Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference

Constitution and Bylaws

Updated

Revised November, 2009

Table of Index

Sections

Officers and Members

CACC Presidents Council

Constitution and Bylaws

Article I – Name

ArticleII – Mission Statement

ArticleIII – Goals & Objectives

ArticleIV – Code of Conduct

ArticleV – Governance

ArticleVI – Membership and Representation

ArticleVII – New Membership

ArticleVIII – Committees

Article IX– Standing Committees

Article X – Sports Committees

Article XI – Enforcement

Article XII – Amendments

Article XIII – Conditions of Competition

Article XIV – Annual Dues

Article XV – Meetings

Article XVI – Conference Awards

CENTRAL ATLANTIC COLLEGIATE CONFERENCE

(2009-2010)

President’s Council

Chair Sister Mary Eileen O’Brien DominicanCollege

Officers of Director’s Council

PresidentTom Shirley PhiladelphiaUniversity

Vice-PresidentMark Corino CaldwellCollege

TreasurerSheila Wooten BloomfieldCollege

SecretaryBen DiNallo FelicianCollege

Membership

BLOOMFIELDGEORGIAN COURTNYACK

467 Franklin Street900 Lakewood Avenue1 South Boulevard

Bloomfield, NJ07003Lakewood, NJ08701 Nyack, NY10960

Pres. Richard A. LavaoPres. Sr. Rosemary JeffriesPres. Dr. M. Scales

A.D. Sheila WootenA.D. Laura LeismanA.D. Keith Davie

Secretary-Denise WilburnSecretary- Mary Williams(845) 358-1710 ext 183

(973) 748-9000 ext.(732) 987-2683FAX (845) 353-2147

Denise 362/ Sheila 363FAX (732) 987-2002

FAX (973)

sheila_wooten@ bloomfield.edu

CALDWELLGOLDEY BEACOMPHILADELPHIA

Bloomfield Avenue4701 Limestone Road4201 Henry Avenue

Caldwell, NJ07006Wilmington, DE19808Philadelphia, PA

Pres. Dr. N. Blattner Pres. Dr. Mohammad IlyasPres. Dr. S. Spinelli

A.D. Mark A.CorinoA.D. Chris MorganA.D. Tom Shirley

Admin. Ass’t- Lisa M.(302) 225-6330(215) 951-2713

BatemanAsst A.D. (302) 225-6334Fax: (215) 951-2775

(973) 618-3260FAX (302)

FAX (973)

DOMICIANHOLY FAMILY POST

470 Western Highway9701 Frankford Avenue 800 Country Club Road

Orangeburg, NY10962Philadelphia, PA19114 Waterbury, CT06708

Pres. Sr. M.E. O’BrienPres. Sr. Francesca OnleyPres. Dr. Ken Zirkle

A.D. Joe ClintonA.D. Sandy MichaelA.D. Anthony Fallacaro

SDC. Maureen Eanniello(215) 637-7700 ext 3368 SDC.- Cindy Carmody

(845) 398-3008 or 3009SDC. Joanna Pennell x 3353(203) 596-4531

FAX: (845) 398-3042FAX (215) 637-6675FAX (203) 596-4695

FELICIAN USIP

262 South Main Street 600 South 43rd St.

Lodi, NJ07644 Philadelphia, PA19104

Pres. Sr. Ther. M. Martin Pres. Dr. Phil Gerbino

A.D. Ben DiNallo A.D. Robert C. Morgan

(201) 559-6119 (215) 596-8916

SDC. Kathy Hill ext 6062 FAX (215) 596-8762

FAX (201) 559-6150

WILMINGTON ConcordiaCollege

320 Dupont Highway 171 White Plains Road

New Castle, DE19720 Bronxville, NY10708

Pres. Dr. Jack Varsalona Pres. Dr. Viji George

A.D. Frank Aiello A.D. Ivan Marquez

(302) 328-9435 (914) 337-9300

FAX (302) 328-8045 FAX (914) 395-4515

Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference

CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS

Article I

Name

This organization shall be known as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference [hereinafter referred to as the “Conference”] and only member colleges/universities are permitted to use the conference title and/or conference logo.

Article II

Mission Statement

Member institutions of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) have common institutional goals and mission and place intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the education of student-athletes. With these commonalities, the CACC is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of scholarship, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, teamwork, and citizenship. The conference is committed to enhancing intercollegiate competition among its member institutions. Primary importance will be placed on student-athlete welfare.

Article III

Goals & Objectives

  1. Purpose of the Conference
  2. Promote athletics as an integral part of the mission of each member institution.
  3. Balance and enhance the athletic and educational opportunities (through athletics) of the student-athletes to enable a better quality of life, and successful, well-rounded individuals.
  4. Promote the participation by male and female students in intercollegiate athletics among the member institutions as an integral part of each institution’s total educational program.
  5. Provide competitive intercollegiate athletic opportunities for member institutions.
  6. Establish conference regulations governing the conference’s intercollegiate sports to supplement and support those established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other governing bodies.
  7. Promote compliance with the rules established by the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and the NCAA.
  8. Promote the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, amateurism and integrity amongst the CACC members.
  9. Uphold the principle of institutional control of, and responsibility for, all intercollegiate sports in conjuncture with the Constitution and By-laws of the CACC.

Article IV

Code of Conduct

I.Code of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct

  1. In accordance with its Mission Statement and the NCAA Principle of Sportsmanship, the CACC is committed to promoting and developing the principles of fair play, accountability, amateurism, and integrity amongst the member institutions.
  2. Athletics is an integral part of the student-athlete’s overall educational experience and strives to educate all participants in athletic contests to conduct themselves with civility, dignity and respect for opponents.
  3. The CACC shall neither condone nor ignore unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct by student-athletes, coaches, spectators, administrators, staff, or officials.

II.Unsportsmanlike/Unethical Conduct

  1. Definition: Unsportsmanlike/unethical conduct includes, but is not limited to: physical and verbal acts that would incite spectators or student-athletes; threatening gestures or words; obscenities, and race, religious, nationality, or sex-based statements whether spoken, signed, gestured, written, or printed; public criticism of officials, conference officers, the conference in general, or other member institutions or their employees; confrontations between officials and student-athletes or their coaches; confrontations between student-athletes or coaches from opposing teams that exceed socially acceptable behavior; and any other act that would negativelyaffect the image and reputation of the institution, sport, CACC, or NCAA.

III.Responsibilities

  1. Institutional:It is the responsibility of each member institution to ensure that sportsmanship and ethical conduct are displayed by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators at all athletic events. The athletics director shall be responsible for annually reviewing precisely what is meant by unacceptable conduct, as set forth in this document, with all athletics groups.
  1. Commissioner: It is the responsibility of the commissioner to monitor and enforce the Conference policy on sportsmanship and ethical conduct. The commissioner, in conjunction with the Ethics and Infractions Committee, has full authority to investigate the incident and assess penalties. Institutions and their personnel are expected to fully cooperate with the Commissioner’s effort to investigate alleged unsportsmanlike or unethical behavior.
  1. Monitor the assignment, education and conduct of game officials, as it relates to this policy on sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
  2. Work collaboratively with the supervisor of officials’ to implement this policy of Sportsmanship and Ethical behavior.
  3. Recommend to the supervisor of officials’ the sanctions of officials who do not adhere to the requirements of this policy.
  4. Report all sportsmanship and ethical conduct issues involving coaches and/or administrators to the Ethics and Infractions Committee.
  5. Recommend sanctions of coaches and/or administrators to the Ethics and Infractions Committee.
  6. Assess penalties, when appropriate, for improper behavior not detected or properly addressed by the institutions involved.
  1. Athletics Administrators: It is incumbent upon institutional administrators to create a positive environment for all athletic contests and a hospitable setting for visiting teams. Each host institution is required to designate a game manager for each home contest. The host athletics administrator has the authority to suspend immediately any contest that develops into an unsafe environment for either participants or spectators.
  2. Coaches: Coaches have the highest degree of influence over the student-athletes in their programs. Student-Athletes should be taught and follow high standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct. It is imperative that the coach demonstrate a good example sportsmanship and ethical conduct. At no time should a coach engage in any type of communication, verbal or otherwise, with fans and spectators.
  3. Display appropriate sportsmanship and ethical behavior.
  4. Teach and reinforce player’s proper sportsmanship and ethical conduct.
  5. Make every attempt to control the behavior of the coaching staff and players before, during and after the contest.
  6. If a fight occurs, do everything possible to keep uninvolved players out of the fight.
  7. Report all incidents of unsportsmanlike behavior by their coaching staff or players to their AD immediately after the contest.

E. Officials: Officials are charged with the duty of ensuring a fair athletic contest and are also responsible for facilitating competition. Accordingly, officials must enforce this policy regarding sportsmanship and ethical conduct. Officials (or official’s assignor) will be required to notify the Conference Office of all unsportsmanlike acts and misconduct penalties assessed within 24 hours of a contest. Officials may be subject to sanctions should they fail to adhere to these policies or conduct themselves properly.

F. Student-Athletes: CACC student-athletes must understand that they are perhaps the most visible representatives of their institutions, the conference, the NCAA, and themselves. Student-athletes at CACC institutions are expected to treat opponents and game officials with civility, dignity and respect. At no time should a student-athlete engage in any type of communication, verbal or otherwise, with fans and spectators. There will be no tolerance for taunting, fighting or other acts of aggression that demonstrate unsportsmanlike conduct or unethical behavior.

G. Spectators: The Conference hopes and believes that the establishment of the principles outlined in this policy will create an atmosphere that will attract more fans to our events and ensure a positive intercollegiate experience. The CACC Conduct Statement shall be read prior to each contest where there is an announcer. It is expected that all spectators will behave in an appropriate manner. It is the responsibility of the host athletics administrator to monitor the behavior of spectators and when necessary, take necessary action to promote a positive and competitive environment.

IV. Promotion of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct

A. Prior to each CACC season, the athletic director shall ensure that every student-athlete has read, understood, and signed the following statement:

"The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference requires officials to enforce all rules regarding sportsmanship and ethical conduct by players and coaches. Specifically, taunting, baiting, demeaning celebrations, and vulgar or profane language will not be tolerated. Fighting or other malicious conduct shall result in disciplinary action. It is strongly suggested that you remind your teammates of this policy."

B. Prior to the start of each CACC game, the host institution shall communicate the following to spectators through either a public address announcement or game program note:

"The Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference and (this institution) encourage and promote sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, spectators, and officials. Profanity, racial or ethnic comments, or other intimidating actions directed at student-athletes, coaches, officials, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from this event."

Article V

Governance

I. President’s Council

A.The President’s Council (PC) consists of the president [or designee as assigned by the president (from the executive staff of the institution)] of each member institution and each institution has one vote on action items of the council.

B.The PC shall have ultimate authority and responsibility for the conference.

C. The PC shall have chair and chair-elect.

1. Chair

a.The chair of the PC shall be a president (of a member institution)elected on even numbered years at the spring meeting of the PC and assume responsibility at the conclusion of the spring meeting.

b.The chair shall serve a two year term and is eligible for

Successive terms.

c. The chair shall conduct the meetings of the PC.

2.Chair-Elect

a.The chair-Electshall be a president (of a member institution)elected on even numbered years at the spring meeting of the PC and assume responsibility at the conclusion of the spring meeting.

b.The vice chair shall serve a two year term and is eligible for re-election.

c. The vice chair shall serve in the capacity of chair in the absence of the chair

d. If the chair ceases to be president of a member institution the vice chair shall become the designed chair for the remainder of the term.

3. The Executive Committee of the PC shall be:

a. Chair

B. Chair-Elect

c. Immediate past Chair

D. The PC shall meet twice annually, in the fall and spring. The Athletic Directors Council shall forward recommendations on the budget, constitution and bylaws, commissioner and membership to the PC for formal action.

F.The PC shall take formal action of the budget for the next fiscal year at the spring meeting of the PC.

G.The PC Executive Committee shall make recommendationson the Commissioner’s reappointment (or appointment) and evaluation.

1.Formal action on the commissioner’ appointment and salary shall occur at the spring meeting of the PC.

H.The conference strategic plan shall be reviewed on an annual basis.

I.Additional items the PC chooses to take responsibility for or designate to a special task force to study.

J.The PC’s vote on all action items is by simple majority present except Conference Membership and Constitution and Bylaws, which will require a 75% majority vote and a require a quorum present of the PC.

II.Director’s Council (formerly Executive Committee)

A. The Director’s Council (DC) shall consist of the Senior Athletic Administrator of each member institution.

B. The DC shall be the governing body of the conference with the PC having ultimate authority.

C.The DC must make recommendations for budget, commissioner, constitution and bylaws and membership issues. The DC does not have authority to approve the budget, commissioner, constitution and bylaws and membership, only the PC can approve these specific areas.

D. Officers

1. The officers shall be elected for 2-year terms on even years at the spring meeting of the DC.

2. The officers of the DC shall be comprised of the president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.

3. A nominating committee comprised of the DC, less the President, will solicit names of candidates for officers and will present a slate of nominees for officer positions to the DC 30 days prior to the designated meeting for election to take place.

4. The officers shall be empowered to conduct emergency business of the conference between regularly scheduled DC meetings.

a.President shall have the following responsibilities.

(1)Conduct and lead meetings when Commissioner is not present at the DC meetings.

(2)Liaison to the Conference office.

(3)Member of all regional and national committees that designate the conference president.

(4) Authority to execute financial documents.

b. Vice President shall have the following responsibilities.

(1)Conduct and lead meetings when president is not present at the DC meetings.

(2)Serve as President in the absence of the President and if the president cannot return to office the vice president shall remain as president for the remaining original term.

c. Secretaryshall have the following responsibilities.

(1)Prepare and distribute minutes from DC meetings.

(2) Work with Commissioner on documents needed for distribution to DC.

(3) Help organize and keep files of documents related to the CACC business.

d.Treasurer shall have the following responsibilities.

(1) Prepare and administer annual budget.

(2) Administer and reconcile all Conference bank accounts and investments.

(3) Oversight of Conference bookkeeping requirements.

(4) Collection and disbursement of all Conference funds.

(5) Coordinate annual audit.

(6) Send an invoice to each member school prior to September 1 of an academic year.

III. Conference Office

A.Commissioner shall be appointed for a minimum of one year and the contract is renewable by a three-fourths vote of the PC. If the contract is not to be renewed, the Commissioner shall be given a minimum of three months notice before employment can be terminated.

1.The compensation to be paid to the Commissioner and any other terms of employment shall be fixed by the PC and incorporated in the contract of the Commissioner.

2. The Commissioner shall report to and be evaluated by the Executive Committee of the PC and with input from the DC.

B. Responsibilities of the Commissioner

1. The Commissioner shall direct the activities of the Conference and shall have the authority, duty and responsibility, which he/she may exercise in his/her own discretion, unless otherwise instructed by the DC or PC.

2. Serve as the principal officer of the CACC.

3. Serve as liaison between the Presidents, Senior Athletic Administrators of member colleges and universities and regional and national organizations and/or committees.

4. Promote the CACC regionally and nationally.

5.Enforce the constitution, by-laws and sports operating codes of the CACC.

6. Work with the officers of the CACC.

7. Help the treasurer prepare an annual budget for the Commissioner’s office.

8. Schedule, make arrangements and prepare agendas for CACC meetings.

9. Administer CACC letters of intent.

10.Represent the CACC at appropriate meetings and vote as directed.

11.Investigate complaints relative to the CACC and adjudicate as per the constitution and by-laws.

12.Staff the Commissioner’s office subject to the approval of the PC.

13.Coordinate the CACC award system.

14.Develop and maintain a current knowledge of the CACC and national association guidelines, policies and procedures.

15. Maintain a current knowledge of the CACC constitution, by-laws and sports operating codes.

16.Coordinate the preparation and distribution of CACC mandated schedules for all sports.

17.Prepare appropriate reports, forms and requests for information (e.g. automatic qualifying reports).

18.Coordinate CACC championships, including programs, award and officials.

19.Prepare the conference directory.

20. Promote CACC championships, with the express purpose of generating maximum revenues (marketing, sponsorship).

21. Seek ways of promoting the CACC through outside agencies.

22. Organize and conduct rules meetings, media days, etc.

23. Observe as many conference events as possible.

24. Work with chairs in all sports and standing committees.

25.Perform other duties assigned by the DC or the PC.

26. Serve as the executive head of the conference and shall be responsible for its operation in accordance with the purposes and objectives as set forth in the Constitution and Bylaws of the Conference.

27. Appoint committees and chairpersons when necessary (between DC meetings).

C.Senior Associate Commissioner [Compliance Officer]

1. Oversee Compliance Program

2. Administer the NCAA Coaches Certification Exams

3. Serves as the Conference resource person for NCAA Athletic Certification

4.Disseminate NCAA Rules Interpretations.

5. Serve as the Conference liaison to the CACC Ethics Committee.