ARTICLE I - NAME BYLAWS 1. The official name of this organization shall be the Granby Rovers Soccer Club, Limited, hereinafter referred to as the Club. ARTICLE II - OBJECTIVES 1. The objectives of the Club shall be consistent with the purposes listed in the Certificate of Incorporation. These are: a. To encourage, assist and provide for the growth and maturity of youth of the Town of Granby; b. To provide recreational, sporting and educational facilities with particular emphasis on the development of youth in Granby; c. To promote interest and participation in sporting events for the general welfare of the public; d. To receive, accept, hold, manage and dispose of property, both real and personal, acquired, given, transferred, or bequeathed to this corporation, in trust or otherwise, for the aforesaid purposes or for purposes incidental thereto or connected therewith; e. To purchase, lease, mortgage or otherwise acquire and sell land, buildings, or property, real or personal, which may be requisite for the purpose of or capable of being conveniently used in connection with any of the objectives of the corporation; 2. In addition to the above objectives, the Club shall: a. Promote the concepts of good sporting behavior and teamwork in our players. b. Field teams capable of competing on a travel team level for each age group formed. c. Support the Granby High School soccer program by increasing the soccer talent in Granby and by sharing facilities with Granby Schools as the need arises. 3. The Corporation shall be operated and maintained as an educational and charitable corporation, is nonprofit and no part of the corporation's income is to be distributed to its Members, Directors or Officers. The corporation shall not have or issue shares of stock or pay dividends. This restriction shall not be interpreted to prevent employees or independent contractors of said corporation from receiving reasonable compensation for services rendered where so approved by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE III - AFFILIATIONS 1. In recognition of the need to work together on various levels for the betterment of youth soccer, this Club shall be affiliated with the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, Inc. (CJSA) and the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA). 1 Rev B May, 2017
2. This Club shall abide by the rules and regulations of the CJSA and the USYSA. 3. Insofar as possible, the Club shall be represented by its proper delegate, or duly appointed alternate, at all meetings of the appropriate district of the CJSA, and at any meetings of the CJSA or USYSA deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP Membership shall consist of four classes of Members. Membership classes are non-exclusive (An individual may qualify for more than one class of membership): 1. Parent Members a. Parent Members shall consist of the parents or guardians of a player registered with the Club. b. Parent Members shall have all the rights and privileges of this Club except the right to vote at Club meetings or Club elections. c. Parent Members shall have the right to vote at Team Parent Meetings scheduled by the Team Manager. 2. Player Members a. Player Members shall consist of the properly registered players of this Club. b. Player Members shall have all the rights and privileges of this Club except the right to vote. 3. Voting Members a. Voting Members shall consist of the Board of Directors, and the Team Representatives as defined in Article V. b. Voting Members shall have all the rights and privileges of the Club including the right to vote. 4. Honorary Members a. Any person who has performed some distinguishing service to this Club or to the advancement of youth soccer may be recommended to and selected by the Board of Directors for Honorary membership. A person elected to this class of membership shall remain an Honorary Member until resignation or death, or removal by the Board of Directors. Removal of an Honorary Member shall be based on criteria and shall be agreed to by a vote by the voting Members as defined in 3 above. b. Honorary Members shall be entitled to all privileges of this Club except those of voting or holding office. 2 Rev B May, 2017
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS Board of Directors 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of eleven (11) officers and two additional Board Members At Large if the Board deems it necessary. a. President The President shall be the executive officer of the Club, and shall preside over all meetings of the Club and of the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint and be an ex-officio Member of all standing committees. He or she shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to the office of President. b. Vice-President The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, shall preside at all meetings and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President of the Board of Directors. The Vice-President shall act as the liaison between the Club and the CJSA. This shall include, but is not limited to, registering the Club's vote(s) at the appropriate District and State meetings, and communicating the activities of the CJSA to this Club. c. Secretary The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the records of membership, minutes and Bylaws of the Club. The secretary shall also perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors. d. Treasurer The Treasurer shall be responsible for receiving all funds paid to the Club, shall deposit such funds in the Club's official depositories, and shall disburse such funds on the order of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall sign or countersign all checks, shall at all times have the Club's accounts and books open to inspection by the President and the Board of Directors, and any authorized auditors. The Treasurer may be required to make bond at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall make a report at all the regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors, and at such other times as the President may require; and shall be responsible for the completion and submission of forms required by laws governing the administration and/or tax status of the Club. The Treasurer shall annually prepare a budget of estimated income and expenditures for submission to the Board of Directors, submit recommendations on Club finances as may be requested by the Board of Directors, and shall supervise the financial activities of the Club. e. Boys & Girls Directors The Boys & Girls Directors shall assume responsibility for the formation, tryouts and grievances within their respective gender s teams. Before the formation of the teams each summer they will solicit volunteers for coaches, manager and treasurers. They will then create a tryout plan for each team based upon the numbers of players registered. They will then review the candidates for coaches, managers and treasurers and make recommendations to the Coaching Director and Board based on experience level. When there are grievances amongst the team including parents, players, coaches, and managers the Boys & Girls Directors will act as the mediators for these issues. Their job is 3 Rev B May, 2017
to look into the details of the grievance interview all concerned parties and then resolve issues where possible or present them to the Board for a final ruling if necessary. If in the event the grievance is against any member of the discipline committee that person will be excused from the committee. f. Coaching Director The Coaching Director is responsible for developing and implementing an annual program that supports the training of coaches, and when appropriate, parents. The program should include one or more professionally-run training clinic for coaches. Maintain an inventory of club training and support materials (e.g., books and DVD s) that are available for club Members and when appropriate for the interested public. g. Registrar The duties of the Registrar shall be to coordinate the registration of all the player and adult Members. The registrar is also responsible for submitting all necessary applications for state and open club play to CJSA. The Registrar is a compensated position. h. Field Scheduler The Field Scheduler shall be responsible for the scheduling and use of fields as required by the Club for training, team practices and match play. The Field Scheduler s scheduling and field use responsibility extends throughout the calendar year. Any use of fields by groups or individuals outside of the club must be voted on and approved by the Club. This approval will constitute sponsorship by the Club. Non-approved use of the fields will not be sanctioned by the Club. i. Facilities Director The Facilities Director shall be responsible for the usage of the club's equipment, the maintenance of the playing fields, and any field maintenance that must be coordinated with the Town of Granby or outside contractors. They will also coordinate the Field Preparation and Field Cleanup days for each season. j. Webmaster ( Need Stacey input) The webmaster shall be responsible for the maintenance, editing and additions to the Granby Rovers website. They will also be responsible for all technical aspects with the website and the Granby Rovers email addresses. 2. Each Board of Directors member shall be a Member in good standing and shall not be compensated for his/her service unless otherwise noted. 3. The Board of Directors shall determine the policies and activities of the Club, discipline members, approve the budget, approve all capital expenditures in excess of $500, take council with committees, and have general management of the Club and its affairs. The Board of Directors may employ, or authorize the employment of paid personnel and fix the terms and conditions of such employment. a. The Board of Directors will contract with a Referee Assignor who will be responsible for recruiting and encouraging referees to become certified /recertified, for coordinating the reimbursement of the certification fees to referees, and for mentoring referees. The Referee Assignor will assign referees for all home games, including home CT Cup games. The Referee Assignor will not be a member of the Board of Directors. 4 Rev B May, 2017
4. Each Director shall be assigned a primary area of responsibility and perform other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors. 5. The construction and interpretation of the Bylaws by the Board of Directors shall, in the absence of prior interpretation, be final and binding. 6. The Board of Directors shall be limited to three consecutive one year terms in the same office. The term limit may be extended if approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. 7. All duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors may be delegated to others. 8. The Board of Directors votes on the acceptance of each new team and approves the Team Manager and Head Team Coach and Assistant Team Coach(s) (and any subsequent appointments). ARTICLE V-B TEAM REPRESENTATIVES 1. A maximum of two representative Members from each team may be designated to represent the interest of the team at Club meetings and elections. Each team representative shall have a maximum of one vote at Club meetings. Failure to send a team representative is a forfeiture of the team vote. 2. The team representatives are the Team Manager and the Team Coach. 3. Designated alternates may be appointed by the Team Manager. 4. At least one of the two team representatives (or their designate) shall attend the monthly meetings of the Club and the annual general meeting. Attendance at these meetings is strongly encouraged to performing the business of the Club. ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES 1. There shall be the following Standing Committees: a. Bylaws Committee A bylaws committee shall be formed as necessary to review and revise the Bylaws of the Club. The Bylaws Committee shall not revise the bylaws unless deemed necessary to correct obsolete material or to amend bylaws to reflect the forward movement of the club. The bylaws committee shall present bylaws changes in conformance with Article XIV Approval and Amendments of Bylaws. b. Discipline Committee The Discipline Committee shall be composed of the Vice-President, the Coaching Director, Boys or Girls Director and where applicable, the Referee Assignor. The Disciplinary Committee shall have the responsibility to investigate any alleged matter relating to conduct unbecoming of this Club. This committee shall present the facts and make recommendations to the Board of Directors. If in the event the grievance is against any member of the discipline committee that person will be excused from the committee. 2. All Members chairing a committee shall be appointed by the President, with majority approval of the Board of Directors, and shall be subject to removal by the Board of Directors. The Members of each committee shall serve for a term of one (1) year. Each committee shall be responsible to the President and to the Board of Directors and shall make such reports as the President or the Board of Directors may require. 3. Special Committees may be appointed by the President, with majority approval of the Board of 5 Rev B May, 2017
Directors, and shall perform such duties as may be required by the President. Special committees shall serve until the stated task is completed or until disbanded by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE VII - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS 1. The election of Officers and Directors shall be held at the annual November meeting and the effective date of elected officials shall commence on December 1 following the November meeting of the Club. 2. The duties of the Committee on Nominations and Elections shall be as follows: a. Solicit nominations for all board positions, while giving considerations to the balance of team representations, experience with Club for any position where experience is deemed desirable, willingness to serve in the capacity nominated. b. Cause a ballot to be prepared containing the names of all nominees for the use of the Members during the election. Nominees selected by the Committee shall be published and distributed at least one (1) month prior to the annual meeting by an email distribution as well as in the meeting minutes, distributed to all Parent and Voting Members, or made available to each team through a representative. In addition nominations may be made from the floor at the annual. c. The Committee on Nominations and Elections shall have general charge of the election, including the preparation, distribution, collection and counting of the ballots. d. The method of voting shall be determined at the discretion of the President. Voting by proxy is not allowed. One ballot is to be issued to each Board of Director member on a one vote per person basis. In addition, one ballot is to be issued to each team representative. The President or Board Members have the ability to appoint up to two (2) additional Board Members At Large also subject to Board approval. e. In the case of a vacancy in the Office of President, the Vice President shall succeed to the office. In case of a vacancy of any other office, the Board of Directors shall appoint another qualified individual to fill the office at a regular or special meeting. 3. The Club President votes only in case of a tie. 6 Rev B May, 2017
ARTICLE VIII-A TEAMS 1. Each Team must have a Team Manager, Coach, and Treasurer contact. All pertinent contact information, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and birthday shall be provided to the Registrar upon registration. It is the responsibility of the Team contacts to provide updated contact information to the Club throughout the year, if applicable. 2. Players must play within the age-group of the team. Age groups are defined by and consistent with CJSA rules. 3. A player may be removed from the team if insufficient effort has been made to pay the player assessment after reviewing this action with the Board of Directors. 4. The Team may maintain a separate bank account for its finances as approved by the Board of Directors. The Club Treasurer must co-sign each Team account with the Club treasurer. Funds and financial records revert to the Club when a team dissolves. 5. Fees collected by the team treasurer are for expenses beyond the club expenses recovered through the electronic registration and season fees.. Over-assessments may be refunded to the team member or maintained in the team bank account. 6. The Board of Directors accepts each team for the playing season. 7. Upon dissolution of any team, all team assets are to return to the Club. 8. Every team is encouraged to participate in all Club sponsored activities. 9. All team financial records are subject to audit by the Club Treasurer. 10. All Team Managers and Team Coaches must be registered with the CJSA. ARTICLE VIII-B TEAM MANAGERS 1. The Team Manager is responsible for the overall organization of the team, for the planning of the playing season and the registration for all the players. 2. The Team Manager directs the work of all the team volunteers. 3. The Team Manager shall request that the Board of Directors remove a player if: a. a player or parent continuously exhibits contrary behavior. b. a player or parent is physically or verbally abusive to coaches, referees or other players. ARTICLE VIII-C TEAM COACHES 1. All coaches are subject to approval (and subsequent re-approval annually) by the Board of Directors. 2. The Team Coach shall be responsible for the supervision, safety and development of their team. The Team Coach shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for any action taken by themselves or their assistants. 3. The Team Coach should be encouraging to young players and teach good sporting behaviors. The Team coach is responsible for teaching the rules of the game as defined by FIFA. 4. The Team Coach is responsible for player discipline during games and practices and when 7 Rev B May, 2017
representing the Club during any CJSA or USYSA sanctioned events (tournaments, etc.). 5. The Team Coach must have a minimum of a Class F license within one year of his selection. ARTICLE VIII-D TEAM PLAYERS 1. Team Players must be properly registered with the Club and CJSA. 2. Team Players are expected to follow the instructions of the Team Coach and the Coach's assistants and be respectful of the decisions of the referees and other officials. 3. Team Players are expected to demonstrate good sporting behavior. 4. Team Players are expected to attend all games and practice unless excused by the Team Coach. It is the responsibility of the player to inform the coach in advance of the game/practice if the player cannot attend. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated as they are contrary to the development of the team as a whole. ARTICLE IX - MEETINGS 1. The Club shall meet at a minimum quarterly. The President or any three (3) Board Members may call additional special meetings when deemed necessary. Board of Director meeting s may be concurrent with the Club Meetings or special Board of Director meetings may be scheduled by the Club President. 2. The Annual Meeting of this Club will be in November with elected officials assuming office December 1 following the annual meeting. The Annual Meeting will be opened to any interested member. 3. The schedule for Club meetings shall be set at the beginning of the fiscal year and published in the Minutes of this Club. Changes to the schedule are permitted with Club approval. 4. Voting members attendance equal to the number of registered teams as of the previous spring season, including at least any two (2) members of the Board of Directors, shall constitute a quorum. With a quorum present, Club matters may be considered approved with a vote of greater that 50%. The quorum at the Board of Directors meetings shall be 50% of the Directors. 5. Roberts Rules of Order (revised) shall be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by these Bylaws. ARTICLE X - REVENUE 1. A Team Assessment fee, which is determined by the Board of Directors, shall be assessed for each season. 2. The Board of Directors may authorize a fund-raising event(s) which will serve to further the objectives of this Club as outlined in Article II. 3. All team fund raising events shall be approved by the Board of Directors. ARTICLE XI FINANCE 1. The fiscal year of this Club shall begin on the first of June of each year. 2. No later than the thirty first (31) of May of each year, a budget of expected income and expenditures for the fiscal year shall be adopted be the Board of Directors. 8 Rev B May, 2017
3. The Club's book of accounts shall be audited from time to time as directed by the Board of Directors. The auditors shall be named by the Board of Directors. 4. The Board of Directors shall determine the official depository or depositories for Club funds and shall designate one or more persons in addition to the Treasurer to sign or countersign checks or other documents for the disbursement of such funds. 5. The Club shall decide annually on the reimbursement of the expenses of the Referee Coordinator and on the reimbursement of the referee recertification fees. Reimbursement is subject to performance at Club matches. Performance is defined as refereeing of a minimum of eight Club matches since the individual was previously certified or recertified. 6. Upon dissolution of this Club, all remaining assets shall be transferred, as determined by the Board of Directors, to either the Town of Granby, the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA), or an organization which is exempt from Federal Income Tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3). ARTICLE XII DISCIPLINE 1. If a Member is charged with conduct unbecoming of a Member of this Club the discipline committee will be convened to determine a resolution. The type of action proposed must then be separately voted by two- thirds (2/3) of the Board of Directors present. In a case where the type of action is expulsion, then a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors will be required to uphold such action. 2. Any person whose membership in this Club has been terminated in any disciplinary manner shall forfeit all interest in any funds or other property belonging to this Club, and all right to the use of the name, emblem, or other insignia of this Club. 3. Any elected Officer or Director may, after due and proper hearing before the Board of Directors, be removed from office due to failure or unwillingness or inability to serve, malfeasance, or conduct unbecoming a Member. In such case, a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors shall be necessary to sustain the removal. ARTICLE XIII - RESOLUTIONS 1. The Voting Members may pass a resolution to further clarify or decide any course of action, intent, or direction which is deemed consistent with the objectives of this Club as outlined in Article II. 2. Any resolution may be changed or abolished by a majority vote of the Voting Members. 3. The Secretary of this Club shall maintain a Policy and Resolutions Book containing any resolutions passed by this Club, and shall make the book available or provide copies to any interested Member. ARTICLE XIV - APPROVAL AND AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS 1. Any amendment of these Bylaws, if in conformity with the policy of the USYSA, CJSA and any governmental regulatory authority, may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Voting Members present at any meeting of this Club; provided that written notice of the meeting and of the proposed amendment(s) was given to the Members at least one 9 Rev B May, 2017
month prior to the meeting, and provided further that a quorum is present at the meeting. 2. True copies of these Bylaws and all such amendments shall be provided by the Secretary of this Club to the Board of Directors and to any interested party. ATTEST: We the undersigned, certify that these Bylaws have been approved by the Granby Rovers Soccer Club at its April 27, 2017 meeting, held in Granby Connecticut. Dan Delgallo, President Stacey Kroninger, Vice-President Richard Dixon, Secretary Troy Milbrandt, Treasurer Richard Dixon, Chairman - Bylaws Committee Revisions Rev A Letter Description Date Original Issue 3/22/2007 A Updated to reflect the Board s current activities 3/03/2011 B Updated to reflect Board s current activities 10 Rev B May, 2017