ARTICLE I - NAME AND CORPORATE STATUS

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF THE KANSAS CITY YOUTH LACROSSE ASSOCIATION WRITTEN: August 2009 MODIFIED 2017 ARTICLE I NAME AND CORPORATE STATUS ARTICLE II OBJECTIVES AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP and PARTICIPATING CLUB ORGANIZATION ARTICLE IV DUES ARTICLE V REPRESENTATION ARTICLE VI MEETINGS ARTICLE VII BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARTICLE VIII DUTIES OF OFFICERS ARTICLE IX ELECTIONS ARTICLE X FUNCTIONS OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARTICLE XI INDEMNIFICATION ARTICLE XII STANDING COMMITTEES ARTICLE XIII DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES ARTICLE XIV ELIGIBILITY RULES ARTICLE XV FORFEITURE/DEFAULT OF CONTESTS ARTICLE XVI CERTIFICATION OF PLAYERS ARTICLE XVII RECRUITMENT OF PLAYERS ARTICLE XVIII FINANCIAL REPORT OF TREASURER ARTICLE XIX KCYLL WEBSITE ARTICLE XX- CONFLICT OF INTERESTS ARTICLE XX AMENDMENTS ARTICLE I - NAME AND CORPORATE STATUS The Kansas City Youth Lacrosse Association LLC (hereinafter referred to as KCYLA ) is organized as a Missouri Limited Liability Company. The KCYLA has been organized pursuant to the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 347 RSMO. The KCYLA is organized exclusively for non-profit purposes as such purposes are defined by Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1968, as amended, or such other provisions of Missouri or Federal Law as may from time to time be applicable. The KCYLA, a Missouri Limited Liability Company, is doing business under the name of the Kansas City Youth Lacrosse League (hereinafter referred to as KCYLL ). ARTICLE II OBJECTIVE and GENERAL PRINCIPLES The objective in organizing the KCYLL is for the stated purpose of: Promoting and developing youth lacrosse programs in the Kansas City Metropolitan area. The KCYLA represents the Youth constituency of the Heartland Lacrosse Association, a US Lacrosse Chapter. The three ( 3 ) primary functions of the KCYLL is to provide opportunities for participants to: 1) learn the rules of the sport of lacrosse; 2) develop the fundamental skills necessary to play the sport of lacrosse in a structured and safe environment; and 3) develop a sincere appreciation that honors the unique spirit and sportsmanship of the sport of lacrosse. GENERAL PRINCIPLES The rules of play that have evolved to govern games sanctioned by the KCYLL have been the direct result of input from numerous dedicated individuals over the years. The goal of each of these individuals has been to structure a framework of game regulations that would ensure a safe environment in which to conduct lacrosse games while, at the same time, offer an opportunity for all participants to enjoy the traditional challenges of the sport of lacrosse. The current rules governing KCYLL games do, in fact, ensure a safe environment in which to conduct lacrosse games while, at the same time, offer an opportunity for all participants to enjoy the traditional challenges of the sport of lacrosse.

2 Of equal importance, are the attitudes, purposes and conduct that we adults bring to the sport. Our primary job is not only to create an atmosphere of learning, enjoyment, and good sportsmanship for all of the youths who decide to participate in the KCYLL, but to complete our obligation by conducting ourselves in a manner that reinforces the high standards that we expect the players to sustain. We believe that the most effective method to achieve our goals is to remember that the opposing coaches and the officials are actually engaged in a partnership which is dedicated to providing the players with a quality experience. Working together, we can easily attain the goals that we often fall short of when working individually. Individuals associated with the administration, the conduct or coaching of KCYLL sanctioned games are, in the final analysis, teachers of young people. Their responsibility is an affirmative one, and they must do more than avoid improper conduct or questionable acts. Their own conduct must be so certain and positive that those younger and more pliable will be influenced by the examples exhibited. ARTICLE III - Membership / Participating Club Organization Any organized group/program who meets the requirements of the KCYLL may apply for membership. A new program proposal shall be submitted to the current executive officers. The requirements for application of membership in the KCYLL are: 1. Forms or operates 2 or more youth lacrosse teams for boys, girls or both. 2. Program must have an organization or board of its own consisting of a committee of at least (3) with (1) being the parent of a player. 3. Program must have a field location for practices and to be able to hold home games. 4. All members (board, coaches, players) must have a current US Lacrosse membership number 5. No discrimination permitted. 6. Must be incorporated as a non-profit in their respective state. Programs can apply for membership in the KCYLL prior to January 1; however admittance in the KCYLL requires upon vote, the approval of three quarters (3/4) of the existing programs in the KCYLL. The proposal can be distributed by and votes taken 14 days later by . It is recommended for the health of any new and existing programs that new programs partner up with an existing program until they grow large enough to form and support their own club. Any member or program of the KCYLL may terminate its membership at any time by so notifying the KCYLL. However, any fees collected up to that date will not be returned. ARTICLE IV Dues and Fees KCYLL Membership dues and Team registration fees are established by the Board members of the KCYLL on an annual basis. Each KCYLL program shall pay its dues and fees annually, prior to issuing of schedules. A KCYLL program s Failure to pay its annual dues or fees will result in the programs NOT receiving the schedule for the current season. (Checks are payable to the KCYLL). ARTICLE V - Representation 1. Each current KCYLL program shall be permitted one voting Director on the KCYLL Board of Directors. The one KCYLL voting Director shall be entitled to a single vote on each matter presented for consideration to the entire KCYLL Board of Directors. A program with greater than 5 teams (all grade divisions) will be allowed one additional voting Director on the KCYLL Board of Directors. That additional KCYLL Board Member shall be entitled to a single vote on each matter presented for consideration to the entire KCYLL Board of Directors. The name of each program s Director (s) must be filed in writing with the KCYLL at the Season Opening meeting. Proxy may represent a KCYLL Board Member. That identified proxy serves as the Representative for the respective KCYLL program and that proxy s vote is binding for that KCYLL program. Without prior notice, any current KCYLL program, not represented in three ( 3 ) consecutive KCYLL Board of Representative meetings shall forfeit that KCYLL program s membership in the KCYLL. Such KCYLL program s membership may be reinstated by a majority vote of the KCYLL Board of Directors, and upon payment of a twenty-five ( $25.00 ) fine to the KCYLL.

3 ARTICLE VI - Meetings 1. The KCYLL shall have a minimum of three ( 3 ) business meetings annually. There shall be a Fall organizational meeting. This meeting shall be to elect members of the KCYLL Board of Representatives and to complete preparations and assignments/responsibilities for the upcoming season. The second KCYLL meeting shall be a preseason scheduling meeting to be held in February/March. The primary function of this meeting is to finalize the schedule for the upcoming season. The third meeting shall be held after the season and prior to the fall meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss any issues arising from the preceding season, prepare for the fall season, and propose any changes to the Constitution or By-Laws. The President of the KCYLL, or the Officers of the KCYLL Board of Directors may call a special KCYLL meeting at any time. 3. The KCYLL President shall call a special meeting of the KCYLL whenever a petition is brought forth in writing. 4. Electronic meetings (fax/ ) and conference call meetings may be used to allow the Board of Directors to discuss and or vote on an issue or issues. Participation in this type of meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting. 5. Notice of all KCYLL meetings shall be given to all KCYLL programs at least 14 days before each meeting. An agenda for that meeting shall be sent with the notice. It is the responsibility of the KCYLL Program Representative to contact the KCYLL President with agenda items or questions prior to the meeting. ARTICLE VII - Board of Directors The KCYLL Board of Directors shall be comprised of one board, representing current KCYLL Boys and Girls Programs. The KCYLL Officers of the KCYLL Board of Directors will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Terms of the office will be two years, beginning after the year end meeting. No individual may hold more than one position. Only current Directors of the KCYLL shall be eligible to serve as officers. It is preferable to have no more than 1 member of any given club serving as an executive officer. The immediate past board members will assist their counterparts when necessary. ARTICLE VIII- Duties of Officers The KCYLL Officers shall perform such duties as are consistent with their office according to usual parliamentary rules as described in Roberts Rules of Order. The KCYLL President or his/hers designee shall perform the administrative duties of the KCYLL. The KCYLL Vice President shall perform the duties of the President in the absence of the President. The KCYLL Secretary shall record all votes on issues, minutes of meetings and ensure that notices are given and recorded. The KCYLL Treasurer shall keep all financial records of the KCYLL and distribute an annual budget; provide for the custody, collection and deposit moneys received in such banks designated by the Board. The Board of Directors shall appoint other officers as they deem appropriate. No officer will receive a salary, bonus or other such payment above and beyond legitimate and documented approved expenses incurred on behalf of the association. All checks and notes shall be signed by such one or more officers of the association. No expenditure of five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more shall be made without the prior approval of the Board of Directors ARTILE IX - Elections 1. A nominating Committee will be appointed by the President to develop a slate of candidates. Nominations will also be accepted from the floor prior to the elections. 2. All elected Board Members shall be voted on at the Fall meeting. ARTICLE X - Functions of the Board of Directors 1. The Board of Directors of the KCYLL shall be entrusted with the duty of carrying on the work of the KCYLL. Seven KCYLL Program Representatives must be present to constitute a quorum. The KCYLL Board of Directors is empowered to transact such business of the KCYLL as it may deem wise and imperative. The KCYLL President shall advise the KCYLL of the agenda for upcoming meetings. 2. It is the duty of the KCYLL Board of Directors to act as a court and to render decisions by majority vote, in all issues and controversies arising out of the interpretations of any of the articles of this constitution, or its by-laws;

4 or the interpretation or application of any rules and regulations governing league play, such as may be found in our own rules, or those in the NFHS rules, NCAA or committee rulings. 3. The KCYLL President and or the KCYLL Board of Directors may postpone, cancel or forfeit any or all contests in cases where the safety and welfare of people are concerned or in the best interest of the KCYLL. This may be done after consultation with the program or programs involved. 4. The Board of Directors shall elect a President from within their own body. ARTICLE XI - Indemnification Indemnification of the KCYLL Board of Directors, Officers, and Other Authorized KCYLL Representatives. To the extent that an Board Member, Officer, or other authorized agent of the KCYLL has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit, or proceeding in which such person was a party as a result of serving as a KCYLL Director, Officer, or authorized agent of the KCYLL, such person shall be indemnified against expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith. ARTCILE XII - Standing Committees The KCYLL President, with advice and consent of the KCYLL Board of Directors, may appoint the following committees: Nominating, Officials and Rules, Finance, Facilities, Coach Development, Marketing, and other committees the Board feels advisable. Each committee shall consist of a chairperson and at least two other members. ARTICLE XIII - Duties of Standing Committees 1. Nominating: to nominate a slate of potential board members and conduct the election of same. 2. Official and Rules: to review the rules and suggest modification when deemed appropriate. Recommend disciplinary action. 3. Finance: To oversee the financial viability of the Association, to audit the treasurer financial report. 4. Facilities: Oversee field location selection, proper maintenance guidelines and execution of field requirements. Development of Sideline Managers Program 5. Coach Development: Work with US Lacrosse to obtain Kansas City location US Lacrosse Level 1 and 2 certification programs. 6. Marketing: Promotion of KCYLL, New Club (boys & girls) Development, Out of State Competition ARTICLE XIV - Eligibility The purpose of eligibility rules is to insure to every person in a program which is a member of the KCYLL, the privileges and benefits of participation in lacrosse and to protect that person from unfair competition therein. To be eligible to play on a team representing a program which is a member of the KCYLL a player must fall within the limits of the eligibility requirements contained within the By-Laws of the KCYLL. ARTICLE XV - Forfeiture/Default of Contest 1. A KCYLL member team may not forfeit a scheduled contest. Multiple (2) violations of this rule will make the KCYLL team and coach ineligible for any play-off games and also may result in a one-year s suspension. Repeat violations by the same program in consecutive years will result in expulsion. 2. If a KCYLL coach or player is ejected from a KCYLL sanctioned game, they may appoint a representative to replace them. If a representative is not available, the contest may be declared a default and result in a loss for the team. The referee has the power to suspend from a game, or send from the field a player, coach, or fan found guilty of flagrant or repeated misconduct of using abusive language. The player or coach must sit out the next sanctioned game. Any coach that is dismissed from a game must meet with the KCYLL Board of Directors and be cleared before he/she can coach again. 3.The KCYLL President, in conjunction with the KCYLL Official and Rules Committee Representative can declare a default shall they deem necessary due to the rule infractions by an offending KCYLL team. ARTICLE XVI - Certification of Players

5 The KCYLL program chairperson of each KCYLL program is responsible for the eligibility certification of their program s registered players. Birth certificates or school report card are the standard from of age verification or grade in the KCYLL. ARTICLE XVII - Recruitment of Players It is the intent of the KCYLL for the individual KCYLL programs to utilize players from within their own area and not to recruit players residing elsewhere. No KCYLL player, coach or program representative (parent, or designate) shall request a KCYLL player to move to another KCYLL program. ARTICLE XVIII PROVIDE OPPORTUNITY All clubs will make an effort to ensure all youth that want to play lacrosse in the KCYLL are able to do so. If a club feels they must turn away players due to lack of resources, that club should contact the executive board and work to make arrangements with the next closest club to provide those youth with an opportunity to play. ARTICLE XIX - Financial Report of Treasurer The KCYLL Treasurer is responsible to submit to the KCYLL Board of Directors and make available to the general KCYLL membership a financial report of all income and disbursements in the operation of the KCYLL. This financial report is required annually to be presented at the Fall meeting for the previous year s operation. ARTICLE XX KCYLL Website Any and all web domain names (http// ) utilized by, or funded by the KCYLL are exclusive property of the KCYLL. Informational content used on any and all web sited utilized by, or funded by the KCYLL (except for informational content provided to the KCYLL by constituent groups for their section of the KCYLL web site) are exclusive property of the KCYLL. In the event that the KCYLL changes its web hosting company or webmaster, all relevant hosting and content information will be passed on by the outgoing web hosting company or webmaster in an expedient manner to the new web hosting company or webmaster. ARTICLE XXI- CONFLICT OF INTERESTS Consistent with the annual requirements for Board of Directors members of Sanctioned Chapters of US Lacrosse, all KCYLL Board of Directors Members must annually submit, to the KCYLL President by the Fall meeting of each year, a filled-out US Lacrosse Form stating no knowledge of either direct or indirect attempts by that KCYLL Board Member to tangibly benefit by their respective participation as agents for KCYLL. ARTICLE XXII- Amendments The Constitutions or By-laws of the Association may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Any proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the President at least three weeks before the next scheduled official Board of Directors meeting.