MARICOPA LITTLE LEAGUE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I - NAME
This organization shall be known as the Maricopa 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, theLocal League will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations ofLittle 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 inactive 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:
1. Player Members. Any player candidate meeting the requirements ofLittle League Regulation IV shall be eligible to compete for participation. PlayerMembers shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the Local League.
2. Regular Members. Any adult person actively interested in furthering the objectives of the Local League may become a Regular Member upon an approved annual volunteer application. The secretary, with the assistance of the volunteer coordinator, 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 are automatically Regular Members must remain in good standing. All regular members must have an active form on file during all playing seasons (January 1 to December 31 of each year).
Note As used hereinafter, the word "Member" shall mean a Regular Member unless otherwise stated.
SECTION 3
Other Affiliations.
(a) Regular Members should not be actively engaged in the promotion and/or operation of any other baseball/softball program. If actively engaged in the operation of another program during the Little League season, Little League will be the first priority. Any violation of a conflict of interest will be grounds for removal from the league and loss of membership.
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, by a two-thirds vote of those 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, Incorporated. The Member involved shall be notified of such a meeting, no less than 24 hours prior to the meeting will be informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges. If a situation occurs where the offending member cannot attend the meeting as called, arrangements can be made, pending board approval, to reschedule the meeting.
(b) 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 - 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 of Members, see Section 6) is required.
SECTION 2
Notice of Meeting.
Notice of each General Membership Meeting shall be delivered electronically to each Member at least 7 days in advance of the meeting, setting forth the place, time, and purpose of the meeting.
SECTION 3
Quorum. At any General Membership Meeting, the presence in person or representation by absentee ballot of two-thirds members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, no business shall be conducted, and the meeting shall be rescheduled.
SECTION 4
Voting. Only Regular Members shall be entitled to make motions and vote at General Membership Meetings.
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.
SECTION 6
Annual Meeting of the Members. The Annual Meeting of the Members of the Local League shall be held The fourth Saturday of July each year for the purpose of electing new Members, 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.
(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, to be presented by the Treasurer.
(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 the 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 International.
(b) At the Annual Meeting, theMembers shall determine the number of Directors to be elected for the ensuing year and shall elect such a number of Directors.
(1) The number of Directors elected shall be not less than nine (9).
(2) The Officers of the Board of Directors shall include, at a minimum, the President, a Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, a Player Agent, a Safety Officer, a CoachingCoordinator, a UIC and a Sponsor Fundraising Manager.
(3) The Officers of the Board of Directors may also include but are not required: League Information Officer, Concession Manager and Marketing/Public Relations Manager.
(4) Returning Officers of the Board of Directors are automatically included in the nine (9). The number of Directors to be elected is defined by the number of directors that do not return.
(c) The Officers of the Board of Directors will be voted into specific Board of Directors positions.
(d) After the election, the new Board of Directors shall work with the current Board of Directors to learn and train and will officially assume the performance of their duties on September 1.
(e) The Board’s term of office shall continue until its successors are elected and qualified under this section.
(f) Any member in good standing is eligible to be nominated and elected to the General Board.
(1) The General Board positions include, but are not limited to, Challengers Coordinator, Baseball Coordinator, Softball Coordinator, Equipment Manager, Picture/Trophy Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator, Scorekeeping Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator, Uniform Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator.
(g) To run for the Board of Directors, a member in good standing must have previously been appointed to the General Board. If no candidate meets this requirement, then the following must be met:
(1) Candidate must have 2 years minimum previous volunteer experience in Little League International
(2) If this requirement cannot also be met, then any member in good standing becomes eligible to run.
(h) To run for President, the candidate must have previous Board of Directors experience. If no candidate meets this requirement, then the following must be met:
(1) The candidate must have been a prior General Board member.
(2) If neither of the previous can be met, then the candidate must have two years previous Little League experience.
(3) If none of the previous requirements can be met, then any member in good standing becomes eligible to run.
SECTION 7
Special General Membership Meetings. Special General Membership Meetings of the Members may be called by the Board of Directors or by the President at their discretion. Upon the written request often (10) Members, the President 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 ten (10) days after the request is received by the President.
SECTION 8
Rules of Order for General Membership Meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all General Membership Meetings.
ARTICLE V - 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
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.
SECTION 3
Board Meetings, Notice and Quorum. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall beheld immediately following the Annual Meeting and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
(a) The President, whenever they deem it advisable or at the request in writing of 4 Directors, shall 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 President, electronically to eachDirector at least 3 days before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director.
(c) Two-thirds 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) Only members of the Board of Directors may make motions and vote 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 4
Duties and Powers. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as needed 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 by a two-thirds vote of those 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 3 (a).
ARTICLE VI - DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD
SECTION 1
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) Investigate complaints, irregularities, and conditions detrimental to the Local League and report thereon to the Board as circumstances warrant.
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 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.
(c) Works with officers and committee members.
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 here in 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) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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 money and securities, and deposit the 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 International.
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 verify residence and age eligibility.
(c) Coordinate the players during tryouts.
(d) Conduct the player draft and all other player transaction or selection meetings.
(d) Prepare the rosters.
(e) Prepare for the President’s signature and submission to Little League International, team rosters, including players claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit.
(f) Notify Little League International of any subsequent player replacements or trades.
(g) Administer the divisional player pool.
(h) Set up online registration and ensure the league rosters are uploaded to Little League.
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 children and all participants of Little League.
(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.
SECTION 8
Coaching Coordinator. The coaching coordinator shall:
(a) Represent coaches/managers in the league.
(b) Present a coach/manager training budget to the board.
(c) Gain the support and funds necessary to implement a league-wide training program.
(d) Order and distribute training materials to players, coaches and managers.
(e) Coordinate mini clinics as necessary.
(f) Serve as the contact person for Little League International.
SECTION 9
League Information Officer. The League Information Officer shall:
(a) Set up and manage the league’s official website (site authorized by Little League International);
(b) Assign online administrative rights to other local volunteers.
(c) Encourage creation of team web sites to managers, coaches, and parents.
(d) Ensure that league news and scores are updated online on a regular basis.
(e) Collect, post, and distribute important information on league activities including direct dissemination of fund-raising and sponsor activities to Little League Baseball, Incorporated, the district, the public, league members, and the media.
(f) Serves as primary contact person for Little League and Active Team Sports regarding optimizing use of the Internet for league administration and for distributing information to league members and to Little League Baseball, Incorporated.
SECTION 10
Sponsorship/Fundraising Manager. The Sponsorship/Fundraising Manager shall:
(a) Solicits and secures local sponsorships to support league operations
(b) Collects and reviews sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
(c) Organizes and implements approved league fundraising activities
(d) Coordinates participation in fundraising activities
(e) Maintains records of monies secured through sponsorship and fundraising initiatives.
SECTION 11
Concession Manager. The Concession Manager shall:
(a) Maintains the operation of concession facilities
(b) Organizes the purchase of concession products
(c) Responsible for the management of the concession sales at league events
(d) Schedules volunteers to work the concession booth during league events
(e) Collects and reviews concession related offers including coupons, discounts and bulk-purchasing opportunities
(f) Organizes, tallies and keeps records of concession sales and purchases.
ARTICLE VII - COMMITTEES
SECTION I
Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Regular Members.The Committee shall investigate and consider eligible candidates and submit at the Annual Meeting a slate of candidates for the Board of Directors. The Committee shall also submit for consideration by the Board of Directors a slate of Officers and Committee Members.
SECTION 2
House Rules and Constitution Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a House Rules and Constitution Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Regular Members. The Committee shall review and make any necessary changes before the start of the spring season. All changes must be submitted to the district administrator before practices start.
ARTICLE VIII – 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 the 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 LocalLeague and it shall place all income in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of funds in such a 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, Incorporated 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 or bank card. All checks shall be signed by the Local League Treasurer.
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 money received shall be deposited to the credit of the Local League at First Interstate Bank in Maricopa, AZ.
SECTION 7
Fiscal year. The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on October 1 and shall end on September 30. (Note: The above fiscal year must be chosen if the Local League intends to qualify under the Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Group Tax ID Number.)
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 theLocal 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 Maricopa Little League Membership on March 19, 2023.
