BYLAWS
1.0 NAME
1.1 The organization shall be known as the New Bedford Youth Soccer Association, Inc., herein referred to as NBYSA.
1.3 The mailing address of the corporation will change each year when the election of officers is held. The mailing addresses will be tied to the addresses of the elected officers at their discretion.
2.0 PURPOSE OF THE CORPORATION
2.1 It shall be the purpose of the NBYSA to foster, promote, and advance the cause of soccer within the territory under the jurisdiction of the corporation.
3.1 Participation in the fall program shall be open to any child who is a resident of the City of New Bedford and who will attain the age of five (5) years during the year of play, and will not have attained the age of fourteen (14) by August 1st of the year of play, provided there are a sufficient number of registrants in a given division to form a sufficient number of teams within that division as shall be determined by vote of the Board of Directors.
3.2 Participation in the spring program shall be open to any child who is a resident of the City of New Bedford meeting the age criteria as set by the SCSL (South Coast Soccer League.) Priority will be given to players who have participated in the fall program.
3.3 Any NBYSA member, after a minimum of two years participation, who moves out of the City of New Bedford, may be " grandfathered " and allowed to continue in the corporation for only the fall program. Participation in a spring program shall be governed by the rules of the MYSA (Massachusetts Youth Soccer Assn.) sponsored leagues.
4.1 The Officers of this corporation shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, and Immediate Past President, also known as the Executive Committee, who together with Division Directors and SRC (Sportsmanship Review Committee) Director, shall constitute the Board of Directors.
shall coincide with the fiscal year of the corporation.
They shall hold office for one year and shall be eligible for re-election.(a) The Board of Directors has the right to vote in new board members during the course of the year.
4.4 The President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, SRC Director, and Immediate Past President shall constitute an Emergency Committee to pass on matters demanding immediate attention where it is impractical to call a full Board of Directors meeting.
4.5 The Board of Directors shall transact all business of the corporation and shall have the power to enforce the Bylaws and Rules of Play of the NBYSA
4.6 The Board of Directors shall have the power to set up rules governing the corporation competition, tournaments, and special competitions within its own structure.
4.7 The Board of Directors shall have the powers to ascertain age limits in corporation competition.
4.8 Any Board of Director member absenting him/ herself three (3) successive meetings without just cause, may have his/ her office declared vacant at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
4.9 Board of Director meetings will be held on a date and at a site determined by the acting Board of Directors or the President.
4.10 The Board of Directors shall have the right to appoint non-voting advisors as needed.
5.1 The President of the corporation shall preside at all meetings. He/ she shall pass upon and approve all bills against the corporation. He/ she shall appoint all Committees. He/ she shall cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie vote at the Committee meetings.
5.2 The President shall appoint delegates to all affiliated soccer corporations.
5.3 The President shall submit a report on the operations of the corporation at the Annual Meeting.
6.1 The Vice President shall succeed to the powers of the President in his/her absence.
6.2 The Vice President shall schedule all corporation matches for their respective seasons before the beginning of that season.
6.3 The Vice President shall have full power to schedule or re-schedule postponed games.
6.4 The Vice President shall perform such other duties and render such assistance as may be directed by the President.
6.5 The Vice President shall act as the S.C.S.L. Director on behalf of the NBYSA, Inc.
7.1 The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings, and keep the records of the corporation.
7.2 The Secretary shall be responsible for filing all reports, which may be required because of the corporation's affiliation with other soccer organizations.
7.3 The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence, both within and outside the local corporation, which may be required from time to time.
7.4 The Secretary shall be responsible for notifying Board of Director members of upcoming and scheduled meetings.
7.5 The Secretary shall be responsible for issuing public notices of the Annual Meeting.
7.6 The Secretary shall be responsible for corporation publicity.
8.1 The Treasurer shall collect all registration fees and donations and shall be in charge of all monies of the corporation.
8.2 The Treasurer shall maintain a detailed set of records of income and expenditures and shall submit a quarterly report of finances to the Board of Directors and an Annual Report for the Annual Meeting.
8.3 The Treasurer shall pay all bills promptly that have been verified and/ or approved.
9.1 The Registrar shall be in charge of the registration process for the fall, and assisting the Vice President for the spring program. In addition, the Registrar shall be responsible for registering all NBYSA players, coaches, and officers, along with the appropriate fees, with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). A league computer will be available at his/her residence to use for league business.
10.1 Division Directors shall be elected and represent each designated age division for both Fall & Spring.
10.2 Division Directors shall coordinate all activities of their respective divisions and represent the interests of that division on the Board of Directors.
10.3 The Division Directors shall be responsible for recruiting and assigning all coaches required for the operation of the corporation's fall and spring programs. They shall also help organize any coaching meetings or clinics deemed necessary for the development of new and veteran coaches.
10.4 The Division Directors will be responsible to set a schedule that assigns one Director to be on each site at all times in order to address any questions or problems that may arise, including assigning referees if necessary.
10.5 The Division Directors shall be responsible for instituting the Rules of Play for their respective divisions.
10.6 The Immediate Past President shall serve to assist the Board of Directors in an advisory role.
11.1 Any parent, coach, or referee of the NBYSA, Inc. may attend a General or Annual Meeting.
11.2 The Board of Directors through the President may extend invitations to non-members to attend Board of Director meetings.
11.3 A minimum of 40% of members of the acting Board of Directors will constitute a quorum at all Board of Directors meetings. A majority of vote’s cast shall decide all questions except amendments to the bylaws.
11.4 In case of doubt as to procedures at any meeting of the corporation, "Robert's Rules of Order" shall govern.
11.5 The fiscal year of the corporation shall run from January 1st to December 31st.
11.6 The Annual Meeting shall be held before January to review the previous seasons' activities and elect officers for the coming year. Officers and Board of Director members shall assume their newly elected duties upon completion of the fiscal year.
11.7 Voting members at the Annual Meeting shall be parents or legal guardians of any currently registered player, coaches, assistant coaches, and Board of Director members whether or not they have children enrolled in the corporation.
12.1 A balanced budget for the forthcoming year shall be prepared by the Treasurer and approved by the Board of Directors before fall registration. Registration fees should be established and fund raising events scheduled to insure that expenses are covered by income.
12.2 With the exception of operating expenses, no money shall be spent unless approved by a vote of the Board of Directors.
12.3 The Compass Bank is designated as a depository for all funds of this corporation. All money shall be promptly deposited in a checking account maintained in the name of NBYSA
12.4 Bills for authorized purchases shall be paid when due. Checks shall be signed by one of two authorized persons, those being the President and the Treasurer.
12.5 Funds shall be spent only in the interest of the NBYSA. No member shall be compensated for their voluntary participation in carrying out the purpose of the Corporation.
12.6 Spring funds will be spent for spring expenditures only.
13.1 Refer to the NBYSA Rules of Play Article 19.0 Fall Program.
14.1 All coaches representing NBYSA in any program or event sponsored by NBYSA or any affiliated organization shall abide by the NBYSA, Coaches Code of Conduct that is written and made part of the NBYSA By-laws.
The Board of Directors of the NBYSA is concerned about the conduct of all coaches. We want to ensure that the coaches who represent the organization uphold the philosophy, by-laws, and the rules of play adopted by the NBYSA. We also want to ensure that games are fair, positive, and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved.
We expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct. Coaches who do not follow the expectations described below may be disciplined or removed. The SRC shall advise the Board of Directors with their recommended disciplinary action, if any, to be taken.
1. Non-Discrimination
a) Coaches will not discriminate against players based on their race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, or ability. Coaches will not use language that is offensive or derogatory to a person's race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, or ability.
2. Compliance with NBYSA philosophy, by-laws, and rules of play.
a) Abide by the rules of play established by NBYSA and its affiliated organizations.
b) Comply with the NBYSA By-laws and those of its affiliated organizations and abide by the
disciplinary actions of the Board of Directors as set forth in the By-laws.
3. Player Development
a) Create an environment in which children develop their skills and knowledge of soccer while having fun and building self-esteem.
b) Show by behavior and words that each player is an important member of the team whether or not they perform well. Give encouragement for efforts as well as results.
c) Rely on positive reinforcement for things done correctly. Minimize negative emphasis on mistakes, which are required for learning to take place. Praise players in public, correct them in private.
d) Promote increased self-esteem among players by encouraging players whenever possible. Show by words and actions that you like and accept them regardless of how well they perform.
e) Spend comparable instruction time with all players, regardless of ability.
f) Teach competitiveness with an emphasis on good sportsmanship.
4. Conduct during games
a) Before, during, and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience, and positive spirit.
b) Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
c) During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough to explain the reasons for your action and for him/her to calm down.
d) During the game you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents and other persons associated with your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays for either team. Discourage them from yelling at players and the referee.
e) During the Game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game. If you have a major concern, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased or incompetent, report your opinion to the appropriate NBYSA Division Director.
f) Always treat players on other teams as members of our community first and as opponents secondary.
g) After the game, thank the referee, opposing players and coaches and encourage your players to do the same in a positive, sportsmanlike manner.
5. Community Conduct
a) All coaches affiliated with NBYSA are expected to obey State and Federal laws and refrain from behavior or activities that would be considered inappropriate for adults who are entrusted with the care of children.
b) All coaches affiliated with NBYSA shall have a current MYSA form on file.
14.2 Coaches must be 18 years of age or older.
16.1 The President may call special Meetings for any purpose.
17.0 DISCIPLINARY ACTION OF MEMBERS AND PARTICIPANTS
17.1 The Board of Directors shall have the authority to suspend or expel any member, coach, player, or participant of the NBYSA, except as outlined in 17.3D-(iii). On matters related to the sportsmanship, conduct, and/or violation of the By-laws, Rules of Play, or MYSA Rules, the Board of Directors shall act upon the recommendations of the Sportsmanship Review Committee in accordance with the NBYSA By-laws. The Board of Directors shall handle other issues outside the authority of the SRC.
17.2 Suspensions or expulsions must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors present, except as allowed by Section 17.3D-(iii).
17.3 Sportsmanship Review Committee
A. General
The Sportsmanship Review Committee (SRC) shall promote good sportsmanship within the NBYSA and review issues of sportsmanship, conduct, or violations of the By-laws or Rules of Play.
B. Composition
The SRC shall consist of three members of the Board of Directors appointed by the President.
C. Quorum
A quorum shall consist of two members.
D. Procedures and Authority
i) All NBYSA members, coaches, parents and players have the right to file a complaint to the SRC. All written letters to the SRC will be kept in strict confidence, as well as the parties making the complaint. All parties shall be notified of the complaint within seven (7) days. The Chairperson, when notified in writing of a sportsmanship or conduct issue, shall have the authority to hold a hearing of the SRC to review the issue within two weeks of receipt. . All SRC actions shall be reported in writing to the parties involved and to the Board of Directors. The SRC shall report any activity at the next NBYSA Executive Meeting.
ii) The SRC Chairperson will consult with President regarding whether further action of the Board is warranted at that time. For complaints that are determined by the President not to request further action by the Board of Directors, the SRC would be responsible for taking appropriate measures to resolve the complaint. These may include, but are not limited to attempts at mediation between parties or written warnings and clarifications related to the "code of conduct."
iii) The SRC shall make recommendation for action to the Board of Directors. On matters of serious infractions of the Code of Conduct, the SRC may immediately suspend a coach until final action by the Board of Directors.
iv) The Board of Directors shall authorize action on the recommendations of the SRC with a two-thirds majority vote.
v) NBYSA shall abide by the disciplinary actions of other affiliated organizations within their respective jurisdictions for conduct review.
E. Appeals
The parties to the complaint may appeal the recommendation of the SRC to the Board of Directors and present their views before final action being authorized by the Board of Directors.
18.1 A Nominating Committee shall be formed at a Board of Directors meeting each year for preparing a slate of nominations of Officers and Directors to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.
18.2 Persons who wish to be on the ballot must have their name submitted by a Board member before the Election. Nominations will not be allowed from the floor. Persons serving as President or Vice President must have held a Board of Director position for at least one-year before being allowed to hold the position of President or Vice President.
18.3 The President shall appoint Chairpersons as needed for committees such as, but not limited to, Uniforms and Equipment, Publicity and Public Relations and Fundraising.
18.4 All committees responsible to the Board of Directors must submit proposals on course of action for approval. Chairperson is responsible to make presentation for approval.
19.1 The Fall program shall be primarily an IN-HOUSE program. Teams will be fielded in the girls and boys divisions as coaches, fields, and equipment allow. All attempts will be made to accommodate all players who have registered. The goal of the fall program will be to equalize the levels of competition for play IN-HOUSE.
19.2 The Fall program will run on Saturdays and Sundays, from September through November.
19.3 Matches will be low key with emphasis on teaching the correct way to play the game of soccer. The virtues of sportsmanship and fair play are to be stressed.
19.4 New Bedford Youth Soccer Association Executive Committee is responsible for the final decision and execution of the Fall program. Any matters of policy or direction shall be their responsibility.
19.5 Age Grouping for the Fall Program
AGE GROUP DATE FROM DATE TO
Co-ed Age 6 August 1 July 31
Boys Under 8 August 1 July 31
Boys Under 10 August 1 July 31
Boys Under 12 August 1 July 31
Boys Under 14 August 1 July 31
Girls Under 8 August 1 July 31
Girls Under 10 August 1 July 31
Girls Under 12 August 1 July 31
Girls Under 14 August 1 July 31
19.6 Program Structure. A minimum of 4 teams will be required to have regular competition in each age group.
19.7 Ball Size
AGE GROUP ---- BALL SIZE
Co-ed Age 6 ---- 3
Boys & Girls Under 8 ---- 4
Boys & Girls Under 10 ---- 4
Boys & Girls Under 12 ---- 4
Boys & Girls Under 14 ---- 5
19.8 Uniforms
19.8.1 Shin guards are MANDATORY during practice and games.
19.8.2 Shirts are provided by the NBYSA.
19.8.3 Molded turf shoes or rubber cleats are required.
19.8.4 Safety glasses are strongly recommended for those who wear glasses.
19.8.5 No jewelry is to be worn on the field.
19.9 Duration of the Game
AGE GROUP PERIODS TIME
Co-ed Age 6 TBD TBD
Boys & Girls Under 8 4 8 minutes
Boys & Girls Under 10 4 10 minutes
Boys & Girls Under 12 4 12 minutes
Boys & Girls Under 14 4 12 minutes
19.10 Each team should arrive at the field at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time for the game.
19.11 The number of players on the field for each team:
AGE GROUP # PLAYERS
Co-ed Age 6 4 vs 4
Boys & Girls Under 8 6 vs 6
Boys & Girls Under 10 8 vs 8
Boys & Girls Under 12 11 vs 11
Boys & Girls Under 14 11 vs 11
NOTE: No game will be forfeited due to a shortage of players.
19.12 Expectations of Coaches
19.12.1 Promote good sportsmanship.
19.12.2 Do not tolerate unsportsmanship by coaches, players, or spectators.
19.12.3 Promote good soccer through the development of ball and game skills.
19.12.4 Maintain accurate rosters and player ratings.
19.12.5 Provide a list of potential candidates for voting and non-voting members of the Executive Committee.
19.12.6 Schedule at least one practice per week.
19.12.7 Ensure that all players play at least TWO QUARTERS of each game. NO player may play 3 quarters until ALL players have played 2 quarters. NO player may play 4 quarters until ALL players have played 3 quarters. Exceptions should only be for injuries, illness, or unsportsmanlike conduct during a game.
19.12.8 Under 12-14 divisions, NO player may serve as goalie for more than 2 quarters.
19.12.9 Under 10 and Under 8 divisions - It is MANDATORY that all players learn all positions, including goalie. Players should be rotated quarterly, including the goalie.
19.12.10 All new coaches are required to take a licensing course.
19.13 Participation
19.13.1 Players are expected to participate in practices and games. Parents are expected to
participate by insuring that their players are on time and picked up on time for games and
practices and that they have their equipment with them. If a player cannot be present for a
scheduled practice or match, the coach should be notified in advance.
19.13.2 Parents should support the coach and promote good sportsmanship. If problems should arise that cannot be mutually resolved, they should be brought to and resolved in the following manner:
recommendation to Executive Board.
19.13.3 ALL persons, including coaches, involved with players during practices or games, MUST have filled out MYSA KidSafe required forms.
20.0 FEES
20.1 Fees for participation shall be decided and set by the Executive Committee and shall be
due and payable at registration.
21.1 Look at all player registration forms for medical problems, physician preferences, and parental comments. If necessary, make reminders on roster sheets.
21.2 Appoint a parent who is interested in helping to act as a Team Parent. This person should assist you by:
A. Calling players if a match is canceled.
B. Calling players for practices.
C. Setting up schedule for bringing water and/ or oranges
21.3 First Aid Kit must be available where practices are held and where the matches are being
played.
21.4 Standings will NOT BE KEPT to discourage the " Win at any cost" syndrome and to encourage the instructional element.
21.5 REMEMBER this is a volunteer program with people trying to do their best. The idea is for the matches to be enjoyable while players develop their skills.
21.6 The Division Director is your contact person for questions, suggestions, game cancellations, etc.
21.7 There will be no smoking on school property, and no smoking while coaching.
22.1 Fifteen minutes before the game:
A. Warm up with brief stretching exercises.
B. Brief practice session.
C. Get players together and explain who is starting in what positions.
D. Select a Captain or Co-Captain (different each game) to represent the team at the coin toss.
E. Verify players are properly attired.
22.2 Halftime
A. Let the players rest
B. Make sure refreshment is available for the players
C. Assign player positions
22.3 Game Completion
A. Team players should line up and shake hands with the other team and referees. DISCOURAGE snide remarks, spitting, and forceful handshakes. Stress good sportsmanship, win or lose!
B. Announce next practice time. Pass out any club announcements to parents.
C. Parents are to remain on designated spectator side.
22.4 During Game
A. Keep a sharp eye out for players who are getting over tired or are injured. If a player is injured, ALL players are to STOP play and remain in their current positions until the game resumes.
B. Encourage good sportsmanship and fair play by removing players from a game if he/ she starts arguing with the referee, etc.
C. Feel free to speak to over zealous spectators who interfere with the best interests of the game by yelling non constructive criticisms at coaches, players, referees, etc.
D. Matches should be instructional in that incorrect throw ins, goal kicks, etc. should be retaken for U8 Division Boys & Girls ONLY, so that the correct way of doing a skill is learned.
E. Remember, the referee is in charge and, while mistakes may be made, the referee will be doing his/ her best.
F. NO coaches in any Division are allowed on the field or near the goal during games. Coaches should not allow anyone to stand near the goal.
G. Off sides will be called on all Divisions EXCEPT Boys & Girls Under 8.
22.5 Practices
A. For planning purposes, try to have the practice at the same day and time each week.
B. Encourage attendance at practice. Most coaching should occur during practices, not during the game. Players should be allowed to play and enjoy the game.
C. Each player should bring a ball to practice. Make the practices fun by covering different aspects of the game and not making any drill too long. Remember ideas from MYSA.