MANCHESTER SOUTH LITTLE LEAGUE

MANCHESTER SOUTH LITTLE LEAGUE Affiliated with Little League, Inc. since 1954 Manchester, NH Constitution and By-Laws

Table of Contents ARTICLE I: GENERAL... 1 SECTION 1 NAME... 1 SECTION 2 DEFINITION... 1 SECTION 3 LOCATION... 1 SECTION 4 DURATION... 1 SECTION 5 DISSOLUTION... 1 ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES... 1 SECTION 1... 1 SECTION 2... 1 ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP... 2 SECTION 1 ELIGIBILITY... 2 SECTION 2 CLASSES... 2 SECTION 3 OTHER AFFILIATIONS... 2 SECTION 4 SUSPENSION or TERMINATION... 2 ARTICLE IV: DUES... 3 SECTION 1 DUES... 3 SECTION 2 FAILURE TO PAY... 3 SECTION 3 FEE... 3 ARTICLE V: MEETINGS... 3 SECTION 1 MEETINGS... 3 SECTION 2 NOTICE OF MEETING... 3 SECTION 3 SPECIAL MEETINGS... 3 SECTION 4 QUORUM... 4 SECTION 5 VOTING... 4 SECTION 6 ABSENTEE BALLOT... 4 SECTION 7 RULES OF ORDER... 4 ARTICLE VI: BOARD OF DIRECTORS... 4 SECTION 1 BOARD and NUMBER... 4 SECTION 2 REQUIRED MEMBERS... 4 SECTION 3 ANNUAL ELECTION and TERM OF OFFICE... 5 SECTION 4 VACANCIES... 5 SECTION 5 MEETINGS, NOTICE and QUORUM... 5 i

SECTION 6 DUTIES and POWERS... 5 ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS, DUTIES AND POWERS... 6 SECTION 1 OFFICERS... 6 SECTION 2 DIRECTORS... 8 ARTICLE VIII: AFFILLIATION... 9 SECTION 1 CHARTER... 9 SECTION 2 RULES and REGULATIONS... 9 SECTION 3 LOCAL LEAGUE RULES... 9 ARTICLE IX: FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING... 9 SECTION 1... 9 SECTION 2... 10 SECTION 3... 10 SECTION 4... 10 SECTION 5... 10 SECTION 6... 10 SECTION 7... 10 SECTION 8... 10 ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS... 10 LEGISLATIVE ACTION... 11 ii

ARTICLE I: GENERAL SECTION 1 NAME The name of the organization shall be the MANCHESTER SOUTH LITTLE LEAGUE, INC. SECTION 2 DEFINITION The words "South Little League" when used herein shall mean the MANCHESTER SOUTH LITTLE LEAGUE, INC. SECTION 3 LOCATION South Little League shall be located on a piece of property called Precourt Park located on the east side of Nutt's Pond and near South Willow Street in Manchester, New Hampshire. SECTION 4 DURATION The duration of South Little League shall be perpetual or until it is dissolved as provided for in these By-Laws. SECTION 5 DISSOLUTION A. South Little League may be dissolved at any time by a majority vote to be conducted by the President of the league. B. The President shall conduct such a vote upon application by petition to the Secretary of the league of twenty five percent (25%) of the Members in good standing. ARTICLE II: OBJECTIVES SECTION 1 The Objective of South Little League shall be to implant firmly in the youth of the South Manchester community the ideas of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger, and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens. SECTION 2 A. To achieve this objective South Little League will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. B. All Directors, Officers and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill of the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance. C. In accordance with Section 501 (c)-(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, South Little League shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball games. D. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and which does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Page 1

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP SECTION 1 ELIGIBILITY Any adult person sincerely interested in active participation to effect the objective of South Little League may apply to become a member. SECTION 2 CLASSES There shall be the following classes of Members: A. Player Members - Any Player candidate meeting the requirements of the Little League Regulation IV and who reside within the authorized boundaries of South Little League shall be eligible to compete for participation but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of South Little League. B. Regular Members - Any person actively interested in furthering the objectives of the South Little League may become a regular member as hereinafter provided; 1. The secretary shall maintain the roll of membership to qualify voting members. 2. Only regular members in good standing are eligible to vote at the annual meeting. 3. A member shall be considered in good standing when said member agrees and adheres to the by-laws of the South Little League, has paid the token annual member dues for the current league year, and has attended 2 of the 4 General Meetings of South Little League. 4. All Officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Managers, Coaches, and other elected or appointed officials must be active regular members in good standing, other volunteers should be. C. Honorary Members - Any person may be elected as Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of all Directors present at any duly held meeting of the Board of Directors but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of South Little League. D. Sustaining Members - Any person not a regular member who makes financial or other contributions to South Little League may be by a majority vote of the Board of Directors become a Sustaining Member, but such person shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of South Little League. E. Member - As used hereinafter, the word Member shall mean a Regular Member unless otherwise stated. SECTION 3 OTHER AFFILIATIONS Members, whether Regular or player, shall not be required to be affiliated with another organization or group to qualify as members of South Little League. SECTION 4 SUSPENSION or TERMINATION Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors. A. The Board of Directors by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered to be detrimental to the best interests of the South Little League and/or Little League Baseball. B. The Member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges. Page 2

C. The Board of Directors shall, in case of a Player Member, give notice to the manager of the team of which the player is a member. Said Manager shall appear, in the capacity of an advisor, with the player and a parent(s) or guardian(s) before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player s right to future participation. SECTION 1 DUES ARTICLE IV: DUES Dues for Regular Members may be fixed at such amounts as the Board of Directors shall determine prior to the beginning of any membership period. SECTION 2 FAILURE TO PAY SECTION 3 FEE Members who fail to pay their fixed dues by April 30th of the current membership year may by vote of the Board of Directors be dropped from the rolls and shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership. A reasonable Little League participation fee may be assessed as a parents obligation to assure the operational continuity of the South Little League. ARTICLE V: MEETINGS SECTION 1 MEETINGS A. There shall be four regular meetings of the South Little League membership each year; one in February, April, June and September (hereinafter referred to as the Annual Meeting). B. There may be special meetings called at the discretion of the Board of Directors. C. Board of Director meetings shall be held throughout the year which will carry on the affairs of the South Little League; between the regular membership meetings. SECTION 2 NOTICE OF MEETING Notice of each meeting of the Members shall be posted and/or announced at least (ten) 10 days in advance thereof setting forth the place, time, and purpose of the intended meeting. SECTION 3 SPECIAL MEETINGS A. Special Meetings of the members may be called by the Board of Directors or by the Secretary or President at their discretion. B. Upon the written request of ten (10) Members, the President shall call a special meeting to consider a specific subject. Page 3

C. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the Members. SECTION 4 QUORUM Members present shall constitute a quorum. SECTION 5 VOTING Only Regular Members in good standing shall be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of South Little League. SECTION 6 ABSENTEE BALLOT A. For the express purpose of accommodating a regular member in good standing who cannot be in attendance at the annual meeting, an absentee ballot may be requested and obtained from the Secretary of South Little League. B. The absentee ballot shall be properly completed, signed and returned in a sealed envelope to a Board of Director prior to the date of the annual meeting and the election of members to the Board of Directors. C. The Board of Director shall present all absentee ballots to the election Chairman on the date of the annual meeting prior to the conduct of the election process. SECTION 7 RULES OF ORDER Robert s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where same conflicts with the Constitution or by-laws of the South Little League. ARTICLE VI: BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECTION 1 BOARD and NUMBER A. The management of the property and affairs of the South Little League shall be vested in the Board of Directors. B. The Board of Directors shall upon election immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until the completion of their term. C. The Board of Directors may appoint such other Directors or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office. D. The privilege of holding office shall be limited to members in good standing of the South Little League. SECTION 2 REQUIRED MEMBERS A. The Board membership shall include, but are not limited to, the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Player Agent, Safety Officer, and Coaching Coordinator. B. The number of managers elected to the Board should not exceed a majority of the total board members. Page 4

SECTION 3 ANNUAL ELECTION and TERM OF OFFICE A. All elections of Directors shall be by majority vote of all members present or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the election chairperson prior to the election. B. The term of office shall be one year. SECTION 4 VACANCIES A. If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by the President with Board of Directors approval at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose. SECTION 5 MEETINGS, NOTICE and QUORUM A. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual election and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board. B. The President or the Secretary may, whenever they deem it advisable, or the Secretary shall at the request in writing of five (5) Directors, issue a call for a special meeting of the Board. C. Notice of each meeting shall be given by the Secretary to each Director at least three (3) days before the time appointed for the meeting. D. In the case of special meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not so stated may be acted upon at the meeting. 1/2 plus one of the seated Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. SECTION 6 DUTIES and POWERS A. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate. B. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the South Little League as it may deem proper. C. The Board shall have the power by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director or Officer or Committee Member of the South Little League in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 4 (a). D. The Board will provide an annual report to the Members of South Little League. This will include a financial report and an inventory of the property and equipment. E. A copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League Headquarters yearly. Page 5

ARTICLE VII: OFFICERS, DUTIES AND POWERS SECTION 1 OFFICERS The Officers of South Little League shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Player Agent, a Safety Officer and an Information Officer, all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected. Regulations 1 (b). A. President: 1. Presides at league meetings and assumes full responsibility for the operation of South Little League. 2. Is accountable to the Board of Directors. 3. Selects and appoints managers, coaches, umpires and committees, subject to the final approval of the Board of Directors. 4. Is responsible for the conduct of the South Little League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, as agreed to under the conditions of the charter issued to South Little League by that organization. 5. Is the officer with whom Little League International maintains contact. 6. Represents South Little League in the District Organization. 7. Communicate to the Board of Directors, such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the South Little League. 8. Designates in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of South Little League such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board. 9. Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the South Little League and report thereon to the Board of Directors as circumstances warrant. 10. With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and support proof-of age documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection. B. Vice President: C. Secretary: 1. Presides in the absence of the president, works with other officers and directors, is exofficio member of all committees, and carries out such duties and assignments as may be delegated by the President. 1. Maintains a register of members and directors. Page 6

D. Treasurer : 2. Rerecords the minutes of meetings. 3. Responsible for sending out notice of meetings 4. Maintains a record of South Little League s activities. 1. Assumes responsibility for all South Little League finances. 2. Keeps South Little League s books and financial records. 3. Receives all moneys and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors. 4. Prepares an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and Board of Directors at the annual meeting. 5. Prepares and submits annual tax returns to the IRS and the State of NH. E. Player Agent : 1. Records all player transactions and maintains an accurate and up-to-date record thereof. 2. Receives and reviews applications for player candidates and assists the President in checking residence and age eligibility. 3. Conducts the player draft and all other player transaction or selection meetings. 4. Prepares for the President s signature and submission to Little League Headquarters, team rosters, including players claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit. 5. Notifies Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements or trades. F. Safety Officer: 1. Coordinates all safety activities including supervision of ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program). 2. Ensures safety in player training. 3. Ensures safe playing conditions. 4. Coordinates reporting and prevention of injuries. G. Coaching Coordinator: 1. Coordinator duties are assumed by South Little League Division Directors. H. Information Officer: 1. Manages South Little League website. 2. Collects, posts and distributes important information on League activities. Page 7

3. Manages online registration process. 4. Manages sponsorships for South Little League. SECTION 2 DIRECTORS The Directors of South Little League shall consist of Major Director, Minor Director, Farm Director, Coach Pitch/T- Ball Director, Equipment Director, Head Scorer, Concession Manager, Umpire-in-Chief, Facilities Director and Directors at large, all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected. Regulations 1 (b). The Board of Directors may at its discretion, add or remove Director positions. A. Division Directors: There will be one Division Director for each of the four (4) divisions of South Little League: Majors, Minors, Farm and Coach Pitch/T-Ball. 1. Assist in selection of managers and coaches for consideration and evaluation performance. 2. Leads division, assists in drills and skills development. 3. Sits on Board of Review. 4. Each (in ranking order: Major, Minor, Farm, Coach Pitch/T-Ball) to have authority to handle issues, as they arise in another division, when that Division Director is not available. B. Equipment Director 1. Recommends and orders baseball equipment and uniforms for South Little League. 2. Prepares a budget and submits to the Board for approval. 3. Conducts inventory and submits report to the Board annually. C. Head Scorer 1. Provides training for all scorers 2. Maintains standings for Major, Minor and Farm Divisions D. Concession Manager 1. Purchases and inventories all food and food related products. 2. Maintains a clean and safe environment. 3. Maintains staff schedules. 4. Conducts inventory and submits report to the Board annually. Page 8

E. Umpire-in-Chief 1. Conducts umpire clinics. 2. Recruits volunteer umpires. 3. Coordinates and schedules umpires for tournaments. 4. Monitors, reviews and evaluates umpires during the season. F. Facilities Director 1. Maintains the grounds and buildings. 2. Schedules pre and post tournament game field set-up volunteers. 3. Submits a budget annually to the Board of Directors for approval 4. Conducts inventory and submits report to the Board annually. G. Directors-at-Large 1. Responsible for fundraising activities. 2. Responsible for special events. ARTICLE VIII: AFFILLIATION SECTION 1 CHARTER A. The South Little League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter. B. The South Little League shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program. SECTION 2 RULES and REGULATIONS The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published annually by Little League Baseball Incorporated, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shall be binding on South Little League. SECTION 3 LOCAL LEAGUE RULES The local rules of South Little League shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to the first scheduled game of the season. ARTICLE IX: FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING SECTION 1 The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of South Little League and it shall place all income including Special Projects funds, in a common league treasury, Page 9

directing the expenditure of same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team. SECTION 2 The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit some for the common treasurer of the South Little League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the South Little League. SECTION 3 The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball unless all of the funds so raised be placed in the South Little League treasury. SECTION 4 The Board shall not permit the disbursement of South Little League funds for other than the conduct of Little League Activities in accordance with the rules and policies of Little League Baseball, Inc. SECTION 5 No Director, Officer or Member of the South Little League shall receive directly or indirectly any salary, compensation from South Little League for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member. SECTION 6 All moneys received, including Special Project funds, shall be deposited to the credit of South Little League in the Board approved bank and all disbursements shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the South Little League Treasurer. SECTION 7 The fiscal year of the South Little League shall begin on the First (1st) day of October and shall end on the last day of September. SECTION 8 Distribution of property upon dissolution. Upon dissolution of the South Little League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfies, the Members shall direct the remaining property of the South Little League to another federally incorporated entity which maintains the same objectives as set forth herein, which are or may be entitled to exemption under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision. ARTICLE X: AMENDMENTS This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote at any duly organized meeting of the Members provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting. Page 10

LEGISLATIVE ACTION By-Laws revised by Committee Members Kim Roy, Alan Beauchemin, Pat Ohrt, Denise Gookin and Ron Fussell. Presented to South Little League Board of Directors: _Dec 20, 2012 Approved by South Little League Board of Directors: Jan 14, 2013 Presented to South Little League Membership: Approved by South Little League Membership: Submitted to Little League Baseball, Inc. for approval: Page 11