CONSTITUTION – Sarnia Boys’ Soccer Club Inc.

 

INDEX

 

Constitution

 

Article I.      Name

Article II.     The Objects

Article III.    Affiliation

Article IV.    Membership

Article V.     Club Colours

Article VI.    Governance

Article VII.  Tenure and Election

Article VIII. Vacancies

Article IX.    Executive Board – Duties of Officers

Article X.     Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Article XI.    Audit

Article XII.   Expenses

Article XIII.  Harassment

Article XIV.  Amendments to the Constitution

 

Rules and Regulations (By-Laws)

 

Item 1.       Registration

Item 2.       Age Groups

Item 3.       Team Responsibility

Item 4.       Game Duration

Item 5.       Substitution

Item 6.       Abandoned Games

Item 7.       Forfeit of Points

Item 8.       Team Balancing

Item 9.       Call-ups

Item 10.     Cup Competitions

Item 11.     Trophies and Final Days

Item 12.     Representative Teams

Item 13.     Tournaments

Item 14.     Protests

Item 15.     Discipline

Item 16.     Coaching and Referee Certification

Item 17.     Sponsorships and Fund Raising

Item 18.     Other Matters

 


 

CONSTITUTION

 

 

Article I.  Club Name.

 

The organization shall be know as the Sarnia Boys’ Soccer Club (Incorporated), hereinafter known as the Club. The headquarters of the club shall be in the City of Sarnia.

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Article II.  The Objects.

The establishment and operation of the athletics club for the purpose of:

 

a)      Developing, maintaining administering, fostering and promoting recreational and competitive boys' and men's soccer programs, games and leagues;

 

b)       Arranging tournaments and competitions, and establishing and granting prizes, awards, and distinctions;

 

 

c)      Developing and providing equipment and amenities which include establishing fully equipped and serviced soccer facilities;

 

d)      Receiving and maintaining a fund or funds and other property and applying from time to time all or part thereof and the income there from for the benefit of or to enhance or improve the attainment of the objects set out in paragraphs a), b), and c) above; and

 

 

e)      Promoting interest and participation in the sport of soccer and fostering goodwill and sportsmanship

 

And such other complementary purpose not inconsistent with these objects.

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Article III. Affiliation

 

The Club shall be affiliated with the Canadian Soccer Association (hereinafter referred to as C.S.A.), Ontario Soccer Association (hereinafter referred to as O.S.A.) through the Lambton-Kent Soccer Association (hereinafter referred to as L.K.D.S.A.).

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Article IV. Membership

 

To be a member of the Club, a person must be a life member or be registered as a coach,  convener, and a board or executive member for the current year.

Life members may be appointed at the discretion of the Members Board.

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Article V.   Club Colours

 

The Club Colours shall be red and black.  The team jersey shall consist of red and black vertical stripes.  The Club or team logo shall be on the left breast and numbers shall be on the back. Alternate jerseys shall be white with  the player’s number on the back.  The Club shall have two (2) logos - the club corporate logo and the Sarnia Fury team logo.

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Article VI.   Governance 

 

The management and administration of the Club shall be vested in the Executive Committee (hereinafter known as the Executive) and the Members Board (hereinafter known as the Board), with full authority to act as they see fit within the scope of the Constitution and By-Laws. All matters will be directed through the Executive and the Board.


a)      The Executive shall consist of the following elected positions:

 

President   

 (elected odd years)

Vice-president

(elected even years)

Treasurer   

(elected odd years)

Registrar

(elected even years)

Secretary   

(elected odd years)

Equipment Director

(elected even years)

Sponsorship Director  

(elected odd years)

LDYSL/WOYSL Director

(elected odd years)

 

  NOTE: The Executive shall include the Past President only if one exists.

 

 b) The Board shall consist of the following positions, appointed annually:

 

District Director

  House League Conveners

 (One per Age division as approved by the Executive)

 

  Facilities Director

  Media Officer

House League Director

Harassment Officer

  Webmaster

Indoor Director


 

c) Each person in the above positions is entitled to one vote each at all meetings, with the exception of the President, who votes only in the case of a tie;


d) An Executive member may hold more than one position, provided that the other positions are appointed.  No Executive member may hold more than one elected position.  Regardless of how many positions are held, votes may not be accumulated under any circumstance.

 

f) Executive and Board Members will be known as Officers of the Club.

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Article VII.   Tenure and Election

 

The term of office for elected positions is two years, elected in odd and even years.

 

Term of office for appointed positions to be one year.

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Article VIII.   Vacancies

 

The office of a member of the Executive or Board shall be vacated:

 

a)      Upon resignation in writing.


b) If one becomes of unsound mind or otherwise incapable of performing the duties of the position held.


c) If convicted of a criminal offence.


d) If found guilty of conduct detrimental to the Club.


e) If absent from two consecutive meetings of the Executive without satisfactory reason.

 

The Board may, as deemed necessary, combine or split duties and responsibilities of the Board, and appoint persons to fill these positions as circumstances dictate. Should a vacancy occur on the Executive, said Executive may appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next special or general meeting.

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Article IX.   Duties of Officers of the Club

 

All Board Members are expected to attend regular and special meetings as scheduled by the President. If an officer will be absent from a meeting, he/she may appoint a proxy. This representative would then have a vote at the meeting. All officers with responsibility for other persons or sub-committees are expected to chair their own committee meetings, and report their decisions or recommendations to the Board for approval.

 

 

President: 

The President shall:

A.           Preside at all meetings of the Membership and the Board.

B.           Be the Chief Executive Officer of the Club, and shall execute the business and operations of the Board.

C.           Report at each meeting of the Board and shall truly answer such questions as any Member may ask concerning the affairs of the Club.

D.            Through the Treasurer keep all money and assets of the Club and report on the same at each meeting of the Board.

E.            Delegate authority to any and all officers, executives, coaches and managers as is appropriate to their offices and as hereinafter set out. 

F.            Have a deciding vote in the event of a tied vote at Board and Executive meetings. 

G.           Call regular meetings as deemed necessary or when requested by a minimum of 3 Board members. 

H.           Sit ex-officio on all committees and sub-committees. 

I.              Be a signing officer. 

Vice-President: 

The Vice-President shall: 

A.           Assume the responsibilities of the President during his/her absence. 

B.           Be the liaison with the House League division. 

C.           Perform other duties as assigned by the President. 

D.           Be a signing officer. 

Past President: 

The Past President shall: 

A.     Assume the duties of the President in the event that both the President and Vice-President are absent. 

B.     Perform other duties as assigned by the President. 

Secretary: 

The Secretary shall: 

A.     Keep accurate records of all meetings and handle all Club correspondence. 

B.     Give notice of all meetings and assemble all annual reports for inclusion in AGM information package. 

C.     Update coaches’ and managers’ manuals as required. 

Treasurer: 

The treasurer shall: 

A.     Keep accurate records of all monies received and disbursed. 

B.     Issue receipts and cheques as required. 

C.     Present a financial report to the Executive and Board meetings. 

D.     Prepare and present an annual financial statement for the AGM. 

E.      Be a signing officer. 

Registrar: 

The Registrar shall: 

A.  Arrange and supervise all player registration for indoor and outdoor seasons. 

B.     Maintain statistics during registration periods and advise the Board on projected numbers.  

C.     Provide and receive all registration forms and player books. 

D.     Register players, teams and coaches with O. S. A. using the appropriate software as provided by O. S. A. 

E.      Prepare reports as required on registration statistics as required. 

F.      Be authorized to deal directly with O.S.A. 

G.     Handle all matters pertaining to registration and de-registration of players. 

Equipment Director:

 

The Equipment Director shall:

 

A.     Be responsible for the purchase, inventory control, storage and disbursement of all Club equipment.

 

B.     Obtain a minimum of two written quotes on items over $500.00 and present such quotes (with his/her recommendation) to the Board for approval.

 

C.     Be authorized to negotiate with vendors, suppliers and manufacturers on the Club’s behalf.

 

D.     Be authorized to purchase equipment or supplies under $500.00 based on his/her own judgment without prior Board approval.

 

Facilities Director:

 

The Facilities Director shall:

 

A.     Be responsible for all matters concerning indoor and outdoor facilities and venues.

 

B.     Report to the Board on the results of said negotiations (with recommendations).

 

Competitive Director:

 

The competitive Director shall:

 

A.     Be the liaison among the coaches of the competitive teams, the club representative, the Executive and the Board.

 

B.     Make Recommendations on the selection of competitive coaches.

 

C.     Be responsible for resolving difficulties between coaches and parents or players.

 

D.     Report to the Board on the status of the competitive program.

 

 

House League Director:

 

The House League Director shall:

 

A.     Be the liaison among the coaches, the conveners, the Executive and the Board.

 

B.     Be responsible for resolving difficulties between coaches and parents or players.

 

C.     Work closely with the conveners.

 

D.     Attempt to see every Club team in his group play at least once per season.

 

E.      Recruit and appoint House League Conveners.

 

Indoor League Director:

 

The Indoor Director shall carry out the same duties as specified for the House League Director as they apply to the winter program of futsal.

 

Club Representatives:

 

The Club Representative shall:

 

A.     Have the authority to represent the Club at League Level.

 

B.     Attend and vote in the best interest of the Club at League meetings.

 

C.     Report regularly on League matters as they affect the Club.

 

Sponsorship Director:

 

The Sponsorship Director shall:

 

A.     Assume responsibility for all fundraising activities involving the Club.

 

B.     Report regularly on all fundraising activities to the Board.

 

C.     Have the authority to approve or veto requests for fundraising activities not specified in the list as approved by the Board.

 

House League Conveners:

 

The House League Conveners shall:

 

A.     Assume the responsibility for creating a house league for his/her age division.

 

B.     Assign players to each of the teams in his/her division.

 

C.     Ensure that the league is balanced and if not take action to balance the league by moving players from one team to another. 

 

D.     Create and provide a league schedule for the league to all team coaches.

 

E.      Co-operate with the House League Director and coaches to foster enjoyment of the game and the development of skills

 

F.      Schedule and arrange a final day event for all the teams in the league.

 

Media Officer: 

 

The Media Officer shall:

 

A.     Assume responsibility for team photographs and sponsor plaques.

 

B.     Have authority to negotiate and contract on the Club’s behalf with photographers.

 

C.     Be authorized to deal with members of the Press and other media.

 

D.     Distribute releases and other information to the media as directed by the Board.

 

E.      Promote the Club and soccer in general by all acceptable avenues.

 

Webmaster: 

 

The Webmaster shall:

 

A.     Assume responsibility for administration of the Club Website.

 

B.     Have authority to negotiate and contract on the Club’s behalf with Internet providers.

 

C.     Monitor the Club’s web site to ensure appropriateness of content.

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Article X.   Annual General Meeting (AGM)

 

The AGM of the Club will be held no later than November 30th, the date of which is to be set by the Executive Board no later than September 30th, and shall be held at a suitable location. Each member of the Club shall receive at least 15 days notice of the date, time and location of the Annual General Meeting.

 

a)   Introduction of the Executive and any guests


b) Reading of the minutes of the previous AGM


c) President’s report


d) Treasurer’s report


e) Registrar’s report


f) Other reports as required


g) Unfinished business


h) Amendments to the constitution


i) Election of Executive members (as outlined in Article VI section a)


j) New business


k) Adjournment

 

The AGM shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order insofar as they may apply.

 

At least one half (1/2) of the executive members shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the Club.

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Article XI.  Audit

 

The Club may appoint 1 or more Auditors, excluding the Executive and Board, who shall conduct an audit of the books of the Club.

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Article XII.  Expenses

 

All reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Club Members in conducting the business of the Club shall be reimbursed.

 

Expense sheets must be submitted and supported, where possible, by receipt of expenditure.  The Treasurer must approve expense sheets.

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Article XIII. Harassment

 

The Club shall adhere to the harassment policy as published by O. S. A. and as administered by the L.K.D.S.A. at all times.

 

The harassment policy shall apply to all members of the Club - including all officers, directors, convenors, coaches, assistant coaches and players.  Failure to do so will result in the removal of that person from the Club.

 

Harassment is defined as any comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive.  It includes, but is not limited to, sexual inappropriate behaviour.

 

The Club will make available to any member the harassment policy when requested.

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Article XIV.   Amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to the Constitution may only be made at the Annual General meeting.  All proposed amendments must be forwarded in writing to the Secretary no later than 21 days prior to the Annual  General Meeting.

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RULES AND REGULATIONS  (BY-LAWS)

 

Item 1.       Registration

 

Every player participating in any game conducted or sanctioned by the Club must be properly registered with the Club.

 

All players must be able to provide acceptable proof of age at the time of registration, if requested by the Registrar.

 

The Registrar will register players on the OSA database only after he/she has received a completed and signed registration form with a cheque for the appropriate amount or a note from the Treasurer stating that such a cheque has been received.

 

No player shall be allowed to play unless the registration fee or levy is paid.

 

The Board shall set the registration fee per player shall be set annually by the Executive Committee.

 

All requests for registration refunds most be made in writing by a parent or guardian directly to the Registrar.  The Registrar will then:

              1) confirm that the player is registered and eligible for a refund.

              2) find the original registration form.

              3) deregister the player via the OSA database.

              4) send the written request, original registration form, and a note confirming that the player has been deregistered, to the Treasurer.

 

The Treasurer shall upon receipt of proper documents issue a refund cheque to the parent or guardian.

 

A deregistration fee shall be charged for registration refunds.  Deregistration fees shall apply to all refund requests, except in cases of medical and compassionate reasons.  No refunds shall be eligible after July 15 of the current season.

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Item 2.       Age Groups

 

Divisions shall be comprised of the following age groups:

 

Age in Year of Play

Known As

 

 

4th Birthday

Under-4

5th Birthday

Under-5

6th Birthday

Under-7

7th Birthday

Under-7

8th   Birthday

Under-8

9th Birthday

Under-9

10th Birthday

Under-10

11th Birthday

Under-11

12th Birthday

Under-12

13th Birthday

Under-13

14th Birthday

Under-14

15th Birthday

Under-15

16th Birthday

Under-16

17th Birthday

Under-17

18th Birthday

Under-18

After 18th Birthday Senior

 

 

A player may be registered in any age division provided he/she has not reached the stipulated age before the 1st of January in the current year.

 

No player under the age of 4 in the current year of play shall register with the Club.

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Item 3.       Team Responsibility

 

All players will wear their soccer uniforms to each game.  Goalkeeper sweaters will be provided and must be returned to the coach after each game.  The goalkeeper may wear tracksuit bottoms.

 

The Home Team (meaning first team listed on game schedule) shall provide a game ball, which must meet the approval of the Referee.

 

In the absence of a Referee, it is the responsibility of the two coaches to decide on who referees the game.

 

Options:

1.      Spectator (if agreeable to both coaches).

2.      One coach (if agreed to by the other coach).

3.      Each coach referees half a game.

 

 

Teams must play their games as scheduled, unless otherwise arranged with the Convener.

 

Both teams shall be at the venue for the official kick-off time.

 

The home team coach shall be responsible for notifying the League Convener of the results of the game.  Results must be reported the night of the game.  The information required is:

 

·        the game result and score.

·        who scored the goal for BOTH sides.

·        anything outstanding about the game.

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Item 4.       Game Duration

 

The duration of League games shall be:

 

Age Group

Times of Game

Under-4/5

30 minutes (2 x 20 minute halves)

Under-6/7

40 minutes (2 x 20 minute halves)

Under-8 40 minutes (2 x 25 minute halves)

Under-9

60 minutes (2 x 30 minute halves)

Under-10 60 minutes (2 x 30 minute halves)

Under-11

60 minutes (2 x 30 minute halves)

Under-12 80 minutes (2 x 40 minute halves)

Under-13

80 minutes (2 x 40 minute halves)

Under-14 80 minutes (2 x 40 minute halves)

Under-15 - Senior

90 minutes (2 x 45 minute halves)

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Item 5.       Substitution

 

Substitutions will be permitted for the following stoppages in play:

·        when a goal is scored

·        at a goal kick

·        at the beginning of the second half

·        at the Referee’s discretion for injury

·        at team’s own throw in

 

For all League/Cup Games, any players dressed for a game shall play for a minimum of half a game.

 

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Item 6.       Abandoned Games

 

If a game is abandoned due to inclement weather with less than 10 minutes of the second half played, the game will be replayed.  If 10 minutes or more of the second half have been played, the score will stand.  It will be the Referee’s decision to play or stop the game.

 

If the game is abandoned for any other reason, the matter will be brought before the Executive Committee.

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Item 7.       Forfeit of Points

 

Game points will be forfeited for any of the following reasons:

 

·        Failure of a team to appear for a game.

·        If a team delays the start of a game by 15 minutes.

·        If a team has less than 7 players (5 for mini-soccer)

·        Failure to play any players dressed for a game for a minimum of half a game shall be cause for forfeit of points at the discretion of the Executive.

 

It should be noted that if a team has a full complement of players, that team might play the game using their full complement (e.g., eleven against seven).

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Item 8.       Team Balancing

 

The Balancing of teams during the season may take place with the authorization of the Executive Committee by the convener after consultation with the parents and coaches of that League.

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Item 9.       Call-ups

 

Names of players called up must be provided to the Referee by the coach prior to the start of the game.

 

No team shall call-up more than 3 players.

 

The same player shall not be called more than 3 times by any one team.

 

Approval of the call-up by the lower age group team coach must be given.

 

No call-up shall be permitted in Cup competitions.

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Item 10.     Cup Competitions

 

Cup competitions shall be run under Ontario Soccer Association and Ontario Cup rules, and other rules as designated by the Executive Committee.

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Item 11.     Trophies and Final Days

 

The awarding of trophies and/or medals for League champions, Cup champions and finalists shall be at the discretion of the Executive Committee. 

 

In the event of two or more teams being equal in points for first place at the completion of the League schedule, further games may be played to decide a winner.  Goal averages will not be considered (coaches facing a weaker team should consider giving more playing time to weaker players, rather than building up a large score).

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Item 12.     Representative Teams

 

The Club may operate Representative Teams in age groups in accordance with its local governing body.

 

Representative Team shall mean Competitive, District, and Select teams.

 

The number of Representative Teams shall be at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

 

Representative Team coaches shall be selected and approved by the Executive Committee.

 

All players properly registered with the Club shall be provided with an opportunity to try out for a Representative Team.

 

The team coach shall make the final selections of the Representative Team players.

 

Representative team players shall pay an additional fee herein after referred to as player levy (to cover costs of operation). The Executive Committee before registration shall set the additional fee annually.

 

All outdoor player levies are due by May 1st of the outdoor season.  Players' levies shall be deemed as not paid, unless received by the Treasurer.  After May 1st, the Registrar shall be directed to change the status of unpaid players to House League.

 

Players must play in their own age group   all exceptions must be approved by the Executive Committee.

 

Representative team players carded and returned to League Teams may only be called up for Representative Team play when the League Team is not playing.  Permission of the League Team coach must be obtained.

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Item 13.     Tournaments

 

Each Competitive Team may be allowed to enter up to three (3) tournaments and have the entry fees paid by the Club.  Competitive teams may be allowed to enter additional tournaments on the conditions that a) entry fee is paid by the players and b) that all the players and parents are told that participation, and payment of tournament fee, is strictly voluntary.

 

Each District Team may be allowed to enter up to two (2) tournaments and have the entry fees paid by the Club.  District team may be allowed to enter additional tournaments on the conditions that a) entry fee is paid by the players and b) that all the players and parents are told that participation, and payment of tournament fee, is strictly voluntary

 

Each Select Team may be allowed to enter up to two (2) tournaments per year, with the entry fees paid by the Club. Select teams may be allowed to enter additional tournaments on the conditions that a) entry fee is paid by the players and b) that all the players and parents are told that participation, and payment of tournament fee, is strictly voluntary

 

The Club will pay refundable tournament bonds.  Should the bond be forfeited, the team registered for the tournament shall be required to reimburse the Club.

 

The Executive Committee must approve all tournament applications in advance.

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Item 14.     Protests

 

The Executive of the Club shall deal with all protests.

 

Any member of the Executive Committee directly involved in any protests, will be excluded from the committee dealing with the protest.

 

All protests must be submitted in writing to the Club within seven days of the date of the match to which it relates.

 

The decisions of the Executive are binding but may be subject to an appeal to the Board.

 

The Club is not committed to appeal on behalf of any individual team under its jurisdiction.

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Item 15.     Discipline

 

The Executive Committee shall deal with all disciplinary matters within the Club.

 

Those persons having cause to be cautioned or dismissed from a game shall present themselves before the Executive Committee when requested.

 

Any persons absenting him from the meeting, without just cause to do so and prior notification to the Committee is liable to further penalty.

 

Any member acting in a manner detrimental to the Club shall also be subject to disciplinary action by the Club.

 

The decision of the Executive Committee is binding, but may be subject to an appeal to the Board.

 

Discipline procedures shall conform to the Ontario Soccer Association guidelines on discipline, Administrative Guide, Section Discipline.

 

Coaches will be responsible for the conduct of their players.

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Item 16.     Coaching and Referee Certification

 

The Club shall reimburse any member who obtains a Level 1, level 2 or level 3 coaching certificate, for half of the fee paid.

 

The Club shall reimburse any member who obtains the first level referees certificate.

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Item 17.     Sponsorships and Fund Raising

 

The Executive Committee shall set annual sponsorship fees.

 

All sponsorship monies shall be paid to the Club.

 

Any member or team wishing to raise funds must have prior approval of the Executive Committee.  Application must be made in writing 30 days prior to the fund raising event.

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Item 18.     Other Matters

 

The Executive Committee shall determine all matters not herewith covered.

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