By-Laws
OF
NORTHWEST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Article 1 – General Provisions
The name of this organization shall be known as the NORTHWEST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE (NWGSL).
Section 1.01 Objectives
The objectives of this league shall be to:
A. Foster, develop, promote and regulate amateur softball for all girls, ages 18 and under.
B. Provide the League with proper safeguards in accordance with the spirit of true sportsmanship.
C. Encourage the unification of all softball teams and qualified umpires to advance the cause of amateur softball.
D. Promote and conduct league softball games, tournaments, clinics and encourage all coaches, managers and umpires to improve their teaching skills.
Section 1.02 Jurisdiction
The League is an affiliated member of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA). The A.S.A. is recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Softball Federation as the governing body of amateur softball in the United Sates. The Constitution and By-Laws of the A.S.A. are adopted by NORTHWEST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE and are incorporated herein by reference.
Section 1.03 Executive Board
The voting members of this league shall elect an Executive Board, composed of a President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Umpire-in-Chief (UIC), five Player Representatives and a Coaches Representative who shall serve for a term of two (2) years. The Executive Board shall be elected to staggered terms of office. The President, First Vice-President, Treasurer, UIC and Player Representatives for the 6-U, 8-U and 12-U divisions shall be elected in odd number years. The Second Vice-President, Secretary, Player Representatives for the 10-U and 14/16-U and the Coaches Representative shall be elected in even number years. A person elected to an Executive Board position mid-term will complete that ongoing term. No vote member, Past President.
- President. The President shall conduct all meetings and shall cast a vote only in the case of a tie. The President shall appoint, at the beginning of each season, subject to the approval of the Board, the standing Committees and/or the Committee Chairperson and other Members-at Large as needed.
- First Vice-President. In the absence of the President, the First Vice-President shall preside at meetings of the Board. The First Vice-President shall also be in charge of fundraising, appointing Chairpersons etc. The First Vice-President is a voting member of all Committees.
- Second Vice-President. In the absence of both the President and the First Vice-President, shall preside at meetings of the Board. The Second Vice-President shall be in charge of appointing a Committee and Chairperson to handle the equipment, i.e. going through the equipment at the beginning of the season to see what, if anything needs to be fixed, replaced or purchased, order equipment with Board approval, putting the equipment bags together for the various age groups, distributing the equipment to the coaches, getting the equipment boxes placed on the fields, collecting the equipment from the coaches at the end of the season, collecting equipment boxes from the fields and returning the equipment to storage. The Second Vice-President is a voting member of all Committees.
- Secretary. The Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all meetings. She/he shall provide each Board member with a copy of the minutes within 10 days. The Secretary shall be responsible for the preparation of the Annual Report. The Secretary is a voting member of all Committees.
- Treasurer. The Treasurer shall maintain complete records of all financial matters of the League. He/she shall provide the Board with a monthly written report including all expenses and receipts to date. All accounts will be paid by check and shall bear two (2) signatures as authorized by the Board. The Treasurer is a voting member of all committees.
- Umpire-in-Chief. The Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) shall be advisor to the Board on all ASA, Metro and local rules. They shall advise the Board of any new changes that occur on an annual basis from ASA. They will be the final local authority on rule interpretation. They shall appoint ASA registered umpires for league games, chair all protests that are presented to the Board and be the official spokesperson for the League in all protests.
- Player Representative. The 6-Under, 8-Under, 10-Under, 12-Under and 14/16-Under age divisions shall each be represented on the Board by a Player Representative. The Player Representative shall be in charge of fielding questions and concerns from coaches, taking down scores, keeping the standings for their respective age groups and other such duties as determined by the Board.
- Coaches Representative. The Coaches Representative shall assist coaches in understanding the League Rules, By-Laws and policies, assist the Player Representatives, answer questions on the proper use of equipment and distribution and other such duties as determined by the Board.
- Past President. The past President shall be an advisor to the Board for transitional matters. This is a non-voting position.
Section 1.03.1 Non-Executive Board Members
A. Rage Coordinator. The Rage Coordinator will coordinate the NWGSL summer travel league “B” ball program, Fresno Rage. They will also coordinate and be Tournament Director of the NWGSL Rage Classic Tournament. The Rage Coordinator may appoint a Rage committee with Board approval. This is a voting position, two-year term with election in even number years.
B. Board Member at Large. The Board Members at Large will assist the Executive Board in the running of the League and shall have duties throughout the year as designated by the Board. The voting members of the League shall elect up to four Board Members at Large for a term of one year. This shall be a voting position for each Board Member at Large.
Section 1.04 Powers and Duties of the Board
- To initiate, determine or repeal legislation, policy or activity of or pertaining to the League,
- To select officers of the League to insure the operation of the League.
- To appoint Committees for any designated purpose.
- To formulate and follow a budget of expected income and expenses for the next fiscal year. Income sources include player registration fees, fundraising etc. Allowable recurring expenses include League fees, insurance, facilities, equipment acquisition, operation costs such as umpires etc.
- Provide proper insurance for players, coaches, ASA registered umpires and League officers.
- Set up sign up dates.
- Approve all League schedules, set all game times and tournaments.
- Approve all League contracts with schools, City and County Districts, vendors or fundraising groups.
- To suspend, expel or ban players, coaches, managers, team personnel and/or parents.
- Approve all League Operating Rules.
Section 1.05 Terms of Office
All Board members will hold office for two (2) years with the option of being re-elected. All office holders may be removed for just cause as submitted in writing and/or petitioned by a League member or member of the Board with a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board, minus the member filing the complaint.
Section 1.06 Vacancy on the Board
If a vacancy occurs on the Board, such position must be filled within fifteen (15) days. If an appointed position becomes vacant the President must fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days. The new appointee will finish out the term of the vacated office only.
Section 1.07 Meetings
The Board shall meet monthly from November through September at a time and place determined by the Board.
Any member of the League wanting to bring a specific matter before the Board, other than a matter covered hereinafter in Article IV, must notify the League Secretary in writing ten (10) days prior to the next scheduled monthly meeting, in order that the matter can be placed on the agenda, and will have ten (10) minutes to present the matter. Written requests should be directed to the Northwest Girls Softball League, Attn: Secretary, 2037 W. Bullard Avenue, P.O. Box 304, Fresno, CA 93711-1200.
Special meetings may be called by the President or by a 2/3 majority of the voting members with a two-day notice. Special meetings may be called only for a specific topic. The topic must be made known to each voting member prior to the meeting.
Section 1.08 Order of Business
A. Roll
B. Reading and approval of the Minutes
C. Treasurer’s Report
D. Committee Reports
E. Old Business
F. New Business
G. Announcements
H. Adjournment
Procedure at meetings shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order.
Section 1.09 Changes/Amendments
A. The Executive Board or any member of the Executive Board may submit proposed changes to the existing By-Laws.
B. Changes/Amendments to the By-Laws shall be made at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Membership.
C. A change in the Operating Rules and Regulations of this League may be made by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board.
D. A change/amendment to the By-Laws, Operating Rules and Regulations shall be deemed adopted by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the members present at the Annual General Meeting.
E. Any and all changes/amendments to the By-Laws, General Procedures, Operating Rules and Regulations of this League (NWGSL) adopted at the AGM shall become effective at the beginning of the seasonal year immediately following the AGM.
Section 1.10 Annual General Meeting
The Executive Board shall hold an Annual General Meeting of the members of this League to be held in September at the time and location to be set by the Board.
The order of business at the AGM shall be as follows:
A. Meeting called to order
B. Roll call
C. Introduction of guests, if any
D. Minutes of the previous AGM
E. Reports
(1) President
(2) Treasurer
(3) Secretary
(4) UIC
(5) Committees
F. Unfinished Business
G. Proposals for changes to the By-Laws and /or general procedures and specific rules
H. New Business
I. Good of the Game
J. Elections
K. Adjournment
The Board will annually recommend to the Membership the procedures, rules and fees required for registered teams and/or registered players for ratification at the AGM.
Voting shall be restricted to those Members registered during the current season. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed and only those members of record in good standing shall be entitled to voting privileges. No person shall cast more than one vote. The President shall cast a vote only in case of a tie.
Section 1.11 Quorum
At all meetings of the Board, fifty percent (50%) of the Board shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business.
Section 1.12 Financial Responsibility
This League (NWGSL) shall not assume, nor be liable for, the debts and/or financial responsibilities either implied or incurred, by any player, coach, manager, team assistant, league official or umpire.
Section 1.13 Liability Protection
All Officers of this League and Officials of Member teams shall be covered against personal liability claims by the ASA for performing acts and duties directly related to the work of this League.
Section 1.14 Dissolution
Should this league (NWGSL) be dissolved, all assets remaining after payment of all debts shall be turned over to the Board and donated for the express purpose of the development of youth softball.
Article II – Membership
Section 2.01 Types
Members in the League shall consist of the parents of participating youth, Board members, team coach or representative. One vote per member. No PROXY VOTES ALLOWED.
Section 2.02 Territory
The League territory shall include the area north of McKinley and west of Blackstone, with no set boundary to the west or the north.
THE LEAGUE TERRITORY SHALL INCLUDE THE FRENO HIGH AND BULLARD HIGH ATTENDANCE AREA IN COMPLIANCE WITH PACIFIC COAST REGIONAL SECTION 14 AND CCSMA.
Section 2.03 Eligibility
A player must be a bonafide resident of the area described in section 2.02. however, the League Board reserves the right to review individual situations and make the final decision.
Section 2.04 Disqualification
A player shall cease to be eligible to compete in NWGSL current season of play if said player plays in another registered ASA softball recreational league. However, the League Board reserves the right to review individual situations and make the final decision.
Section 2.05 Forfeiture
A player found to have played for more than one recreational league during the season will be declared ineligible for the reminder of the season. All games that said player participated in are subject to forfeiture; final decision will be decided by the Board.
Section 2.06 Age Classification
NWGSL will consist of six (6) age divisions:
6 and Under Age as of January 1 of current year
8 and Under Age as of January 1 of current year
10 and Under Age as of January 1 of current year
12 and Under Age as of January 1 of current year
14 and Under Age as of January 1 of current year
16 and Under Age as of January 1 of current year
Section 2.07 Tournament Teams
NWGSL will provide assistance to its tournament teams based upon the availability of funds as described in the annual budget.
Section 2.08 Umpires
Umpires shall be licensed ASA youth or adult. All umpires must pass an annual or entry rules examination. The UIC shall have jurisdiction over all JO umpires.
Section 2.09 Managers/Coaches
Selection and removal of managers/coaches are the responsibility of the Board. Managers/coaches must complete and sign each year the Coaches Code of Ethics form provide by the League.
Section 2.10 Alcoholic Beverages, Drugs and Tobacco
There will be no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on or near the playing fields. This includes all of the area surrounding the fields. Any person having alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will leave immediately. There will be no tobacco in the dugout area or on the playing field. If noted, umpires and league officials will take the necessary steps to correct the situation.
Section 2.11 Bench/Dugout Area
All personnel listed on the roster are the only persons allowed in the bench/dugout area. Player must be in team uniform to be in the designated area. If not, they must take a position as a spectator. These conditions are necessary because of insurance regulations.
Section 2.12 Fees
Player registration fees are due and payable, unless otherwise provided for the Board, at the time of, but no later than, such player’s first (1st) team practice. All bank checks, drafts and/or money orders, submitted to this League (NWGSL) shall be made payable to the NORTHWEST GIRLS SOFTBALL LEAGUE or NWGSL.
Section 2.13 Sponsorships
Sponsorships checks made payable to the NWGSL only, can be tuned in to the league Treasurer for exchange of a like check payable to the entity designated by the team that is handling purchase and payment of uniforms etc.
Article III – Disqualification
Section 3.01 Suspension
Any player, manager, coach, umpire, sponsor, parent or anyone else connected with a softball team registered with the League shall be subject to suspension as described below:
A. Physically or verbally (swearing) or assaulting an umpire or an official of the League and/or player and/or persons involved with play.
B. For the deliberate violation of any rules of the League or ASA.
C. Fraud, slander against the League or ASA
D. Financial responsibility against the League
1. Equipment
2. Fundraising
Section 3.02 Penalties – Automatic One Game Suspensions
A. Coaches and/or managers ejected more than one time during League games.
B. An individual has the right to appeal play suspensions as provided for in the By-Laws of the League.
Section 3.03 Penalties – Indefinite Suspensions
Until reinstated by the Board for violations set forth in Section 3.01 A, B, C, and D.
Section 3.04 Penalties – Ejection from NWGSL
The use of any illegal substance at any time shall result in automatic ejection from the League.
Article IV – Suspension Procedures
Section 4.01 Hearing
Upon presentation from a League official to the Board of a violation of Section 3.01, a hearing must be heard by 2/3 of the Board.
Section 4.02 Notification
The person must be notified in writing from the Board within five (5) days in advance of the hearing as to the time, date and place of hearing.
Section 4.03 Ruling
After hearing the evidence, the Board will, with the aid of the By-Laws, Operating Rules of NWGSL and ASA Rules and Regulations, make a decision based on rule interpretation.
Section 4.04 Right of Appeal
Anyone suspended by NWGSL for a playing violation may appeal the decision within fourteen (14) days to the Metro Youth Commissioner, ASA, or his/her designee.
END