League Constitution
League #114-10-303165
After careful investigation our committee has decided that the Little League Constitution and by-laws is an excellent base to structure our league around. This document will provide our local league the ability to set up a very strong functional organization that will allow us to accomplish our objective. Our objective, which has not changed, is to teach our children respect for themselves and their peers, teamwork and good sportsmanship.
ARTICLE I – NAME
This organization will be known as the Northeast Little League Softball. This will be done throughout the Constitution.
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE
Section 1
The objective of the Northeast Little League Softball shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals 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
To achieve this objective the Northeast Little League Softball will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of the Little League, Inc. All Directors, Officers and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens, is of prime importance. In accordance with Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, the Northeast Little League Softball shall operate exclusively as a nonprofit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive softball games, the net earnings shall not be 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.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Eligibility: Any person sincerely interested in active participation to affect the objective of this local league may apply to become a member.
Section 2
Classes: There shall be the following classes of Members:
- Player Members. Any player candidate meeting the requirements of Little League Regulation IV and who reside within the authorized boundaries of Northeast Little League Softball shall be eligible to compete for participation but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the Northeast Little League Softball.
- Regular Members. Any person actively interested in furthering the objectives of the Northeast Little League Softball may become a regular member upon election as hereinafter provided. Only regular members in good standing are eligible to vote at the annual meeting. All Officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Managers, Volunteer Umpires and other elected or appointed officials must be active Regular Members in good standing.
- 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 other organizations or groups to qualify as members of the Local League.
- Regular Members should not be actively engaged in the promotion and/or operation of any other program, without permission of the Board of Directors.
Section 4
Suspension or Termination: Resignation or action of the Board of Directors may terminate membership.
- 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 detrimental to the best interests of the Local League and/or Little League. The Member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
- 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 adviser, with the player before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player’s rights to future participation.
ARTICLE IV – REGISTRATION SECTION
Section 1
A reasonable Little League participation fee may be assessed as a parent’s obligation to assure the operational continuity of the local Little League. Although it is recommended that no fee be collected, a fee per player may be assessed if deemed necessary. AT NO TIME SHOULD PAYMENT OF ANY FEE BE A PREREQUISITE FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL PROGRAM. [Little League Regulation Xiii(c)].
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
Section 1
Annual Meeting: The annual meeting of the Members of the Local League shall be held in September each year for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors and Members, receiving reports and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting. After the Board of Directors is elected, the Board shall meet to elect the officers.
Section 2
The Order of Business at all monthly meetings shall be:
- Call to Order
- The Reading, correction, and approval of the minutes of the prior meeting.
- Report of the Treasurer.
- Submission of bills to the Treasurer and approval of payment.
- Reports of Officers and standing Committees.
- Old or Unfinished business.
- New business.
Section 3
Meetings, Notice and Quorum: 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. 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. Notice of each meeting shall be given by email.
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. Five (5) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 4
Quorum: The presence in person or representation by absentee ballot of one-third (1/3) of the members, or a number or percentage acceptable to the local league regular membership in advance of the annual meeting, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.
Section 5
Voting: Only Regular Members shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of the Local League.
ARTICLE VI – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
Board and Number: The management of the property and affairs of the Local League shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall be neither less than five (5) nor more than thirty (30). The Directors shall upon election immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. The Board of Directors shall consist in part of:
President Scheduler
Vice President Equipment Manager
Secretary Facilities Manager
Treasurer Communications Manager
Player Agent Sponsorship
Softball Division Representatives:
Junior League
Major League
Minor League
Prep/Instructional
Section 2
The Executive Board: Membership shall include the President, Facilities Manager, Treasurer and the Player Agent.
Section 3
Annual Election and Term of Office: At each annual meeting, the members shall determine the number of directors to be elected for the ensuing year and shall elect such number of Directors. The number so fixed may, within the limits prescribed by the foregoing Section 1, be increased at any regular or special meeting of the Members, and if the number is increased, the additional Directors may be elected at the meeting at which the increase is voted, or at any subsequent meeting. All elections of the Directors shall be by majority vote of all members present or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the Secretary prior to the election meeting. No elected official may hold the same office for more than five (5) consecutive years.
Section 4
Vacancies: If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
Section 5
Duties and Powers: 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.
The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the Local League as it may deem proper.
The Board shall have the power by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director or Officer or Committee Member of the Local League in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article 111, Section 4 (a). The Membership shall receive at the annual meeting of the Members of the Local League a report verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Directors, showing the whole amount of real and personal property owned by the Local League, where located, and where and how invested, the amount and nature of the property acquired during the year immediately preceding, the date of the report and the manner of the acquisition; the amount applied, appropriated or expended during the year immediately preceding such date, and the purposes, objects or persons to or for which such applications, appropriations or expenditures have been mate; and the names and places of residence of the persons who have been admitted to membership of the Local League during such year, which report shall be filed with the records of the Local League and an abstract thereof entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the annual meeting.
A copy of such report shall be forwarded to the Little League Headquarters.
ARTICLE VII – OFFICERS, DUTIES AND POWERS
Section 1
Election: Immediately following the annual meeting, the Directors present, provided there be a quorum, shall meet for the purpose of electing Officers and appointing committees for the ensuing year.
Section 2
Officers: The Officers of the Northeast Little League Softball shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and a Player Agent or Agents, all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected. Regulations 1 (b).
Section 3
President: The President shall:
- Conduct the affairs of the Local League and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
- Present a report of the condition of the Local League at the annual meeting.
- Communicate to the Board of Directors, such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the local league.
- Be responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulation of Little League Softball, Inc. As agreed to under the conditions of charger issued to the Local League by that organization.
- Designate in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for and in the name of the Local League such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board.
- Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the local league and report thereon to the Board or Executive Committee as circumstances warrant.
- Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof.
- With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and supporting documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection.
- Be an individual who has contributed at least two years of active service to the league as an Officer, Manager, Coach or Committee Member.
Section 4
Vice President: In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided he/she is authorized by the President of the Board so to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the power of that office, and shall perform duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors of by the President. The Vice President shall be an individual who has contributed at least one full year of service to the league as an Officer, Coach or Committee Member.
Section 5
Secretary: The Secretary shall:
- Be responsible for recording the activities of the Local League and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.
- Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
- Maintain a list of all Regular, Sustaining and Honorary Members, Direct committee members and give notice of all meetings of the Local League Directors and Committees.
- Shall issue membership cards to Regular Members.
- Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, the Board of the Directors, and the Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose.
- Shall conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meeting and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolution otherwise committed.
- Notify Members, Directors, Officers and committee members of their election or appointment.
Section 6
Treasurer: The Treasurer shall:
- Perform such duties as are herein set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
- Receive all monies and securities, and deposit it in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
- Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the Local League, including the Auxiliary, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with policies established in advance of such actions by the Board of Directors. All disbursements by check must have dual signatures.
- Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
- Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
Section 7
Player Agent: The Player Agent shall:
- Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof.
- Receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in checking residence and age eligibility.
- Conduct the player draft and all other player transaction or selection meetings.
- Prepare the Player Agent’s list.
- Prepare for the President’s signature and submission to Little League Headquarters, team rosters, including players’ claimed, and the tournaments’ team eligibility affidavit.
- Notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent play replacements or trades.
ARTICLE X – MANAGERS, COACHES AND UMPIRES
Section 1
Team Managers and Coaches shall be appointed annually by the President, and be approved by the Board of Directors; Managers shall be responsible for the selection of their teams and for their actions on the field. Regulation 1(b).
Section 2
Umpires shall be appointed annually by the President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, who shall be responsible for their assignments and for their actions on the field. Regulation 1(b).
ARTICLE XI – AFFILIATION
Section 1
Charter: The Local League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such. Local League shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such shall not be affiliated, with any other program or organization or operate any other.
Section 2
Rules and Regulations: The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Softball, Incorporated, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shall be binding on this local league.
Section 3
Local League Rules: The local rules of the Local League shall be adopted by the Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to the first game this season, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules and Regulations of Little League Incorporated.
ARTICLE XII – FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
Section 1
The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the league and it shall place all income including Auxiliary funds, in a common league treasury the expenditure of same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage 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 Local League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the Local League.
Section 3
The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League unless all of the funds so raised are placed in the Local League treasury.
Section 4
The Board shall not permit the disbursement of Local League funds for other than Little League activities in accordance with the rules and policies of Little League Softball, Incorporated.
Section 5
Compensation: No Director, Officer or Member of the Local League shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation or emolument from the Local League for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member.
Section 6
Deposits: All monies received, including Auxiliary Funds, shall be deposited to the credit of the Local League in the Bank and all disbursement shall be made by check. The Local League Treasurer and such other officer shall sign all checks or officers or person or persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.
Section 7
Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on the first day of October and shall end on the last day of September.
Section 8
Distribution of Property upon Dissolution: Upon dissolution of the Local League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of the Local League to another Federally Incorporated entity which maintains the same objectives as set forth herein, which are or may be entitles to exemption under Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.
ARTICLE VIII – AMENDMENTS
The constitution and by-laws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote at any organized meeting of the Members provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting.
Drafts of all proposed amendments shall be submitted to Little League Softball, Incorporated for approval before implementation.
ARTICLE IX – BASEBALL
The Northeast Little League Softball shall never offer baseball.
ARTICLE X – ALL STAR COACHES
All-star coaches shall be nominated by the President of the League subject to the approval of the Board of Directors by majority vote. All-star player selection shall be determined by a by-law approved by majority vote of the Board of Directors prior to the commencement of the season in which the all-star team is to be selected.
ARTICLE XI – LOCAL RULES & BY-LAWS
By-laws for the League and local rules for each division are subject to review and renewal at least one month prior to the commencement of the new season by a majority vote of the Members & Board of Directors.
This constitution was approved by the Northeast Little League Softball Membership on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
President: Brian L. Klein
President’s Signature: ___________________________ __ Date: ____________________
