Constitutional Statement CONSTITUTION OF THE AMARILLO CHAPTER OF THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS OFFICIALS The Texas Association of Sports Officials establishes the organizational structure for the Amarillo Chapter (hereinafter referred to as Chapter), provides written declaration of the membership interest, chapter function guidelines and addresses issues that routinely affect the proper operation and organization of the Chapter. The Chapter shall be subject to the constitution, rules and bylaws of the Texas Association of Sports Officials (hereinafter referred to as TASO). Any conflicts between the provisions of this document and TASO are controlled by the TASO rules, constitution, bylaws and directives. A. Chapter Membership Requirements 1. All dues and fees due to TASO and the Chapter are to be paid in full prior to Chapter membership. These fees include (but are not limited to) local Chapter dues, state TASO dues, and the local Chapter Secretary Compensation assessment (per Provision D.1.). Other fees or assessments previously approved by the Chapter during that membership year are also due prior to membership. 2. Members are subject to all TASO membership restrictions and requirements. 3. Any Chapter member may resign his membership at any time, but all dues, fees and assessments paid to the Chapter and TASO are non-refundable. 4. Disqualification or resignation of TASO membership will immediately terminate membership in the Chapter. All TASO rulings, suspensions and sanctions will be upheld by the Chapter. B. Chapter Membership Responsibilities 1. All members are subject to the Chapter and TASO constitution, bylaws and directives. 2. Members are to promptly pay dues, consistently attend Chapter meetings and perform all duties as assigned by the Chapter and TASO. 3. Chapter members are to conduct themselves within the spirit of teamwork and cooperation. It is to be remembered that the actions of any member reflect on the credibility and reputation of the entire Chapter. Members have an obligation to conduct themselves accordingly, and to work within Chapter procedure and guidelines. 4. Members have an obligation to learn the rules of baseball and proper umpire mechanics. Page 1
5. Members are encouraged to recruit non-members for Chapter membership if those recruits exhibit the demeanor and skills necessary for quality umpire development. 6. Members are to take every game assignment seriously, regardless of the level or skill or competitive match-up. Every game deserves a 100% effort from all crew members. 7. Grievances are to be reported by plaintiff in writing immediately to a Chapter Officer or member of the Executive Committee. Properly reported grievances will be reviewed by the Chapter Officers within 7 days. If a hearing is deemed necessary by the Officers, or requested by the plaintiff, the hearing will be held within 14 days of receipt of the written grievance. It will be the obligation of the officers to handle grievances as soon as reasonably possible within these time requirements. 8. Members are encouraged to voice any opinions and ideas that can improve the Chapter or elevate the quality of umpiring conducted within the Chapter. 9. Members are to keep the Secretary informed as to their availability so that games may be scheduled accordingly. Members are expected to work all games that are assigned. 10. Members are expected to fully comply with TASO rules regarding coach contact. Any contact with coaches is to be conducted through appropriate Chapter or TASO channels only. Questions about "scratches", game pay/scheduling disputes or other concerns are to be handled by the Chapter Secretary or other appropriate Chapter Officers only. 11. All members are expected to take every opportunity to promote the advancement and improvement of the Chapter, and to consider the effects of their actions on the Chapter at all times. Considerations for the individual member shall always be secondary to the good of the Chapter. 12. Members shall review, understand, and comply with the Officials' Code of Ethics as adopted by the National Federation of State High School Associations, and by other similar codes adopted for specific use by the governing bodies of the baseball organizations in which the member is umpiring. C. Chapter Offices and Elections 1. The following Officers are to be elected and empowered as follows. Organizational rank of Officers are shown below in descending rank order. President Responsible for Chapter leadership, representation, and supervision of all Chapter Meetings. He shall appoint one veteran member and one Page 2
junior member as a two-man Executive Committee within two weeks of taking office. Vice President Secretary Treasurer Responsible for assumption of President's duties during temporary absences of President. Responsible for coordinating, planning, and supervision of yearly training programs. Training programs are to comply with TASO recommended mechanics and current rules interpretations. Responsible for scheduling of all game assignments, coach contact regarding scheduling, and other contacts/correspondence pertaining to Chapter matters. Responsible for all fiscal duties, disbursements, and financial activities pertaining to the Chapter, including maintenance of all fund accounts. Also responsible for tracking of dues and assessments for membership status purposes. Shall also monitor meetings for proper conduct per Provision G.2. Executive Responsible for coordination of grievance resolutions, and other Committee matters as per the directions of the Chapter President, including 2 members election assistance, fund raising, and TASO function coordination. Past Presidents Responsible for confirming attendance at all Chapter meetings and recording minutes of meeting. 2. The Board of Directors shall consist of the current President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Committee members and the immediate past President. 3. The Executive Committee members and the immediate past President are non-elected members of the Board of Directors. 4. Officers are elected for concurrent, consecutive two-year terms by simple majority of all current members present at the membership year's final Chapter meeting. Elections are to be conducted by secret written ballot under the supervision of the current President and Executive Committee. Absentee ballots can be utilized only if approved by all Officers and Executive Committee members. 5. Officers may resign their positions in writing at any time without loss of Chapter membership privileges. The President may appoint any member to fill a vacant office for Page 3
the interim period. A replacement Officer or Executive Committee member will serve the remaining term of the vacated office until regularly scheduled elections are conducted. Special elections are subject to the same simple majority secret ballot voting requirements as regularly scheduled elections. Special elections may be called at any time by the President upon fourteen (14) days notice to the membership. 6. Officers are to take leadership roles in training and evaluation programs as directed by the Vice President. Officers are expected to attend all meetings and Chapter functions. Officers are also expected to cultivate membership interest in Chapter functions and future officer elections. 7. Officers can be removed from office by the membership by a full two-thirds majority, secret written ballot (no-confidence vote) of the entire membership. Absentee ballots are not permitted for no-confidence votes. Officers removed from office by no-confidence votes shall return to standard Chapter membership status, subject to any applicable TASO provisions, rules, or bylaws. D. Compensation and Accounting 1. The Chapter Secretary shall be paid $3.00 per game assigned as compensation for game scheduling duties. Payment to the Secretary is due within seven (7) days of the date of the final varsity game of the year. 2. The Chapter will pay for transportation and lodging costs for the President and Secretary to attend the State TASO meeting. In the event the President or Secretary are unable to attend or should other members of the Board of Directors attend the State TASO meeting, then in that event the Chapter will pay for transportation and lodging costs for the two (2) highest ranking Board Members attending the State TASO meeting. Board Member rank shall be determined in the order as set forth in paragraph C. 1. The President, Secretary and those members of the Board of Directors attending the State TASO meeting shall be responsible for all other trip personal expenses. Other officers and members may attend the meeting at their own expense. 3. The Treasurer is permitted to direct Chapter funds for Chapter purposes only. Treasurer will report the financial status of the Chapter to the membership at the request of the President. The Chapter books are subject to audit if requested by any member. Audits are to be made available to the Chapter upon request. E. Fund Raising 1. The Chapter can conduct fund raising activities in order to finance regular operating expenses or special projects, provided that the fund raiser is approved by all elected Officers and not detrimental to the reputation of the Chapter or membership. Such fund raisers are to be conducted under the direct supervision of the President. Page 4
F. Non-regular Assessments and Fees 1. Any reasonable and necessary fees or assessments not included in Provision A.1. must be approved by simple majority of the Chapter members. Approved fees or assessments are due and payable to the Chapter within 2 weeks of member approval. G. Meeting Conduct 1. Meetings are conducted and supervised by the President, or highest ranking elected officer present (officer in charge). Meetings are to be regularly scheduled and properly announced to membership. 2. Meetings shall be conducted per Roberts Rules of Order, when not in conflict with any provision of this constitution. 3. All members and officers present for a meeting will conduct themselves professionally, and remain in order. Members that fail to conduct themselves appropriately can be expelled from the meeting by the officer in charge. 4. Any non-members (children, prospective member, visitor, etc...) attending meetings are under the supervision of the officer in charge, and can be expelled from the meeting if necessary to retain order. H. Playoff Eligibility Requirements 1. Chapter Member shall be eligible for playoff assignment upon meeting the following requirements: a. A minimum of two (2) completed years of experience b. Attend one-half of the regularly scheduled meetings. c. Rules test grade of a minimum of 80 d. Umpires with less than three (3) years experience must attend on-field mechanics training e. Umpires with four (4) years of experience or more shall attend on-field mechanics training or complete one (1) of the following: i. Work a minimum of two (2) scrimmages, or; ii. Work a minimum of one (1) scrimmage and attend State or Regional Meeting f. Attend Rule Interpretation meeting or State meeting g. Earn a minimum of ten (10) game points during the season. Game points are awarded as one (1) point per Varsity contest worked and 0.5 points for each Sub- Varsity contest worked. h. Current in payment of all dues Page 5
1. Amendments to Constitution 1. The Constitution can be amended by a simple majority vote of all members. Amendments votes are to be conducted by written secret ballot under the supervision of the President and Executive Committee. Absentee ballot can be utilized regarding amendments to the Constitution only if approved by all Officers and Executive Committee members. 2. An amendment cannot be proposed and approved at the same meeting. The amendment can be voted on at the next meeting (or any ensuing meeting) conducted at least 7 calendar days after proposal of the amendment. J. Purpose 1. The purpose of the Amarillo Chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials is to promote amateur sports competition by advancing the ideals of good sportsmanship and fair play through qualified officiating. K. Dissolution I. Upon dissolution of the Amarillo Chapter of the Texas Association of Sports Officials. assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Verification and Approval of Constitution Verified and approved as amended by simple majority vote of the membership of the Amarillo Chapter ofthe Texas Association of Sports Officials. Signed this 17t h day of May, 2016. 1V GREG SEAY 1 RICK J. HARRIS PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Teas Association of Sports Officials- Amended 5-12-16 Pace 6