulebook, Casebook and Umpires Manual of the National Federation of State High School Associations, herein referred to as the NFHS. Other materials may be used at the discretion of The Instructional Chairperson with the approval of The VVBBUA Board. 3. Promote good fellowship amongst its Independent Contractor members and to provide benevolent assistance in extraordinary cases within the Independent Contractor membership. 4. Provide a liaison with the CBUA Officers relative to the eligibility and improvement of its Independent Contractor members. 5. Provide a liaison with the Athletic Directors of institutions in our service area relative to the issues related to the sportsmanship involving school personnel and umpires. ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP AS A VVBBUA INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR Section 1: Eligibility Independent Contractor membership in the VVBBUA shall be available to any individual 18 years or older and out of High School provided the individual fulfills the obligations of the Independent Contractor membership. Independent Contractor members understand that they are not employed by the VVBBUA and are governed by the guidelines of Independent Contractors. Independent Contractor members must provide a valid drivers license or a state or federal identification card and shall carry the necessary general liability insurance coverage as required by the VVBBUA. Membership is granted by the Board of Directors to all Independent Contractor members on a yearly basis, November 1 through October 31. VVBBUA Constitution Page 1 of 12 March 20, 2017

2 Section 2: Classification The Board of Directors shall classify Independent Contractor members as: Active (Qualified), Inactive, Honorary, Probationary (Qualified), Non-Qualified, Suspended, or Terminated. 1. An Active Independent Contractor member is one who attends the required meetings and clinics, achieves at least the minimum scores allowable on qualifying exams and classroom tests and meets the financial requirements imposed by the VVBBUA. Individuals shall have the right to vote, run for elective offices and enjoy all of the benefits of Independent Contractor membership. 2. A Non-Qualified Independent Contractor member is one who fails to meet the basic requirements listed in the aforementioned sub-section 1 above. 3. An Inactive Independent Contractor member is a past Independent Contractor member that is no longer active in the VVBBUA. These individuals can regain their Active status upon fulfilling the requirements of an active Independent Contractor membership. 4. An Honorary Independent Contractor member shall be considered for recognition by nomination of the Executive Committee and a majority vote, minimum of four (4) votes, of the Board of Directors. These individuals shall not have voting rights unless they have fulfilled the financial obligations of the VVBBUA. 5. A Probationary Independent Contractor member is one who is in need of specialized coaching. Upon showing improvement for the specialized need, the Board of Directors may return the Independent Contractor member to qualified status. 6. A Suspended Independent Contractor member is one who, by the recommendation of the Grievance Committee, and/or the Executive Committee, and by a majority vote, minimum of four (4) votes, of the Board of Directors, must not partake in the activities of the VVBBUA including, but not limited to, game assignments. The Suspended Independent Contractor member must apply for reinstatement to the Executive Committee. By the recommendation of the Executive Committee and by a majority vote, minimum of four (4) votes, of the Board of Directors, a Suspended Independent Contractor member may regain active, Qualified status. 7. A Terminated Independent Contractor member is one whose Independent Contractor agreement has been terminated by the Board of Directors by a majority vote, minimum of four (4) votes, following the internal investigation of the Grievance Committee and/or the Executive Committee. The terminated Independent Contractor shall be notified by certified mail at the most recent address provided by the Independent Contractor. If the letter is not received because, but not limited to, change of address, unknown resident, unknown address or returned to sender, the termination shall be effective after 15 days from the date of the original postmark. Section 3: Termination of Independent Contractor membership Independent Contractor membership may be terminated for unprofessional conduct, failure to pay financial obligations to the VVBBUA or other acts detrimental to the welfare of the VVBBUA, its Independent Contractor membership, the institutions it serves, or the game of baseball. Such termination shall require an inquiry from the Grievance Committee, an inquiry and a recommendation from the Executive Committee, and approval of the Board of Directors by majority vote, minimum of four (4) votes. A terminated Independent Contractor shall be notified by certified mail at the most recent address provided by the Independent Contractor to the VVBBUA Secretary/Treasurer. If the letter is not received because, but not limited to, change of address, unknown resident, unknown address or returned to sender, the termination shall be effective after 15 days from the date of the original certified postmark. Any Certified letter signed for at the Independent Contractor s residence is implied that it has been received by the Independent Contractor. VVBBUA Constitution Page 2 of 12 March 20, 2017

3 Section 4: Reinstatement Reinstatement shall be initiated by the Independent Contractor seeking reinstatement accompanied by a request for an application. Such letter and application shall be sent to the President of the VVBBUA by certified mail at the address of the VVBBUA. The letter and application shall be acted upon only through the method outlined herein. The VVBBUA shall not entertain letters presented in person, U.S. Mail or by any other means. Such letter and application shall require the recommendation of the Executive Committee and approval of the Board of Directors by two-thirds vote. There are no guarantees that terminated Independent Contractor members will be reinstated. ARTICLE IV: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR MEMBER PAYMENTS OF DUES, ASSESSMENTS AND FINES The Independent Contractor membership dues, special assessments, and/or fines, as may be deemed necessary, shall be established or levied by the Board of Directors. The Board will notify the Independent Contractor Member of any fine levied, in writing, by any method chosen by the Board. All Independent Contractor members are required to pay these fines/levies by cash, check or other means as approved by the Board. All Independent Contractor members must also pay, within seven (7) days of notification, any and all assessments and fines. This does not restrict the individual Independent Contractor member from appealing any assessments and/or fines to the Grievance Committee. The final date for Independent Contractor membership dues will be decided by the Board and posted to the website and updated on forms accordingly. ARTICLE V: OFFICERS DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS The year for the elected officers shall begin on July 1 st and shall run through June 30 th. Section 1: Officers The Officers shall be comprised of the President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and Sergeant-at-Arms. All officers, with the exception of the President, have the right to vote on any matter relating to VVBBUA business. The President shall exercise his/her right to vote only in the event of a tie vote of the Independent Contractor membership and/or the Board of Directors. Any Officer, who does not meet the standards of the VVBBUA, may be removed, at any time, by a two-thirds vote of the general Independent Contractor membership. Section 2: Duties The President shall call and preside at all meetings of the VVBBUA and the Board of Directors, call special meetings and execute the will of the Independent Contractor membership of the VVBBUA. The President shall ask that the Constitution and/or By-Laws be revised as needed. The President shall be the one who formally suspends and otherwise notifies appealing Independent Contractor members in regards to the decisions of the Board of Directors. The President may appoint an active Independent Contractor member to fill an Officer or Director position, upon resignation, disqualification, or removal from office, for a maximum of thirty days, or until such time as an election can be held by the general membership. Such election shall be held at the earliest regularly scheduled meeting, or an emergency meeting requiring a minimum of 14 days notice. VVBBUA Constitution Page 3 of 12 March 20, 2017

4 The Vice-President shall serve in place of the President and/or the Immediate Past President in the event of either's absence, inability to perform elected duties, or upon the President's resignation, disqualification, or removal from office. The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep the official transacted business records of the VVBBUA; give notice of meeting dates, times and location; maintain a current roster; deposit, or hold in trust, all funds remitted to him/her on behalf of the VVBBUA any dues, fines or entrusted monies. The Secretary/Treasurer will receive or disburse funds as directed by and approved by the Board of Directors. The Sergeant-at-Arms shall assess fines of the Independent Contractor membership at meetings or clinics and assist the President to restore order as needed. The Sergeant-at Arms shall act as the Chairperson of the Grievance Committee. ARTICLE VI: DIRECTORS DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS Section 1: Directors The Directors shall be comprised of the Assignor, Instructional Chairperson and the Immediate Past-President. All Directors have the right to vote on any matter relating to VVBBUA business. Any Director, who does not meet the standards of the VVBBUA, may be removed, at any time, by a two-thirds vote of the general Independent Contractor membership. Section 2: Duties The Assignor shall be responsible for receiving the schedules from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Liaison. The assignor shall assign umpires to work all high school baseball contests as provided by CIF member school schedules. The Assignor may assign games for other entities or organizations participating in baseball as is mutually acceptable to the Assignor and the Board. He/she should be required to have been a Independent Contractor member of the VVBBUA or any other CBUA organization for not less than two (2) years and must remain a qualified Independent Contractor member during his/her term as the Assignor. Since these duties are unique, removal from office during his/her term shall require a two-thirds vote of the general Independent Contractor membership. Duties would additionally include taking away all assignments given by him or her and/or no longer assign additional games to any Independent Contractor member deemed Non-Qualified. This shall occur immediately upon proper Board recommendation. The Assignor will notify the person involved. Likewise, keeping records as requested by the Board and submit in timely manner information, such as but not limited to: 1. No-Shows whereby the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Secretary/Treasurer can notify persons as to fines. 2. Changes by schools after the original assignments as to date time location for the VVBBUA database (Arbiter or other accepted electronic technology based assignment system). 3. Submit a master list of all Independent Contractor members that have been assigned contests to the President, Vice-President, Sec./Treas. and the Instructional Chairperson, which includes their address and phone numbers. Instructional Chairperson shall construct, organize and present the instructional program of the VVBBUA. The Instructional Chairperson shall not intend to deviate from the NFHS rulebook, casebook, or umpires manual set forth by the CBUA. The Instructional Chairperson is required to receive rule and mechanic interpretations from the CBUA Instructional Chairperson and VVBBUA Constitution Page 4 of 12 March 20, 2017

5 administer, grade, and return exams for qualifying VVBBUA members. The Instructional Chairperson shall be allowed to appoint assistants as needed. Immediate Past President shall assist, as requested, by the President. The Immediate Past President shall serve as the Chairman of the Executive Committee. ARTICLE VII: BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors shall be comprised of all Officers and Directors. Any individual who holds dual responsibility as an Officer and/or a Director is entitled to only one vote. If the dual responsibility should include the office of the President, than he/she shall be governed by Article V, Section 1, and Point #1. ARTICLE VIII:ELECTION CYCLE All candidates for office shall be Active Independent Contractor members in good standing of the VVBBUA for a minimum of two (2) consecutive fiscal years. Section 1: Election Schedule The following procedures for elections shall be adhered to: Continuity in administration will be achieved by having the Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Assignor elected in odd numbered years to a two-year term. The Instructional Chairperson shall be elected to three-year terms. Section 2: Nominations On the date of the election, nominations shall be taken from the floor. If an individual seeking an elective office is not in attendance at the election meeting to accept the nomination, they may not be nominated unless a written letter of acceptance is submitted to the Vice-President PRIOR to the scheduled meeting time. Section 3: Presidential Succession The Vice-President shall become the President for two years following his/her term. The outgoing President shall become the Immediate Past President for a two-year term on the Board of Directors. Section 4: Requirements for Dual Offices An Independent Contractor member may hold up to two (2) positions on the Board of Directors providing the integrity of the office is upheld and the obligations of each position can be dutifully executed. Section 5: Resignations As stated in Article V, Section 2, Point 1: The President may appoint an active Independent Contractor member to fill an Officer or Director position, upon resignation or removal of duties, until the term for that office comes up in the election cycle. Section 6: Voted Items Elections, removals and amendments to the Constitution or By-Laws shall be voted on by secret ballot by the Active Independent Contractor membership and tallied by the Secretary/Treasurer and the Sergeant-at-Arms. If either the presiding Secretary/Treasurer and/or Sergeant-at-Arms is a candidate for the office being voted on, or otherwise unavailable, the Vice-President, or his/her designate, shall replace that officer for the purpose of tallying the vote. VVBBUA Constitution Page 5 of 12 March 20, 2017

6 ARTICLE IX: CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF PLAYOFF UMPIRES The following criteria shall be followed in accordance with Article XII: Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Meeting Attendance Must attend 80% of the regular membership meetings. Must attend required 2-Man Mechanics Clinic or Instruction, unless otherwise excused by the Instructional Chairperson. Must attend required 3-Man Mechanics Clinic or Instruction, unless otherwise excused by the Instructional Chairperson. Test Materials Must Score 85% or above on the Study Guide Must Score 80% or above on the Classification Test Must Average a minimum of 85% or above on the 3 Classroom Tests Communication with Partner and Schools s or calls partner the night before contest to arrange meeting place Calls the School minimum of 4 hours before contest to confirm time and location Section 4: Section 5: Section 6: Section 7: Pre & Postgame Umpire Conference Conducts a pregame conference with partner to cover proper mechanics and to cover any unique ground rules Conducts a pregame conference with partner giving and receiving constructive criticism to explore opportunities for improvement Plate Meeting Conducts legal plate meeting Speaks directly to captains and coaches Direct and brief Positioning Plate Umpire Establishes "locked in positioning" on every pitch Does not drift with the pitch Does not flinch on swings and foul balls Works the proper slot Proper head height and use of eyes Proper position on plays at plate and on bases when the appropriate Maintains consistent and acceptable strike zone throughout the game Proper timing when calling a pitch, foul, hit by pitch, dropped 3rd strike Base Umpire Attains proper angle and distance Works to get the best angle over distance when necessary Works to get best look on poor throws and unusual plays Keeps chest to ball at all times In rest position between inning unless conferring with partner Hustle and Mobility Concentrates consistently on the crucial elements of the game Is prepared for every pitch, play and developing plays and situations VVBBUA Constitution Page 6 of 12 March 20, 2017

7 Is aware of all that is going on within the game including dugouts and inter-team developments Moves with a purpose to get into proper position for plays Is able to keep up with the pace of the game Displays knowledge and perception of how plays develop by correctly anticipating where, how, and the speed at which the play will occur Section 8: Section 9: Section 10: Section 11: Section 12: Section 13: Section 14: Attitude and Professionalism Is approachable and Professional when confronted by players and coaches Open to feedback and constructive criticism from VVBBUA members Displays ability to remain calm when situations arise and players and coaches become confrontational Timing Does not anticipate the play or the outcome of play Allows everything that can happen, happen before making a decision/call Gets the call right Game and Situation Management Adheres to all NFHS/VVBBUA policies and procedures as instructed by Instructional Chairperson and outlined in the umpires manual Adheres and applies rules, accepted practices and interpretations detailed in the NFHS rules and case book Has the ability to take control of situations that can get out of control before they do so and is able to remain calm and professional (including when giving warnings and ejections) Utilizing Ignore, Acknowledge, and Warn before Ejection Game and Situation Management Proper display of uniform fit, serviceability, cleanliness. (Should fit properly, not faded or stained, pressed, not wrinkled, shoes clean and shined Exhibits posture that reflects interest in the game. Fraternization Avoids excessive, casual and/or unnecessary conversations with players, coaches or spectators Verbal and Visual Communication Gives clear, authoritative and authorized signals Possesses smooth relaxed style that projects confidence Coordinates voice with visual signal to give professional appearance without being too loud to draw undue attention Mechanics Has good knowledge of 2-Man and 3-Man Mechanics Uses proper mechanics and rotates in proper situations and being alert enough to adjust in the event your partner misses a rotation Reads partner(s) and fielders (on fly balls) well on outfield coverage and goes out as needed Follows NFHS Umpires manual and CBUA approved deviations VVBBUA Constitution Page 7 of 12 March 20, 2017

8 Section 15: Judgement Utilizes good judgement at all times ARTICLE X: CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF SEMI AND FINALS UMPIRES The criteria for Playoff Umpires as stated in Article IX shall be followed in accordance with Article XII, with slightly higher standards for test materials as follows: Section 1: ARTICLE XI: Test Materials Must Score 90% or above on the Study Guide Must Score 85% or above on the Classification Test Must Average a minimum of 90% or above on the 3 Classroom Tests Covers Tough Situations and Coverage COMMITTEES The President may form and appoint Independent Contractor members to committees unless where bound by the duties of an Officer or Director. These committees shall be comprised of no less than 3 Independent Contractor members including the committee chairperson. Section 1: Adjunct Committee The President retains the authority to create any committee(s), and appoint its Chairperson and Independent Contractor members, to assist in running, or in his/her opinion for the benefit of the VVBBUA. These adjunct committee(s) will cease upon completion of the duties required by the President. Section 2: Executive Committee As stated in Article VI, Section 2, Point 3, the Immediate Past-President shall chair the Executive Committee which shall be comprised of all Past-Presidents, one (1) Board Independent Contractor member and one (1) at-large Independent Contractor member, both of whom will be nominated by the Immediate Past President and approved by The Board. This committee shall have responsibility for: Investigating Independent Contractor members requiring benevolent assistance, contact sick or injured Independent Contractor members and act as the liaison for the VVBBUA while paying respects while possibly recommending fund raising for financial aid if deemed appropriate. Conducting audits, assisting or enabling the Secretary/Treasurer to achieve his/her job duties as outlined. Planning and directing the annual banquet while receiving assistance from the Secretary/Treasurer. Section 3: Grievance Committee As stated in Article V, Section 2, Point 4, the Sergeant-at-Arms shall chair the Grievance Committee, which shall be comprised of two (2) board Independent Contractor members and two (2) at-large Independent Contractor members selected by the Board. This committee shall have responsibility for: 1. Determining whether an Independent Contractor member has engaged in unprofessional conduct or has acted in a manner detrimental to the welfare and purpose of the VVBBUA. This VVBBUA Constitution Page 8 of 12 March 20, 2017

9 can include, but is not limited to, the degradation of a fellow VVBBUA Independent Contractor member at any time while at a baseball contest at any venue. 2. Missed assignments, meeting or clinic attendance. If a Independent Contractor member is negligent the official shall be assessed the following fines and/or Board action: Missed Assignments The total amount of the assignment fee. One quarter which shall be paid to the assignor, one quarter to the VVBBUA and one half to the official who filled the vacancy. Refusal to pay within 7 days will result in forfeiture of remaining assignments and placement on the suspended list. Switching an assignment or when an official assigns his/her own replacement without authorization from the Assignor could result in a fine being assessed. Refusal to pay within 7 days will result in forfeiture of remaining assignments and placement on the suspended list. If an official missed two (2) assignments per fiscal year without valid verifiable cause, said official is in jeopardy of losing all remaining game assignments and may be listed as Non-Qualified, suspended or terminated list for the remainder of the fiscal year. Any Independent Contractor member reporting to an assignment in an unprofessional or improper condition, which can include, but is not limited to, physical, mental, emotional or without the required dress code as noted in Article XII, may be suspended unilaterally by the President of the VVBBUA until such time as a committee hearing can be conducted. The committee may recommend reinstatement, suspension or termination of Independent Contractor membership. The affected official may apply for reinstatement, in writing (paper or electronic) to the President of the VVBBUA who shall promptly alert the Executive Committee to review the application. The Executive Committee will recommend action to the Board of Directors. If an Independent Contractor member fails to attend three (3) required meetings and/or mandatory mechanics clinics, without Board approval, the official is in jeopardy of not being certified to umpire the current baseball season, and will not be given assignments. In this case, any dues or fees paid to VVBBUA are forfeited. 3. All fines shall be paid, in cash to the Secretary/Treasurer within seven (7) days of notification. 4. An Independent Contractor may appeal the decision of the Grievance Committee to the Executive Committee after they have adhered to the decision of the Grievance Committee. Should the Executive Committee overturn the action of the Grievance Committee, the Independent Contractor will be refunded the amount of the fine or the recommended action will be reversed within seven (7) days. ARTICLE XII: UNIFORMS The Uniform Policy of the NFHS, CBUA and VVBBUA is as follows: Section 1: Standards Uniform colors will be determined yearly by the Board, Members should use the following combinations as guidance based on the annual Board selections. The Board will publish standards for colors each membership year no later than February 5th. Pullover Shirt Navy Blue with red outlined patch over breast pocket or Black or Light Blue with yellow outlined patch over breast pocket Pullover Jacket VVBBUA Constitution Page 9 of 12 March 20, 2017

10 Navy Blue with red outlined patch over breast pocket area. Black with white piping and yellow outlined patch over breast pocket Dark Grey Pants (approved umpire pants, combo pants acceptable). Navy Blue hat with red CBUA letters or Black hat with white CBUA letters is preferred, however plain navy blue or black is acceptable. Black leather or Black patent leather belt. Black socks Black undershirt Navy Blue baseball bags for plate umpires with Navy shirt or black baseball bags with Black or Light Blue shirt. Black shoes. Some white is acceptable, but the predominant color shall be black Uniform shirt, jacket, pants and hats will be cleaned, pressed and not faded in color. Umpires working as a crew must wear the same uniform color scheme. Cold or foul weather jackets are optional by either umpire. Any umpire that does not adhere to this policy forgoes his opportunity to represent the VVBBUA as a CIF Playoff umpire. ARTICLE XIII: UMPIRE RATING SYSTEM Umpires will be rated on a 4 tier system. The highest rated umpires will be 100 while the new umpires are rated 400. Criteria for the rating of 100: Have worked a State Finals game in the past 3 years, or have worked a Semi-Finals in the past 2 years. Criteria for the rating of 200: Have worked a Semi-Final in the past 2 years or a Quarter Final in the past year. Criteria for the rating of 300: Have worked a Quarter Final in the past 2 years or lower level playoffs in the past year. Criteria for the rating of 400: No playoffs in the previous 2 years or New Member. If an Inactive Member who becomes an Active Member with one year or more inactive, will enter one tier lower than he/she was the last year as an Active Member. ARTICLE XIV: CODE OF CONDUCT The following Code of Conduct shall be demonstrated by every official who represents the Victor Valley / Barstow Baseball Umpires Association (hereafter referred to as the VVBBUA) in any contest which the VVBBUA assigns or whereas an official is wearing the official emblem of the California Baseball Umpires Association (herein referred to as the CBUA). This Code of Conduct shall be in place for any official that enters into an Independent Contractor agreement with the VVBBUA and is in effect at any venue. Should an official not adhere to this Code of Conduct, at any time while a Independent Contractor member of the VVBBUA, such official will be subject to disciplinary action up to, or including, termination of their Independent Contractor membership within the association. The essential elements of ethics within sports officiating are embodied in a concept of sportsmanship and six (6) core principles: Responsibility, Respect, Trustworthiness, Fairness, Impartiality and Integrity. These core principles shall be referred to as the 6 Columns of Umpire Character. Responsibility Each Umpire bears the responsibility to carry themselves in a highly professional manner. This requirement includes, but is not limited to: professional conduct prior, and at the conclusion, of a contest; Arriving at the contest site as outlined within the established VVBBUA guidelines and as outlined in the National Federation State High School Associations (hereafter referred to as NFHS) Mechanics Manual, and behaving in a manner that establishes a positive example for the participants, coaches, administrators and the spectators. Respect The VVBBUA will not tolerate, under any circumstances, an Independent Contractor member Umpire exhibiting unprofessional behavior. Any verbal, physical or any other types of negative VVBBUA Constitution Page 10 of 12 March 20, 2017

11 attacks or abuse towards a coach, player spectator or another Independent Contractor member umpire will be grounds for immediate termination of your agreement with our association. This will be in affect regardless of the venue and regardless of circumstances and will be strictly upheld by the Officers and the Board of Directors. The Profession of Umpiring is viewed as a necessary evil. We undoubtedly will be booed, our eyesight and allegiances will be questioned and we will be talked down to and without regard to our ability or work ethic. We must act in a matter that allows us to rise above all of the rhetoric. We shall always exhibit respect to the participants, coaches, administrators and the spectators. If a situation were to arise that needed to be addressed with a particular player, coach, administrator, school or fellow Umpire, there are proper channels in which to travel and the VVBBUA will assist you in that effort. Trustworthiness Above all, this association requires you to become a trusted Independent Contractor member. Your actions reflect on all of the Independent Contractor member Umpire. You are entrusted to fulfill your agreed upon obligations as it relates to schedules, communications with schools, communications with your partner(s) or communication to the Officers and/or Assignor of the association. Fairness Our reason for being, is to allow the game of baseball to be played in accordance with the National Federation of High Schools Rule Book, Case Book, Mechanics Manual and CBUA approved deviations to these books and manuals. Any deviations from the rulebook, which are not in accordance with the California Baseball Umpires Association, will not be recognized or allowed by Independent Contractor member Umpires. Impartiality - The Profession of Umpiring needs impartial officials who will allow the contest to be settled on the field and in accordance with the rules. Many Independent Contractor members have ties with certain area schools. Should that be the case, please act in a professional manner by disallowing yourself from any contest that involves those schools, if you feel you can not officiate in an impartial manner. On the other hand, the VVBBUA will support our Independent Contractor members that feel qualified to officiate a contest which would involve those schools if questions were raised concerning the ability of the Umpire to be impartial. Integrity Leo Durocher (Manager of the Chicago Cubs ) once said I ve never questioned the integrity of an umpire their eyesight yes, but never their integrity. This statement speaks volumes in terms of the professionalism of most umpires. We shall hold our Independent Contractor members to the very strict standards that have been set forth by fellow umpires as well as the millions of umpires who have ever swept off Home Plate and called PLAY BALL. ARTICLE XV: RULES OF ORDER The VVBBUA will be governed by Robert s Rules of Order when applicable except wherein such rules are in conflict with the Constitution and By-Laws of the VVBBUA. ARTICLE XVI: AMENDMENTS The Constitution of the VVBBUA may be amended at any regular meeting of the VVBBUA by a twothirds vote of the Independent Contractor members present. This is providing a quorum of the total general Independent Contractor membership is met, by secret ballot providing such proposed amendment change(s) / addition(s) / or deletion(s) have been read or published at a preceding regular VVBBUA Constitution Page 11 of 12 March 20, 2017

12 meeting or communicated, in writing (document or electronic) at least fourteen (14) days prior to the next general Independent Contractor membership meeting. A copy of the existing Constitution must accompany the proposal. ARTICLE XVII: ELASTIC CLAUSE Any item not covered by this Constitution shall come under the authority of the Board of Directors. VVBBUA Constitution Page 12 of 12 March 20, 2017