LEAGUE ID 232-18-09
THIS NOTE BY D. MUNITZ 9/25/09: This RLL Constitution was approved by the General Members at the annual General Membership Meeting held Monday, September 14th 2009; no changes were introduced to this document at the meeting. As per Article V, Section 6 (b), at this meeting the general members voted to allow up to twenty-one board positions for the 2009-2010 period.
At the first meeting of the new board on Thursday September 24, 2009, Bill Mauriello was elected president by the new board and all questions or concerns about this document should be addressed to his attention. His contact information is posted on the RamapoLittleLeague.org website.
ARTICLE I - NAME
This organization shall be known as the RAMAPO Little League, hereinafter referred to as "Local League."
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE
SECTION 1
The objective of the Local League shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens.
SECTION 2
To achieve this objective, the Local League will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. 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 Local League shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball and softball 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.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1
Eligibility. Any person sincerely interested in active participation to further the objective of this Local League may apply to become a Member.
SECTION 2
Classes. There shall be the following classes of Members:
(a) Player Members. Any player candidate meeting the requirements of Little League Regulation IV shall be eligible to compete for participation. Player Members shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the Local League.
(b) Regular Members. Any adult person actively interested in furthering the objectives of the Local League may become a Regular Member, subject to submitting a volunteer application form and its approval by the board of directors and volunteering a minimum of 10 hours of work, assigned by the board of directors, for the Ramapo Little League. The secretary shall maintain the roll of membership to qualify voting members.
Only Regular Members in good standing are eligible to vote at General Membership Meetings. All Officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires and other elected or appointed officials must be active Regular Members in good standing.
Note: Regular Members of the league automatically include all current Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires, Board Members, Officers of the Board and any other person who is recognized by the Board as a volunteer in the Local League
(c) The Ramapo Little League will not recognize any membership in the league other than Regular Members.
(d) As used hereinafter, the word "Member" shall mean a Regular Member unless otherwise stated.
SECTION 3
Other Affiliations.
(a) Members, whether Regular or Player, shall not be required to be affiliated with another organization or group to qualify as members of the Local League.
(b) Regular Members should not be actively engaged in the promotion and/or operation of any other baseball/softball program.
SECTION 4
Suspension or Termination. Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors as follows.
(a) The Board of Directors, upon obtaining a quorum, by a two-thirds vote of those voting board members present at any duly constituted Board meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of any class, including managers and coaches, when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of the Local League and/or Little League Baseball. The Member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
(b). A Board Member may have their board position status put under review, at the discretion of the Executive Committee or President, by the Board for actions involving, but not limited to: poor attendance at scheduled board meetings, failure to perform duties as assigned by the board and inappropriate conduct at board and/or league meetings.
(c) The Board of Directors shall, in case of a Player Member, give notice to the manager of the team for which the player is a Player Member. Said manager shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player before the Board of Directors or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors. The player’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may also be present. The Board of Directors shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player's right to future participation by two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting (quorum is required).
ARTICLE IV - DUES FOR REGULAR MEMBERS (NOT PLAYERS)
SECTION 1
Dues for Regular Members may be fixed at such amounts as the Board of Directors shall determine for a particular fiscal year. (See Article XI, Section 7 for fiscal year of this league.) Note: Dues for Regular Members are separate from registration fees for Player Members, which are determined annually by the Board of Directors in accordance with Regulation XIII (c). If no dues for Regular Membership are collected, Section 2 below does not apply.
SECTION 2
Regular Members who fail to pay their fixed dues within (choose one) ...
0 ten (10) 0 fourteen (14) 0 twenty one (21) 0 thirty (30) ________________ (other)
... day(s) of application to become a member may, by majority vote of the Board present at a Board meeting, be dropped from the rolls and shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership.
ARTICLE V - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
SECTION 1
Definition. A General Membership Meeting is any meeting of the membership of the league (including Special General Membership Meetings, Section 7). A minimum of one per year (Annual Meeting, see Section 6) is required.
SECTION 2
Notice of Meeting. Notice of each General Membership Meeting shall be delivered personally, electronically or by mail to each Member at the last recorded address at least ten (10) days in advance of the meeting, setting forth the place, time and purpose of the meeting. In lieu of the above methods, notice may be given in such form as may be authorized by the Members, from time to time, at a regularly convened General Membership Meeting.
SECTION 3
Quorum. At any General Membership Meeting, the presence in person or representation by absentee ballot of one fifth (20 percent) of the members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, no business shall be conducted.
SECTION 4
Voting. Only Regular Members shall be entitled to make motions and vote at General Membership Meetings. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit and recognize guests for presentations or comments during General Membership Meetings. (Those eligible to take part at meetings of the Board of Directors are described in Article VI, Section 4.)
Note: All persons running for a board position and listed on the league election ballot may attend the general membership election meeting.
SECTION 5
Absentee Ballot. For the expressed purpose of accommodating a Regular Member in good standing who cannot be in attendance at the Annual Meeting, or any General Membership Meeting at which new Board members will be elected, an absentee ballot may be requested and obtained from the Secretary of the League. The absentee ballot shall be properly completed, signed and returned in a sealed envelope to the Secretary prior to the date of the election. The Secretary shall present all absentee ballots to the Election Chairman (appointed at the meeting) on the date of the meeting, prior to the voting portion of the election process. The ballot, at the discretion of the league member, may also be sent and received electronically (ex., e-mail) by the Secretary or a member of the board chosen by the President.
SECTION 6
Annual Meeting of the Members. The Annual Meeting of the Members of the Local League shall be held 2nd Wednesday of September 8 PM each year, or if school or holiday conflicts arise, within four (4) weeks before or two (2) weeks after date (but not later than September 30th) for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors, receiving reports, reviewing the Constitution, appointing committees, and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting.
(a) The Membership shall receive at the Annual Meeting of the Members of the Local League a report, verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Directors, showing:
(1) The condition of the Local League, to be presented by the President or his/her designate;
(2) A general summary of funds received and expended by the local league for the previous year, the amount of funds currently in possession of the local league, and the name of the financial institution in which such funds are maintained;
(3) The whole amount of real and personal property owned by the Local League, where located, and where and how invested;
(4) For the year immediately preceding, the amount and nature of the property acquired, with the date of the report and the manner of the acquisition, the amount applied, appropriated or expended, and the purposes, objects or persons to or for which such applications, appropriations or expenditures have been made;
(5) The names of the persons who have been admitted to regular membership in the Local League during such year. This report shall be filed with the records of the Local League and entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting. A copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League Headquarters.
(b) At the Annual Meeting, the Members shall determine the number of Directors (a.k.a. voting board members) to be elected for the ensuing year and shall elect such number of Directors to represent them using a standard method of voting with one vote per candidate up to the maximum number of number of directors approved by the Members. The number of Directors elected shall be not less than six (6). The number of voting board members who are not managers and/or coaches for the spring season of that year must be more than the number of voting board members who are managers and/or coaches as per the rules of Little League baseball and therefore the voting of elected board member may be reduced as necessary if this majority requirement can not be met – such changes will be made by a vote of the board elected at the general meeting prior to approving any managers or coaches for the following season in such a way that maximizes representation of the Members and the needs of the board to meet quorum requirements.
(c) Any candidate wanting their name on the league’s board of director’s ballot should notify the President or Secretary in writing before the league’s board election general membership meeting.
(d) After the Board of Directors is elected, the Board shall meet to elect the officers. After the election, the Board of Directors shall assume the performance of its duties on 2nd Wednesday of September. The Board’s term of office shall continue until its successors are elected and qualified under this section.
(e) The Officers of the Board of Directors shall include, at a minimum, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, one or more Player Agents and a Safety Officer. The Board shall also include a minimum of one manager and one volunteer umpire. Only volunteer umpires may be elected to the Board.
(f) The Directors shall assign responsibility to the following board positions first among the Directors themselves and then as necessary to other volunteers who have expressed interest in the positions and are approved by the board:
1. President.
2. Vice President.
3. Secretary.
4. Treasurer.
5. Player Agent.
6. Safety Officer.
7. Umpire-in-Chief.
8. Tournament Director.
9. Fundraising Director.
10. League Information Officer.
11. Big/Senior/Junior League Division Commissioner.
12. Major League Division Commissioner.
13. Minor League Division Commissioner.
14. Rookie League Division Commissioner.
15. Pony League Division Commissioner.
16. T-Ball Division Commissioner.
17. Fall Ball Division Commissioner.
18. Grounds Director.
19. District 18 Liaison.
SECTION 7
Special General Membership Meetings. Special General Membership 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 ten (10) Members, the President or Secretary shall call a Special General Membership Meeting to consider the subject specified in the request. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any Special General Membership Meeting. Such Special General Membership Meeting shall be scheduled to take place not less than (choose one) ten (10) days after the request is received by the President or Secretary.
SECTION 8
Rules of Order for General Membership Meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all General Membership Meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of the Local League.
ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1
Authority. The management of the property and affairs of the Local League shall be vested in the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2
Increase in number. The number of Board of Directors so fixed at the Annual Meeting may be increased at any General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting of the Members. If the number is increased, the additional Directors may be elected at the meeting at which the increase is voted, or at any subsequent General Membership Meeting. All elections of additional Directors shall be by majority vote of all Regular Members present or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the Secretary prior to the election meeting.
SECTION 3
Vacancies. If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular Board meeting or at any Special Board Meeting called for that purpose. The board member filling the vacancy will have board voting privileges if the position filled is a board voting position.
Note: a board approved person, filling a vacancy, does not have to be approved by the general membership.
SECTION 4
Board Meetings, Notice and Quorum. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board.
(a) The President or the Secretary may, whenever they deem it advisable, or the Secretary shall at the request in writing of 3 Directors, issue a call for a Special Board Meeting. In the case of Special Board Meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not so stated may be acted upon at the meeting.
(b) Notice of each Board meeting shall be given by the Secretary personally, electronically or by mail to each Director at least 3 day(s) before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director.
(c) 51 % of the voting members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not present, no business shall be conducted.
(d) Any member of the Board of Directors may make a motion at meetings of the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit and recognize guests for presentations or comments during Board meetings.
SECTION 5
Duties and Powers. The 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 adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the Local League as it may deem proper, provided such rules and regulations do not conflict with this Constitution.
The Board shall have the power, upon a quorum, by a two-thirds vote of those voting Board Members present at any regular Board or Special Board Meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director or Officer or Committee Member of the Local League in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 4 (a, b).
SECTION 6
Rules of Order for Board Meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all Board of Directors meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of the Local League.
ARTICLE VII - DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD
SECTION 1
Appointments. The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each. Appointed officers or agents shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board by the general membership or have been elected by the general membership to fill a vacancy on the Board.
SECTION 2
President. The President shall:
(a) Conduct the affairs of the Local League and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
(b) Present a report of the condition of the Local League at the Annual Meeting.
(c) Communicate to the Board of Directors such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the Local League.
(d) Be responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued to the Local League by that organization.
(e) Designate in writing other officers, if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of the Local League such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board.
(f) Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the Local League and report thereon to the Board or Executive Committee as circumstances warrant.
(g) Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof.
(h) With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and support proof-of age documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection.
SECTION 3
Vice President. The Vice President shall:
(a) Perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President, provided he or she is authorized by the President or Board so to act. When so acting, the Vice President shall have all the powers of that office.
(b) Perform such duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President.
SECTION 4
Secretary. The Secretary shall:
(a) Be responsible for recording the activities of the Local League and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.
(b) Perform 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.
(c) Maintain a list of all Regular, Sustaining and Honorary Members, Directors and committee members and give notice of all meetings of the Local League, the Board of Directors and Committees.
(d) Issue membership cards to Regular Members, if approved by the Board of Directors.
(e) Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose.
(f) Conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meeting and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed.
(g) Notify Members, Directors, Officers and committee members of their election or appointment.
SECTION 5
Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:
(a) Perform such duties as are herein set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
(b) Receive all monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
(c) Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the Local League, including the Auxiliary, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with policies established in advance of such actions by the Board of Directors. All disbursements by check must have dual signatures.
(d) Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.
(e) Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting, and to Little League Headquarters.
SECTION 6
Player Agent. The Player Agent shall:
(a) Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof.
(b) Receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in verifying residence and age eligibility.
(c) Conduct the tryouts, the player draft and all other player transaction or selection meetings.
(d) Prepare the Player Agent's list.
(e) Prepare for the President's signature and submission to Little League Headquarters, team rosters, including players' claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit.
(f) Notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements or trades.
SECTION 7
Safety Officer. The Safety Officer shall:
(a) Be responsible to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for youngsters and all participants of Little League Baseball.
(b) Develop and implement a plan for increasing safety of activities, equipment and facilities through education, compliance and reporting.
NOTE: In order to implement a safety plan using education, compliance and reporting, the following suggestions may be utilized by the Safety Officer:
(1) Education - Should facilitate meetings and distribute information among participants including players, managers, coaches, umpires, league officials, parents, guardians and other volunteers.
(2) Compliance - Should promote safety compliance leadership by increasing awareness of the safety opportunities that arise from these responsibilities.
(3) Reporting - Define a process to assure that incidents are recorded, information is sent to league/district and national offices, and follow-up information on medical and other data is forwarded as available.
ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
SECTION 1
The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee which shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) Directors, one of whom shall be the President of the Local League.
SECTION 2
The Executive Committee shall advise with and assist the Officers of the Local League in all matters concerning its interests and the management of its affairs, and shall have such other powers as may be delegated to it by the Board, but in no event will the Executive Committee have authority over the Board of Directors.
SECTION 3
At any meeting of the Executive Committee, a majority of the total number of members then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Committee.
ARTICLE IX - OTHER COMMITTEES
SECTION 1
Finance Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a Finance Committee consisting of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) Directors. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Committee. The Committee shall investigate ways and means of financing the Local League including team sponsorships and submit recommendations.
It shall be responsible for taking up collections at games, if such collections are authorized by the Local League, and shall turn over said collections to the Treasurer immediately after each game.
SECTION 2
Grounds Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a Grounds Committee which shall be responsible for the care and maintenance of the playing field(s), buildings and grounds. It shall operate within the amount appropriated in the approved budget for that purpose.
Upon formation, this Committee’s duties will include:
1. prepare a field survey for presentation to the Board of the league’s fields
describing:
a. field dimensions.
b. field conditions.
2. prepare a report detailing field improvements.
SECTION 3
Umpire Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Umpire Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Regular Members. The Local League President shall be chairman of any such Committee. The Committee shall recruit, interview and recommend to the President for appointment a staff of umpires, including a chief umpire and replacements. When appointed, the staff of umpires shall be under the personal direction of the Local League President, assisted by the Chief Umpire who shall train, observe and schedule the staff.
SECTION 4
Auxiliary Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Auxiliary Committee consisting of the Local League Treasurer and two (2) other Directors and other appointed Regular Members. The Committee shall coordinate the activities of the Auxiliary. It shall review and evaluate auxiliary projects for raising money and disposition of profits, and make recommendations to the Board. The Board of Directors shall approve in advance all projects and actions of the Auxiliary.
SECTION 5
The Board may appoint other committees and define their purpose and duties as necessary.
ARTICLE X – AFFILIATION
SECTION 1
Charter. The Local League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter. The Local League shall devote its entire 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.
SECTION 2
Rules and Regulations. The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shall be binding on this Local League.
SECTION 3
Local Rules, Ground Rules and/or Bylaws. The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of this Local 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, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, nor shall they conflict with this Constitution. The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of this Local League shall expire at the end of each fiscal year, and are not considered part of this Constitution. (See Article XI, Section 7 for fiscal year of this league.)
ARTICLE XI - FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
SECTION 1
Authority. The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the Local League and it shall place all income including Auxiliary funds, in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of funds in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
SECTION 2
Contributions. The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit funds for the common treasury of the Local League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the Local League.
SECTION 3
Solicitations. The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball unless all of the funds so raised be placed in the Local League treasury.
SECTION 4
Disbursement of Funds. The Board shall not permit the disbursement of Local League funds for other than the conduct of Little League activities in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All disbursements shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the Local League Treasurer and such other officer or officers or person or persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.
SECTION 5
Compensation. No Director, Officer or Member of the Local League shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation or emolument from the Local League for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member.
SECTION 6
Deposits. All monies received, including Auxiliary Funds, shall be deposited to the credit of the Local League in/at BANK OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 7
Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on October 1 and shall end on September 30.
SECTION 8
Distribution of Property upon Dissolution. Upon dissolution of the Local League and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of the Local League to another Federally Incorporated entity which maintains the same objectives as set forth in Article II of this Constitution, which are or may be entitled to exemption under Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.
ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS
This Constitution may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote at any duly organized meeting of the Members provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting.
Draft of all proposed amendments shall be submitted to Little League Baseball, Incorporated, for approval before implementation.
This Constitution was approved by the RAMAPO Little League Membership on 9/24/2007.
President’s Name: William Mauriello
President’s Signature: William Mauriello
Date: 9/25/2009
Little League ID No 232-18-09
