By-Laws
of the
Inline
Hockey
Association
Last Revision: November 18, 2003
This organization shall be known as the Las Cruces In-Line Hockey Association, Inc., hereinafter referred to as LCIHA.
The primary objective of the LCIHA shall be to stress the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, integrity, teamwork, and respect for authority; while promoting and teaching the sport of hockey.
· To achieve this objective, LCIHA will provide a supervised program under the rules and regulations of USA Hockey In-Line. All Directors, Officers, and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance. In accordance with Section 501(c) 3 of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, the LCIHA shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive hockey games. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and which does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
· Any person living in Dona Ana County sincerely interested in active participation to affect the objective of this LCIHA may apply to become a member. Outside of Dona-Ana County not recommended but may be allowed with consent of Board of Directors.
· Any LCIHA member working with youth players as Officials or a Coach in LCIHA events shall submit to the Abuse Screening Program as defined by the LCIHA Board of Directors.
§ Any player candidate meeting the requirements of USA Hockey Inline (USAHI) which sanctions LCIHA league play and who resides within the authorized boundaries of the LCIHA League shall be eligible to compete for participation, but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the LCIHA. However, if the player member is an adult member (seventeen years of age) in good standing, said player member shall be eligible for management and related activities provided other provisions of the by-laws are followed.
§ Any person actively interested in furthering the objective of the LCIHA may become a regular member as hereinafter provided as described herein. Regular members shall be issued a card numbered in sequential order annually.
§ All officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Coaches, Managers, Referees and other elected or appointed officials must be active regular members in good standing.
§ Any person may be elected as Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of all Directors present at any duly held meeting of the Board of Directors but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the local LCIHA.
§ Any person not a Regular Member who makes financial or other contributions to the LCIHA may by a majority vote of the Board of Directors become a Sustaining Member, but such person shall have no rights, duties, or obligations in the management of in the property of the Local League.
§ As used hereinafter, the word "MEMBER" shall mean a Regular Member unless otherwise stated.
· (a) Members, whether Regular or Player, shall neither be required to be nor prohibited from being affiliated with another organization or group other than the governing body which sanctions league play (USAHI) to qualify as members of the Local League.
· (b) All Board Members, Officers, Committee Members, Managers, and Regular Members shall not be actively engaged in promotion or operation of any other hockey association with the exception of the USAHI.
· Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors after being submitted findings by the infractions committee. The Board shall be required to uphold the recommendations of the Rules Committee unless said Committee has abused its discretion, and based its finding and/or conclusion on mistake of rules or by laws.
· The Board of Directors,
· (a) by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend, or terminate the membership or playing rights of any Member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interest of the LCIHA.
· (b) shall, in case of a Player Member, give notice to the coach of the team of which the player is a member. Said coach shall appear, in the capacity of an advisor, with the player before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such players to future participation subject to the provisions herein.
· (c) may by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, deny membership to individuals who have persistently acted in a manner that is in direct conflict with the stated mission and objectives, or who seek to undermine the fundamental principles on which the league is founded.
· Any member who participates in or in any way instigates a fight (by the referee's discretion) will be automatically suspended for eight games (with carry over to the next season in which the member registers with the league).
· Dues for Members will be fixed at such amounts as the Board of Directors shall determine prior to the beginning of any membership period.
· Members who fail to pay their fixed dues within thirty days from the time the same become due will be dropped from the rolls and shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership.
· A reasonable Hockey participation fee will be assessed to assure the operational continuity of the LCIHA. Refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis and are provided at the discretion of the LCIHA President.
· To promote a higher level of goaltender participation and assure a sufficient number of goalies in the O17 division, the Board may implement a "goalies-play-free" policy on a season-by-season basis.
· Notice of each seasonal General Membership Meeting shall be announced at the LCIHA website at least five (5) days in advance thereof setting forth the place, time and purpose of the meeting.
· General Membership Meetings shall take place at the start of each season and shall be open to the general membership.
· The Board of Directors shall conduct business meetings at a time and place as determined by the members of the Board, but no less than two (2) meetings per year. In emergencies, special meetings may be scheduled at the call of the President or by any two (2) elected Board members with notice given to all Board members at least (3) days prior to said meeting. No proxy votes will be accepted.
· Special meetings of the Members may be called by the Board of Directors or by the Secretary or President at their discretion. Upon the written request of three Members, the President shall call a special meeting to consider a specific subject. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the Members.
· The presence in person of one-third of the Board Members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum at a Board of Directors meeting.
· Only Regular Members shall be entitled to vote in an LCIHA election.
· Each candidate, to be eligible, must be a member in good standing and in attendance, or have submitted a signed statement indicating their willingness to serve if elected.
· If there is not a complete slate of candidates, nominations shall be accepted from the floor. Such nominees must be in attendance, or have submitted a signed statement indicating their willingness to serve if elected.
· Each member in good standing who is in attendance at the election shall be eligible to cast one (1) vote for each office. No proxy or mail ballots will be accepted.
· To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast in the annual election.
· Only one member per family shall serve on the Board of Directors at any given time.
· Management of the property and affairs of the LCIHA shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall be not less than five, nor more than twelve. The expansion to increase board membership from the original number of members at the time of incorporation shall be evaluated on an annual basis based on the number of player members registered or currently playing at the time. The decision to increase the number of board members shall rest with the discretion of the Board and shall be voted by a 2/3 majority of those Board Members present at a duly noticed meeting for that purpose. Directors, upon election, immediately enter upon the performance of their duties and shall continue in office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.
· Persons occupying or seeking position on the Board of Directors shall be regular or player members in good standing.
· If a vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, the remaining term may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.
· The President may request a regular meeting whenever it is deemed advisable.
· In the case of special meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matter not so stated may be acted upon at the meeting.
· One-third of the members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
· Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate. The Board may, in its discretion, allow appointment of committees to be designated by election by a majority of the coaches at a duly noticed coach’s meeting.
· Board of Directors has the power to enforce the rules of LCIHA, USA inline hockey, any local laws or administrative rules adopted by the Board of Directors, these bylaws and our articles of incorporation.
· The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meeting and the management of the Local League as it may deem proper. Unless otherwise stated all meetings shall comport with Roberts’ Rules of Order.
· The Board shall have the power by a two-third vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director, Officer, Commissioner, League Manager, Committee Member or related position of the Local League in accordance with procedure set forth in Article 3.Section 4.
· The Officers of the Local League shall consist of a President, Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, all of whom shall hold office for the coming year or until their successors are duly elected. All officers shall be voted upon by the Board of Directors at the first meeting called by the Board after the annual meeting.
· The Board of Directors may appoint such other Officers as it may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office.
· conducts the affairs of LCIHA and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
· presents a report of the condition of LCIHA at the annual meeting.
· communicates to the Board of Directors at regular scheduled meetings, such matters as deem appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of LCIHA.
· is responsible for the conduct of the LCIHA in strict conformity to the policies, principles, rules, and regulations of USAHI and the LCIHA as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued to the LCIHA by USAHI.
· designates in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of the LCIHA such contracts and leases as may have received the prior approval of the Board.
· executes all contracts or agreements as authorized by the Board of Directors. This shall include, but not be limited to
· (a) ensuring that the LCIHA stays in good standing with the USAHIL (sanctioning agreement) (see Article 9, section 1)
· (b) monitor and ensure currency in the Directors and Officers Liability insurance policy is in effect and renews on an annual or bi-annual basis
·
(c) fulfills the
· submits an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof.
· In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided he/she is authorized by the President of Board so to act, the Vice President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of that office, and shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President.
· Assure adequate advertisement of the registration deadlines, and disseminate all necessary registration forms.
· Responsible for obtaining and distributing team and individual awards at the end of each LCIHA season. Awards must be approved by a majority vote of the LCIHA Board of Directors. Awards are to include, but are not limited to
· (a) Team sportsmanship for all youth divisions
· (b) 1st and 2nd place awards to end of season tournament champions and runners up
· (c) Individual awards in each division (O17 optional) for
· i. Total points
· ii. Goals
· iii. Assists
· iv. Best goalie save percentage
· v. Most saves by a goalie
· responsible for recording the activities of the LCIHA and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists, and necessary records.
· performs such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
· maintains a list of all regular, sustaining, and honorary members and directors and give notice of all meetings of the LCIHA to the Board of Directors.
· keeps the minutes of the meetings of the members, the Board of Directors, and/or the executive Board of Directors and cause them to be recorded in the book kept for that purpose.
· conducts all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes, and resolutions not otherwise committed.
· notifies members, directors, and officers of their election for appointment.
· performs such duties as are herein specifically set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
· receives all monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository account approved by the Board of Directors.
· keeps records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the LCIHA, including the auxiliary, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks there for, having not less than two authorized signatures on each check.
· prepares an annual budget, under the direction of the President for approval by the Board of Directors prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.
· prepares an annual financial report, under the President’s direction, for submission to Membership and Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
· attend the annual Financial Training seminar required by the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department as relevant.
· prepare the following annual reports unless LCIHA retains the services of an accountant whereby these reports would be produced by said accountant:
· (a) a non-profit corporate report submitted to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission by the 5th month after the tax year end date of 6/30.
· (b) tax return for LCIHA submitted to the IRS by the 5th month after the tax year end date of 6/30.
· appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board.
· serves term of one year or until replaced.
· records all player transactions, maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof, and submit to the Secretary of filing.
· receives and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in checking residence and age eligibility.
· prepares the players list.
· prepares for the President’s signature and submission team rosters, including players claimed and the tournament team eligibility affidavit.
· coordinates and schedules sportsmanship orientation and training for coaches, players, and parents prior to the start of league play each season.
· conducts any and all activity necessary to facilitate orderly league play.
· ensures that all players participating in LCIHA events are PAYS compliant.
· has the authority to declare a forfeit for any team who plays an ineligible player (one whose PAYS training has expired).
· serves at the pleasure of the Board for a period of one year or until his successor shall be appointed.
· reviews and advise the Board of Directors of all matters under his jurisdiction.
· conducts or cause to be conducted the annual or seasonal tryouts, player draft and all other player transactions or selection meetings.
· presides over all meetings of divisional commissioners and report those findings to the Board of Directors.
· presides and attend all meetings of the Infractions Committee and report to the Board of Directors on its findings.
· investigates complaints, irregularities, and conditions detrimental to LCIHA and report thereon to the Board of Directors as circumstances warrant.
· conducts any and all activity necessary to facilitate orderly league play.
· conducts abuse screening as mandated by USAHI for all coaches, referees and adults that have contact with the youth of our league.
· appointed by the Board of Directors
· responsible for scheduling all games, practices, scrimmages, tournaments, and referees in coordination with the Team Managers
· maintains the Master Schedule for the entire season
· provides complete schedules to the Team Managers
· other duties as outlined by the Board of Directors
· appointed by the Board of Directors, and responsible for player registrations prior to team tryouts
· submits the registration documents for individual players, team coaches, teams, and other documentation as required by USA Hockey InLine
· responsible for the registration of teams for tournaments;
· perform such other related duties as the President or the Board of Directors may direct.
· His/Her term shall last until replaced or appointed in a like manner the following year.
· monitors the City of Las Cruces’ PAYS program for youth parents/guardians
· keeps a list of all youth players and the PAYS training dates for their parents/guardians
· provides a list of players to individual coaches who require PAYS training completion by their parents/guardians a month in advance of the PAYS expiration date
· appointed by the Board of Directors
· responsible to make available the materials and support required by the teams and their coaches to assure a safe and successful game or practice, as outlined by the Board of Directors.
· responsible for the purchase, distribution, maintenance and detailed record keeping of all of the Association's physical assets and other related duties as outlined by the Board of Directors.
· His/Her term shall last until replaced or reappointed in a like manner the following year.
· statisticians will be appointed by the Board of Directors
· one individual will serve as the head statistician, and will be responsible for the weekly accumulation and processing of game summaries with the final results sent to the webmaster for posting to the website
· responsible for maintaining game statistics
· responsible for maintaining association website as defined by the Board of Directors.
· Any vacant positions can be fulfilled by, or appointed by the Board of Directors until the next annual meeting.
· Head of Referees shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The term of the Head of Referees shall be one year or until replaced.
· The Head of Referees shall:
· insure all referees receive proper certification prior to start of league play.
· maintain a list of certified referees qualified to serve as referee in the LCIHA, and schedule those individuals for each game, assuring that no individual serves as a referee for a league game in a division at or above the level in which they participate (with the exception of the U17 division).
· apprise Commissioner, Board, and all associate referees on any changes in rule or penalty assessment change from the Sanctioning Body.
· make suggestions regarding interpretation of rules to the Board of Directors.
· serve as a member in the AHA Rules and/or Infractions Committee.
· The Infractions Committee shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board.
· The Infractions Committee shall be composed of one member from each age division, the League Commissioner and Head of Referees. The League Commissioner shall preside over the committee and shall serve as its chairman. The Infractions Committee Members representing the age division shall be nominated by the Coaches from within the division that the nominee Coaches. The Board of Directors shall vote on the elections of nominee members or appoint the nominee in the event that only one person is nominated.
· The Infractions Committee findings, rulings, and/or sanctions may be appealed to the Board of Directors within ten days of the decision of the Infractions Committee. The Board of Directors shall not overturn the decision of the Infractions Committee unless the Committee has abused its discretion or based its findings on mistake of rules or law.
· The Infractions Committee shall:
· (a) preside over all matters involving interpretation rules of play and conduct.
· (b) issue reprimands, infractions, suspensions, and disciplinary conduct for the players and coaches, assistant coaches, referees, and like personnel to the Board of Directors.
· (c) submit all reprimands, suspensions, and disciplinary conduct findings in writing.
· The Infractions Committee shall investigate and provide ruling regarding corrective action on all matters involving reports of (i) coaches, players, or referees found to be under the influence of alcohol at a LCIHA event, (ii) consumption of alcohol by coaches, players, or referees at an LCIHA event, and (iii) mistreatment of players.
· If all matters to resolve the dispute fail, the final appeal will be made directly to the chair of the CLC Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
· The Special Projects Committee shall be composed of at least one regular member and other volunteers of at least one regular member and other volunteers appointed by the Board of Directors. The Special Projects Committee shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The duties of the Special Projects Committee include:
· coordinating and managing fund raising activities for the LCIHA.
· receiving and reviewing requests for scholarships of LCIHA player members for LCIHA membership fees, USA Inline Hockey membership, participation fees or other cost bearing items as related to participation in LCIHA.
· working with the Commissioner League Manager and/or other Board of Director designees regarding marketing and promotion of the LCIHA.
· recruiting and organize volunteers.
· any and all other activities conducive to the facilitation of league play as requested by the Board of Directors.
· The committee shall be formed biennially at least thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting.
· The committee shall consist of the Team Managers of each age division and the Chairperson selected from among the members by the Board of Directors.
· The committee members shall canvas their own team parents, in a combined effort, to obtain a single complete slate of candidates for each Board position.
· The committee shall present at least one nominee for each office to the Board of Directors at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting. This slate will then be distributed to each member in good standing at least seven (7) days prior to the Annual Membership Meeting with a notice of said meeting.
· The Chair of the Nominating/Election Committee shall present the slate of candidates for each office at the Annual General Membership Meeting at which time the election shall be held under his or her direction.
· The Chairperson and the Secretary shall be responsible for tabulating the votes.
· The Sport Development Committee shall be composed of one Regular Member, and other members or volunteers appointed by the Board of Directors. The Sport Development Committee shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The term of Committee Members shall be one year or until they have been replaced. The duties of the Sport Development Committee shall include:
· investigation and analysis of National Sanctioning Bodies and the benefits afforded by said Bodies to the LCIHA.
· investigation and analysis of the promotion of inline and/or ice hockey as an accredited college sport.
· investigation and analysis of the promotion of inline and/or ice hockey in local or regional school systems.
· working with other prospective markets for promotion and play of in-line and/or roller hockey.
· The LCIHA shall annually apply for a charter from USAHI which has as its main purpose the promotion of roller and ice hockey leagues, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter.
· The LCIHA shall devote its energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program.
· The official playing rules and regulations as published by USAHI shall be binding on the LCIHA unless otherwise adopted by the LCIHA and made a part of LCIHA by-laws.
· The local rules of this LCIHA League shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to the first scheduled game of the season.
· Local rules beyond those cited by the sanctioning organization (USAHI) are as follows:
· Any participant receiving three penalties in a single game will automatically receive a game misconduct penalty. The attending referee will prepare a written statement for the board of directors concerning the incident, which will subsequently be forwarded to the Infractions Committee for further consideration.
· A bench minor penalty will be issued to any team having non-player/coaches behind their bench area. It is the responsibility of the team to assure friends and family are properly seated on the south side of the courts.
· Profanity is a penalty.
· A Game Misconduct penalty will result in an automatic suspension from the remainder of the current game, as well as for the team's next scheduled game.
· Except for the O17 league, game referees must play at least one league level above the level in which they referee.
· If the scheduled Referees are not present at game time, and certified referees are not available both teams forfeit, no game will be played.
· Inappropriate conduct by any League Member directed toward any other League Member is to be reported to the Board Point of Contact for referral to the Infractions Committee. Inappropriate conduct by any non-member spectator directed towards any League Member or other non-league member should be immediately directed to a league officer or board member.
· The LCIHA has the authority to suspend spectator privileges if inappropriate conduct is reported. Spectators will be asked to leave the property (not just the fenced area), and can be suspended from future the access to the property during league-sanctioned events (games and practices) by the league under the P.A.Y.S. agreement.
· The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the Local League after budget approval by the Board of Directors, and it shall place all income including auxiliary funds, in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
· The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit some for the common treasurer of LCIHA, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the LCIHA.
· The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of the LCIHA unless all of the funds so raised be placed in the LCIHA treasury.
· The Board shall not permit disbursement of LCIHA funds for other than the conduct of LCIHA in association with the rules and policies of said league.
· No director, officer, or member of LCIHA shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation, or emolument from the LCIHA for services rendered as director, officer, or member.
· All monies received, including auxiliary funds shall be deposited to the credit of the LCIHA in a nationally or state chartered bank or savings institution in good financial standing and all disbursement shall be made by checks. All checks shall be signed by the LCIHA Treasurer and such other officer or officers or person or persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.
· The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on the first day of July and shall end on the last day of June.
· Upon dissolution of the LCIHA and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the members shall distribute the property of the LCIHA to such other organization or organizations maintaining an objective similar to that set forth herein, which are or may be entitled to exemption under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.
· The LCIHA will be composed of five age-based divisions as follows:
·
10 years of age and under (U10)
12 years of age and under (U12)
14 years of age and under (U14)
17 years of age and under (U17)
17 years of age and over (O17)
17 years of age and over, women (O17w)
· Beginning Spring 2003 season, participants in the U12, U14, and U17 division will be drafted onto teams as follows:
· Teams existing during the Fall 2002 season are grand-fathered into the league, provided that both "age" and "returning team" requirements are met as discussed below.
· Draft order for youth teams will be as follows:
· non-returning (new) teams;
· teams moving up from a lower age group coaching a non-returning team;
· returning teams.
· The draft order of non-returning teams will be determined by drawing lots. Draft order for returning teams will be ordered by the previous, regular- season record; the team with the worst record will have the first draft selection.
· A returning team must have 5 or more returning players. A returning player is a player that has played in the LCIHA in the previous calendar year.
· The head coach of a returning team can be the prior year coach or any other coach as long as the addition of a new head coach does not add a player to the team.
· Each player (and only the player or his/her parents) has the right to say that he is or is not going to be on the returning team. The player must exercise this right prior to the draft by contacting the board in writing. The coach does not have the right to reject players; that is, a coach takes all of the players who desire to be on a returning team.
· A coach cannot combine 2 returning teams to form one team.
· Late registrants forfeit their returning player status and will be assigned to teams by the Board of Directors.
· The head coach’s child is not included in the draft roster, but is automatically on the team of his parent/guardian. Assistant coach’s children are included in the draft. An assistant coach’s children are not guaranteed to any team, so if a head coach wants a certain assistant, he will need to draft the assistant’s child as soon as possible.
· O17 teams will be drafted new each season with the intention of distributing talent evenly among the teams.
· No participant may be both a Player and a Coach on the same team except in the O17 division.
· Any team formation matters not specifically addressed in the stated by-laws or that would adversely affect a child or the league shall be brought to the Board of Directors for ruling.
Robert's Rules of Order, Revised (1915) shall govern the proceedings of all meetings of the Association and its constituent parts, except as may be provided in these bylaws. A summary of Robert's Revised Rules is available.
This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.