ARTICLE I - NAME

ARTICLE II - NATURE OF THE ORGANIZATION

PART A: Objective of the Organization.

This league is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a “playing opportunity for players with advanced soccer skills and a desire to play with and against others with similar skills and desires”.

This league will be governed based on the following beliefs:

Nor Cal Premier Soccer Mission Statement

Our goals are simple and governed by these beliefs.

The primary focus of a successful soccer program will be the individual player and their families.

We believe a primary focus of soccer coaches, teams and clubs will be the development of children as people first and players second.

We believe individual player development will be a clubs primary focus and team success a secondary but important goal.

We believe the players, parents, coaches and clubs who are the exception to this will benefit from involvement in a league, which promotes and expects this behavior from its participants.

We believe NorCal Premier Soccer offers a league supporting the players, parents, coaches and clubs in this endeavor.

High-level competition with multiple divisions of play, promotion and relegation

We believe players, teams and clubs seeking high-level competition should have a place to play.

We believe a league should have promotion and relegation to insure players and teams are, as much as possible, playing against appropriate levels of competition.

Simple administration

We believe a league should be governed by simple administrative procedures which provide players, teams and clubs flexibility in the player development process.

Club player passes

We believe clubs should have the ability to move players up and down within their club using a club player pass.

We believe clubs should have the ability to make changes game to game due to illness, injury, vacation, changing ability, practice attendance, commitment or because a player has dedicated his/her summer to practicing on their own.

We believe having a flexible roster is not only healthy for players, teams, clubs and families but also reflects a realistic understanding of the changes occurring in players, families, teams and clubs over a 12 month period.

Year round league play

We believe the soccer world has shown weekly competition combined with weekly practices and appropriate breaks provides players, teams and clubs with the best opportunity for player development.

We believe it is beneficial, less costly, more enjoyable, more family friendly and better for player development to have players, teams and clubs competing in a year round league.

We believe that playing games each weekend in a league against opponents of similar strength will allow players, teams and clubs to limit costly tournament participation which requires staggering sums of money to be spent on food, lodging and travel.

We believe playing two competitive games in a day is not ideal but necessary given the size of the area of the NorCal Premier playing league.

Supporting the pursuit of a high level activity

We believe the pursuit of a high level activity should be encouraged and soccer is a healthy choice.

We believe the studies revealing the pursuit of high level athletics helps teenagers excel in school, stay fit, avoid drugs and alcohol and builds self esteem.

We believe encouraging a fuller, more intense involvement with the sport actually increases the likelihood a young person will remain in the sport for the rest of their lives.

Choices and common sense

We believe in the common sense of parents who are best suited to choose their children’s level and location of participation in any activity including soccer and most often, will make the best choice for the children.We believe children placed, by parental choice, under the guidance of professional soccer coaches, are benefiting immensely from the lessons offered by participation in a intense, high level sporting environment.

We believe a league, which supports the clubs who believe this concept of player development, is necessary, ethical and missing.

We believe soccer is a kick in the grass, a blast, loads of fun, the cats meow, the bee’s knees, and the world’s favorite pastime and should be played, watched, enjoyed and read about daily.

The principal operation of the league shall be in Northern California during the course of competition.

PART B: Program

PART C: Affiliation

ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP

PART A: Eligibility (General Membership)

PART B: VOTING MEMBERSHIP

Voting Membership shall be limited to:

a) Officers of the league

b) Executive Board Members

c) One Representative from each US Club Soccer Club with at least two teams participating in league.

d) General Board members

e) Advisory Committee

Appointment by a Club of a Club Representative has to be in writing and provided to the secretary in order to be effective.

The designation of age group coordinators shall be made in writing as of the April 1st General Board Meeting by President.

President shall vote as tiebreaker only.

No person shall have more than one vote (i.e. an age group coordinator who is either a duly appointed club representative, or Executive Board Member shall have only one vote).

All voters must be present to vote -- no vote by proxy of any matter is permitted.

PART C: Termination or Suspension of Membership.

The Executive Board, by a two-thirds vote of those Executive Board Members present at a duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to suspend, discipline, or terminate membership of any member (including Board Members) when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the objectives of the Club. If any of the above actions are to be considered, the Board shall follow the steps outlined below:

1. Member(s) involved shall be notified of the nature of the charges against them in writing by Secretary.

2. Establish a date, time and location of the meeting where the Executive Board intends to convene to discuss action(s) to be taken.

3. Member(s) involved will be invited to attend said meeting to provide an explanation.

4. The decision of the Board shall be documented in writing and distributed to all parties involved.

PART D: Authority to Postpone a General Membership Vote

The Executive Board by two-thirds vote of those Board Members present at a duly constituted meeting shall have the authority to postpone a General Meeting vote until the next General Meeting. This privileged motion by the Board can only be used once on a given proposal.

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

PART A: Executive Board Authority

PART B: OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE BOARD, GENERAL BOARD AND ADVISORY BOARD

Officers:

1.The officers are the position of the President, Vice President and Technical Director. After the inaugural board’s term has expired officers shall be elected at the AGM and voted for separately by ballot and must receive majority vote of the Executive Board. Officers serve on the Executive Board

2. The terms of office are as follows:

1. The president: 4 year terms, being elected in every other even numbered year terms beginning in 2008.

2. The Vice-President: 4 year terms, being elected in every other even numbered year terms beginning in 2008.

3. Technical Director: 4 year terms, being elected in every other even numbered year terms beginning in 2008.

If a vacancy occurs in an office of the President or Vice President, the following order of succession applies:

1. Vice President for President

The Executive Board shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy of an un-expired term of the Technical Director or Vice President. Any such appointment is effective only until the next annual general meeting. At that meeting the league members shall vote to fill vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term, if any.

The Executive Board shall be comprised of the following:

1. President

2. Vice-President

3. Treasurer

4. Technical Director

5. Secretary

6. Boys Competition Chairperson

7. Girls Competition Chairperson

The general board positions shall be a non-voting positions, appointed by the President for an executive board vote (2/3 vote) at the March General meeting and be compromised of the following:

1. Referee Coordinator

2. U11 Girls Coordinator

3. U12 Girls Coordinator

4. U13 Girls Coordinator

5. U11 Boys Coordinator

6. U12 Boys Coordinator

7. U13 Boys Coordinator

8. U10 Coordinator

The Executive Board positions shall be elected positions in accordance with Club By-Laws. The General board shall be appointed yearly by the President, subject to approval by the Executive Board.

PART C: Duties of the Executive Board Members

1. President. Shall preside over all meetings of the league and represent the league in all matters. Is responsible for setting the agenda for all meetings. Is responsible for overall operation of the league. May call special meetings as deemed necessary. Oversees the appointing of all committees and monitors their progress. May upon request, assist other Executive Board Members in the performance of their duties. The President will act as a TIE-BREAKING vote if the situation arises. Shall pursue sponsors as necessary to meet the league’s needs. Assist Vice President and administrator with scheduling of games

2. Vice President. Is responsible for overseeing age group coordinators. Serves as President in the event of the latter's absence. Is director for all Age Group Coordinators and provides guidance as necessary. Assist President and administrator with scheduling of games.

3. Secretary. Is responsible for all correspondence received or initiated by the Executive Board. Is also responsible for performing the following duties:

1. Be official custodian of the Constitution and By-Laws.

2. Record minutes of all Board meetings and maintain a historical record of all meeting minutes.

3. Conduct all correspondence not otherwise delegated in connection with the Club.

4. Assure that results of all votes are recorded.

4. Treasurer - Is responsible for safely keeping and distributing all monies received in the name of NorCal Premier Soccer. The Treasurer is also responsible for the following duties:

1. Depositing all funds into a charted bank in the name of NorCal Premier Soccer.

2. File annually or as required by law, a statement of non-profit corporation with the Internal Revenue Service.

3. Prepare and present a complete financial statement annually at the March monthly meeting.

4. Maintain records for all monies received and disbursed.

5. Be Chairperson of Finance Committee; which shall be composed of at least two additional individuals to be appointed by the President with the consent of Executive Board.

5. Girls Competition Chairperson – shall oversee age group chairpersons and assist in recruitment and development of all girl’s age groups.

6. Boys Competition Chairperson – shall oversee age group chairpersons and assist in recruitment and development of all boy’s age groups.

7. Technical Director- Assists President and Vice-President in developing communication for the league, assists in developing league and is chairman of rules committee

PART E: Removal and Resignation from Office

Any Executive Board Member who is not present for three (3) General Board Meetings without adequate reason in a year (December Meeting - November Meeting) or who fails to discharge his/her duties, may have his/her office declared vacant by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board. In the event that the Executive Board is to take action pursuant to this paragraph, it shall comply with the provisions of Article III Part C regarding termination or suspension of membership.

The Executive Board shall meet at least 4 times per year.

Article V- Administration

PART A. Paid Staff

League Manager – A League Manager shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. Any pay for League Manager will be negotiated by the President subject to approval of the Executive Board.

The League manager has the following responsibilities:

1. League Manager will, subject to approval of Executive Board, oversee league staff that is provided for under the league budget, to carry out activities of the league.

2. Attend all board meetings and maintain records and minutes of those meetings with the assistance of the secretary.

3. Prepare and distribute an annual general report for the executive board.

4. Assist President and Vice President with scheduling of games

5. Oversee the registration of teams and clubs.

Administrator - An administrator shall be appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Executive Board (2/3 vote) Any pay will be negotiated by the President subject to approval of the Executive Board.

The responsibilities of the Administrator are the following but not limited too:

1. Shall collect games scores and maintain on-line standings

2. Develop and update web site.

3. Assist President and Vice President with scheduling of games

4. Is responsible for all registrations and maintenance of records as required by US Club and the NorCal Premier Soccer requirements and guidelines.

ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS

PART A: General Meetings.

PART B: Executive Board Meetings.

Executive Board Meetings will be convened at the discretion of the President. Such meetings may be requested by any Executive Board Member. It shall be the President who ultimately decides if and when such a meeting will take place. Executive Board Meetings will be attended by Board Members only, unless an agenda item necessitates outside attendance.

Note: The President has the authority to call an Emergency Meeting of the Executive Board at anytime.

ARTICLE VII- AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

//// BY-LAWS ////

ARTICLE I - ELECTIVE PROCESS

PART A: VOTING

Voting eligibility shall comply with Article III. Part B of the Constitution. Each US Club Soccer Club is limited to 1 vote per ballot with the exception of the President. The President will act as a TIE-BREAKING vote if the situation arises.

NOTE: In all cases the majority vote shall prevail, unless otherwise in the Constitution or By-Laws.

PART B: NOMINATIONS

The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee of at least three executive or general board members at or prior to the January General Meeting. The Vice President will act as Chairman of the committee. The Nominating Committee shall post by February 1st on the web site the list of offices scheduled for election and the names and telephone numbers of the members of the Nominating Committee. The final slate of candidates shall be announced no later than two (2) weeks prior to election.

The Vice President shall provide, in writing, to all eligible voters at least two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled election the following:

a) notice as to the date, time and place of the upcoming election; and

b) the final slate of candidates.

The slate of candidates and the date, time and place of elections shall also be posted at least two (2) weeks prior to election on the NorCal Premier League web site.

Notice of these elections shall be provided to the Coaching Director of each club. It is the responsibility of the Coaching Director of each club to notify the club representatives.

PART C: ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

PART D: UNEXPECTED VACANCIES

In the event a vacancy occurs in any position, (except President) and the unexpired term remaining is less than a year, the position shall be filled by the President's appointment.

This appointment will require a majority approval by the Executive Board. In the event a vacancy occurs and the remaining unexpired term is more than a year, the position shall be filled by the President's appointment and majority approval by the Executive Board. But, at the next March Annual General Meeting held for the purpose of elections, the position shall be open and the elective process shall apply.

ARTICLE II - CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

PART A: FORMAT

All General and Executive Board Meetings will meet the requirements of Article V of the Constitution.

The President shall preside over General and Executive Board Meetings. The President shall administer an orderly process by which league business can be conducted.

Unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or By-Laws, "Robert's Rules of Order" shall apply to the conduct of all meetings.

PART B. DOCUMENTATION

The secretary shall document the minutes of both General and Executive Board Meetings. At each meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting shall be reviewed, accepted, and/or amended as determined by the vote of the membership present. Unless delegated otherwise, the Secretary will be responsible for all documentation generated at such meetings.

Any correspondence received in the name of the League or by a Board Member pertaining to league business shall be forwarded to the Secretary. A copy may be kept by the recipient but, at a minimum the secretary must receive a copy for league records.

ARTICLE III - FINANCIAL

PART A: FISCAL YEAR

PART B: FUNDS

PART C: DISBURSEMENT

The disbursement of funds shall be for NorCal Premier Soccer activities only. The Board shall not allow disbursement of funds for any purpose which does not support league’s objectives or which would jeopardize the leagues' tax exempt status.

Any motion presented to the Executive Board which is not a budgeted item and requires an expenditure of more than $500 by the league shall require a 2/3 vote from the Board.
Any item(s) not budgeted requiring an expenditure of less than $500 may be approved by the President. Any such expenditures shall be reported at the next General Meeting and incorporated into the meeting minutes.

PART D: DISSOLUTION & DISBURSEMENT OF ASSETS

ARTICLE IV - ARBITRATION PROCESS

PART A: ENTRY INTO THE ARBITRATION PROCESS

PART B: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ARBITRATION COMMITTEE

PART C: JURISDICTION

The jurisdiction of the Arbitration Committee will include, but not be limited to, the following areas:

1. Player eligibility

2. League Game disputes

3. Refereeing problems

4. Parent or Coach Controversy

5. Selection and placement of teams

PART D: DECISIONS

The Arbitration Committee will make recommendations to the Executive Board as to the resolution of the issue being arbitrated. At the next General Meeting, at an Emergency Meeting if necessary, or an Executive Board Meeting if so requested by any of the Disputing Members involved in this Arbitration Process, the Executive Board will vote on each recommendation. Each recommendation will require a two-thirds Board vote for acceptance, which vote shall be by secret ballot. Any recommendations so accepted are not subject to further consideration under this process.

The Executive Board reserves the right to take actions in addition to the recommendations of the Arbitration Committee. Any such additional actions require a two-thirds Board vote.

At the discretion of the President, a description of the issue being Arbitrated can be excluded from the minutes of the General Meeting or Executive Board Meeting at which the Arbitration Process is concluded. But, in any event, the Secretary will include in the minutes a report that the Arbitration Process has been completed, and will include names of the Disputing Members and the Voting Members appointed to the Arbitration Committee.

ARTICLE V - DISCIPLINARY ACTION BY VICE PRESIDENTS

PART A: AUTHORITY

1.The President or Vice-Presidents shall have the authority to suspend any coach, player, and/or club member who displays inappropriate behavior during or after a game. This authority must be exercised in accordance with the following guidelines:

2. Prior to initiating any suspension(s), verbal approval from a disciplinary committee of three
people including at least two Executive Board members must be obtained.

3. All disciplinary actions taken between Board meetings shall be reported and recorded in the minutes of the next meeting held.

NOTE: All actions may be appealed in accordance with Article IV.

Article VI- Compensation

Article VII -Standing and Special Committee’s

1. Appeals committee

2. Budget committee

3. Rules committee

4. Selection and placement committee

5. Disciplinary committee

2.The Executive Board shall prescribe the responsibilities of each of the standing committee’s.

3. The President, subject to approval of the Executive Board shall establish special committee’s as the President considers necessary, prescribe the responsibilities of each of these committee’s and appoint members to each of the committee’s. Each special committee must have a specific objective, a specific deliverable and a term.

4. The President shall name the Chairman of each standing and special committee form among the members of the committee.

5. No paid employee of the league, other than the technical director, may be appointed as a voting member to any committee.

6. Standing committee members shall continue in office until removed or their successors are appointed. Special committee members shall continue until removed of the special committee is terminated because it has fulfilled its objective and or its term has expired.