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Delaware Valley Soccer Club Bylaws - adopted 12/03/99

Mission

The DVSC shall function to provide organizational services to those players, referees, coaches, and fans interested in the game of soccer. The development of youth players shall be the primary focus.

Activities

The DVSC will:

• promote the sport of soccer in the communities it operates in and serves.
• sponsor soccer teams at all age and ability levels where sufficient numbers of players exist.
• encourage all players to compete at the highest level they are qualified for.
• organize local tournaments.
• support fund raising activities which will reduce the cost of player participation.
• support recreational soccer where a need exists.
• affiliate with those leagues which will provide the most appropriate competition for DVSC affiliate teams.
• maintain a non-profit status.
• organize related activities and events, including training sessions, which all teams may benefit from.

Membership

All affiliated players, referees, coaches, trainers, and parents are regular members who may speak, when appropriate, at Club meetings and may take part, as appropriate, in all Club sponsored activities. Each affiliated team shall have two voting members and one alternate voting member who shall vote in the absence of either of the regular voting members. The head coach of each team shall be one of the voting members. Officers of the Club shall have no right to vote unless they are also voting members of a team. No individual shall be entitled to more than one vote.

Quorum

Two thirds of those members eligible to vote shall constitute a quorum. Meetings shall not be conducted without a quorum present. Once a meeting begins, business may be conducted, to the extent of the known agenda, if a member(s) leaves and a quorum ceases.

Organization

The Club will hold business meetings at least once each month on the last Thursday, at Kingwood Park or at such other location, time, or date which will be advertised to the voting members at least 24 hrs in advance. Each affiliated team shall have two votes in all matters to come before the membership. The member must be present to vote, proxies are not permitted. Every odd numbered year, before May 15th, the Club shall elect a President, Vice president, Treasurer, and Secretary, who shall serve for a two year period beginning July first of that year. Any office which becomes vacant for any reason shall be filled by special election and for the remainder of the unexpired term. Such election shall be held within 30 days of the vacancy or at the next regular meeting practical.

President

The President shall be elected to serve for a two year term and shall be responsible for:

• with Secretary, planning monthly meeting agenda.
• presiding over all meetings,
• upholding the Club bylaws.
• carrying out the wishes of the voting membership.
• mediating disputes between members.
• acting as spokesperson for DVSC to the community.
• attending all functions as required of this office.
• authorizing emergency expenditures of less than $100, $300 aggregate per month.
• signing official documents and checks as they relate to this office and as approved by the voting members,
• with V.P., recommending coaches to the voting membership.
• with V.P., recommending and enforcing all disciplinary actions taken by the voting membership.
• with other officers, develop and recommend annual budget at least 2 weeks before the registration date for the Fall season.
• oversight of other officers.

Vice President

The Vice President shall be elected to serve a two year term and shall be responsible for:

• all of the President's responsibilities in his absence.
• serving as League Contact for any league DVSC affiliates with and attending all functions required of this position.
• coordinating seasonal tryout and registration activities for the Club.
• upholding these bylaws,
• signing official documents and checks as they relate to this office and as approved by the voting members,
• with pres., recommending coaches to the voting membership.
• with pres., recommending and enforcing all disciplinary actions taken by the voting membership,
• with other officers, develop and recommend annual budget.
• oversight of other officers.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be elected to serve a two year term and shall be responsible for:

• maintaining the financial records of the club as required by law and in a format acceptable to the membership.
• maintaining a checking account(s) on behalf of DVSC.
• preparing and filing a monthly report of the Club financial condition current as of the last full month.
• preparing for officers approval and filing any annual reports required by law or by any US soccer affiliate
• preparing all checks for endorsement by at least two officers.
• depositing all Club revenue to DVSC accounts. 3
• upholding these bylaws.
• signing official documents and checks as they relate to this office and as approved by the voting members.
• with other officers, develop and recommend annual budget.
• oversight of other officers.

Secretary

The Secretary shall be elected to serve a two year term and shall be responsible for:

• with president, preparing agenda of monthly meetings.
• preparing and maintaining accurate record of all meetings and actions of the Club.
• preparing and distributing monthly meeting information packets to all voting members including agenda and prior months minutes.
• maintaining player membership rosters for 7 years.
• maintaining and updating "KidSafe" records annually.
• preparing correspondence on behalf of the Club.
• signing official documents and checks as they relate to this office and as approved by the voting members.
• with other officers develop and recommend annual budget.
• oversight of other officers.

Appointed positions

The officers shall appoint members to various service positions within the club on an annual basis. Any member shall be eligible. Guidelines for service in these positions shall be provided by the Club and shall be adhered to by the volunteer. These positions shall include:

• Equipment Manager- acquires uniforms and other equipment on behalf of Club.
• Web Manager- maintains web pages and files electronic info for Club.
• High School Coordinator- works with H.S. players to form spring Club teams.
• Recreation Coordinator- works with any area rec. club in areas of mutual interest.
• Field Director- determines game day availability, makes field maintenance recommendations.
• Referee Coordinator- sole Club contact with League ref. assignor.
• Concessions/ Fund raising- manages Club authorized fund raising activities.
• Tournament Director/ Tournament Committee- organizes local tournaments.
• Training Coordinator- arranges group training activities with qualified teachers on behalf of Club or individual team as may be requested.

This list of appointed positions may be expanded only by the voting members. The duties of any unfilled position must be absorbed by the officers of the Club. Committees may be appointed to fulfill the obligations of any position.

Fiscal Year

The fiscal year shall match the seasonal year, July 1st through June 30th.

Coaches

Coaches shall be approved by majority vote of the full voting membership. The Pres. and V. P. shall interview and perform background checks as necessary and shall make recommendation to the voting membership.

Coaches shall maintain high moral standards and a lifestyle worthy of respect by the community. Coaches shall possess a license to coach soccer as required by the NJSYSA. Coaches shall take and pass a course in the "laws of the game" as provided by the State Referees assoc. during the first year of affiliation with the Club. Coaches are encouraged to take first aid and CPR courses as is appropriate to theirn responsibility.

Coaches are responsible for their own behavior as well as the behavior of their players and fans when playing in League, State, or Club sanctioned events. Any coach receiving discipline from the League or State, will be personally responsible for any action or fine received and may be subject to further discipline by the Club. Acts of violence (except in the defense of self or player) shall be grounds for dismissal from the Club. Coaches must adhere to the "Kids Come First" theme of the MNJYSA league by recognizing the value of developing youngsters in:

• ability
• learning the game
• becoming sports participants
• gaining personal confidence and pride
• acquiring team spirit
• setting objectives and striving toward them
• building character

The Club will not tolerate any action or activity which is intended or designed to cause pain, embarrassment, ridicule, or to demean others under any circumstance, including on the basis of race, religion, gender; or national origin. Violations shall be grounds for dismissal from the Club.

Head Coach

The head coach shall:

• be 18 years of age or older.
• sign volunteer disclosure and KidSafe forms.
• advertise and hold objective and competitive tryouts prior to each fall season.
• be responsible for final selection of players based on tryouts.
• provide Club with copy of roster and other documents as may be requested.
• file with pres., a list of all players who tryout unsuccessfully or who are to be cut.
• select assistant coach(es) at least one of whom shall be 18 years of age min.
• act responsibly in the interest of player safety.
• have medical release forms in possession at all practices and games.
• attend all club meetings or send alternate.
• notify players and parents of Club directives.
• file accident report in event of injury.
• comply with all State, League, or Club bylaws.
• bring unresolved parent/player issues to attention of pres.
• distribute a copy of these bylaws to all parents (1 per family) annually.

Assistant Coach

The assistant coach( es) shall:

• assume all responsibilities of head coach in the event head coach is absent.
• attend games and practices to assist head coach as may be required.
• perform such duties as may be designated by head coach.
• sign volunteer disclosure and KidSafe forms.
• comply with all State, League, or Club bylaws.

Removal

A motion for a hearing as to the suitability of any officer; coach, or appointee to serve, may be called by any voting member with cause. The motion must receive a second. A majority of the members present must approve a hearing. The hearing must be held within 15 days and only voting members and officers may be present.

After a hearing and being allowed the right to address the voting membership, any person may be removed from their position by two thirds majority vote of the full voting membership.

member formally charged with a felony, or act of violence against a person shall be suspended from all Club activities immediately, pending resolution of charges. If convicted, said member shall be removed from the Club.

League affiliation

The Club shall affiliate with the MNJYSA League for all travel team play. The Club shall adhere to all laws and regulations of the league regarding rules of play, and where DVSC bylaws may be in conflict, they are invalid.

If, in the interest of better or more appropriate competition, any team shall wish to play in another league and is qualified, then the Club shall make reasonable effort to affiliate with that league, and to provide services to any Club affiliate team playing in that league. Participation in alternate leagues shall not be allowed to adversely impact MNJYSA affiliation.

If only one team is affiliated with a particular league, then that team shall provide it's own league contact services.

Team affiliation

Teams of any age may affiliate with the Club on recommendation of the Pres. and V.P. and on approval of a majority of the voting members present. The coaches of the team must be approved as outlined under "coaches". A roster of no less than the minimum required to field a full team must be presented for approval. Approval may be for full year or for spring only play. Teams should be placed in competition at a level which will allow for the possibility of a 50/50 win/loss record to afford maximum player development.

Teams shall abide by all rules and regulations of the Club as well as those of the league in which they play. Teams shall be solely responsible for any financial or other disciplinary actions taken against said team by the State or League associations or by the Club for improper behavior or any other misconduct beyond the control of the Club.

The Club will close team registration for the fall season on June 1, and for the Spring season on Dec. 1. Players may register with teams after these dates according to space availability and each team's policy. League deadlines may differ.

Tryouts

Tryouts shall be advertised at least twice in the Delaware Valley News or the Hunterdon Democrat prior to the event. Other methods and locations of notice are encouraged. The Club secretary shall be informed of the date and time.

Objective, competitive, and measurable activities shall be conducted at least once each year prior to selecting the Fall roster (or in Winter for Spring only teams). Evaluation may include but is not limited to: dribbling, trapping, and shooting skills, speed drills, and a general overall sense of the sport. Multiple sessions for each tryout are encouraged. At least three qualified evaluators, including the head coach, shall be utilized.

A list of all players not selected, or of players to be cut, shall be promptly submitted to the Club Pres. This list must be received at least 2 weeks prior to League registration deadline so that payers may have the opportunity to tryout for other teams, No player shall be cut from a team on which they have been previously rostered within 2 weeks of league registration deadline.

A record of each player's tryout shall be maintained by the head coach for the entire seasonal year.

Players

Players shall be placed on teams appropriate to their age and ability. Players shall be allowed to play up a maximum of one age level without the approval of the Club. Girls may play on girls or boys teams. Boys may play on boys teams only.

Players are expected to report to all practices and games on time and prepared to play including shin guards without exception and full uniforms when necessary.

Players may not practice or play while wearing jewelry, hard casts, or any other object which may cause injury to self or another player.

Cooperation with the coach(es)is expected.

Players should practice good sports etiquette at all times. Players should strive to assist fellow players to better themselves and their play.

Players are expected to behave in accordance with standards established by the coaches and in an orderly fashion at all games, practices, or other activities sponsored by the Club. No abusive language, horseplay, or other antagonistic attitude toward anyone will be tolerated. Players shall cooperate with and respect the coaches authority in all team related matters.

Players are expected to maintain good performance in their academic and/or religious schooling. Education comes first, however; any player who misses multiple games or an excessive number of practices for this reason should probably not have the added burden of competitive soccer in their schedule. Players may be cut for excessive absence according to each teams standards.

Players over 12 years of age are responsible for communications with the Coach, including notification of games and practices they can not attend.

It is a privilege, not a right, to play with the DVSC. Violations of these rules may bring disciplinary action including removal without compensation, in accordance with these bylaws.

Parents/Guardians

Parents are expected to support their child in all team and Club activities.

Parents shall be responsible for timely transportation to and from practice, games, or other Club functions.

Parents of players 12 years old and under shall be responsible for communications with the coach including notification of games and practices they can not attend.

Parents are not permitted to coach from the sidelines or in any way influence the play of any participant in any game or practice. Parents are not permitted on the field or on the players sideline during games unless directed by the referee or coach.

Anger having no place in youth sport matches, parents are encouraged to enjoy the passion of the competition by encouraging players in a positive manner. Any parent, guardian, or other adult who brings disciplinary action on a coach or the Club because of their behavior may be barred from games and practices by the Club. Repeat or serious offenses may cause a players removal from the Club in order to eliminate the offending adult from Club activities.

Parents should bring all complaints, concerns, or protests to the head coach for resolution. If a matter cannot be resolved, then the matter should be brought by both parties to the Club President for mediation. If the matter can't be mediated by the pres. , then the matter shall be brought before the voting members at the next regular meeting for final determination.

Parents will acknowledge receipt of these bylaws annually on the Club membership registration form.

Discipline

The head coach has the authority to limit playing time or to suspend any player for up to 7 days, and/or one game for violations of these bylaws or team rules. Any player who incurs multiple suspensions in any season may be removed from the Club by the voting members in accordance with these bylaws.

Any adult who violates team rules or these bylaws may be fined, suspended, barred, or banned from the Club at the discretion of the voting members. The associated player may be removed from the Club, by two thirds vote of the voting members, in order to eliminate the presence of the offending adult from Club activities.

Appeals

Appeals of any action taken by an officer, coach, or the voting members, shall be taken up at a special hearing of the voting members. The appeal shall be in writing and delivered to the secretary of the Club for distribution to the voting members. The appellant and any person having relevant information in the matter shall be afforded the right to be heard. A majority of the voting members shall vote to sustain or reverse the action contested. This decision shall be final.

Appeals involving players and in midseason, shall be heard within 7 calender days. All other appeals will be heard within two weeks. An appeal must be made within 15 days of the incident protested or it will not be heard.

Lawsuits

No official, club, league, team, coach, referee, player, parent, or their representative may invoke the aid of the courts of any State or of the United States without first exhausting all available remedies within the appropriate soccer organizations. Any party who seeks the aid of the courts shall be subject to the sanctions of suspension and fines, and shall be liable to the Club for all expenses incurred by the Club and it's officers in defending each court action, including but not limited to the following:

• court costs
• attorney's fees
• reasonable compensation for time spent by Club officers in responding to and defending against allegations in the action, including responses to discovery and court appearances.
• travel expenses
• expenses related to special Club meetings regarding the court action.

No person shall be returned to good standing until litigation is ended and all fees,Fines, expenses, and costs have been paid.

Rules of Order

The Club shall be governed entirely by these bylaws. In any matter not included in these bylaws, the voting members shall make a determination by majority vote. Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure shall govern in all cases applicable and not in conflict with these bylaws. Bylaws of affiliate associations which may be adopted by the Club are solely limited to rules of play required for membership.

Amendments

These bylaws may be amended by two thirds vote of the voting members. Notice of the proposed amendment shall be sent to the voting members at least 7 days prior to it's discussion at a regular meeting of the Club. The amendment may be voted on at the next regular meeting after it's presentation.

Annual review

These bylaws will be reviewed and approved annually, at a regular meeting, by the voting members, prior to the deadline for Fall registration.

Approved 12/03/99 by unanimous decision of the voting members.

__________________________12/03/99

Joe Abel pres.

__________________________12/03/99

Jeff Godwln v. pres.