WILSON YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE - BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE 1:  OFFICES

1.1 - The principle office of the League shall be in the Town of Wilson, County of Niagara, State of New York.

1.2 - The mailing address of the league shall be:

 

Post Office Box 144  Wilson, New York, 14172

or

3720 Wilson Cambria Road   Wilson, New York, 14172

until changed by the League.

 

ARTICLE 2: NAME, PURPOSE, PHILOSOPHY

2.1 - Name

The name of the League shell be "Wilson Youth Soccer League", also known as "WYSL".

2.2 - Purpose and Philosophy

The WYSL is organized to:
 

1. Provide a positive environment to teach and develop the game of soccer to all participants; 

2. Stress that the effort put forth by the participants is more important than the game outcome;

3. Provide a mechanism to teach the importance of fair play and sportsmanship. This will be taught actively by the coaching staff and demonstrated by the coaches' behavior on, and off the field of play;

4. Provide a support mechanism for BWNYJSL travel, interscholastic and intramural teams of the school district;

5. Strive to find the best available coaches and provide development programs to further
   develop technical and coaching skills;

6. Provide the opportunity for parents to learn more about the sport, the rules, skills and
   practices of soccer so parents my further enjoy the game as a team sport; and,

7. Encourage each player to perform at his/her highest level and to contribute to the team's success. The League will provide opportunities for the development of individual and team skills.
    

ARTICLE 2.3: MEMBERSHIP

2.4 - Qualifications for Membership

Any person actively taking part in the operation of the WYSL in the area the league encompasses is considered a Member.

       .1 Players: Any players participating in any WYSL program are considered Members.

       .2 Coaches: Any person acting in the capacity of coach or manager is considered a     Member.

       .3 Referee: Any person active as a referee or referee coordinator is considered a Member.

       .4 Board Members: Any board Members, or their assistants, who are directly involved with the operation of the League are considered Members.

These members although not all voting members as defined in Article 5, shall enjoy all benefits offered by the League. Membership may also be determined by the League Board.


2.5 - Revocation

Membership can be revoked as determined by any section of these Bylaws. The following criteria will be adhered to:

       .1 The Member must be notified in writing of possible revocation. This letter must be approved by the WYSL Board prior to mailing;

       .2 The Member will have fourteen (14) days to respond to the letter;

       .3 An open discussion of the revocation will be scheduled at a general business meeting and put to a vote. A two thirds (2/3) majority vote will be required for revocation.

       .4 WYSL reserves the right of instant revocation in the case of extreme misconduct.

ARTICLE 3: LAWS

3.1 - All provisions of the laws of the State of New York, Niagara County, USYSA, NYSYSA, NYSWYSA and BWNYJSL shall take precedence over any action by WYSE

ARTICLE 4: WYSL BOARD

4.1 - The WYSL shall be managed by a League Board. Each Member shall be at least 18 years of age and a Member in good standing of the WYSL as determined by the Articles of these Bylaws.

4.2 - The Board shall consist of the following Members, subject to change by a Board vote:
 

Position:

President                                                                                                                                        Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
House League Manager
Travel Teams Manager
Girl's Travel Manager
Boy's Travel Manager
Tournament Chairperson
House and Travel Coaches
Referees
Others, defined by the Board

For definition of duties of officers, refer to Article 6, for other Members, refer to Addendum 1.


4.3 - Officers of the Board

The President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be considered officers of the WYSL Board. These officers will conduct the everyday business of the WYSL. The duties of each are described in Article 6 of these Bylaws. Positions may be added or removed by a vote of the Board.

4.4 - Duties of the Board

The Board, through its Membership, shall be the sole governing body of the WYSL.

4.5 - Responsibilities of the Board

      .1 Assure that the Articles of these Bylaws are adhered to by all persons involved with WYSL

      .2 with a positive nature, promote the position of the WYSL,

      .3 by a majority vote, rule on any action or transaction (major) involving the WYSL, and,

      .4 assure that the officers are performing their duties along the guidelines set forth in these articles.

4.6 - Term of the Board: Board Members are voluntary and will have no set term. Vacancies will be filled by approval of the existing Board.

Officers will be elected yearly, as defined in Article 6.

ARTICLE 5 : OFFICERS

5.1 - Board Members of the WYSL shall not hold more than two (2) offices at the same time and cannot hold dual offices for actions by the Board or for countersigning documents. A person holding dual offices has only one vote at WYSL board meetings.

5.2 - Any officer or Board Member may receive a salary if such is fixed by the Board.

5.3 - The Officers of WYSL shall be elected yearly, as defined in Article 6.8 and their terms shall be unbounded by time.

5.4 - President: The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the WYSE The President shall be responsible for the general management of the League. The President is also responsible for assuring that all decisions of the WYSL Board are carried out. The President will preside over all business meetings, if available. The President will not have a vote at any general meeting except to break a tie. The President will assume all responsibilities of the Treasurer if the Treasurer is unavailable, disabled or resigns. The President will assume this position until the Treasurer returns or a new Treasurer is elected or appointed by the Board.

5.5 - Vice President: The Vice President assumes all powers of the President in his/her absence, disability or unavailability. The Vice President will assume this position until the President is available or a new one is elected or appointed by the Board. The Vice President will also assume the duties of the Secretary (taking minutes) if the Secretary is not present at a Board meeting.

5.6 - Treasurer: The Treasurer shall have the responsibility of the care and custody of all finances and securities and assets of the WYSL The Treasurer shall deposit, in banks assigned by the WYSL, all cash funds except those necessary to manage day-to-day issues.
The Treasurer shall provide, at each Board meeting, a verbal report of the cash position of the WYSE This report will be a detailed list of expenses, liabilities and other transactions.
The Treasurer will provide a written statement of finances as soon as possible after the end of each calendar year.

The Board shall empower a committee of not less than three (3) people to audit the Wilson Youth Soccer League books. The Board may also empower the use of a private auditor in place of committee, if need is warranted.

This audit shall take place as soon as possible after the end of each calendar year.
If the Treasurer is unavailable for a Board meeting, a Treasurer's Report will be communicated to the President.

5.7 Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the meeting minutes, correspondence and public notices, as required to meet the business of the WYSL.
If unavailable for a Board meeting, the last month's minutes will be communicated to the Vice President.

5.8 Election of Officers: The offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected offices; each with a one (1) year term.
The election process shall be:

     .1 A Nominating Committee shall be empowered by the Board at the September Board meeting;

     .2 The Nominating Committee shall present selections at the October Board meeting. At that time candidates may be proposed and seconded from the floor. Nominees shall be present at the October meeting or proof of their agreement to stand shall be presented.

     .3 A vote of all Board Members shall elect these offices at the November Board meeting; and,

     .4 The term of office will start at the December Board meeting.

5.9 - Vacancies: Vacancies or newly created offices occurring on the Board shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board Members present at a regular Board meeting of the WYSL.

Any person appointed to fill an unexpired or newly created vacancy shall hold that term for the remainder of the unexpired term or until yearly elections are held·

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS

6.1 - Monthly meetings will be held on the first Sunday of each month at 7:00 pm with the exception of holidays· Other meeting times may be established by the Board.

6.2 - Meetings will be held at various locations until a permanent site is designated.

6.3 - Special meetings pertaining to the business needs of WYSL may be called by the President or the President's designee, as required.

6.4 - Attendance is expected of all Board Members at each scheduled Board meeting·

6.5 - The President will preside over ail monthly meetings unless unavailable. If the President is unavailable, the Vice President will assume the duties. If neither is available, the meeting will be rescheduled.

6.6 The Order of Business at all regular meetings is:

     .1 Roll call of voting Members

     .2 Minutes of last meeting read

     .3 Treasurer's report

     .4 Correspondence read

     .5 Reports by Committees

     .6 Reports by Officers

     .7 Old business

     .8 New business

     .9 Tournament report

     .10 Travel League Manager report

     .11 Comment

     .12 Adjournment

6.7 - Voting: All Board Members, including Officers, will have one (1) vote except the President, who can only cast a tie-breaking vote.

At monthly Board meetings, a vote on any major actions or transactions will be taken. Simple actions or transactions affecting the everyday running of the WYSL may be carried on without a vote with Board approval at its next general meeting.

A simple majority rules for such voting.

A quorum of at least five (5) Board Members is necessary for a vote. This does not include the President. A quorum is needed to elect Officers.

Balloting will be by show of hands. Secret balloting may be requested for any matter or election. If such is the case, the President shall appoint a committee of at least three (3) persons to tabulate the votes and report the results.


6.8 - Team Representatives: Each team is encouraged to send a representative to the Board meetings to act as a spokesperson for the team and may raise any issues, offer assistance, etc. to the Board, as may be necessary.

6.9 - Confidentiality: All matters discussed at a WYSL meeting shall be handled with discretion. Information released to the public shall have approval of the Board.

6.10 - For business purposes, the financial year will start on the first day of January of each year.

ARTICLE 7: COMMITTEES

The Board shall establish, at its discretion, Committees necessary to conduct the business of the WYSL.

Committees should be established to:

7.1 Improve the effectiveness of the organization relative to the pursuit of special continuing projects.

     .1 WYSL Tournament - Tournament Chairperson and Vice Chairperson will organize, manage and document procedures and results of the annual tournament.

     .2 Special Funds - Committee set up to allot funds derived from the WYSL Tournament to special interest areas related to soccer.

7.2 - Improve communication and execution of events of the WYSL.

7.3 - Provide a focus on a particular issue as necessary to conduct business or resolve disputes within the business of the WYSL

These Committees can be empowered, as necessary and determined by the Board, to include the approval of spending within specified limits, as outlined during the creation of said Committee. These Committees and limitations are subject to change by the Board.

ARTICLE 8: SPONSORSHIP, FUNDING

8.1 The WYSL will not provide:

·    .1 - Financial aid for:

           .1 - Individual team parties;

           .2 - Non-Members for Non-Member activities;

           .3 - Coach's Misconduct Fines; and,

           .4 - Individual aid or support, except as specifically outlined.

     .2 - Supplies, uniforms and equipment for the scholastic teams of any school district, unless donated in lieu for use of facilities.


8.2 The WYSL will provide:

     .1 - Equipment and supplies necessary to carry out team events

     .2 - Trophies, awards and patches;

     .3 - Scholarships;

     .4 - Financial aid for disadvantaged Members, as approved by the Board;

     .5 - Supplies and uniforms of teams within the scope and individual approval of the WYSL

     .6 - An annual all team party (last night);

     .7 - Soccer oriented education material for use of area residents;

     .8 - Special funds or donations of materials for use of services or facilities from other organizations;

     .9 - Tuition or fees for courses or clinics that benefit the League or its Members, with prior approval of the Board; and,

     .10 - A Coach's party at the end of the season, subject to Tournament funds available and approval of the Board.

 

ARTICLE 9: POLICIES

9.1 - House League: The following guidelines are recommendations only, and they may be modified by the House League Manager as required.

     .1 - Age Limits: Ages permitted to play: minimum 5 years old by May 1, maximum 14 on Dec. 31 of the season year.

For example, for the 1993 season, the children eligible to play are children born before May 1 1988 (which ensures the child is at least 5 years old by the beginning of the season), and children born on or after January 1, 1979 (which ensures the child would be no older than 14 years and 5 months by the beginning of the season).

    

      .2 - Divisions: The children are divided by age into four different divisions, Minis, Intermediates, Juniors and Seniors.

      .3 - Minis: The youngest two year group (for example in 1993 - 88's and 87's).

      .4 - Intermediates: The next youngest two year group (for example in 1993 - 86's and 85's).

      .5 - Juniors: The next youngest two year group (for example in 1993 - 84's and 83's).

      .6 - Seniors: The oldest four year group (for example in 1993 - 82's, 81's, 80's and 79's).
 

Within each division the children are divided into teams, preferably either four or six teams in each division. The choosing of the teams is done by three or four knowledgeable people taking the sign up forms and putting them in order by ability and dealing them out to each team in turn so as far as possible the teams will be of equal ability. Requests for "being on the same team as ..... "are honored as far as possible so long as the children involved are within the same age group. As far as possible each team should have similar age grouping and similar boy/girl split.

The number of teams in each age group will vary from year to year as it is a function of the number signing up in that age group.

       .7 - Team Size:

              .1 - Minis: Recommended maximum of five (5) players on the field (including the goalkeeper). Recommended maximum of ten (10) players per team. Minimum seven (7) or eight (8).

              .2 - Intermediates: Recommended maximum of eight (8) players on the field (including the goalkeeper). Recommended maximum of sixteen (16) players per team. Minimum eleven (11 ) or twelve (12).

              .3 - Juniors: Recommended maximum of nine (9) players on the field (including the
goalkeeper). Recommended maximum of (18) players per team. Minimum twelve (12)
or thirteen (13).

              .4 - Seniors: Maximum of eleven (11) players on the field (including the goalkeeper). Recommended maximum of (18) players per team. Minimum fourteen (14) or fifteen (15).

        .8 - Playing Time: Each player should receive an equal amount of playing time. Under no circumstance should a player play less than half the game.

        .9 - Game Duration: Games are a nominal one hour long and are divided into four equal quarters. Breaks between quarters are the minimum required to make substitutions.

      .10 - Game Times:

               .1 - Minis: Games are played from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

               .2 - Intermediates, Juniors and Seniors: Games are played from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm and from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.


      .11 - Substitutions: All substitutions are made during the breaks between quarters except a substitution may be made for an injured player.

      .12 - Field Size, Markings and Goal Size:

                .1 - Minis: The field size is 45 yards long by 25 yards wide. The goal area is 9 feet deep by 12 feet wide. The goal size is 6 feet wide by 4 feet high.

                .2 - Intermediates and Juniors: The field size is 75 yards long by 45 yards wide. The goal area is 10 yards deep by 22 yards wide. The goal size is 18 feet wide by 6 feet high·

                .3 - Seniors: Full size field and goals.

       .13 - Schedule:

                .1 - Minis: All teams play a game every Monday and Wednesday in the months of June and July (excluding Holidays). All teams practice for half an hour before their game, and play a 1 hour long game. Practice is from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm and the games are from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

                .2 - Intermediates, Juniors and Seniors: All teams are either playing or practicing from 6~30 pm to 8:30 pm every Monday and Wednesday in the months of June and July (excluding holidays). All teams play a game every Monday and Wednesday. The games are I hour long games~ from 6:30 .pm to 7:30 pm (early game) or 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (late game)· All teams practice for I hour either before their game (if they have a late game) or after their game (if they have an early game).

       .14 - Coaching Philosophy:

                Coaches should:

• Be enthusiastic.

• Be good sports.

• Be fair.

• Set a good example to players and parents.

• Ensure equal playing time.

• Be more focused on player development than the score in the game.

• Play players in aft the different positions.
  
  Game scores are not recorded and standings are not kept to reduce pressure on coaches and players
   

9.2 - Travel Teams:

        .1 - Teams may be entered into the Buffalo and Western New York Junior Soccer League at the following age levels: U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17 and U19 for both boys and girls.

        .2 - Annual tryouts will be held for all travel teams. Tryouts should be open to all and the date of the tryout should be publicized beforehand. Coaches are responsible for organizing the tryouts and for team selection.

        .3 - League colors will be determined by the Board. All teams will wear the same color uniform.

        .4 - Board approval is required for sponsorship or team fund raising activities. Fund raising will be permitted only for specific purposes outside the normal scope of activities. Sponsorship of teams by businesses will be permitted at the Board's discretion; however, business logos placed on uniforms shall be discrete.

9.3 - Indoor Teams:

        .1 - Indoor teams will be organized under the guidance of the board.

        .2 - Teams may be entered into any indoor league sanctioned by NYSWYSA.

        .3 - Teams may be entered at various age levels, boys and/or girls providing there are enough players and coaches to enter viable teams.

        .4 - Premier level, select level, or recreational level teams may be organized to accommodate players of varying abilities. Coaches will determine the number of players on their teams.

        .5 - Team coaches or managers will be responsible for all finances regarding their team. All registration, referee, uniform fees and costs will be paid by the teams directly to the indoor
league or other vendor as appropriate.

        .6 - Each indoor team is free to chose their own uniform and to obtain sponsorship subject to approval of the Board.

 

ARTICLE 11: AMENDMENTS

        .1 - Any proposed amendment to the constitution, or any change of the by-laws, must be presented at a regular meeting at least thirty (30) days before such proposed amendment or change shall be voted upon. A majority assenting vote of votes cast shall be necessary before it can be written into the constitution and by-laws. The secretary shall send written copies of any proposed amendments to the constitution, or change of the by-laws, to all members no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the regular meeting at which such change or amendments) will be voted on.

        .2 - The by-laws shall be reviewed by a duly appointed committee at least every five (5) years.

 

ARTICLE 12: DISPOSITION OF LEAGUE ASSETS

        .1 - In the event of dissolution of the League, all assets, including real property, will be donated to the Wilson Central School District. No remuneration will be expected or accepted by any League member.


 

WILSON YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE BYLAWS

ADDENDUM 1

 

WYSL BOARD POSITIONS

1 - House League Manager

    1.1 - Will be responsible for the organization and operation of the WYSL House League.

         .1 - Through Committees or individuals, the House League Manager will:

              .1 - Organize Player signups;
              .2 - Register Players with the New York West Soccer Association;
              .3 - Secure Coaches;
              .4 - Set up Coach's training seminars;
              .5 - Divide Players into teams;
              .6 - Make schedules;
              .7 - Handle late signups and team placement;
              .8 - Purchase house league shirts;
              .9 - Make sure all details necessary for the first night are in place;
            .10 - Oversee the smooth operation of the weekly sessions, including
·                   .1 - Furnish corner flags, first aid kit and referee whistles for all house league
                          nights; and,
                    .2 - Schedule referees for house leagues.
            .11 - Acquire patches and refreshments for last night festivities;
            .12 - Organize last night festivities; and,
            .13 - Give a report on season at the August WYSL Board meeting.

 

2 - Travel Teams Manager

    2.1 - Will be responsible for coordination of all travel team activities, including:

             .1 - Represent the WYSL at the BWNYJSL monthly meeting and communicate            relevant information to the coaches;
             .2 - Player sign-ups and registration;
             .3 - Uniform purchases;
             .4 - Maintain overall travel team schedule and ensure no home conflicts exist;
             .5 - Maintain copies of player rosters for all travel teams; and,
             .6 - Secure qualified coaches.

3 - Girls' and Boys' Travel Managers (Two positions)

     3.1 - Will assist Travel Manager in his/her duties including securing coaches, player registration and uniform requirements.

4 - Tournament Chairperson

     4.1 Will organize the annual WYSL tournament.

5 - Equipment Manager

     5.1 - Will take an inventory of equipment in August of each year;
     5.2 - Will arrange for storage of all equipment when not in use;
     5.3 - Will purchase new equipment as required; and,
     5.4 - Will organize distribution and collection of equipment.

6 - Field Manager

     6.1 - Will arrange for field lining;
     6.2 - Will organize goal placement and net hanging in the Spring and removal in the Fall;
     6.3 - Will maintain goals and nets.

7 - Publicity Manager

     7.1 - Will handle all contact with newspapers, radio or television, as required.

8 - Camp Manager

     8.1 - Will coordinate all camp related activities.