ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF THE ARTICLE 1.1 ... · submitted to the Forney Soccer...

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF THE FORNEY SOCCER ASSOCIATION

The name of this organization shall be Forney Soccer Association, hereafter

referred to as “Association.” The Association will be a non-profit organization. These are the bylaws of the Association, duly adopted on June 8, 2019 at the Annual General Meeting.

CHAPTER 1 – ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION ARTICLE 1.1 – OFFICES

The registered address of the Association shall be P.O. Box 884, Forney, Texas 75126. The registered agent for the Association shall be the current League President. The Association registered address and registered agent address may be changed as necessary by a majority vote of the Executive Board. The Association registered address and registered agent must stay within City of Forney, Kaufman County, Texas. ARTICLE 1.2 – DURATION

The period of the Association is perpetual. ARTICLE 1.3 – PURPOSE

The purpose of the Association is as follows:

1. To advance and promote the game of soccer. 2. To provide the opportunity for fun and recreation while promoting

the development of leadership, courage, and fair play through team competition.

3. To instill the highest levels of ideals, sportsmanship, and fellowship. 4. To provide competent leadership for the attainment of a successful

soccer program. 5. To ensure that all persons who wish to participate may do so without

regard to sex, race, religion, or any other social label and without regard to playing ability.

6. To engage in the transaction of any or all lawful business for which a corporation may be incorporated under the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act and which are consistent with exemption from federal income tax under section 501(c )(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or corresponding sections of any future federal tax code.

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of FSA

ARTICLE 1.4 – MEMBERSHIP

The Association shall provide open and equal opportunities to athletes, coaches, managers, administrators, officials, and employees who are not under suspension or other disciplinary action to participate in recreational soccer or to seek employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex or national origin. ARTICLE 1.5 – EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Executive Board of Directors shall consist of the following positions:

● President ● Executive Vice President – Appeals and Discipline ● Vice President – Services and Communication ● Vice President – League Management ● Vice President – Adult League ● Secretary ● Treasurer

ARTICLE 1.6 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors shall consist of the following positions:

● Elected Officers (President, Executive Vice President – Appeals and Discipline, Vice President – Services and Communications, Vice President – League Management, Vice President – Adult League, Secretary, and Treasurer)

● Appointed Directors of this Association (Director of Referees, Director of Facilities, Director of Public Relations, Director of Special Events)

● Division Commissioners ● Trustee(s)

ARTICLE 1.7 – INCORPORATOR

The incorporator shall be the President of the Association at the addresses listed in Article 1.1 above.


CHAPTER 2 – BYLAWS

ARTICLE 2.1 – DOCUMENT STATUS 2.1.1 Any recommended additions, deletions or changes to these Bylaws should be submitted to the Forney Soccer Association Board of Directors. 2.1.2 Future updates and the reason(s) for new Document issues will be provided under this heading.

● ISSUE 001 – November 2012: Issue 001 is the original issue of the document. This document replaces the previous Bylaws approved for 2010-2011.

● ISSUE 002 – May 2013: Issue 002 is to correct grammatical errors in this document. Article IV amended to change quorum requirements throughout this document. Article VI amended to adjust qualifications for all other Officers.

● ISSUE 003 – May 6, 2015 This document is a revision of the previous version adopted in May 2013

ARTICLE 2.2 – MEMBERSHIP IN ASSOCIATION 2.2.1 – Membership: This Association shall be comprised of youth and adults who have become members of the Association by application to and approval of the Board of Directors and who also adhere to the Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Association. The membership year shall be the same as the soccer year, August 1st through July 31st. 2.2.2 - Expulsion or Suspension: Any member of the Association, including coaches, teams or officials, may be expelled and his/her membership cancelled, forfeited or suspended unilaterally by the Association’s Board of Directors or through its consideration of a recommendation of the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee or he/she may be censured by the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee and/or by the Association’s Board of Directors for a violation of the Association’s Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, or for conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Association. A red card shall not in itself be considered an expulsion for these purposes. 2.2.3 The Association will honor all orders of suspensions of players, coaches or referees issued by this Association or any other North Texas State Soccer Organization member of the United States Soccer Federation Member Organization.


2.2.4 – Youth: Youth players who meet the eligibility criteria may become a member of the Association upon submission to and approval by the Board of Directors of the Association of a properly executed Application/Release form, birth certificate, any other document requested by the Board in its sole opinion and payment of all dues and fees required by the Association. Youth members shall be non-voting members. 2.2.5 – Adult: Adult members, both voting and non-voting, shall be persons who:

(a) are twenty (20) years old or older; (b) have executed and delivered to the Board of Directors an Association

membership application, plus any other document(s) requested by the Board of Directors in its sole opinion, and whose membership has been approved by the Board in its sole opinion;

(c) agree to abide by the governing documents (Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, etc.) of the Association;

(d) have paid all dues and fees required by the Association; (e) are the parent or legal guardian of a rostered youth player; and/or (f) are a rostered adult player; and/or (g) are the official head coach of a current recreational team.

2.2.6 - Coaches and Team Officials: Coaches and Team Officials, both voting and non-voting, shall be persons who:

(a) are eighteen (18) years old or older; (b) have executed and delivered to the Board of Directors an Association

membership application, plus any other document(s) requested by the Board of Directors in its sole opinion, and whose membership has been approved by the Board in its sole opinion;

(c) agree to abide by the governing documents (Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, etc.) of the Association;

(d) have paid all dues and fees required by the Association; (e) must have a completed and approved background check within the

current soccer year. (f) background checks are valid from June 1 - May 31.

ARTICLE 2.3 – GOVERNMENT 2.3.1 – Government of Association: The Board of Directors shall govern this Association. The Board of Directors and the recognized delegate from each registered team in good standing shall be entitled to one vote. No Board member or delegate shall be entitled to more than one vote regardless of the number of votes for which he/she may qualify. (i.e., If an Association member is a Board member and also a head coach, they would qualify for two votes. However, said member would only be able to cast one of these votes.) Only the designated delegates may introduce


anyone to speak provided they have the permission of the chair. The designated delegate shall be the head coach of the team, as listed on the roster for said team, properly registered with the Association in the opinion of the Board, unless otherwise specified in writing. 2.3.2 – Voting: A voting member of the Association shall be the head coach of a recreational team (i.e. the “head coach” listed on the roster of such team) properly registered with the Association in the opinion of the Board, a member of the Board of Directors or Trustee; in good standing, unless otherwise specified in writing. All other members including employees shall be non-voting.

However, if an Association member is head coach of more than one team, such head coach shall be counted only as one voting member for the purposes of establishing a quorum of the voting members and for the purposes of a vote.

Head Coach is defined as the person listed on the official roster, with a completed and approved background check within the current soccer year. 2.3.3 – Affiliation: This Association shall be directly affiliated with and comply with the authority of North Texas State Soccer Association and shall represent all its members and respective interests in and before the North Texas State Soccer Association. 2.3.4 – Superseding Authority: The Association recognizes the superseding authority of the rules of North Texas State Soccer Association. 2.3.5 – Jurisdiction: This Association shall have jurisdiction over all members, administrators, referees, coaches, assistant coaches, managers, registered players, teams, parents, and other persons affiliated with such teams. Each member will adhere to these Bylaws and Rules & Regulations and will comply with the authority of the Association. If the Association is presented sufficient evidence that a member is not adhering to these Bylaws and Rules & Regulations, the Association will ask the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations and take necessary action. 2.3.6 – Fiscal Year: The fiscal year of the Association shall be from September 1st to August 31st of the following year. 2.3.7 – Books and Records: The Association shall keep correct and complete books and records of financial information, appeals and disciplinary activity and the minutes of all meetings at various locations until such time as the Association can establish a central office. 2.3.8 – Resignation: Any officer, director, committee member, or agent may resign by giving written notice to the President and the League Secretary. The resignation


shall take affect at the time specified therein, or immediately if no such time is specified. Unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. 2.3.9 – Amendments to Bylaws: These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new Bylaws may be adopted, at any special session, general meeting or semi-annual meeting of the Association by a majority vote of the total voting members present, provided, however, that all current voting members have been given ten (10) days written notice, including a written or electronic copy of the proposed changes. ARTICLE 2.4 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2.4.1 – Board of Directors: The business and affairs of the Association shall be managed by its Board of Directors, which shall consist of the elected Officers, appointed Directors of this Association, Division Commissioners and Trustee(s), each of whom will be entitled to one vote. The Board of Directors shall transact all business of the Association and shall have the power to enforce the Laws of the Games, Rules of the North Texas State Soccer Association, the United States Soccer Federation and its respective members, and the Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of this Association including, without limitation, all membership terminations, forfeitures, cancellations, expulsions, suspension, or censures. The Board of Directors shall also hear appeals of decisions of the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee.

● Members of the Board must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. ● Members of the Board will serve without pay.

2.4.2 – Election and Term of Officers: The Officers are listed below and shall be elected to a term of two (2) years and may succeed themselves in office. Officers may serve in other positions on the Board or within the Association with the exception that the Present may not serve as a Director. Elections shall be held at the Annual General Meeting with one-half of the Officers being elected each year in the following manner:

● President (elected in odd years) ● Executive Vice President – Appeals and Discipline (elected in even

years) ● Vice President – Services and Communications (elected in odd years) ● Vice President – League Management (elected in even years) ● Vice President – Adult League (elected in odd years) ● Secretary (elected in odd years) ● Treasurer (elected in even years)

The voting members of the Board of Directors shall elect all officers.


2.4.3 – Election and Term of Directors: Directors of the Association shall be nominated by the President and approved by the current Board of Directors. Appointed Directors shall serve a term of two (2) years and may succeed themselves in office. Directors may serve in other positions on the Board or within the Association with exception of the President.

● Director of Referees (appointed even years or newly elected President)

● Director of Facilities (appointed odd years or newly elected President)

● Director of Public Relations (appointed odd years or newly elected President)

● Director of Special Events (appointed even years or newly elected President)

2.4.4 – Election and Term of Division Commissioners: Division Commissioners shall be nominated by the President and approved by the current Board of Directors. Appointed Directors shall serve a term of one (1) soccer year and may succeed themselves in office. Directors may serve in other positions on the Board or within the Association except the office of President. 2.4.5 – Trustee(s): The Trustee will be nominated by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. They shall serve a term of one (1) soccer year and may succeed themselves in office. 2.4.6 – Qualifications: To serve as a Board Member, you must be an adult member of the Association, you must submit to and pass the NTSSA background check, and you must be a member in good standing.

Immediate family members (i.e. husband, wife, brother, sister, daughter, son) cannot serve as a member of the Board simultaneously.

The President must have two (2) years experience as an Officer of the Association within the last three (3) years, one of which must be the current year of the election. This requirement may be reduced to one (1) year of experience within this Association if the candidate has previous experience on another Board. For this requirement to be reduced, the candidate must have the recommendation of the Nominating Committee and the Board must approve it by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

The Executive Vice President must have one (1) year experience as an Officer or Director of the Association within the last three (3) years.

The Treasurer must have one (1) year experience as an Officer or Director of the Association within the current year of the election.


All other Officers must have at least one (1) season of experience as a

member of the Board of Directors within the current year of the election.

Directors and Division Commissioners must have one (1) season of experience in a leadership position. A leadership position is defined as:

● Head coach ● Official assistant coach (listed on official team roster) ● Certified referee ● Official team manager (listed on official team roster) ● Assigned committee member

2.4.7 – Waiver of Qualifications: Qualifications for all offices, except President, can be waived by two-thirds (2/3) majority vote at the Annual or Semi-Annual General meeting, but only if no candidate is present who meets the qualification requirements. For instances where a Board member resigns and must be replaced between elections, the Board may waive the qualification requirements for all offices, except President, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. 2.4.8 – Removal: Any member of the Board of Directors shall be required to resign following a vote of no confidence in his/her ability to remain in office.

● Petition: Petition for removal can be made by either fifteen percent (15%) of the voting members of the Association or two-thirds (2/3) majority of all currently serving Board Members. The petition must be presented at a General Membership Meeting, and must be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors, which in turn will review the petition within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such petition.

● Vote of No Confidence: The vote of no confidence must be passed by a

two-thirds (2/3) majority of all Board of Directors. If a Board member receives this vote of no confidence, he/she is automatically suspended from the Board. His/her office shall be filled by an appointment approved by the majority of the Board until the next Annual General Meeting.

ARTICLE 2.5 – MEETINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE BOARD 2.5.1 – Place of Meetings: All meetings of the Association shall be held at such time and place as shall be designated by the President. All meetings of the Association will be open to all members. Executive sessions may be called by a two-thirds (2/3) approval of the Board of Directors or a Committee.


2.5.2 - Annual Meeting: An Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association shall be held each year on a day to be selected by the President, at which they shall elect officers in accordance with these Bylaws, and transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting. A quorum of seven (7) total voting members is required for this meeting as long as notices of such meetings were properly given. The order of business for such meeting shall be:

● Roll Call and Vote Accreditation ● Approval of Minutes of Last Meeting ● Communications ● Unfinished Business ● Reports of Chairperson of Standing Committees ● Reports of Officers ● New Business ● Bylaw or Rule Changes ● Election of Officers ● Good of the Game ● Adjournment

2.5.3 – Semi-Annual Meeting: The Semi-Annual General Membership Meeting of the Association shall be held each year on a day to be selected by the President, at which they shall elect officers for mid-year vacancies and transact such other business as may be properly brought before the meeting. A quorum of seven (7) total voting members is required for this meeting as long as notices of such meetings are properly given. The order of business for such meeting shall be:


2.5.4 – General Membership/Board of Directors Meeting: This Association will hold other General Membership Meetings monthly, or as required. A quorum of one-third (1/3) total members of the Board of Directors is required for this meeting as long as notices of such meetings were properly given. Once a quorum is established, all actions taking place at the meeting shall be legal regardless of the number present at the time of the vote, providing the meeting had not been previously legally adjourned. The order of business shall be:



2.5.5 – Special Meeting: Special meetings of the Association for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Article of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, may be called by the President, a majority vote of the Board, or by a petition of 20% of the designated delegates from registered teams in good standing. Business transacted at all special meetings shall be confined to the purposes stated in the notice of the meeting. A quorum is not required for this meeting so long as notice of such meeting was properly given. 2.5.6 – Emergency Actions: Any three (3) voting members of the Board, one (1) of which shall be an Executive Board Member (which shall include the President, if the President is available), may take emergency action on matters demanding immediate attention when it is impractical or impossible to call a meeting and shall report their actions to all Board of Director members in writing within three (3) days. 2.5.7 – Notice of Meetings: Written or printed notice stating the time, date, and location of a meeting shall be delivered not less than ten (10) days before the meeting, either personally, by phone, by social media, by electronic mail (email) or by postal mail, by or at the direction of the President, to each delegate or Board member of record entitled to vote at the meeting, unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws. If postal mail is used, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the delegate of Board member at his/her address as it appears on the records of the Association, with postage thereon prepaid. It is the responsibility of the delegates and Board members to notify the Association within thirty (30) days he/she has a change of address. Written notice may be provided via email and/or social media. It is the responsibility of the Board member to ensure that his/her preferred (official) email address is on file with the Association. All Board members must notify the Association in writing within thirty (30) days if their email address of record changes. The Secretary will ensure that an accurate and updated list of all postal and


email addresses of al Board members are maintained. This list will be made available to all Board members. 2.5.8 - Executive Board Meetings: The meetings of the Executive Board shall be held as needed or required. A quorum of two-thirds (2/3) of the Executive Board is required for this meeting. If the date or location of the meeting is changed, then notice must be given or waived as herein provided. Once a quorum is established, all actions taking place at the meeting shall be legal regardless of the number present at the time of a vote, providing the meeting had not been previously legally adjourned. 2.5.9 – Proxy: There will be no vote by proxy for any meeting. ARTICLE 2.6 – NOTICE 2.6.1 – Manner of Giving Notice: Whenever, under the provisions of applicable statutes, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to any member or Board Member of the Association and no provisions are made as to how such notice shall be given, it shall be construed to mean personal notice, shall be given in writing, via email, by postal mail, postage paid, addressed to such member or Board Member at the address appearing on the records of the Association. Any notice required or permitted to be given by postal mail shall be deemed given at the time when the same is thus deposited in the United States mail as previously mentioned. 2.6.2 – Waiver of Notice: Whenever any notice is required to be given to any delegates or Board Members of the Association under the provisions of applicable statutes, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated in such notice, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. 2.6.3 – Attendance at Meetings: A Board member not attending three (3) consecutive meetings, including General Membership Meetings of this Association or Board of Directors meetings, as evidenced by the meeting minutes, will have his/her office declared vacant unless the Board excuses such absences. His/her office shall be filled in accordance with the procedures contained herein. Said Board Member must be notified of the vacancy. 2.6.4 – Vacancies: The President is responsible for finding a candidate and presenting this person to the Board for a majority Board approval. The President may appoint special committees for this purpose. The President has the authority to appoint a temporary replacement to fill the vacancy until such time as a candidate becomes available.


2.6.5 – Compensation: The Board of Directors shall serve without salary for their services. Any Board member may be reimbursed for expenses approved by the budget and/or the Board of Directors. In some cases, Board or Association members may also be at-will employees of the Association. Any compensation received must be directly related to their employee duties and not their status within the Association. 2.6.6 – Written Reports: With the exception of the President, all Board members of this Association shall report the functions of his/her office at each General Membership meeting of the Association. Each active committee shall report the activities of his/her committee at each General Membership meeting of the Association. If the committee reports directly to one of the Board members other than the President, then the committee’s report may be combined/included in the appropriate Board member’s report. All Members and Directors of the Association shall report the functions of his/her office at each Annual General Meeting. The meeting minutes recorded by the Secretary are considered sufficient to serve as a written report. 2.6.7 – Minutes: The Board shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings. Minutes shall be approved at the next Board meeting. The approved minutes, including monthly reports from officers and committees, shall be placed in a minute book of the Association and posted on the Association website.. 2.6.8 – Grievance Involving Member of the Board: A member of the Board may be a coach, administrator, or other official with, or otherwise be affiliated with, a soccer team or club registered with the Association. If any grievance or complaint involving such team or club is filed with the Association at any level, said member may not act on behalf of such team or club, nor be entitled to vote on that grievance. ARTICLE 2.7 – OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS: POWERS AND DUTIES 2.7.1 – President: The President of the Association is charged with the overall administration and executive functions of the Association and shall preside at all Association meetings, Executive Committee and the Board. Except the Standing Committees, which shall be appointed as provided herein, he/she shall appoint all other committees that he/she deems necessary to carry out the business of the Association. He/she is an ex-officio voting member of the Standing Committee and all other committees. He/she shall cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie at any meeting at which he/she is presiding, or he/she may waive the right to do so. He/she shall submit an annual report in writing at the AGM, and said report shall become part of the minutes of such meeting. The President is empowered to take prudent and reasonable action in cases not covered in the Articles of Incorporation, these Bylaws, and the Rules and Regulations of the Association, and such authority


is implicit in the office. However, any such action shall be reported in writing to the Board within three (3) days of such action and attached to the minutes of the next meeting of the Board. The President will attend to the duties of the Association’s affiliation with NTSSA or will appoint his/her proxy for this duty. The President, with the approval of the Board, has the authority to hire the appropriate personnel to conduct the business of the Association. This includes, but is not limited to, office staff, registrar, referee assignor, scheduler, etc. Once hired, all Association employees will be managed by the management committee and will report directly to the chair of the management committee. The President shall be the Chairman of the Board of Directors; shall delegate authority and/or responsibilities to other Board members, Directors of members as may be necessary; shall deliver to the new President, when leaving office, all notes, records and information pertaining to the Association in his/her possession. 2.7.2 – Executive Vice President, Appeals and Discipline: The Executive Vice President shall succeed to the office of President in the event that office becomes vacant. He/she shall serve in that office until the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, at which time the Board of Directors will appoint a President to serve until an election can be held at the next Annual General Meeting. The Executive Vice President shall succeed to the powers of President in his/her absence. The Executive Vice President shall be the Chairman of the Rules and Regulations and Bylaw Committee and shall report the activities of this committee at each regular meeting of this Association. The Executive Vice President shall be Chairman of the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee and shall report the activities of this Committee at each regular meeting of this Association. He/she shall be responsible for maintaining and updating accurate records on all individual and team conduct Appeals and Disciplinary training for the Board and the coaches of the Association on an annual basis. He/she is responsible for ensuring that the Association follows the guidelines and requirements of the NTSSA and higher authorities with respect to Appeals and Disciplinary actions. He/she shall ensure that all reports and notices relating to this office are submitted correctly and on time to the Association and to higher authorities as required. He/she shall be responsible for all aspects of the overall program development for coaches and players. He/she will organize education clinics for coaches and licenses and be a source to coaches for development of their technical skills. He/she shall have the authority to schedule/order any clinic, instructions, or other items deemed necessary for helping coaches with particular aspects of the game with Board approval. He/she will work to identify general areas of development for coaches specific to the age and gender of both the recreational and competitive program. He/she will create processes for teams to follow in terms of pre-game preparation, post game meetings and player feedback. Act as a moderator between a team, player or parent when issues arise regarding the coach. Observe coaches in practices and game situations to provide feedback regarding how to manage practice and game situations with one-on-one direction. Enforce disciplinary actions on coaches, players or parents when behavior is not in line with the rules of the Association.


Work to ensure goals are being met for every player’s development. Identify and address age appropriate progress in terms of a player’s understanding of the game and skill level. He/she will also serve as Tournament Director for City Playoffs/End of Season Tournament. 2.7.3 – Vice President, Services and Communications: The Vice President, Services and Communications, is responsible for public and civic relations. He/she shall be Chairman of the Services Committee and shall report the activities of this committee at each regular meeting of this Association. The Services Committee shall be responsible for overall services, including but not limited to, uniforms, trophies, awards, pictures, etc. He/she is responsible for the Director of Public Relations, the Public Relations Committee and Civic Committee activities. He/she is responsible for finding and presenting candidates to the Board for the position of Chairman in each of the committees. He/she has the authority to assign members to these committees as necessary once the Board has approved the appointment of a Chairman. The Vice President, Services and Communications, is responsible for all issues involving public and civic relations to include items such as special events, advertisements, grants, promotions, fundraisers, etc. He/she shall ensure that all reports and notices relating to this office are submitted correctly and on time to the Association and to higher authorities as required. He/she shall succeed to the powers of the Executive Vice President in the absence of the Executive Vice President and to the powers of the President in the absence of both the President and the Executive Vice President. 2.7.4 – Vice President, League Management: The Vice President, League Management, shall be the Chairman of the Scheduling Committee. This committee is convened only when needed and additional members appointed by the Chairman as necessary. He/she shall report activities of this office at each regularly scheduled meeting of this Association. He/she shall also report activities of these committees if convened. The Vice President, League Management, shall be responsible for all aspects of league management for all divisions. He/she shall be responsible for the Vice President, Adult League and the League Scheduler, and shall guide them in the day-to-day activities of those offices. He/she shall ensure that all reports and notices relating to this office are submitted correctly and on time to the Association and to higher authorities as required. 2.7.5 - Vice President, Adult League: The Vice President, Adult League, is responsible for the overall management of the Adult League. He/she shall appoint Division Commissioners as needed with Board approval. He/she shall be responsible to coordinate all Association communications to teams and captains. He/she will work closely with the Vice President, League Management and League Scheduler. He/she shall ensure that all reports and notices relating to this office are submitted correctly and on time to the Association and to higher authorities as required.


2.7.6 – Secretary: The Secretary shall keep minutes of all Board meetings and Membership meetings. The Board will approve Board meeting minutes and the voting members will approve membership-meeting minutes. The Secretary will keep all approved minutes in a book and have this book available for review by all Board of Directors and Association members. 2.7.7 – Treasurer: The Treasurer shall serve as the chief financial officer of the Association and shall be responsible for coordinating budget appropriations, complete financial reconciliation and report in writing, prior to each scheduled Board of Directors meeting, a balance sheet and income statement. The reporting will be itemized by category. He/she shall chair the Budget and Finance Committee and shall review and initial all contracts by this Association. He/she shall require all checks to have two (2) authorized signatures. The person or persons receiving the check may not be either of the authorized signors on the check. He/she shall pay all bills properly passed on, and duly budgeted, and all bills duly approved by the Board. He/she shall be responsible for auditing the financial records of all other committees of the Association. All financial records shall be available for review by any Member. 2.7.8 – Director of Referees: The Director of Referees shall currently be, or within the last 3 years have been, a registered USSF Referee and shall be the Chairman of the Referee Committee and shall report the activities of this committee at each regular meeting of this Association. The Director of Referee is responsible for all aspects of the overall development for referees. This includes, but is not limited to, training, recruiting, critiquing, grading, etc. The Director of Referees may receive compensation when acting in the capacity of either a Referee or Referee Assignor or both. However, at no time will the Director of Referees receive a salary for his work on the Board. 2.7.9 – Director of Facilities: The Director of Facilities shall coordinate the use and maintenance of the practice fields for all age groups and will work closely with the League Scheduler and VP of League Management. He/she as the Director may appoint, with the approval of the Board, Field Coordinator(s) to handle the weekly maintenance of the fields at different locations and he/she will work under his/her direction. The Director of Facilities may also, with the approval of the Board, hire and manage field personnel to attend to maintenance of the fields (i.e. survey and marking). It is understood that the Director of any other Board member, with approval, can be one of the hired maintenance personnel to maintain the field markings or surveying a new field. 2.7.10 – Division Commissioners: Division Commissioners are responsible for all league communications to and from coaches concerning the Board and/or Association. They shall be responsible of the blind draft drawings for their respective age group based on the guidelines of the Registrar. They will work under the direction of the Registrar with regards to all areas of registration. They shall give


each coach copies of the Coaches Code of Conduct, Association Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation and Rules and Regulations. They will ensure that each coach has signed for and acknowledged receipt of Association documents. They shall collect all delinquent player fees and hand over these fees to the Registrar. They will serve as the primary point of contact for coaches, players and parents. They will assist coaches/parents in conflict resolution; provide direction on the Laws of the Game, Association Policies and Guidelines. It is expected that Division Commissioners will attempt to be present for some of the games played in his/her division. 2.7.11 – Director of Special Events: The Director of Special Events is responsible to the Vice President of Services and Communications, for all special events taking place within the Association. These include, but are not limited to: camps, clinics, play days, etc. 2.7.12 – Director of Public Relations: The Director of Public Relations is responsible to the Vice President of Services and Communications, for all matters pertaining to publicity. These include, but are not limited to, newsletters, flyers, posters, newspaper ads, registration promotion, social media, etc. 2.7.13 – Other Non-Officer Positions: Non-officer positions within the Association shall be appointed by the Board of Directors. They may also be members within the Association or serve as members of the Board of Directors. Positions that are compensated shall be at-will employees and will serve under contract. They will serve a term of one (1) year. The term will be the fiscal year of the Association. 2.7.13.1 – Field Coordinator: The Field Coordinator shall be responsible for ensuring that practice fields and game fields are properly marked. He/she shall replace any field equipment as necessary upon Board approval. The Director of Facilities may appoint Assistant Field Coordinators to assist the Field Coordinator in his/her duties as necessary. He/she will be an at-will employee of the Association, paid by funds of the Association, and may be terminated at any time by the Board in its sole discretion. The Field Coordinator(s) position may be filled by a Board member or an Association member. If the Field Coordinator(s) is also a Board or Association member, then any compensation received must be directly related to their employee duties and not their status within the Association. He/she is a non-voting member. 2.7.13.2 – Registrar: The Registrar of the Association shall be responsible for the registration and eligibility of all players and teams within the jurisdiction of the Association. The Board may appoint Assistant Registrars to assist the Registrar in his/her duties as the Board deems appropriate. The Registrar(s) will be at-will employee of the Association, paid by funds of the Association, and may be terminated at any time by the Board in tis sole discretion. The Registrar(s) shall report to the President. The Registrar position may be filled by a Board member or an Association member. If the Registrar(s) is also a Board or Association member,


then any compensation received must be directly related to his/her employee duties and not his/her status within the Association. He/she is a non-voting member. 2.7.13.3 – Referee Assignor/Referee Coordinator: The Referee Assignor(s)/Referee Coordinator(s) will be an at-will employee of the Association and paid by funds of the Association. He/she shall report to the Director of Referees unless it is the same person, in which case he/she shall report to he Executive Vice President. The Board, on behalf of the Association, is the ultimate employer of the Referee or Assistant Referee and shall ensure that all referees are paid for services rendered. The Referee Committee shall recommend to the Board an annual pay scare for Referee and Assistant Referee; approval of the pay scale by the Board requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote. Each Referee Assignor will advise as to referees performing their tasks. This position may be filled by a Board member or Association member. If he/she is also a Board or Association member, then any compensation received must be directly related to his/her employee duties and not his/her status within the Association. He/she is a non-voting member. 2.7.13.4 – League Scheduler: The Scheduler(s) will be an at-will employee of the Association and paid by funds of the Association. The Scheduler shall report to the Vice President of League Management, unless it is the same person, in which case he/she shall report to the Executive Vice President. The Scheduler is responsible for creating, managing and maintaining game schedules for both youth and adult regular season play and tournaments. He/she will also serve as the official league scorekeeper and update the division standings. The Scheduler is also responsible for creating, managing and maintaining the league practice schedule and field maps. He/she is a non-voting member. 2.7.13.5 – Trustee: The Trustee(s) shall be appointed by the Board and will serve a term of one (1) year. He/she may not hold any other position on the Board of Directors or non-officer position. He/she shall serve at the discretion of the Board. He/she is to serve as a non-biased consultant on any matter before the Board and may also serve as a committee member. He/she has one (1) vote at any meeting. ARTICLE 2.8 – STANDING COMMITTEES The following Standing Committees shall be appointed by the appropriate Chairperson and approved by a 2/3 majority vote of the Board of Directors at the first Board of Directors meeting following the Annual General Meeting of each year. Vacancies on such committees shall be filled appointment from the President, within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of such vacancy. In case of emergency, the Committee Chairman shall have the authority to fill vacancies of said committee by appointment until such vacancy can be filled in accordance with normal procedures. 2.8.1 – Management Committee: It shall be composed of the President as Chairman, the Executive Vice President and one (1) other elected Officer. The


management committee will be named annually. The management committee will oversee the employees and the administrative business of the Association. 2.8.2 – Appeals and Disciplinary Committee (A&D Committee): It shall be composed of the Executive Vice President, Appeals and Discipline, one (1) Officer, and appropriate Division Commissioner. The Chairman may also choose up to two (2) other members when needed. The Chairman shall call all meetings, specifying the time and nature, notify all participants, and shall vote on matters. The Committee will determine if a hearing is necessary for further action. The Chairman shall notify the Association President and Directors of all Committee rulings immediately and submit written reports to the Association Secretary within ten (10) days. All members of record, properly registered with the Association will be eligible to serve on the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee. A member who is serving any disciplinary assessment shall be considered to be “not in good standing” for the A&D Committee purpose. The Chairman of the A&D Committee will appoint his/her replacement in the event of a conflict of interest or in the event he/she will become unavailable. He/she shall choose the two (2) members in good standing who are not involved with the A&D matter for the purposes of a hearing. 2.8.3 Budget and Finance Committee: It shall be composed of the Treasurer as Chairman, one (1) Officer and two (2) Board members. It shall submit a proposed budget for the Association for the upcoming fiscal year to the Board of Directors prior to the Annual General Meeting. It shall report the status of the budget to the members at the General Membership Meetings. An annual audit shall be conducted by an agency appointed by the Board of Directors. The agency shall be instructed to make any recommendations to improve the Association records keeping processes. 2.8.4 – Nominating Committee: The Nominating Committee shall be composed of a Chairman appointed by the Board and three (3) other Board members; however, these appointments shall be made at least one (1) month prior to the AGM. It shall present to the Board a slate of persons nominated for election to the Board and a list recommended for appointment to the Standing Committees. The committee shall prepare written ballots to be sued in such elections. The committee will ensure that all candidates have been screened and meet the qualifications required by these Bylaws. If any candidate is in need of a waiver, that request should be submitted along with a recommendation from the Nominating Committee. 2.8.5 - Rules and Regulations and Bylaw Committee: It shall be composed of the President as Chairman; Executive Vice-President; Vice President, Services and Communication; Vice President, League Management; and up to four (4) additional Board or Association members. The chairman shall select the additional members as necessary. It shall be responsible for reviewing the Association’s Rules and Regulations and Bylaws and proposing changes as required. At a minimum, the Rules and Regulations and Bylaws will be reviewed annually. Proposed changes to the Bylaws shall be presented to the Board at the next scheduled meeting. Approved


changes will take effect immediately. Proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations may be presented at any regular Board meeting provided they are on the agenda. Proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations shall be voted on by the Board. Approved changes will take effect at the beginning of the next soccer season following their approval. If the approved changes are not enacted prior to the coaches meeting then they will not take effect until the next season. The Committee shall maintain a list of rules and regulations enacted by the North Texas State Soccer Association and shall provide all coaches and team administrators with a copy of the Association’s Rules and Regulations. A copy of the Bylaws will also be made available to all coaches and Association members. 2.8.6 – Scholarship Committee: The Scholarship Committee shall be composed of

a chairman appointed by the Board, who shall be called the Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, and two (2) other members. It shall be responsible for the administration and approval of all scholarship applications. It will convene to review, approve or disapprove scholarship applicants. It will use information provided form the National School Lunch Program income guidelines, applicant information and other information as deemed necessary to formulate rulings. It may request additional information as deemed necessary to formulate rulings. It may request additional information from applicants including, but not limited to, paycheck stubs, mortgage or rental payments, tax statements and any other information pertaining directly to its activities. It will present to the Board, in general, any reports or recommendations as a result of its activities. All scholarship requests will be considered only until the end of the registration period. 2.8.7 – Special Committees: The President at his/her discretion may appoint committee(s) for special purpose(s). The Chairperson of such committees may acquire additional committee members from the general membership of the Association. ARTICLE 2.9 – PROCEDURE FOR APPEALS In no event shall any person or persons or organization under the jurisdiction of this Association resort to the courts until all appeal procedures have been exhausted. For violations of this rule, the offending party shall be subject to the sanctions of suspension and fines set forth by the United States Soccer Federation, and shall be liable for all expenses incurred by the Association and its officers and members in defending each court action, including but not limited to court costs, attorney fees, reasonable compensation for time spent by the Association officers and members in responding to and defending against allegations in the actions, including responses to discovery and court appearances, travel expenses, and the expenses for holding special meetings necessitated by the Court action. If such action is initiated by a member of the Association, said member is deemed as no longer being in good standing and subject to sanctions, including but not limited to, forfeiture of membership.


2.9.1 – Procedure for Filing Appeals: Procedure for filing appeals shall be as follows:

1. Appeals and Disciplinary Committee can hear appeals on decisions made by the Board of Directors.

2. All appeals to the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee must be submitted in writing and received within five (5) days of the appealed decision. A $50.00 fee (cash or cashier’s check) shall accompany all appeals. If the Committee upholds the appeal, the fee will be returned. If it is denied, the fee will be forfeited to the treasury of this Association.

3. This Committee, at its discretion, may, when requested in writing to do so, waive the time limit for filing appeals but in no case shall an extension of more than ten (1) days be granted.

4. All appeals to this Committee must be made in writing to the Chairman of the Committee. In cases of controversy as to timely receipt of appeals, the postmark date (postage meter not acceptable) will govern.

5. Upon receipt of appeal, properly submitted, the Chairman of the Committee shall set a time and place for the hearing and will serve notice to all appropriate parties. Such hearing settings are solely the responsibility of the Committee, but all such hearings must be scheduled within ten (10) days of receipt of the appeal and the appealing party is bound to present all information and evidence relative to the appeal at the hearing.

6. Decisions of the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee may be appealed to the Board of Directors of this Association. Procedures for filing appeals with the Board of Directors shall be exactly (including time limit and filing fee) as for filing with the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee except that all material shall be submitted to the President, who shall serve notice to all concerned parties of the receipt and the time and place for the hearings.

7. Any decision of a Board Member or Standing Committee may be appealed to the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee.

8. Decisions of the Board of Directors may be appealed to the North Texas State Soccer Association. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the North Texas State Soccer Association (NTSSA) within five (5) days of the Board of Directors decision and accompanied by the fees set forth in the Bylaws of the North Texas State Soccer Association.

9. All decisions at all levels of the appeal process shall stand ad be in full force and effect until changed by a higher authority.

ARTICLE 10 – CONFLICTS OF INTEREST


2.10.1 – Soccer Conflicts of Interest: Any member of the Board, a Standing Committee, or any other committee of the Association shall abstain from discussion of and voting upon any subject matter being considered by the respective body if such would constitute a conflict of interest, directly or indirectly, with any individual, player, coach, manager, official, referee, parent, or team, including, without limitation, those conflicts of interest related to hearing protests or appeals related to the member’s team, club players or coach, or parents or managers involved with the member’s team or club. 2.10.2 – Other Conflicts of Interest: It is the policy of the Association that no member of the Board, a Standing Committee, or any other committee or any officer or any employee of the Association shall have any association with or interest in any business enterprise which would conflict with the proper performance of his duties or responsibilities as such or which might tend to affect his independence or judgment with respect to transactions between the Association and any such business enterprise. It is also the policy of the Association that no member of the Board or any committee or any office or employee of the Association shall have, directly or indirectly, any material personal business or financial interest with, or in any business enterprise with which, the Association does business, including, without limitation the member, or any person in the immediate family of the member, holding a position with a supplier of goods and/or services to the Association, unless the material facts of the relationship or the interest ion the business are disclosed to the Board and the Board in good faith authorizes the contract, of the disinterested Directors. If a member of the Board, rather than a member of a committee, is the person making the disclosure, the interested Director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board, whereat the disinterested Directors consider whether or authorize the contract, transaction, or relationship.

CHAPTER 3

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE FORNEY SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Except as otherwise specified under the Rules and Regulations of this Association herein, Rules of Play of the United States Soccer Federation (hereinafter referred to as “USSF”) and its National Associations of which North Texas State Soccer Association (hereinafter referred to as “NTSSA”) and this Association is a member, will apply in all competitions. Article 3.1 – Misconduct of Players 3.1.1 – Youth Season Play Card System:


(1) The Association will operate and keep records on a “cumulative card system” for all youth players/coaches/assistant coaches/team officials. Appeals of cards are not allowed except when the referee admits he made an error in the issuance of the card. Cards issued in league play are cumulative during the entire soccer year. When a player transfers to another team his or her accumulated league play cards count against the cumulative card totals for both his/her old and new teams. Reports of the disciplinary suspension will be immediately forwarded to the Appeals and Disciplinary Committee of the North Texas State Soccer Association.

(2) Yellow card(s): (a) one game automatic suspension for the game following an individual’s third league play yellow card. Two game automatic suspensions for the game following an individual’s fifth league play yellow card. Three game automatic suspensions for the game following an individual’s sixth league play yellow card. (b) Any player/coach/assistant coach receiving a yellow card in a single game is suspended for the remainder of that game, and those yellow cards are then added to an individual’s previous total of league play yellow cards to determine whether additional game suspensions, if any, are required. Red cards issued solely as a result of a second yellow in a single game will not be added to an individual’s league play red card total.

(3) Red Cards: (a) One game automatic suspension for the game following

an individual’s first league play red card. Automatic suspension, pending a hearing, from all NTSSA-sanctioned activities following an individual’s second league play red card. Red cards issued solely as a result of a second yellow card in a single game will not be added to an individual’s league play red card total. (b) In cases where, during a single game, an individual receives a yellow card followed by a “straight red card” (as opposed to a red card issued solely as a result of a second yellow) both cards will be added to an individual’s respective total of league play red and yellow cards and punished accordingly. If the A&D Committee determines that a red card was issued for an infraction that was not an “expulsion” offense in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game, the A&D Committee may reduce the red card to a yellow card and assess sanctions accordingly. A full report of this action must be sent to NTSSA.

(4) Seventh Card: Any individual obtaining a seventh card in league play

(any combination of yellow and red cards totaling seven) shall be immediately suspended pending a hearing with NTSSA and the A&D Committee.

3.1.2 Youth Tournament Play Card System


(1) Yellow Cards: (a) One game automatic suspension for the game

following an individual’s third yellow card of the tournament. Two game automatic suspension for the game following an individual’s fifth yellow card of the tournament. Three game automatic suspension for the game following an individual’s sixth yellow card of the tournament. (b) Any player/coach/assistant coach receiving a yellow card in a single game is suspended for the remainder of that game, and those yellow cards are then added to an individual’s previous total of yellow cards for that tournament to determine whether additional game suspensions, if any are required. Red cards issued solely as a result of a second yellow in a single game will not be added to an individual’s red card total for the tournament.

(2) Red Cards: (a) One game automatic suspension for the game following

an individual’s red card of the tournament. Pending a hearing, there will be an automatic suspension from all NTSSA-sanctioned activities following an individual’s second red card of the tournament. Red cards issued solely as a result of a second yellow card in a single game will not be added to an individual’s red card total for the tournament. (b) In cases where, during a single game, an individual receives a yellow card followed by a “straight red card” (as opposed to a red card issued solely as a result of a second yellow) both cards will be added to an individual’s respective total of red and yellow cards for the tournament and punished accordingly. If the Tournament Officials determine that a red card was issued for an infraction that was not an “expulsion” offense in accordance with the FIFA Laws of the Game, the officials may reduce the red card to a yellow card and assess sanctions accordingly. The Tournament Officials may not, however, do away with the card altogether. A full report of this action must be sent to NTSSA.


Article 3.2 - Division Rules for U4 - U8 3.2.1 - U4 and U5

(1) Fields 1-4 (2) 3 v 3 with no goalie (3) Size 3 ball (4) Four eight (8) minute quarters; unlimited throw in attempts, all restarts and

free kicks are indirect, no slide tackling (5) Two (2) minutes between quarters; five (5) minute halftime - restart the 2nd

and 4th quarters with how the previous quarter ended (throw in, goal kick, or kick off); 2nd half (3rd quarter) always restarts with a kick off.

(6) No intentional heading. 3.2.2 - U6 and U7

(1) Fields 5a-8b (2) 4 v 4 with no goalie (3) Size 3 ball (4) Four eight (8) minute quarters; unlimited throw in attempts, all restarts and

free kicks are indirect, no slide tackling (5) Two (2) minutes between quarters; five (5) minute halftime - restart the 2nd


(6) No intentional heading. 3.2.3 - U8

(1) Fields 5a-8b (2) 4 v 4 with no goalie (3) Size 3 ball (4) Four ten (10) minute quarters; Teams only get two (2) throw-in attempts (5) All restarts and free kicks are indirect, no offside, no Penalty Kicks, no slide

tackling (6) Five (5) minutes between quarters; five (5) minute halftime - restart the 2nd



(7) No intentional heading. 3.2.4 - Players Positioning

(1) When the ball is at the opposite end of the field, there may be no players inside the goalie box.

CHAPTER 4

ADDITIONAL RULES PERTAINING TO THE FORNEY SOCCER ASSOCIATION The following rules have been proposed and enacted by the membership of the Forney Soccer Association with respect to the local administration of the Association and its competition. Article 4.1 - Player Participation 4.1.1 - Game Participation

(1) Every player participating in an Association competition must play fifty (50) percent of the total minutes in a game. Non-compliance with the participation rule could result in forfeiture of the game up to dismissal of coach from the league, etc.

4.1.2 - Limitations on Practice Time

(1) For teams participating in the U6 or U6 age divisions, practice time will be limited to one (1) practice per week for a total of one (1) hour. All other age divisions will be limited to two (2) practices per week of one (1) hour each.

4.1.3 - Participation in Non-Corresponding Age Division

(1) A player participating in the Association may participate in an age division that does not correspond to their birth date as long as they are participating in the age division one (1) year above the division corresponding to their age. Should a player wish to participate in an age division greater than one (1) year above their corresponding age division, they are required to receive approval by Association Board.

Article 4.2 - Team Creation 4.2.1 - Fifty Percent Retention

(1) If a team wishes to return in a subsequent season, they are required to return at least fifty (50) percent of their players from the prior season or two


seasons prior. Team with less than fifty (50) percent retention will be dissolved barring board exemption.

4.2.2 - Friend Requests

(1) The Association will allow players to request to be on the same team as another individual up to the U8 age division as long as it is that players first season of having been registered/associated with the Association.

4.2.3 - Assistant Coach

(1) A team’s Assistant Coach can be a person with no related player on the team or a person who has an existing related player on the team. No player(s) will be added to a team roster based on the relationship to a named Assistant Coach.

Article 4.3 - Registration 4.3.1 - Registration Dates

(1) Registration dates will be decided by the board, with recommendations

provided by the Registrar. (2) The last ten (10) days will be considered “Late Registration” and include an

extra $10 fee to the registration fee. (3) After registration ends, no registrations will be accepted unless it has been

decided by a Board vote that there is a specific need in a division/team. 4.3.2 - Registration Requirements

(1) All new players to register must provide a copy of their birth certificate in order to complete the registration process and be put on a team.

(2) Players may upload a copy of their birth certificate to their player profile or bring their birth certificate to a walk-up registration to have the verification process completed.

(3) Birth certificates must be verified by the end of the registration period. (4) Players without verified birth certificates will not be placed on a team.


ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS OF THE ARTICLE 1.1 ... · submitted to the Forney Soccer...

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