West Alabama Soccer Association
Constitution and Bylaws



Article IGeneral

1.1Name
This Association shall be known as the West Alabama Soccer Association (hereinafter called WASA). WASA shall be affiliated with the Alabama Youth Soccer Association ("AYSA").

1.2For the purposes of this Constitution and these Bylaws, the following definitions will apply:

1.2.1"Registered Team" shall be a team, in good standing, which is registered with WASA, PARA, or the YMCA and, as such, a parent for each Registered Player shall have full voting privileges as a voting member.
1.2.2"Affiliated League" shall be a league which plays within WASA's jurisdiction, whether sponsored by WASA, PARA, or the YMCA.
1.2.3"Registered Player" shall mean a player on a registered team.
1.2.4"Voting Member" shall be a parent for each registered player. A voting member shall be entitled to one vote for each registered player.
1.3Territory
1.3.1WASA shall represent all soccer teams wishing to affiliate with the Alabama Youth Soccer Association (hereinafter called "AYSA"), the United States Youth Soccer Association (hereinafter called "USYSA"), and/or the United States Soccer Federation (hereinafter called "USSF") that are located in the designated territory or apply for membership in the Association, and who have an interest and sympathy with the purposes of the Association and agree to adhere to its Constitution, By-Laws, Articles of Association, and such rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Executive Committee.
1.3.2The designated territory shall be the Alabama Planning and Development Region 2, comprising Tuscaloosa, Fayette, Lamar, Pickens, Greene, Hale and Bibb Counties. The Association may accept voluntary applications for membership from outside this area.
1.4Objectives
1.4.1The objectives of WASA (in conjunction with PARA and the YMCA) are a) to foster, advance and administer soccer within Tuscaloosa County and the territory defined above; b) to enable and motivate players and coaches at all levels of competition and age to succeed and to represent the interest of its members: c) promote good sportsmanship, honesty, physical fitness, loyalty and courage through its organized athletic competition; and d) support and promote the common interests of its affiliated soccer teams and clubs.
1.4.2WASA shall offer, regardless of race, gender, creed and/or ability, a soccer program to all youth and adults at all levels of age and competition within Tuscaloosa County. Along with the YMCA and PARA, WASA will make soccer available to all youth, regardless of ability to pay the associated fees.
1.5Affiliation
WASA shall be the affiliate of and comply with the authority of AYSA, USYSA and USSF.


Article II

Governance

The overall authority for the policies of WASA shall rest with the voting members for each Registered Player (age 19 and below) enrolled on a Registered Team at any time in the 12 months preceding the General Meeting. The voting member for each youth so registered shall be entitled to one vote on all matters coming before the membership as set forth herein.
2.1WASA shall be governed by this Constitution and Bylaws as supplemented by AYSA, USYSA or USSF.
2.2The day-to--day operations of WASA shall be governed by the Board of Directors, who are selected and elected as set forth herein.
2.3The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the President, Vice President and Treasurer, each of whom are elected for a term of 1 year at the General Meeting.
2.4The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and the Members-at-Large, who are selected and elected as set forth in Section 2.5 below.
2.5Members-at-Large

The following shall be Members-at-Large to the Board of Directors, and are entitled to vote on all matters brought before the Board.

2.5.1There shall be one representative of PARA, selected by PARA.
2.5.2There shall be one representative of the YMCA selected by the YMCA.
2.5.3There shall be one representative of the West Alabama Soccer Officials Association, selected by that association.
2.5.4There shall be parent representatives elected by a majority of the voting members present at the General Meeting. A voting member may cast a vote only for a representative in the age and gender category for which that voting member's registered player is enrolled.

U8 Male or Female
U10 Male and younger
U11-U14 Male

U11-U14 Female
U15 and older Male
U15 and older

Female
Article III

Team Membership and Composition

3.1Team membership shall be defined by the Rules and Regulations as set forth by the WASA Board of Directors.
3.2All Registered Teams and players shall abide by the Constitution, Bylaws and the Articles of Association of WASA, all General Procedures and Specific Rules as set forth by the Board and all applicable rules and regulations of the association with which WASA is affiliated.
Article IV

General Meetings

4.1Croatia hotels4.1 In anticipation of the beginning of each playing season, the President with the concurrence of the Board, shall call for a General Meeting of the Membership to be held no later than the second Thursday of August for the Fall Playing Season and no later than the second Thursday of February for the Spring Playing Season of each seasonal year. The Secretary will endeavor to give written notice to all Board Members and Voting Members at least fifteen (15) days prior to said meeting.
4.2The Order of Business at the General Meeting shall be as follows:

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call
  3. Credentials Report
  4. Introduction of Guests
  5. Acceptance of Minutes of the previous General Meeting
  6. Proposals for change of Constitution, Bylaws, and/or General Procedures and Specific Rules
  7. Reports:
    1. Executive Director
    2. Treasurer
    3. Secretary
    4. Registrar
    5. Committees
  8. Unfinished Business
  9. New Business
  10. Good of the Game
  11. Adjournment
Article V

Amendments

5.1Any Voting Member may submit proposed changes to the existing Constitution and Bylaws. These proposed changes shall be submitted in writing by the first (1st) of May preceding the Fall General Meeting, or by the first (lst) of November preceding the Spring General Meeting.
5.2Proposed Amendments shall be presented to the Voting Members present at the General Meeting.
5.3ERROR MSGAn amendment shall be deemed adopted by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the voting members present at the General Meeting.

Article VI

Executive Committee and Election of Officers

The purpose of the Executive Committee shall be to administrate the business and operational affairs of WASA in accordance with 1.6.2.
6.1The Executive Committee shall consist of the officers of WASA.
6.2A nominating committee, appointed by the Executive Committee, shall prepare a slate of officers for a) all officers of the Association, and b) all members of the Board of Directors who are elected by the Membership for all applicable Board of Directors' positions, which shall be submitted for membership approval at the August General Meeting. The slate of candidates proposed by the nominating committee shall be published in the announcement of the date of the General Meeting. The slate of candidates proposed by the nominating committee shall not be binding upon the members and nominations for applicable positions on the Executive Board may be made at the time of the GM by persons entitled to vote thereon. The elected officers would serve for a period of one year, and shall begin their term on September 1st (first). The elected Board Members shall serve for two years and shall begin their term on September 1 following their election except as follows:

6.2.1In the first election subsequent to the adoption of this Constitution and Bylaws (August 2001), and for that election only for the sole purpose of creating staggered two (2) year terms among the elected Board members, the following Board Members will stand for re-election:

U10 Boys or Girls
U11-U14 Girls
U15 and older Boys.

Article VII

The Duties of Officers

7.1President - The President shall call and conduct all meetings of the General Meeting of the Membership, the Board, and/or the Executive Committee. The President shall appoint at the beginning of each seasonal year, or as needed, and subject to the approval of the Board, the Standing Committees and/or the Committee Chairpersons and replace the Members-at-Large who resign during their term in office. The President shall serve as an ex officio member of such committees.
7.2Vice President - The Vice President shall assist the Executive Director in the execution of the Director's duties and responsibilities. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside at the meetings of the GM of the Membership, Board, and/or Executive Committee. The Vice President shall serve as Parliamentarian, and chair the Protest and Appeals/Disciplinary Committee. The Vice President shall not vote on matters coming before the Board, except when acting for the President in appropriate cases.
7.3Treasurer - The Treasurer shall give a receipt for all monies which shall be deposited in a recognized financial institution in the city of Tuscaloosa, in the name of WASA. All accounts shall be paid by WASA check and shall bear two (2) signatures any of which shall be the Treasurer, the President, Vice President, or Secretary. The receipt book and vouchers shall be produced when required by the Board, properly balanced according to the bank book or statement, whichever is up to date. The Treasurer shall be responsible also for preparing any and all papers pursuant to the Articles of Association and Tax Exemption Status of WASA. The Treasurer shall submit a Financial Report at every regularly scheduled meeting of the Board, describing in detail all assets, liabilities, and financial transactions since the last report. The Treasurer shall be bondable by a reputable bonding agency. An annual report and financial statements in keeping with tax returns and/or CPA prepared financial statements will be made to the Board within 120 days of the fiscal year ending.
7.4Secretary - The Secretary shall be appointed by the President, shall not be a voting member of the Board of Directors, but shall keep an accurate record of all meetings, handle all correspondences, give notices of meetings, and maintain the files of WASA. Copies of the minutes shall be maintained and made available upon request of any member of the Board of Directors.
7.5In the event of the resignation of the President, or for any reason that prohibits the President from fulfilling his duties or responsibilities, the Vice President shall assume the position of President for the remainder of his/her term, or until such time that the President can resume those duties and responsibilities.
7.6Any member of the Executive Committee or Secretary who is absent from three (3) meetings without prior notification to the President shall have their position declared vacant.

Article VIII

Paid Staff

8.1.1Registrar - The Registrar shall attend those meetings of the Board or membership as requested by the President. The Registrar shall be familiar with and administer all rules and regulations pertaining to player registration guidelines as set forth by the AYSA, USYSA, USSF, any Local Leagues in which our teams participate, and WASA. He/She shall maintain records and report on the number of team and/or player registrations, approve all player transfers, adds, and drops, respond to all routine correspondence to WASA pertaining to registration matters, and serve as the registrar for all WASA sponsored tournaments. The Registrar shall also keep accurate records of all Coaches Credentials in such as they pertain to registration requirements, maintain a Central Registry for Players and Player Pools, and maintain a Central Registry for Coaches. The Registrar's employment shall be reviewed on a yearly basis and shall serve solely at the pleasure of the Executive Committee.
8.2Other - Other paid staff shall be hired as appropriate at the direction of the Executive Committee, with the approval of the Board.

Article IX

Duties of Board of Directors

9.1The Board shall be responsible and have sole authority for the following:

  1. Enforcing and interpreting the Constitution, Bylaws, General Procedures, and Specific Rules.
  2. Approving Registered Teams and Affiliated Teams/Leagues.
  3. Shall from time to time make temporary rules or regulations for specific cases or occasions not provided for the in the Constitution, Bylaws, General Procedures or Specific Rules, but which are deemed necessary by the Executive Committee and/or the Board to carry out the objectives of WASA.
  4. Establishing requirements for membership of teams, setting qualifications for coaching, and forming teams to compete in various leagues and/or tournaments.
9.2The Board shall have the right and authority to suspend, bar completely, or otherwise discipline a Player, Coach, Manager, Team Assistant, Parent, or Spectator from any Member Team.
9.3All decisions by the Board will be final
9.4The Board may conduct business at any meeting attended by at least 50% of the then current Board Members, and only after reasonable efforts have been made to notify all Board Members.

Article X

Standing Committees

10.1The following Standing Committees and others as needed shall be appointed yearly:

  1. Rules and Revisions Committee
  2. Coaching and Player Development Committee
  3. Public Relations/Sponsorship Committee
  4. Protest & Appeals/Disciplinary Committee
10.2The President, with the approval of the Board, shall name the Chairman of each Committee.
10.3The Chairmen of Standing Committees will sit on the Board in an advisory capacity, if not otherwise a member of the Board in an official capacity.
10.4The President shall be an ex officio member of all Committees.
10.5ERROR MSGThe Chairman of each Committee may recommend a person or persons as a member(s) of this Committee, subject to the approval of the Board.
10.6The Standing Committees shall deal with certain designated areas of responsibility. They shall report and make recommendations to the Board. The Standing Committees shall have the authority to enforce all decisions approved by the Board within the scope of their responsibilities.
10.7Duties of the Standing Committee are as follows and may be changed and/or modified by the Board as needed:

10.7.1Rules and Revision Committee shall be responsible for reviewing all proposals involving any amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, General Procedures or Specific Rules and give due and careful consideration to same before submitting said proposals to the Board with their recommendations. Ensuring that each applicant for membership submits copies of their rules, regulations and bylaws for approval. Any subsequent changes, additions or amendments must be submitted and approved by the Rules Committee, examining all applications for membership in the Association and making recommendations to the Board, and ensuring that all Rules and Bylaws of submitting organizations abide by the Rules and Regulations of WASA.
10.7.2Coaching and Player Development Committee shall be responsible for supervising all aspects of operating coaching clinics. Establishing and evaluating the policies and procedures for conducting coaching clinics, encouraging increased numbers of clinics and greater attendance at the National, Regional, State and local levels, maintaining consistently high standards of Instruction, examination and grading of coaches at all levels, monitoring the curriculum of coaching at all levels by continually reviewing same with current material available, evaluating the quality of clinics, instructors, facilities, conduct, etc., at all levels, and maintaining records of coaching certificates through the Registrar.
10.7.3Public Relations/Sponsorship Committee shall be responsible for seeking sponsorship for all or part of any WASA sponsored program or event that Is Identified by the Board. See that WASA sponsored programs and/or events receive proper and adequate publicity.
10.7.4Protest and Appeals/Disciplinary Committee shall hear all appeals and protests and rule on such matters in accordance with the Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, Rules, and Procedures of WASA, the appropriate playing league, AYSA, USYSA, and USSF. The chair shall be responsible for notifying the WASA Board of Directors. In writing, of the ruling of the committee. This committee shall hear all grievances and questions of an ethical nature. After the committee hears all charges and reviews any evidence regarding such matters, the committee chair shall submit committee recommendations in writing to the WASA Board of Directors for final determination. The Associate Director shall chair this committee.

Article XI

Membership

11.5All applications for membership in WASA shall be submitted at the beginning of each season, and along with the appropriate fees, shall include:

  • hotel rooms De KoogProperty completed player and/or team registration forms, prepared in accordance with the current registration instructions and procedures.
  • Other forms as deemed needed.
11.2Annual fees for teams are due and payable, unless otherwise provided for by the Board, at the time of registration, but no later than one month after the registration deadline of the current playing season. Teams are not considered registered until all of the team's fees are paid and information on registration forms is accepted and approved by WASA Registrar. A late registration penalty fee will be assessed for those teams not in compliance without prior approval from the WASA Registrar.
11.3Every registered and/or affiliated team, club, or league shall be assessed fees semi-annually to provide funding for the operation and activities of WASA. The nature and amount of the fees shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
11.4Any registered and/or affiliated team, club, or league failing to fulfill all financial obligations to WASA will not be in good standing, and will be certified as such to all playing leagues and the AYSA.
11.5All bank checks, drafts and/or money orders Submitted to WASA shall be made payable to the AWest Alabama Soccer Association" or to AWASA".

Article XII

Board Meeting

12.1Regular meetings of the Board shall be set by the Board monthly. Special meetings may be called as necessary by the President. There shall be no regular Board Meeting in the months of June or July.
12.2The Agenda for regular meetings shall be as follows:

  1. Call to Order
  2. Roll Call
  3. Introduction of Guests
  4. Acceptance of Minutes
  5. Correspondence
  6. Treasurer's Report
  7. Registrar's Report
  8. Committee Reports
  9. Unfinished Business
  10. New Business
  11. Good of the Game
  12. Adjournment
Article XIII

Seasonal Year

The Seasonal Year shall be from September 1st through August 31st.Insurance coverage, when applicable, shall be for the same period of time.



Adopted this the __________ day of ______________________, 2000.



Proposed Amendments:


To be discussed and voted upon at August Meeting

AMENDMENT:
Delete Section 2.5.1

AMENDMENT:
Delete Section 2.5.2

AMENDMENT:
Delete Section 2.5.3

AMENDMENT:
Replace Section 2.5.4 with the following:

There should be parent representatives elected by a majority of the voting members present at the General Meeting. The voting member is entitled to cast a vote for a representative in each age and gender category for which that voting member has a registered player enrolled. The categories are as follows:

U10 Male and Female
U11-U12 Male
U11-U12 Female

U13-U14 Male
U13-U14 Female
U15-U16 Male
U15-U16 Female
U17 and Older Male
U17 and Older Female


AMENDMENT:
Section 6.2.1 is amended to reflect the following Board Members will stand for re-election in August 2001.

U10 Boys and Girls
U13-U14 Girls
U15-U16 Boys


AMENDMENT:
Replace Section 8.2 with the following:

Other - Other paid staff shall be hired as appropriate at the direction of the Executive Committee, with the approval of the Board. Should a Director of Coaching be hired, the Director of Coaching will assume the position of Vice President of Coaching and serve on the Board of Directors for the term of his or her employment.





- | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |