Raymond Youth Athletic Association
League By-laws
Revised 12/2010
ARTICLE I
Name, Address, Business Year
SECTION 1
The name of this organization shall be the Raymond Youth Athletic Association, herein referred to the “RYAA”. The organization is an association affiliated with the Town of Raymond, State of New Hampshire, Department of Recreation.
SECTION 2
The address will be:
Raymond Youth Athletic Association
P.O. Box 667
Raymond, NH 03077
SECTION 3
The business year of this organization shall be a calendar year commencing at 12:01AM on January 1st and ending at midnight on December 31st.
ARTICLE II
Object
The object of this organization shall be to provide the youth of Raymond and the surrounding area with a variety of athletic, recreational and social activities that will promote healthy bodies, keen minds and competitive attitudes and, at the same time, provide them with the highest possible instruction. In conjunction with other youth oriented programs in the surrounding area, we will strive to prepare them for adulthood as citizens in their community, state and nation. The “RYAA” will raise whatever funds are necessary to see that these programs are carried out effectively and efficiently, with the welfare of the children as our most important priority.
ARTICLE III
Members
SECTION 1
Any adult resident of the Town of Raymond, NH is eligible for membership, provided that such resident shall be proposed by one member and seconded by another member of the organization. A proposal for membership, signed by the two endorsers, shall be sent to the Secretary, who shall report it, together with the names of the sponsors, at the next regular meeting of the organization. Voting upon the admission shall take place at the next regular meeting thereafter. A two-thirds vote shall elect to membership.
SECTION 2
Classification of membership shall mean:
(a) Regular Members. Any person actively interested in furthering the objectives of the “RYAA” may become a regular member upon election at a duly constituted meeting. Voting rights pertain only to the election of the officers (the Board of Directors) at the annual meeting, election of new Regular Members and organization matters as designated by the Board of Directors.
All Officers, Board Members, Directors, Committee Members, Coordinators, Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires and other elected or appointed officials must be active Regular Members in good standing.
(b) Voting Members. Active Recreational League Managers, in good standing, together with the Board of Directors make up the voting membership. They vote on all general league matters and on specific league items as appropriate. A designated coach may vote for an absent Manager. One vote per individual (i.e. as Manager or as a Board Member)
(c) Honorary Members Any person not a Regular member may be elected an Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of those members of the Board of Directors present at any duly held meeting. Honorary members have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in property of the “RYAA”.
SECTION 3
Resignation or Action of the Board of Directors may terminate membership
(a) A committee of three consisting of the Director and the President shall have the authority to temporarily suspend any member whose conduct is considered to be detrimental to the best interest of the organization.
1. A special meeting of the entire Board of Directors must be called for a hearing within (5) five days of any suspension. The Member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
2. A two-thirds vote of those Directors present at a duly constituted meeting shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of the organization.
3. The Board’s decision may be overturned by a majority vote of the Voting Members present at a special membership meeting held within (5) five days at the request of the aggrieved member.
(b) Members of the Board of Directors shall, upon evidence of the misconduct of a player, notify the manager of the team of which the player is a member. Said Manager shall appear, in the capacity of an Advisor, with the player before the Board of Directors which shall have full power to suspend, or revoke such player’s right to future participation in athletic programs sponsored by the organization.
ARTICLE IV
Board of Directors
SECTION 1
The management of the property and affairs of the “RYAA” shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall be neither less than five (5) nor more than (18). The Directors shall upon election immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors shall have been qualified and duly elected.
SECTION 2
The Board membership shall include the Executive Officers and Director(s)
SECTION 3
At an annual meeting, the Members shall elect from their own membership a President, Vice President of U19 Baseball, Vice President of U16 Softball, Vice President of T-Ball & U13 Youth Baseball, Vice President of Coordinators and Secretary/Treasurer. The aforementioned officers shall be elected for a term of no less than one year and no greater than three years, as determined by random draw. One year term officers are eligible for re-election. At no such time will complete turn-over of the Executive Directors or Board of Members be permitted. To avoid this circumstance, a special meeting is to be called of the Voting Members and revisions to term limits of those determined officers will be voted on and approved by a two-thirds majority.
Upon special consideration and approval of the Executive Officers (President abstaining) and Board of Directors, the President shall be permitted to simultaneously hold the managership of a competitive team within the “RYAA”
Election of the Board shall be by majority vote of all members present at the annual meeting. Absentee ballots are not acceptable.
SECTION 4
The Board of Directors shall appoint a nominating committee, of three members, one month prior to the Annual Meeting. They will prepare a slate for presentation at the annual meeting. Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor.
SECTION 5
If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
SECTION 6
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual election and monthly thereafter or as deemed necessary. The Director or the Secretary may whenever they deem it advisable or the Secretary shall at the request in writing of five (5) members of the Board issue a call for a special meeting of the Board.
Notice of each meeting shall be given by the Secretary to each Board member by mail, phone,
e-mail or in-person so that they will be aware of the meeting no less than twenty-four hours before the meeting. In the case of special meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting.
Five (5) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
SECTION 7
The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees and coordinators as it shall determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.
The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the youth programs as it may deem proper.
The Board shall have the power by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Member of the organization in accordance with the procedure set forth in ARTICLE III-SECTION 3.
All other matters concerning the policy of the “RYAA” shall be decided by a vote of the Board of Directors, and no motion shall be carried without a favorable vote from a majority of those present at a duly constituted meeting.
ARTICLE V
Executive Officers
SECTION 1
The Regular Members of the “RYAA” at their annual meeting shall elect Executive Officers. The election of Executive Officers shall be completed by no later than January 15th of the organizations business year, following the annual meeting in September of the previous business year.
Officers shall consist of a President, Vice President of U19 Baseball, Vice President of U16 Softball, Vice President of T-Ball & U13 Youth Baseball, Vice President of Coordinators and Secretary/Treasurer. The aforementioned officers shall be elected for a term of no less than one year and no greater than three years, as determined by random draw. One year term officers are eligible for re-election. At no such time will complete turn-over of the Executive Directors or Board of Members be permitted. To avoid this circumstance, a special meeting is to be called of the Voting Members and revisions to term limits of those determined officers will be voted on and approved by a two-thirds majority. All shall hold office for their ensuing terms or until their successor is duly elected.
The Executive Board, Board of Directors, Division Directors and Coordinators administrative structure shall be as detailed on the “RYAA Administration Structure” flow chart attached to these By-laws and as approved by a two-thirds majority of the Executive Board and Board of Directors.
SECTION 2
The Executive Board shall have general supervision of the affairs of the organization between its business meetings, fix the hour and place of meetings, make recommendations to the organization, and shall perform such other duties as are specified in these by-laws. The Board shall be subject to the orders of the Organization, and none of its acts shall conflict with action taken by the Organization.
SECTION 3
Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held immediately before or after the regular meetings of the organization. A majority of the Board members shall constitute a quorum. Special meeting of the Board may be called by the president and shall be called upon written request of three members of the Board. Board members shall be permitted to miss no more than three consecutive meetings. Absence from three consecutive meetings may result in dismissal from the Board.
SECTION 4
Duties
1. PRESIDENT
The President’s duties shall be:
1. to perform as administrator of the affairs of the Organization in accordance with these by-laws
2. to issue proper notice calling meetings of the Organization and the Executive Board
3. to preside at all regular and special meetings of the Organization and the Executive Board
4. to promptly inform the Board of his/her actions affecting major policy
5. to issue (15) days prior notice of the dates and places of meetings for the Organization
6. to appoint all Committee Members and Coordinators, seeking the council of the Board, and maintain ex-officio membership of each standing or special committee.
7. to represent and act as spokesperson for the Organization in all matters
8. to sign all documents pertaining to official business of the Organization
9. to perform all other duties as are necessary to protect and advance the interests of the membership; and
10. to authorize such necessary expenditures not to exceed $100.00 in the furtherance of the purposes and aims of the Organization.
2. VICE PRESIDENT of U19 BASEBALL
The VP of U19BB duties shall be:
1. to perform the duties of the President in Q1 (January 1st -March 31st) of the Organizations business year during the President’s absence or inability to serve.
2. to advise and mentor the Director of U19 Baseball on matters relating to league and division policy, program guidelines and other matters for which the Director may seek guidance.
3. to devise a program of membership recruitment.
4. to distribute and accept membership applications
5. to maintain a correct and current record of membership with the name and address and status of each member.
6. to develop and positively promote the Organizations publicity.
7. to act as representative for the U19 Baseball programs on the Executive Board, as it pertains to policy development, league direction and decision making responsibility.
8. to maintain an accurate record of certified coaches (required town & league specific certifications) within their division.
9. to maintain and record payments to Umpires and request the appropriate funds from the Secretary/Treasurer to make such payments.
10. to act as, when required, the weekly Executive Officer “On-Call” during the baseball & softball season.
11. to assist the Director of U19 Baseball in developing practice schedules and coordinating field time.
3. VICE PRESIDENT of U16 SOFTBALL
The VP of U16SB duties shall be:
1. to perform the duties of the President in Q2 (April 1st –June 30th) of the Organizations business year during the President’s absence or inability to serve.
2. to advise and mentor the Director of U16 Softball on matters relating to league and division policy, program guidelines and other matters for which the Director may seek guidance.