Constitution & Bylaws
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I - ASSOCIATION NAME
The name of this association shall be the Broome County Soccer Association, hereinafter referred to as “BCSA” or the “Association”
ARTICLE II - STRUCTURE
Part 1. Mission
It is the mission of BCSA to foster the growth of youth, through the sport of soccer for individuals under the age of nineteen. BCSA shall be responsible for the administration and management of mission related activities within its designated geographic area.
Part 2. Establishment
BCSA shall be established as a non-profit organization.
Part 3. Headquarters
The headquarters of BCSA shall be located in Binghamton NY. All correspondence to the organization shall be sent to the home address of the president of the association.
Part 4. Affiliation
BCSA will be affiliated with the New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA), The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Part 5. Duration
The duration of BCSA shall be perpetual.
Part 6. Dissolution
In the event the BCSA dissolves, any funds remaining in treasury, after the payment of all its obligations, will be transferred to another organization or organizations duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
It is the mission of BCSA to foster the growth of youth, through the sport of soccer for individuals under the age of nineteen. BCSA shall be responsible for the administration and management of mission related activities within its designated geographic area.
Part 2. Establishment
BCSA shall be established as a non-profit organization.
Part 3. Headquarters
The headquarters of BCSA shall be located in Binghamton NY. All correspondence to the organization shall be sent to the home address of the president of the association.
Part 4. Affiliation
BCSA will be affiliated with the New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA), The United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Part 5. Duration
The duration of BCSA shall be perpetual.
Part 6. Dissolution
In the event the BCSA dissolves, any funds remaining in treasury, after the payment of all its obligations, will be transferred to another organization or organizations duly qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
ARTICLE III - ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
Clubs in good standing with a state association of the United States Soccer Federation that wish to become members of BCSA by entering teams into it’s league and agree to it’s constitution, bylaws and procedures shall be eligible for membership. All members must keep the Secretary and League Coordinator of BCSA aware of the methods that can be used to contact the member club’s officers for all related communications sent by the league to its members which will include the notification of meeting dates, times and locations.
ARTICLE IV - ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT
Part 1. Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of each member club president or their appointed designee. Appointment of a designee shall be by proxy filed in advance of any meeting signed by the president of the club and shall not expire but can be replaced by a subsequent proxy.
Part 2. Executive Committee
The Board of Directors shall elect at the Annual General Meeting an Executive Committee which shall consist of the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and League Coordinator. These officers shall serve a term of one year. No club shall have more than one member on the executive committee.
Part 3. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of BCSA shall be from September 1st to August 31st.
Part 4. Records of the Association
The records of the association shall be maintained by the officers of the association.
The Board of Directors consists of each member club president or their appointed designee. Appointment of a designee shall be by proxy filed in advance of any meeting signed by the president of the club and shall not expire but can be replaced by a subsequent proxy.
Part 2. Executive Committee
The Board of Directors shall elect at the Annual General Meeting an Executive Committee which shall consist of the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and League Coordinator. These officers shall serve a term of one year. No club shall have more than one member on the executive committee.
Part 3. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of BCSA shall be from September 1st to August 31st.
Part 4. Records of the Association
The records of the association shall be maintained by the officers of the association.
ARTICLE V - MEETINGS
Part 1. Quorum at any meeting
A quorum shall exist when:
a) If one-half plus one member of the Board of Directors are represented.
b) If method (a) above does not produce a quorum then a quorum shall exist if at least 4 members of the Executive committee are present.
c) Voting at the meeting shall depend upon the quorum. If the Board of Directors quorum exists, then a majority vote will consist of one-half plus one member of the Board of Directors that are present. If the Board of Directors quorum does not exist but the Executive Committee quorum does exist then a majority vote would be 3 votes from the Executive Committee.
No quorum shall exist unless all members of the association were given notice of the meeting at least 10 days prior to the meeting date by any means, written or electronic, to the address, email address or phone number given by each member of the board of directors and executive committee to the secretary.
The date, time and location of or method used to conduct any meeting will be determined by the Executive Committee of the BCSA.
Part 2. Regular Meetings
BCSA business shall be transacted at meetings that shall be held at least three times per year.
Part 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings shall be called as required by the President, by a majority vote of the Executive Committee or by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. All meetings shall be open to the public.
Part 4. Annual General Meeting
There shall be an Annual General Meeting once a year, held the first Thursday of October. Notice shall be sent to member clubs at least ten days before this date.
A quorum shall exist when:
a) If one-half plus one member of the Board of Directors are represented.
b) If method (a) above does not produce a quorum then a quorum shall exist if at least 4 members of the Executive committee are present.
c) Voting at the meeting shall depend upon the quorum. If the Board of Directors quorum exists, then a majority vote will consist of one-half plus one member of the Board of Directors that are present. If the Board of Directors quorum does not exist but the Executive Committee quorum does exist then a majority vote would be 3 votes from the Executive Committee.
No quorum shall exist unless all members of the association were given notice of the meeting at least 10 days prior to the meeting date by any means, written or electronic, to the address, email address or phone number given by each member of the board of directors and executive committee to the secretary.
The date, time and location of or method used to conduct any meeting will be determined by the Executive Committee of the BCSA.
Part 2. Regular Meetings
BCSA business shall be transacted at meetings that shall be held at least three times per year.
Part 3. Special Meetings
Special meetings shall be called as required by the President, by a majority vote of the Executive Committee or by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. All meetings shall be open to the public.
Part 4. Annual General Meeting
There shall be an Annual General Meeting once a year, held the first Thursday of October. Notice shall be sent to member clubs at least ten days before this date.
ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS
Part 1. Amendments and Changes to the Constitution
The Constitution may only be amended at the Annual General Meeting, by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, a quorum being present, provided notice was given to each member of the Board of Directors and the Executive committee of the proposed amendment or change at least ten days prior to the meeting.
The Constitution may only be amended at the Annual General Meeting, by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, a quorum being present, provided notice was given to each member of the Board of Directors and the Executive committee of the proposed amendment or change at least ten days prior to the meeting.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I - MEMBERSHIP
Part 1. New Membership
Any Club seeking to become a member of BCSA must petition the President of the association in writing. The request for membership must be received ten days prior to a meeting of the association. New membership will be decided upon by the voting members present at such meeting with a majority vote, a quorum being present, required for approval. The Executive Committee may set criteria for the club to meet before granting membership in BCSA. Upon acceptance, the new member’s president shall identify to the secretary and the League Coordinator the address, phone number and email address of the president, vice-president, treasurer, registrar and field coordinator for their club within 30 days of acceptance as a member of BCSA.
Part 2. Renewal of Membership
Membership of all clubs in BCSA shall be perpetual unless one of the following conditions occur:
a) The current club president notifies the BCSA president of it’s desire to withdraw its membership, or
b) The club does not enter any teams into the league managed by BCSA for a period of two years.
Part 3. Suspension of Members
The association may, at a duly called meeting, a quorum being present, suspend from membership, or expel, any individual, team or Club that:
a) Willfully refuses or neglects to fulfill any of its obligations as a member and violates any of the provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws, or Rules and Regulations or Procedures of the Association.
b) Commits any act that is inconsistent with the principles and standards of sportsmanship.
A vote to suspend shall require two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. A member shall have the opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken. A suspended member may reapply for membership in the BCSA based upon the criteria established by the Executive Committee.
Part 4. Equal Opportunity
Membership in BCSA shall be open to any soccer club that is in good standing with its USYSA state association, USYSA and USSF.
Any Club seeking to become a member of BCSA must petition the President of the association in writing. The request for membership must be received ten days prior to a meeting of the association. New membership will be decided upon by the voting members present at such meeting with a majority vote, a quorum being present, required for approval. The Executive Committee may set criteria for the club to meet before granting membership in BCSA. Upon acceptance, the new member’s president shall identify to the secretary and the League Coordinator the address, phone number and email address of the president, vice-president, treasurer, registrar and field coordinator for their club within 30 days of acceptance as a member of BCSA.
Part 2. Renewal of Membership
Membership of all clubs in BCSA shall be perpetual unless one of the following conditions occur:
a) The current club president notifies the BCSA president of it’s desire to withdraw its membership, or
b) The club does not enter any teams into the league managed by BCSA for a period of two years.
Part 3. Suspension of Members
The association may, at a duly called meeting, a quorum being present, suspend from membership, or expel, any individual, team or Club that:
a) Willfully refuses or neglects to fulfill any of its obligations as a member and violates any of the provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws, or Rules and Regulations or Procedures of the Association.
b) Commits any act that is inconsistent with the principles and standards of sportsmanship.
A vote to suspend shall require two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. A member shall have the opportunity to show cause why such action should not be taken. A suspended member may reapply for membership in the BCSA based upon the criteria established by the Executive Committee.
Part 4. Equal Opportunity
Membership in BCSA shall be open to any soccer club that is in good standing with its USYSA state association, USYSA and USSF.
ARTICLE II - GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
a) The USSF articles of incorporation, bylaws, policies, and requirements take precedence over and supersede the governing documents and decisions of the BCSA to the extent applicable under state law, and the BCSA will abide by those articles, bylaws, policies, and requirements.
b) The BCSA will abide by the USSF articles, bylaws, policies, and requirements on interplay
c) The BCSA will provide equitable and prompt hearing and appeal procedures to guarantee the rights of individuals to Participate and compete. These procedures shall include that all grievances involving the right to Participate and compete in activities sponsored by the USSF, USYSA, NYSWYSA and BCSA may be appealed to the USSF’s Appeals Committee in accordance with NYSWYSA bylaws and policies. The USSF’s Appeals Committee shall have jurisdiction to approve, modify or reverse a decision. A decision rendered by the BCSA or the NYSWYSA from which an appeal is taken is not suspended pending the final decision of the USSF’s Appeals Committee unless the committee otherwise orders. The decision made by the BCSA or the NYSWYSA may be upheld, revised or reversed and remanded.
b) The BCSA will abide by the USSF articles, bylaws, policies, and requirements on interplay
c) The BCSA will provide equitable and prompt hearing and appeal procedures to guarantee the rights of individuals to Participate and compete. These procedures shall include that all grievances involving the right to Participate and compete in activities sponsored by the USSF, USYSA, NYSWYSA and BCSA may be appealed to the USSF’s Appeals Committee in accordance with NYSWYSA bylaws and policies. The USSF’s Appeals Committee shall have jurisdiction to approve, modify or reverse a decision. A decision rendered by the BCSA or the NYSWYSA from which an appeal is taken is not suspended pending the final decision of the USSF’s Appeals Committee unless the committee otherwise orders. The decision made by the BCSA or the NYSWYSA may be upheld, revised or reversed and remanded.
ARTICLE III - OFFICERS
Part 1. Term of Office
Members of the Executive Committee shall serve for a term of one year and may succeed themselves.
Part 2. Duties of Officers
a) The President shall be the executive officer of BCSA and shall serve as chairperson of all meetings. The President may establish committees and appoint members to committees. The President shall serve as the official representative of BCSA in all its matters and can hold other powers as granted by the Procedures of the organization.
b) The Vice President shall succeed to the office of the President in the event the office becomes vacant. In the absence or disability of the President the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.
c) The Secretary will be the official custodian of all correspondence and documents of the Association.
d) The Treasurer shall be the officer responsible for the Association’s finances and report at each meeting the financial condition of the BCSA.
e) The League Coordinator shall be responsible for recruiting and directing Age Group Coordinators as needed, for the operation of the Association’s leagues and enforcement of it’s policies, and shall be responsible for developing all BCSA league schedules.
Part 3. Removal from Office
An officer may be removed for due cause by two-thirds vote, a quorum being present, by the Board of Directors.
Part 4. Resignation of a Officer
Should an officer resign, the President shall appoint a successor to complete the term of the officer. If the president resigns, he shall be replaced by the vice-president.
Members of the Executive Committee shall serve for a term of one year and may succeed themselves.
Part 2. Duties of Officers
a) The President shall be the executive officer of BCSA and shall serve as chairperson of all meetings. The President may establish committees and appoint members to committees. The President shall serve as the official representative of BCSA in all its matters and can hold other powers as granted by the Procedures of the organization.
b) The Vice President shall succeed to the office of the President in the event the office becomes vacant. In the absence or disability of the President the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.
c) The Secretary will be the official custodian of all correspondence and documents of the Association.
d) The Treasurer shall be the officer responsible for the Association’s finances and report at each meeting the financial condition of the BCSA.
e) The League Coordinator shall be responsible for recruiting and directing Age Group Coordinators as needed, for the operation of the Association’s leagues and enforcement of it’s policies, and shall be responsible for developing all BCSA league schedules.
Part 3. Removal from Office
An officer may be removed for due cause by two-thirds vote, a quorum being present, by the Board of Directors.
Part 4. Resignation of a Officer
Should an officer resign, the President shall appoint a successor to complete the term of the officer. If the president resigns, he shall be replaced by the vice-president.
ARTICLE IV - COMMITTEES
Part 1. Past Presidents of the BCSA
All past Presidents of the Board of Directors shall be eligible to serve in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity as advisors to the Executive Officers and members of the Board of Directors provided that they are in good standing with BCSA, NYSWYSA, USYSA and USSF.
Part 2. Other Committees
The BCSA president shall appoint members to any committee as directed by either the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee as needs arise.
All past Presidents of the Board of Directors shall be eligible to serve in an ex-officio, non-voting capacity as advisors to the Executive Officers and members of the Board of Directors provided that they are in good standing with BCSA, NYSWYSA, USYSA and USSF.
Part 2. Other Committees
The BCSA president shall appoint members to any committee as directed by either the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee as needs arise.
ARTICLE V - AMENDMENTS
The By-Laws may be amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting according to article 5 of the constitution of BCSA.
ARTICLE VI - APPEALS
Part 1. Decisions or actions that may be appealed.
a) There shall be two general types of decisions or actions that may be appealed-Association decisions and League decisions.
b) An Association decision would be any decision rendered by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee as a whole. These would include but not be limited to placing a member club in bad standing with the league, expulsion of a member club or a decision to revoke a member club’s bond. An appeal of an Association decision must be filed in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article VI, Part 3 below within sixty (60) days of the decision or action being appealed.
c) A League decision would be any action to enforce league policies or procedures taken by an age group coordinator, officer, or any group of officers of the league in relation to a league or match incident. These would include but not necessarily be limited to a forfeit; a team, player, coach or spectator fine; a send-off penalty greater than the USSF mandated minimum of one game or a decision rendered by a protest committee. An appeal of a League decision must be filed in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article VI, Part 3 below within seven (7) days of the decision or action being appealed. The League Coordinator cannot serve as a member of an appeal committee if the action being appealed falls under this section of the Bylaws.
Part 2. Appeals Committee
a) The BCSA President shall appoint an Appeal Committee to hear each appeal. The Appeals Committee shall consist of at least three (3) individuals plus a Chairperson. The Appeals Committee shall be responsible for investigating and hearing any accepted appeal of actions taken by the BCSA league or its officers. The President shall have the right to act as the Chairperson of the Appeals committee except as noted in Article VI, Part 2, section b below.
b) No member of the Appeals Committee may have a conflict of interest with any Party of the appeal.
c) The Appeals Committee Chairperson may only vote on an appeal in order to break a tie.
Part 3. Appeals Filing Procedure
a) The appeal must be in writing and describe in detail the grounds for the appeal.
b) The written appeal and appeal fee must be sent certified mail to the BCSA President so that it is received within the time frame specified in Article VI, Part 1 above.
c) The appeal fee, payable to BCSA, in the form of money order, cashier’s check or certified check shall accompany the appeal. The appeal fee is refundable if the appeal is upheld, or at the discretion of the Appeals Committee. The appeal fee is $50.00 US Funds. (NO CASH)
d) The Appeals Committee shall have the right to decline a hearing if the information necessary to make a fair and just decision on the appeal has not been furnished, or the proper procedures have not been followed in filing the appeal.
Part 4. Hearing of Appeals
a) The BCSA President shall set a date for the hearing within two (2) days from the receipt of the appeal. The date of the hearing shall be within ten (10) days from the receipt of the appeal.
b) The Chairperson has the right to limit the speaking time or number of witnesses to be heard from each Party to the appeal at the hearing.
c) The Chairperson shall submit the decision of the Appeals Committee to the appealing Party and the BCSA President in writing within 48 hours of the hearing.
d) Appealing Parties have the right to appeal the decision of any BCSA Appeals Committee to the New York State West Youth Soccer Association.
a) There shall be two general types of decisions or actions that may be appealed-Association decisions and League decisions.
b) An Association decision would be any decision rendered by the Board of Directors or Executive Committee as a whole. These would include but not be limited to placing a member club in bad standing with the league, expulsion of a member club or a decision to revoke a member club’s bond. An appeal of an Association decision must be filed in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article VI, Part 3 below within sixty (60) days of the decision or action being appealed.
c) A League decision would be any action to enforce league policies or procedures taken by an age group coordinator, officer, or any group of officers of the league in relation to a league or match incident. These would include but not necessarily be limited to a forfeit; a team, player, coach or spectator fine; a send-off penalty greater than the USSF mandated minimum of one game or a decision rendered by a protest committee. An appeal of a League decision must be filed in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article VI, Part 3 below within seven (7) days of the decision or action being appealed. The League Coordinator cannot serve as a member of an appeal committee if the action being appealed falls under this section of the Bylaws.
Part 2. Appeals Committee
a) The BCSA President shall appoint an Appeal Committee to hear each appeal. The Appeals Committee shall consist of at least three (3) individuals plus a Chairperson. The Appeals Committee shall be responsible for investigating and hearing any accepted appeal of actions taken by the BCSA league or its officers. The President shall have the right to act as the Chairperson of the Appeals committee except as noted in Article VI, Part 2, section b below.
b) No member of the Appeals Committee may have a conflict of interest with any Party of the appeal.
c) The Appeals Committee Chairperson may only vote on an appeal in order to break a tie.
Part 3. Appeals Filing Procedure
a) The appeal must be in writing and describe in detail the grounds for the appeal.
b) The written appeal and appeal fee must be sent certified mail to the BCSA President so that it is received within the time frame specified in Article VI, Part 1 above.
c) The appeal fee, payable to BCSA, in the form of money order, cashier’s check or certified check shall accompany the appeal. The appeal fee is refundable if the appeal is upheld, or at the discretion of the Appeals Committee. The appeal fee is $50.00 US Funds. (NO CASH)
d) The Appeals Committee shall have the right to decline a hearing if the information necessary to make a fair and just decision on the appeal has not been furnished, or the proper procedures have not been followed in filing the appeal.
Part 4. Hearing of Appeals
a) The BCSA President shall set a date for the hearing within two (2) days from the receipt of the appeal. The date of the hearing shall be within ten (10) days from the receipt of the appeal.
b) The Chairperson has the right to limit the speaking time or number of witnesses to be heard from each Party to the appeal at the hearing.
c) The Chairperson shall submit the decision of the Appeals Committee to the appealing Party and the BCSA President in writing within 48 hours of the hearing.
d) Appealing Parties have the right to appeal the decision of any BCSA Appeals Committee to the New York State West Youth Soccer Association.