COACHELLA VALLEY BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION BYLAWS & CONSTITUTION

Transcription

1 1.0 NAME COACHELLA VALLEY BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION BYLAWS & CONSTITUTION Revised May 2015 ARTICLE I ORGANIZATION This association shall be known as the COACHELLA VALLEY BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION (CVBUA), a unit of the CALIFORNIA BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC. (CBUA). ARTICLE II PURPOSE 2.0 PURPOSE OF ORGANIZATION The objectives of the CVBUA shall be to provide a quality instructional program in the training, preparation and development of Baseball umpires which will cover the rules concerning the CIF Southern Section as described in the Section s Blue Book, and also include the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) purposes as it relates to umpiring high school baseball. ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP 3.0 ELIGIBILITY Membership in the CVBUA is a privilege and shall be available to any person eighteen (18) years of age or older who have not been convicted of a felony and who have a legal right to work in the contiguous United States. Individuals seeking membership in the CVBUA shall file a written application or use the online application at the CVBUA website. The CVBUA shall comply with CBUA/CIFSS requirements for background screening of all members. 3.1 MEMBER EVALUATIONS AND PRIVILEGES The CVBUA shall have four (4) active classifications and one (1) inactive/suspended classification. Umpires ratings will be approved by the Board. All members shall be classified as one of the following: a. 100 b. 200 c. 300 d. New

2 e. Inactive/Suspended For the purpose of this section or any other an active member is any of a. through and including d. 3.2 EVALUATION PROCEDURE In order to be active in one of the four classifications, members shall: a. Meet the instruction program requirements. b. The Board shall consider as many sources as possible when determining an umpire's classification. c. The Board shall be responsible for establishing a system of evaluating all umpires. d. All new members of CVBUA shall be classified as New until they can be rated. It is required that all 300 rated umpires attend instructional classes with New umpires. e. Transfers from other associations will be evaluated by the Board as to the umpire s experience and previous classification in the organization from which they transferred. A written letter of recommendation from the former organization, which includes level of competency, experience, and skill level, is recommended in order to assist in the evaluating process. Attendance in the new and probationary training class may be authorized, even though the transferring official receives a modified rating. The transferee may be eligible for playoffs subject to the normal eligibility requirements set forth by the Bylaws & Constitution. f. There shall be no time limitations as to the length of time a member may remain in any classifications. g. There is no guarantee to the number of games or level of game assignments for any classification. h. Any umpire who is a member of the CVBUA and whose proficiency drops below a 200 level as determined by the Instructional Chair and approved by the Board may be required to attend training classes with the new and 300 members. This proficiency issue shall be brought to the attention of the Board by the Instructional Chairman. Their use for Varsity level assignments may be reduced or revoked by recommendation of the Board. Reinstatement of the privileges of a 100 or 200 classification will be by recommendation of the Board. i. The CVBUA Assignor will be notified of all promotions or demotions of individual umpire classifications by the Instructional Chairman, with all future assignments to be made according to the revised classification of said umpire(s). 3.3 FORFEITURE OF MEMBERSHIP Membership may be forfeited for unprofessional conduct, failure to pay dues, assignor fees, assessments and other acts detrimental to the welfare of the CVBUA. a. If a member misses two (2) assignments without valid verification, said member shall lose all remaining assignments and be classified as Inactive/Suspended for the remainder of the baseball season. b. Any member reporting to an assignment in a condition unable to perform shall be indefinitely suspended from the CVBUA until such a time as they are reinstated.

3 Such request for removal from the suspension list must be submitted to the President in writing. c. If a member misses four (4) meetings without Board approval, they are in jeopardy of being classified as Suspended for the remainder of the baseball season and the loss of remaining assignments unless the missed meeting is excused by meeting one of the requirement listed in the Members Section of the CVBUA S web site under Excused Absences. d. Such forfeiture of membership shall require the approval of the Board. 3.4 REINSTATEMENT Reinstatement shall be initiated by the written application of the person seeking reinstatement. a. Such application shall require the approval of the Board. ARTICLE IV DUES 4.0 ANNUAL DUES The Board shall establish the annual dues to be paid by the membership of the association. The amount to be paid shall be made known to members one (1) month prior to the first meeting of each season. ARTICLE V FEES 5.0 ASSIGNOR Assignor fees shall be separate from the membership dues. The Board shall approve the Assignor Fee. The amount to be paid for Assignor Fees shall be made known to members one (1) month prior to the first meeting of each season. 5.1 EXEMPTIONS a. Members of the United States military (Active, Reserve or Retired) who are voluntarily or involuntarily called to active duty and Members of the National Guard (Active or Military Guard Reserve) who are voluntarily or involuntarily, federally activated or state activated for emergencies shall be exempt from being fined for canceling a previously accepted assignment. b. In addition, members who miss a general membership meeting because of military duty will be considered to have been authorized to miss such meeting. This exclusion shall also apply to members of the United States Coast Guard and Public Health Service. The members will provide a copy of the activation orders if possible to the assignor if time permits. In addition, members of the active service shall be exempt if they must cancel assignments if they receive valid Change of Station orders during the normal season.

4 c. Members who receive a Notice to Serve (Jury Summons) on a court jury will be exempt from a fine for canceling a previously accepted assignment if notice is given to the assignor within twenty-four hours (24 hours) of receipt of such notice. ARTICLE VI ASSIGNMENTS AND THE ASSIGNOR 6.0 RULES REGARDING RECEIVING ASSIGNMENTS All members must complete all required information on Arbiter. Failure to complete the required information on Arbiter will result in no game assignments. In addition all members must be able to secure and accept their individual game assignments via the Arbiter on-line computer site. Failure to have the ability to secure games via Arbiter will result in all assigned games being removed from said member. A member shall inform the Official Assignor at least three (3) days prior to the assignment of a game if they are unable to work the assigned game. All games turned back, missed or switched are governed by Article VII of the CVBUA Constitution and By-Laws a. All members shall refrain from contacting the Assignor in an effort to obtain additional assignments, or influence the assignment process. Should any member of the CVBUA be investigated and found guilty of attempting to influence the assignment process that member shall be disciplined according to Article XVIII of the CVBUA Constitution and By-Laws. b. The Assignor shall be immediately notified if, for any reason, an umpire finds he is unable to keep an assignment or commitment. The member shall not assign a replacement unless specifically requested to do so by the Assignor. In the event of the Assignor s unavailability, the Instructional Chairman shall be the next in line of contact. c. A member shall not turn back a game assignment in order to accept a higher paying or more attractive game assignment unless it is for an approved organization. d. All members shall keep and maintain an accurate and detailed calendar of all assigned or accepted games. The assignment/accepted list provided on the Arbitersports.com website can be utilized as a source of reference as well. All members should know in advance the route to the game site, the expected travel time, the position to be worked, and be fully prepared in all respects to work the game in a professional manner. 6.1 SELECTION AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICIAL ASSIGNOR The CVBUA contracts with an independent assignor for high school assignments and they must be a qualified active or inactive association member who has demonstrated competence in his duties and understanding of the internal workings of the CVBUA as it relates to game assignments.

5 The vote for selection of the Assignor requires a majority of the Board. Should the Board determine that no active or inactive CVBUA members meet the qualifications of an assignor or that the proposals submitted by active or inactive CVBUA members do not meet the parameters of the dues set forth by the Board or the Board finds the CVBUA membership not interested in the assignor position of should any special circumstance arise that could be determined by the Board detrimental to the CVBUA as a whole, the Board shall exercise the right to seek qualified applicants from other CIF sanctioned organizations or associations or any other qualified interested candidate. This Assignor is responsible for developing the procedure to which umpires are assigned games. This procedure shall be reviewed by the Board annually, and may be altered from time to time by a majority vote of the Board. The assignor shall be provided with the names of those members eligible to officiate baseball contests, and it is the sole responsibility of the Assignor for game placement under the supervision of the Board. The duties of the Assignor include the following; a) Secure a schedule of all games (dates, places, and times) to be aligned prior to the beginning of the season, as per the direction of the Board. Ensure that all school information entered into the Arbitersports.com website is current with all information pertaining to school's Athletic Director, Coaches, and office to include all addresses and phone numbers. b) To make all assignments for the season utilizing Arbitersports.com, but not assigning umpires to games where siblings, family members, or very close friends of an umpire are participating in the game or attending the school. c) To make available to each official a copy of their schedule via the Arbitersports.com website, and to each school s Athletic Director a copy of their total site assignments for the purpose of verified accuracy. d) To make available access to the President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Instructional Chairman the complete assignment schedule via Arbitersports.com. Prior to posting assignments on the Arbiter e) To work closely with the Board in regards to the knowledge, abilities and ratings assessment of all umpires. f) Provide a copy of the recommended Playoff List to the Board prior to it being submitted to CIF for consideration g) The Board reserves the right to review, and order change to the Assignor for any umpire assignments where there is cause or does not meet the criteria set forth by the Board. h) Failure to pay membership dues and assignor's fees at established dates will result in no game assignments.

6 ARTICLE VII Penalties TURNED BACK, MISSED OR SWITCHING ASSIGNMENT 7.0 If a member turns back or misses an assigned game the member loses the right to work their next assignment or an assignment at the discretion of the Assignor. If a member designates his own replacement to an assigned game, or switches assigned games with another member without the consent of the Assignor, the member loses the right to work their next assignment or an assignment at the discretion of the Assignor. 7.1 If a member is a part of another sanctioned organization and chooses to turn back an assigned game he shall not be penalized by the CVBUA provided he meet the following criteria. 1) He must find a replacement umpire and he must notify the Assignor or Instructional Chairman of the change. 2) If either the Assignor or Instructional Chairman disagree with the proposed change the assigned member must fulfill his assigned game. 3) Should the criteria not be met the member shall be fined and shall lose the right to work their next assignment. ARTICLE VIII MEETINGS 8.0 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS The number of meetings, times, and place of meetings shall be determined by the Board. a) Regularly scheduled general membership meetings will be held in one group. 8.1 NOTICE OF MEETINGS One month prior to the first meeting of the season the membership shall be advised by Arbitersports.com or of the date, time and place of the scheduled general membership meetings and field clinics. Playoff meetings and three (3) man mechanics clinics will be announced at a later date in the season. a) As a member of the CVBUA you are required to regularly check Arbitersports.com or your for any notices, updates or changes. 8.2 SPECIAL MEETINGS A special meeting of the Board may be called at any time by the President, Board, or by two or more member representatives. If a special meeting is called by member representatives, the request shall be in writing stating the nature of business and shall be delivered personally, sent by registered mail, or facsimile transmission to the President or Secretary/Treasurer of the CVBUA. The President shall forward the request to Secretary/Treasurer who will serve notice via Arbitersports.com or promptly to all members in good standing that a meeting will be held at a time designated by the Board not less than seven (7), and no more than fourteen (14) days

7 after the receipt of the request. The only business conducted at a Special Meeting is for which it is called for. 8.3 BOARD MEETINGS The Board shall meet at least two times between the end of the season and the first general membership meeting and any other time necessary, as called by the President, to conduct the necessary business of the CVBUA. The Vice- President shall act as the President were the President unable to attend. Regular meetings of the Board will be held before or after regular scheduled membership meetings. The President only votes in case of a tie. 8.4 PLACE OF MEETINGS Regular meetings of the Board will be held at any place and time that has been designated from time to time by the Board. Special meetings of the Board shall be held at any place and time that has been designated by the board. 8.5 MEETING ATTENDANCE The Board shall develop a calendar each year showing among other things, the times, dates and locations of all general meetings and field clinics. These meetings shall be classified as regular and make-up meetings. Members are required to attend all meetings and field clinics. Any member, including the instructional staff, who miss any regular meeting(s) shall be required to attend a make-up meeting. Failure to attend a make-up meeting(s) to fulfill the attendance requirements will result in the removal of previously assigned contests, at the discretion of the Board. Umpires eligible to receive play-off assignments must attend the 3-man mechanic(s) meeting and on field clinic(s). The Board shall provide reasonable accommodations to ensure all members the opportunity to meet these requirements 8.6 Members in good standing, who are working a sanctioned sports assignment with another association, and having provided proof of such service to the Board, will be excused from attending a regularly scheduled CVBUA meeting. 8.7 Those members having special circumstances such as employment responsibilities or night time schooling that conflicts with regular meeting attendance shall submit verbally to the Board, a request to be excused from attendance on those regular meeting nights in conflict with his or her personal schedule. Attendance records shall be kept by the Secretary/Treasurer. 8.8 MEMBER S RIGHTS TO SPEAK AT BOARD MEETINGS Active or Inactive/Suspended members may speak at Board Meetings by submitting an item to be placed on the agenda of the next Board meeting to any Board member. The Board will advise the member of the next meeting date, location and time. ARTICLE IX

8 QUORUM 9.0 QUORUM AT MEETINGS A quorum shall be required to conduct business at any regularly scheduled general meetings and/or Board meetings. a) A quorum shall consist of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) person present in person of the membership. b) If a quorum is not met, all business transacted by the Board shall be deemed approved by the membership. c) Inactive members may attend regularly scheduled or special meetings and will have the right to speak and vote on all issues. Suspended members may not attend any meetings concerned with the CVBUA. ARTICLE X VOTING AND PROXIES 10.0 VOTING AND PROXIES Each active qualified member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter in person. Proxies will be allowed provided that the active qualified member notifies the President 48 hours prior to voting by electronic mail ( ) via their address listed on Arbiter as to who will be their proxy. a) All votes taken at a general meeting may be either by show of hands or secret written ballot as determined by the Board. b) All actions needing the vote of the membership will require a simple majority vote of the members present unless otherwise stipulated by this Constitution and By-Laws. ARTICLE XI OFFICERS 11.0 All Officers shall be and must remain active/inactive qualified members during their term of office The Board shall consist of five (5) members: a) The Board shall be composed of the President, Vice-President, Instructional Chair, Secretary/Treasurer, and one (1) Member-at- Large. b) A member of the Board shall not hold more than one position in the unit. c) The Assignor is not a member of the Board, but is required to attend Board meetings at the discretion of the Board All members of the Board have the right to one vote in person on all matters except the President who will only vote in the case of a tie. Proxies shall be allowed if said proxy meets the parameters stated in Article X Any member of the Board who does not meet the standards of the CVBUA may be removed at any time by a three quarters (3/4) vote of the Board, or two thirds (2/3) of the general membership.

9 a) Any Board member who willfully discloses sensitive or private material, information, discussions, or positions of any other Board member that pertain to the business of the CVBUA and that information be discovered and investigated to be found true, then the offending Board member shall be terminated immediately by a three-quarter (¾) vote of the board. In addition the offending Board member shall be expelled from the CVBUA by a three-quarter (¾) vote of the board Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by a special election of the membership to be held at the next regularly scheduled general membership meeting. a) The Board member so elected shall fulfill the unexpired portion of the term of the office. b) If a vacancy occurs during the off season then it is the responsibility of the Board to fill the vacancy, such vacancy requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote approval by the board. The new Board member(s) must be approved at the first regularly scheduled membership meeting by a majority vote The Board may also authorize payment for services provided by members of the CVBUA and any decision(s) of the Board in this matter may be reversed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members at a regular meeting. ARTICLE XII DUTIES OF THE BOARD 12.0 PRESIDENT The President shall preside over all meetings of the CVBUA and the Board, call special meetings and execute the will of the CVBUA. He shall ask that this Constitution and By- Laws be revised as needed. He shall formally suspend and otherwise notify appealing members of Board decisions. The President is the Chairperson for all committees VICE-PRESIDENT The Vice-President shall serve in the place of the President in the event of the latter s absence, inability or disqualification. a) The Vice-President shall become President in the event of a vacancy of the presidency and shall remain so until an election is held SECRETARY/TREASURER The Secretary/Treasurer shall keep a record of the business transacted by the CVBUA, give notice of all meetings, maintain a current roster, deposit or hold, in trust, all funds (CVBUA dues) remitted to him on behalf of the CVBUA, accounting for them annually and at any other time upon demand of the Board or written request of a member.

10 12.3 INSTRUCTIONAL CHAIRMAN (aka IC) The Instructional Chairman shall be responsible for the organization of the classroom and field clinic formats for the CVBUA. He shall see that all the training materials are obtained from the instruction department of the California Baseball Umpires Association (CBUA) and parent organization responsible for handling instruction and training materials for the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). The Instructional Chairman shall be elected to the office by the general membership, at the discretion of the Board. The Instructional Chairman shall be the Chairman for the Instructional Committee should such a committee be formed by the Board. Those instructors appointed by the Board as classroom and clinic instructors shall fall under the jurisdiction of this position. The Board shall receive from the Instructional Chairman, by the second regular meeting, a report on the format he has organized. In all cases, the Board shall have the final approval of training procedures to be used. The Instructional Chairman may or may not be a classroom instructor, and if he is, may instruct either the new/probationary or 100/200 members and/or NCAA members. He shall design a training schedule to include a minimum of 18 hours of instruction for all members. Should the CBUA require additional instruction, the Instructional Chairman shall see that those requirements are met MEMBER AT LARGE Shall serve as an area representative of the Board. The Member-at-Large should be understood as the point of first contact by all CVBOA members with desires to address the Board COMPENSATION All positions of the Board are to be fulfilled on a voluntary basis, with no compensation due or anticipated. However, as also determined and approved by the Board, remuneration to any Board member for materials, mileage, duty expenditures, CBUA meetings, etc. will be provided upon presentation of all receipts, if required, to the Secretary/Treasurer Outside Services Compensation may be granted for other services such as ratings, mileage, mileage for attending meetings, vendors, etc., and other such matters as may be determined necessary by the Board. ARTICLE XIII ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 13.0 TERM OF OFFICE Each member of the Board shall be elected to serve a two (2) year term of office. a) The term of office shall begin on the first day after the final regularly scheduled CBUA meeting and end on the final regularly scheduled CBUA meeting following the two year period of the term

11 13.1 ELECTION SCHEDULE The election for members of the Board shall be held at a regularly scheduled general membership meeting and members shall be notified by Arbitersports.com and of the date of meeting. a) Elections shall be held in odd numbered years unless necessary to fill an unexpected vacancy on the Board NOMINATIONS The nominations shall be opened by the President and any active member may run for office. a) The nominations shall be as follows: 1. The Office of President 2. The Office of Vice-President 3. The Office of Secretary/Treasurer 4. The Office of Instructional Chairman 5. The Office of Member-at-Large b) Once an office is closed for nominations there shall be a secret ballot vote and the member getting fifty (50%) percent plus one vote, a simple majority, shall be elected. In the event no one receives a simple majority of the votes a run off of the top two (2) vote recipients will follow and will continue until a member receives a simple majority of the vote. ARTICLE XIV COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD 14.0 MEMBERSHIP All committees shall have three (3) or more members. a) The President shall be the chairman of all committees. b) All members of the committees shall be appointed by the Chairman c) Members of the CVBUA may serve on more than one committee. d) All committee members shall be active/inactive qualified members of the CVBUA STANDING COMMITTEES There shall be two (2) standing committees. They are the Audit Committee 14.2 AUDIT COMMITTEE The President shall appoint three (3) CVBUA members to serve as the Audit Committee. They shall meet with the Secretary/Treasurer of the CVBUA at the end of the fiscal year to review the closing financial statement of the CVBUA as compiled by the Secretary/Treasurer. This Committee, by its signature confirming review, shall make a recommendation to the Board at the first meeting to accept or reject the closing financial statement of the CVBUA. Committee members shall serve a one (1) year term, and may be appointed for successive terms.

12 14.3 SPECIAL COMMITTEES The President, with the approval of the Board, shall appoint such other committees, subcommittees or task forces as are necessary, and which are not in conflict with other provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws, and the duties of any committees shall be prescribed by the President with the approval of the Board. ARTICLE XV CVBUA RECORDS INSPECTION 15.0 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF BYLAWS & CONSTITUTION The CVBUA shall keep on Arbitersports.com the CVBUA Bylaws & Constitution as amended to date, which shall be open to inspection by all members in good standing and which can be downloaded MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF RECORDS The records and minutes of proceedings of the CVBUA and the Board, and any committees of the Board shall be kept at such place or places as designated by the Board. The minutes shall be kept in written form. The minutes and records shall be open to inspection by any member of good standing via Arbitersports.com or the CVBUA website INSPECTION OF RECORDS Every member shall have the right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, and documents of the CVBUA. This inspection includes the right to copy and make extracts of documents provided it is not sensitive material. ARTICLE XVI Exam Requirements 16.0 STUDY GUIDE Each member shall be required to complete the CBUA on-line study guide test and all Exams, as well as the classification Exam. In the event a member is unable to take the classification Exam at the regularly scheduled Exam date, members will be afforded the opportunity to take the exam at the first available make-up meeting. Under no circumstances will a test be mailed to a member The passing grade for ALL exams shall be eighty percent (80%). All tests are time sensitive and must be taken and passed by the beginning of the season Failure to take the classification Exam and all scheduled tests prior to the beginning of the season will result in the member being declared ineligible for assignments Non passing grades will be considered by the Board for classification ratings. Exam and study guide tests are due on the dates indicated on the meeting calendar Failure by any member to meet the passing grade requirement of the classification exam shall result in the member being designated as ineligible for play-off assignments

13 ARTICLE XVII Playoffs 17.0 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS To be considered for playoff assignments, umpires must have a classification rating of 100 or 200. All assignments for playoff games will consider the 100 classification availability first. The 200 classification umpire will be assigned when all available 100 umpires have been assigned PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY To be eligible for playoff assignments a member must be in good standing, and have met the instructional requirements of the CVBUA, as defined in these Bylaws & Constitution. The Board shall determine the umpires eligible for playoffs, and shall notify those umpires deemed eligible. The Board shall meet with the Assignor to confirm amount of games worked by each umpire. Umpires listed on the eligibility list shall be rated in accordance with the method listed below and the final results shall determine to which level that umpire may work. This rating shall occur so that the final list of playoff eligible umpires may be notified by Arbitersports.com or ed to the eligible umpires at least one (1) week prior to the first three-man (3-man) playoff mechanic clinic or meeting. The levels are; Level 1: Wild card and Opening Round Level 2: Opening Round to Quarter Finals Level 3: Opening Round to Finals Note: Only 100 rated umpires will be eligible to umpire CIF-SS Finals playoff games. They may only participate in the CIF-SS Finals every other year. The Secretary/Treasurer of the CVBOA will forward the list of umpires certified eligible to work a CIF-SS Finals playoff game to the CBUA. A copy will also be provided to the Board. ARTICLE XVIII DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS 18.0 GROUNDS FOR DISCIPLINE For failure to comply with these Bylaws & Constitution; established authority or regulations of the CVBUA, or for delinquency in payment of CVBUA dues and Assignor fees, penalties or assessments, or any other conduct deemed to be contrary to the best interests of the CVBUA, a member may be fined, placed on probation or suspended for not more than one (1) year, or may be permanently expelled from the CVBUA if necessary NOTIFICATION OF CHARGES A charged member shall receive written notice via and certified mail with return receipt requested, of the charges against them, indicating the alleged violation(s) with specific reference to the Bylaws & Constitution provision(s); rule(s) or regulation(s) they allegedly violated; the specific alleged violable conduct; where and when the

14 alleged violable conduct occurred, and the person(s) or entity who filed the charge(s). Such member shall also be provided at the time with copies of all documents related to the charge(s) which may be used in prosecuting the charge(s). They shall be referred to these Bylaws & Constitution with respect to their procedural rights RIGHT OF HEARING A member charged with any violation shall have the right to be heard in person or by written statement submitted by him/her in his or her own defense, before the Board. Such right shall be afforded the member prior to the imposition of any disciplinary action. The charged member may seek a personal hearing with the Board if this is requested within fourteen (14) days of the date of written notification to them of a violation. This request must be made to the Board by or written notice. At the hearing, the person(s) or entity bringing the charges must be present, and provide any and all supporting information and/or documents related to the subject matter of the hearing. Each party may ask questions of the other party and the other party s witnesses. Legal counsel may be present and fully participate if the CVBUA is notified at least fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the hearing. The hearing shall be upon request by the concerned parties and only the concerned parties. A written decision shall be made and sent to both parties by and certified mail with return receipt requested, within fourteen (14) days of the hearing date. A majority vote of members of the Board shall determine its decision APPEAL Any member placed on probation, suspended or expelled by the Board shall have the right of appeal by giving the President written notice within seven (7) days of the receipt of the decision. The Board shall decide the appeal on the record, and its review of any further written arguments to be submitted by both parties and received by the President no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the date set for oral argument. Notice of the date for oral argument shall be sent by the President to all members concerned no later than fourteen (14) days before the date for oral argument. Legal counsel may participate. A written decision shall then be made by a majority vote of the Board and sent by and certified mail with receipt requested, within fourteen (14) days of the date on which appeal was heard.

15 ARTICLE XIX RULES AND REGULATIONS 19.0 GENERAL All members shall; a) Know the baseball rules as set forth by NFHS and it's baseball umpire mechanics. b) Umpire the game in accordance with the rules and mechanics as taught by the instructional department. c) Possess and wear the complete and appropriate umpire s uniform and equipment in accordance with the guidelines established by the CBUA. d) Arrive at the game site no less than thirty (30) minutes before scheduled start time. In all games, sufficient time shall be allowed for pregame meetings with fellow umpires, conferences with coaches and for such other pregame responsibilities. e) Refrain from criticism, overlook chance remarks from spectators, and apply rules objectively and fairly in the settlement of differences. A professional, conscientious, yet, approachable attitude on the part of the umpire will engender respect from those involved in the game. f) Maintain cordial, supportive relationships with fellow members and umpires APPEARANCE CODE All officials shall provide a professional impression in all areas related to umpiring. No official shall assume a working position while wearing any of the following items; a) Wristwatch on either hand. A wristwatch may be worn in the event that the contest has a time limit. b) Earrings and/or body piercings, including nose, eyebrows, tongue, lip, or any other visible piercing. c) Cell phones, PDA s, or any electronic device not associated with game officiating. d) Officials must wear the approved CBUA patch on all shirts and jackets. e) Officials must wear the approved CVBUA approved hat ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO a) No member shall consume any alcoholic beverages within eight (8) hours of the scheduled game time and any violation(s) regarding alcohol is cause for immediate dismissal from the CVBUA. b) No tobacco use of any kind is allowed in the vicinity of school sites or playing fields, as per CIFSS DEPORTMENT/BEHAVIOR All members shall; a) Support, cooperate and work with fellow umpires with integrity and pride. Never criticize a fellow umpire to anyone else. Do not imply or leave the impression that a member of your team of umpires is weak or in error. Do not criticize decisions made by other umpires in the conduct of the game. b) Assist each other. Do not look the other way. c) Be a member of the team. Give and develop the impression of unity, cooperation

16 and confidence. Travel to the game together whenever possible. Walk on and off the field together. Stay with each other in decision and action. Do not shirk your responsibility as a member of the team. d) Be professional in your relationships with coaches and players. An umpire should never tell either coach of the strength or weaknesses of other teams. Fraternization is strictly forbid on or away from the field. e) Be alert and kind, but firm. Cover your territory. Be positive but never rude. Be courteous, but not ingratiating. Be friendly, but avoid giving the impression of bias on or off the field. f) Refrain from commiserating with the loser or congratulating the winner, discussing the ifs of the game with either coach and from discussing the game with any bystanders. g) As a spectator at baseball contests, your attitude should be such that you do not degrade the umpires officiating the game or show favoritism towards either team. There should be no display of feelings or actions on your part that indicate displeasure with the umpiring. h) It is forbid to have discussions about fellow umpires on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. ARTICLE XX GENERAL PROVISIONS 20.0 An active member in good standing is a member who has met the meeting requirements; paid dues no later than the second scheduled meeting; passed the requisite tests and paid all fines, (if any) penalties and assessments, and observed and complied with the Bylaws & Constitution of the CVBUA and all other requirements established by the CVBUA All members recognize it is their sole responsibility to obtain personal medical and/or liability insurance which completely covers their person, in the event of injury and/or such action, lawsuit or proceeding resulting from activities sustained within assigned game activity. It is recommended that all active members of the CVBUA be covered by a medical insurance policy either through NASO, NFHS, any other type of sports officials insurance, or personal medical insurance. All members must show proof of insurance before they will be allowed to officiate a game. Failure to provide proof of insurance will result in the denial of assignments The Official Uniform shall consist only of those items listed in the CBUA Study Guide and whatever local modifications approved by the Board or members The CVBOA shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any member who is or was a Director, Officer or Agent of the CVBUA against any liability asserted against them and incurred by them in any such capacity or arising out of their status, it shall be determined that they are entitled to be indemnified by the CVBUA as authorized under this Section.

17 This indemnification shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of members or disinterested Directors or otherwise both, as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a member who has ceased to be a Director, Officer or Agent, shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, and administrators of such member The fiscal year end on the 30th day of June in each year The Secretary/Treasurer shall appoint banks, trust companies or other depositories in which shall be deposited from time-to-time the money securities of the CVBUA All checks, drafts, or other orders of payment of money and all notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the CVBUA shall be signed by such Officer or Officers designated by the Board Except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws & Constitution, the Board may authorize certain Officer(s) to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the CVBUA, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances, including a policy of Liability Insurance covering all members of the CVBUA. The Board may accept on behalf of the CVBUA any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purpose or for any special purpose of the CVBUA As Independent Contractors you must be notified via Arbitersports.com or by the Instructional Chairman or President at the end of the season that you have been released from your contractual obligation to the CVBUA. Furthermore, as Independent Contractors you must receive an invitation to participate by the Board of Directors and meet the eligibility requirements as set forth in the constitution and by-laws of the CVBUA to be considered for assignment in the CVBUA For clarification, electronically published means by CVBUA web site, Arbitersports.com or to your last known address Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in California General Corporation Law shall govern the construction of these By-Laws. Without limiting the generality of this provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the use of any gender, be it masculine, feminine or neuter, shall include all the genders Members shall adhere to high standards by conducting themselves in a manner which will bring credit to the CVBUA and MUST avoid any action which could discredit the CVBUA. The CVBUA shall not discriminate against any member or potential member.

18 20.12 The CVBUA will be the only source for the purchase of the approved CBUA patches and CVBUA hats as per At the first meeting all members will order the necessary items and by doing so are responsible for payment. It is the member s responsibility to be sure they are in uniform before the season starts. In addition no games will be assigned if you have an outstanding balance and/or no member s will be allowed to work if out of uniform unless prior approval of the board. Any uniform items purchased by the CVBUA will be sold at the actual cost plus shipping if applicable. ARTICLE XXI Amendments of By-laws & Constitution 21.0 These Constitution and by-laws may be amended or repealed by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active/inactive members in good standing present at any business meeting of the CVBUA duly called or by general consensus if notified by Members may propose changes. Notice of such proposed changes must be sent in writing via or letter to the Board for review. Upon review by the Board the membership will be notified by means determined by the Board. Amendments may be proposed by the Board on its own initiative and all such proposed amendments shall be presented by the Board to the membership. Any member proposing an amendment(s) will be afforded the opportunity to discuss the proposal with the Board and general membership. Proposal will then be either electronically posted or ed. A vote will be taken at the conclusion of proposal discussion and will pass by a simple majority if a quorum is met. For clarification, electronically published means by Arbitersports.com notification, CVBUA web site or to your last known address. Any item not covered by this Constitution and By-Laws shall come under the authority and direction of the Board. ARTICLE XXII PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY 22.0 RULES OF ORDER The rules contained in Robert s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the CVBUA in all cases in which they are applicable and not in conflict with this Constitution and By-Laws.