Jr.

Pirate Sports Association

2014 Constitution and By-Laws

Approved & Rev. 3/4/14

Article I- Name and Dates of Origination A. This non-profit organization will be known as the JUNIOR PIRATE SPORTS ASSOCIATION hereinafter referred to as the JPSA. B. The Association was incorporated on July 31st, 2009 under the authority of the State of Missouri. C. As of September 24th, 2010 the JPSA became an organization exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of the federal tax code. Article II-Purpose Section 1 The objectives of the Jr. Pirate Sports Association are to provide the youth of the Pattonville School district the opportunity to play competitive full contact football in an organized and supervised environment. As established in 2009, our all-volunteer organization will teach the fundamentals of football, preparing participants for football at the High School level while also instilling the concepts of sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, respect, and balance in regards to family, education and athletics. Section 2 A future objective is to grow the associations community stature, its physical size--regarding the number of actual participantsand support other middle school athletic endeavors. Any exemptions offered by federal, state or local governments will be used only to facilitate our goals and objectives and will not materially enrich individuals, groups of individuals or businesses associated with Jr. Pirate Sports Association. Article III- Participation Eligibility Section 1-Eligibility Any person sincerely interested in active participation to achieve the objective of the JPSA may apply to become a member. A. To be eligible to participate in the JPSA 1. All youth football players must be between the ages of ten (10) and fourteen (14) by January 1st of the previous year as set forth by the JPSA 2. All players must be in the eighth grade or under. 3. All registration forms must be signed by the parents and/or legal guardian and turned into the Board. The registration form will include a release of liability in regards to any injuries sustained while participating in any league activities. 4 A parent and/or legal guardian, as a representative of the participating childs family, must also sign and comply with the JPSA Parents Code of Conduct before a registration can be considered completed. All Parents or Legal Guardians are expected to abide by the Parents Code of Conduct. 5. All parents or guardians are expected to maintain current and adequate health insurance to insure proper treatment in case of injury or emergency.

Section 2- Classes of Participation There shall be the following classes of members. A. Board of Directors B. Head Coaches C. Assistant Coaches D. Parent Volunteers E. Parent/Guardians/Individuals Representing player F. Players Section 3- Other Affiliations Board of Directors, due to potential conflict of interest, shall be required not to be affiliated with any other youth football organization to qualify as a member of the JPSA. ARTICLE IX CONDUCT, PROBATION, SUSPENSION & APPEALS (COACHES, PARENTS, PLAYERS, CHEERLEADERS, OR FANS) Participation may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors. A. Player: The Board of Directors and Coaches shall, in case of a player, give notice to the head coach of the team of which the player is a member. Said head 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 the full power to discipline or terminate such players right to future participation. Participant-Participation may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or terminate the participation of any member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interest of the JPSA. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Conduct The JPSA will not tolerate any form of violence, threats of violence, intimidation of others or attempts to instill fear in others. Violations may lead to disciplinary action up to and including banishment from the league and all JPSA related events and the involvement of appropriate law enforcement authorities as needed. All coaches, parents, players, cheerleaders, and fans at a JPSA sponsored event are under the authority of the Board and all conduct violations shall be referred to said Board. Any person who exhibits threatening behavior or commits a violent act at a JPSA sponsored event will be removed from said event as quickly as safety permits. This person will be asked to remain away from all JPSA activities pending the outcome of an investigation. A special committee appointed by the President of the JPSA Board will conduct this investigation. Refusal or failure to stay away from the JPSA event may result in the player being removed from future JPSA and league events. Individuals who commit these acts outside a JPSA sponsored activity, but affect the JPSA, also are violating above rule and will be dealt with in the same manner stated above. All football coaches, assistant football coaches or anyone who assists coaching during practices or games shall adhere to the parent code of conduct and coaches code of conduct at all games, practices or any JPSA event.

B.

C.

6. 7.

D.

Probation and/or Suspension 1. The Board may, at its discretion, place an individual on probation or suspension if their action or conduct is not in the best interests of the JPSA or Park Rock Football League. 2. The probation may give the offender a second chance and fair notice of the JPSAs awareness of some wrongdoing and allows for the offender to correct the problem. 3. The President shall send written confirmation of probation or suspension to the individual by certified mail on the next business day. 4. The length of probation or suspension is left to the sole discretion of the Board. 5. To place an individual on probation or suspension requires two-thirds (2/3) of the Board to vote in favor of probation or suspension. Appeals 1. Petition of Appeal - Any individual aggrieved by a decision concerning disciplinary action shall be entitled to appeal the said action to the Board. 2. Such an appeal shall involve the following steps: a. The appeal shall be made in writing and shall contain a statement of the case, the exceptions taken to the decision being appealed, and grounds upon which the exception is based. b. This shall be completed within twenty (10) days following the date the said decision was rendered. If not completed within twenty (10) days the individual loses the right for an appeal. c. The written appeal shall be delivered to the President. 3. Action on Appeal The Board shall be required to investigate the circumstances surrounding the appeal and provide a hearing date for the appellant within twenty (10) days after the next scheduled Board meeting. 4. An appeal will not be allowed to extend past ninety (90) days from the date the appeal was submitted using the postmark on the letter as the filing date.

E.

Article X-Dues
Section 1 The Board of Directors shall set registration/participation fees and at least 1 fundraiser annually. No player shall participate the program of JSPA without payment of such registration fees and participation of such fundraiser unless such fees and/or participation are waived, in part or full, by direction of the Board of Directors. ARTICLE XII MEETINGS Section 1-Annual Meetings The annual meeting of the Board of Directors of the JPSA shall be held in February, of each year, for the purpose of preparing for the upcoming season. Section 2-Monthly Meetings The Board of Directors, coaches, and parent volunteers will meet at least once a month from February to November in order to conduct any and all business that may come before the board. Additional meetings may be called as deemed necessary.

The President may call special meetings or on request of thirty (30) percent of the Board with at least twentyfour (24) hours notice necessary. Board of Directors request for a special meeting will be presented to the President. Section 3- Quorum The presence in person, or representation by proxy, or 3/5th of the Board of Directors. ARTICLE XIII VOTING ON NON-ELECTION ISSUES A. Right to vote 1. All Board members should have the right to vote at elections, regular, and special meetings. 2. Each member present shall have one vote, except for the Presidents vote, which shall be taken in case of a tie. 3. Voting shall take place by voice, show of hands, or by any method called for with the approval of the majority present. 4. There shall be no absentee and/or proxy voting. 5. A quorum shall be declared if 3/5th or more of the Board is present. Article IX-Board of Directors Section 1-Board and Number The management of the property and affairs of JSPA shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Director of football Operations (Must be a football Coach), fundraising coordinator and one board member at large. Section 2-Purpose of Board The Board of Directors will: A. Oversee all JPSA activities and provide for proper direction. B. Provide a safe environment for participation. C. Annually review JPSA activities and review performance of coaches, volunteers, and committee members. D. Determine policy and rule changes. E. Provide fiscal management and secure funds for the JPSA. F. Ensure that the goal(s) of the JPSA are being met. G. Deal with any disciplinary matters regarding coaches, players, board members, fans, parents etc. Section 3-Annual Election and Term of Office All elections of Directors shall be by majority vote of all members present. All Directors shall serve one-year terms. At the regular November meeting the Directors shall elect a majority of Directors. In the event of a tie the President will determine who is elected. Section 4-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. A. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the JSPA, as it may deem proper. B. The Board shall have the power, by a vote of 3/5 of those present at any regular or Special meeting, to discipline, suspend, or remove any Director, Officer, or Committee Member of JSPA set forth in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article III, Section 4. 5

Article X-Officers, Duties and Powers Section 1-Election Immediately following the annual meeting, the Directors present, provided there is a quorum, shall meet for the purpose of electing Officers and appointing committees for the ensuing year. Section 2-Officers The officers of the JSPA shall consist of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Football operations, fundraising coordinator, and one board member at large. The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers as it deems necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office. Appointed Officers shave no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individual have been elected to the Board by the membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board. Section 3-President The President Shall: A. Conduct the affairs of JPSA and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors. B. Present a report of the condition of JPSA 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 JPSA D. Designate in writing other officers should have power to make and execute for and in the name of the JPSA such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board, if necessary. E. Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the JPSA and report thereon to the Board or Officers, as circumstances warrant. F. Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof. G. With the assistance of the Treasurer, examine the application and support of proof-of-age and any other required documents of every participant candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the participant may be accepted. H. The president shall not fire or remove any board of director without due process and prior board approval. Section 4-Vice President The Vice President Shall: In case of the absence or disability of the President, and provided he/she is authorized by the President or the 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. Section 5-Secretary The Secretary shall: A. Be responsible for recording the activities of JPSA 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. 6

C. Maintain a list of all Players, Parent Volunteers, Assistant Coaches, Head Coaches, Directors and Committee Members and give notice of all meetings of the JPSA Board of Directors and Committees. D. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, and the Board of Directors and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose. E. 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. F. Notify Directors, Officers and committee members of their election or appointment. G. Communicate information to Webmaster and sports hotline so participants of JPSA, board and league are kept aware of timely communications. Section 6-Treasurer The Treasurer shall: A. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth and such 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 it in depository approved by the Board of Directors. C. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities, 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 or debit over $500.00 must have approval by board before payment is sent. The treasurer must approve all non-budgeted purchase requests over $50 before payment is sent or monies are granted. 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. F. File the approved annual financial report with the State of Missouri and the Internal Revenue Service through the chosen financial firm. G. Work with Fundraising Coordinator and President to make sure all JPSA and 501(C)(3) procedures are being adhered to and documented. Section7-Director of Football Operations The Director of Football Operations shall: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. Recruit students and Coaches for participation in JPSA. Promote the JPSA throughout the community and surrounding areas. Work with Park-Rock league and League coordinators to make sure league policies are being followed. Encourage and provide continuing education opportunities for all coaches. Work with the treasurer on presenting a budget for all necessary funds, such as league fees, official fees, player insurance, player equipment, uniforms, field equipment, coaching uniforms and other materials essential for JPSA to do business. Coordinate ordering/maintaining/ replacing all necessary equipment and uniforms. Arrange for all practice times, scrimmages, practice areas, and camps. Conduct meetings as necessary with coaches and volunteers to coordinate activities. Attend the annual league meeting and maintain communication with the league. Copy and distribute information on scheduling. Consult with other JPSA members on player and coach safety and education. Communicate and consult with Pattonvilles High School coaches and work to support the high school football program and seek assistance with running the JPSA football program.

Section 8-Fundraising Coordinator A. Organize, select and manage fundraising efforts for JPSA. B. Seek out appropriate grants and donations for the JPSA. C. Provide documentation and accurate information to all potential donors and sponsors. Make certain all JPSA and 501(C)(3) procedures are being followed. D. Update treasurer, attend board meetings and provide frequent and timely information regarding donations and fundraising efforts. E. Help promote the goals of the program. F. Work with board and committee members on promoting the goals of the JPSA. Section 9 - Board Member at Large A. Work with board and committee members on running the JPSA and promoting goals of JPSA. B. Assist with communicating work and needs of JPSA board to parents, players, and community. C. Keep board informed of parental, player and community concerns. D. Assist with seeking out resources and working with fund raising coordinator. E. Assist with game day operations and safety.

Article XI-Financial and Accounting

Section 1 The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the JPSA and it shall place all income in a common treasury, directing the expenditure of JPSA in such manner as will give no individual team an advantage. Section 2 The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit some for the common treasury of the JPSA thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the JPSA. Section 3 No Director, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Parent Volunteer or Player of JPSA shall receive directly or indirectly, any salary, compensation, or emolument from JPSA for services rendered ad Director, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Parent Volunteer or Player. Section 4 All monies received, shall be deposited to the credit of JPSA in the local financial institution selected by the Board of Directors and all disbursements shall be made by check. All disbursements over $500 must have board approval. Section 5 The fiscal year of the JPSA shall begin on the first day of January and shall end on the last day of December. The treasurer will keep monthly statements and provide financial updates at each board meeting. Any irregularities should be reported immediately to President of board.

Article XII-Distribution of the Property Upon Dissolution Upon Dissolution of the JPSA and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the members shall direct the remaining property and/or funds of JPSA to another entity which maintains the same objectives as 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. A. Upon the dissolution of the corporation the Board of Directors shall 1. Pay or make provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the corporation. 2. Dispose of all the assets of the corporation in the manner that qualified the organization as an exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 for the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law. 3. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is located. Article XIII-Amendments This constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or part by a three fifth (3/5) majority vote at any duly organized Meeting of the Board of Directors. Any and all changes should be made solely for the betterment of the JPSA and not for individual gain or purpose. ARTICLE XIV EQUIPMENT POLICY A. Equipment 1. All equipment, except for the mouthpieces, shoes, girdles, socks, athletic supporters, and cups will be furnished by the JPSA. 2. All players shall wear protective equipment at all practices and at games. B. Distribution of Equipment 1. Every head coach or his assistant coach shall be present at equipment distribution, and assist with the moving of the equipment from the storage area and assist with the distribution of said equipment. 2. The Equipment Director or Board will schedule a time period for each team and notify head coach of this time period. The head coach is responsible for making sure his entire team is present at this time period. The head coach is responsible for the proper fit of all equipment for each player on his team. 3. At this time period, the head coach is responsible for the designation of jersey numbers supplying them to Equipment Director for prompt order of said jerseys. C. Equipment Return 1. At the end of each season, it will be the responsibility of the Equipment Director, Assistant Equipment Director, and head coach of each team to make certain that all equipment issued to his team is returned in the best possible condition. 2. Normal equipment wear and tear is expected, however, flagrant disregard for league equipment is unacceptable. All equipment must be thoroughly cleaned before it is returned at the end of the season. If this is not done, the equipment deposit will not be returned and will be cashed. 3. The head coach shall emphasize to each and every parent at the beginning of the season this equipment return policy. 4. An equipment deposit will be collected at the time of registration for each player. 5. The Equipment Director or Board will set a specified time and place for equipment return dates. If all equipment is not returned by the set dates, the Board can proceed with cashing individual deposit checks. 9

XV REGISTRATION A. Responsibility 1. The responsibility for registration for players shall rest with the Board. 2. The number of registrations held each year shall be at the discretion of the Board. 3. The Board shall set the dates and procedures for registration each year. B. Early Registration 1. There shall be no provisions for early registration prior to the first set date for formal registration. C. Late Registration 1. Late registration, after final registration date has passed, shall be permitted, if openings are available. 2. Each teams roster will be considered full at thirty-five (35) players. However, at the discretion of the Coaching Director, players may be added up to the limit set by the JPSA. 3. All JPSA teams shall be required to register all applicants before participation may be allowed. 4. A Late Registration Fee can be set at any time as determined by the Board. D. Registration Fees 1. The Board shall determine the registration fee, for all football players. 2. All fees will be collected at the time of registration. E. Registration Procedures 1. Applicants must complete all registration forms and requirements before participation may begin. All applicable portions of the form shall be printed legibly. 2. A parent or legal guardian must sign the medical consent form. 3. Applicants must have a signed physical form from a licensed Physician/Chiropractor stating they are physically capable of participating. This physical must be turned in prior to the first practice. 4. A birth certificate may be requested at time of registration. 5. Proof of Medical insurance will be requested at time of registration. 6. A parent or legal guardian must read, sign, and turn in the JPSA Parents Code of Conduct. F. Registration Publicity 1. Registration publicity shall be made in the form of radio, newspaper announcements, posters, signs and flyers. 2. This publicity shall include information regarding fees and registration dates. 3. During the months of February and March, registration announcements shall be distributed at schools, fields, and park recreation programs. G. Registration Refunds 1. No refund of any kind will be given once the first regular season game has been played. 2. A full registration fee refund will be granted only when no equipment has been issued and no scrimmages or games have been played. 3. Partial Refund: If any equipment has been issued to the player/parent requesting a Registration Refund, then the return of the equipment must be coordinated as part of the Registration Refund. No Registration Refund will be given until the equipment has been returned to JPSA. A full refund minus $50 will be issued. The $50 will be kept to offset JPSAs time and expenses incurred. 4. The Board has the discretion to make exceptions on individual cases after the start of the season if a written request is filed. 10

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