Article/Section of Proposed Change: Bylaws Chapter 9 Amendments
Old Language: “The amendment, repeal; or suspension of the Bylaws may be done, in part or in whole, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present and in good standing at any called meeting of the membership of the Club provided a quorum is present.
Proposals for amendment, repeal, or suspension must be made in writing and submitted to the Secretary of the Club so as to allow thirty (30) days notice to all members prior to the consideration of such proposals at any meeting.
Notice to amend, repeal, or suspend shall be given at two (2) meetings of the Board of Directors and thirty (30) days notice to the membership.”
New Language: “The amendment, repeal; or suspension of the Bylaws may be done, in part or in whole, by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership present and in good standing at any called meeting of the membership of the Club provided a quorum is present.
Proposals for amendment, repeal, or suspension must be made in writing and submitted to the Secretary of the Club so as to allow sixty (60) days notice to all members prior to the consideration of such proposals at any meeting.
Notice to amend, repeal, or suspend shall be given at two (2) meetings of the Board of Directors and sixty (60) days notice to the membership.”
Rationale: This allows time for the club body to review all proposed amendments, and come prepared to discuss at the AGM.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Constitution Article II Mission and Purpose
Old Language:
“The purpose of club Club shall be to develop, promote, and administer the game of soccer for youth under nineteen (19) years of age who live in or attend public, private and/or parochial schools within the Shaler Area School District. In addition, the Club shall encourage athletic pursuits among the youth of the community; provide and maintain an athletic organization which instills in the participating youth athlete the meaning and use of fair play and the development of their bodies and minds, which will prepare them for future endeavors; and to bring to the attention of the citizens of the community and schools served, the values and need for participation in community programs. The Club is organized and operated exclusively for the above stated purposes and other related non-profit purposes and no part of any earnings or income shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, officers, or other private parties, except that the Club shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions for the operation of the Club.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution or the By-Laws, Policies and Procedures established by the Club, the Club shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(0(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 US 501(c)(7)) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax law or regulation.”
New Language:
“Our Mission
Shaler Soccer Club is a recreational soccer club that is open to all youth players (up to 18 years of age when possible) and families from Shaler and its surrounding areas. Our committed focus is to provide a fun, safe, quality soccer experience for all youth who desire to participate. To develop all of our players to the best of their individual ability. To promote excellence in sportsmanship, teamwork and citizenship to all players, coaches, referees and parents.
The Club is organized and operated exclusively for the above stated purposes and other related non-profit purposes and no part of any earnings or income shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributed to, its members, officers, or other private parties, except that the Club shall be empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions for the operation of the Club.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution or the By-Laws, Policies and Procedures established by the Club, the Club shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(0(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 US 501(c)(7)) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax law or regulation.
Our Guiding Principles:
Fun | Development | Competition| Community
- Our volunteers should center FUN in all training and non-training activities we are involved in.
- Our volunteers should put focus on DEVELOPMENT of our players to help them achieve their personal potential.
- Our volunteers should strive to find the appropriate levels of competition for all of our players to ensure they are challenged in their play.
- Our volunteers should encourage citizenship and service to our communities.
No By-law Provision, Policy or Procedure present today or implemented in the future should contradict the Mission Statement or the Guiding Principles of our Volunteers.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution or the By-Laws, Policies and Procedures established by the Club, the Club shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(0(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 US 501(c)(7)) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax law or regulation.”
Rationale: Provide an updated and relevant description of the Shaler Soccer Club’s direction and to maintain a center for all future governing decisions.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Bylaws Chapter 5 At-Large Members of the Board of Directors
Old Language: “The At-Large members of the Board of Directors shall assist the Executive Board of the Club in the management and operation of the Club. They shall be responsible for directing the activities of the various Club committees and managers. They shall act as a Board Liaison to these committees and ensure that the directives of the Executive Board, as well as the Constitution, By-Laws, Policies and Procedures of the Club are enforced. Specific duties of At-Large Members of the Board of Directors will be determined by the Executive Board prior to and discussed during the Annual General Meeting in November.”
New Language: “The At-Large members of the Board of Directors shall assist the Executive Board of the Club in the management and operation of the Club. They shall be responsible for directing the activities of the various Club committees and managers. They shall act as a Board Liaison to these committees and ensure that the directives of the Executive Board, as well as the Constitution, By-Laws, Policies and Procedures of the Club are enforced. Specific duties of At-Large Members of the Board of Directors will be determined by the Executive Board prior to and discussed during the Annual General Meeting in November.
In an effort to expand diversity of the board, only one member from each household may hold a voting position on the Board of Directors in the same year. If a member steps down or is otherwise removed from the board, it is the discretion of the executive board to fill the vacancy.”
Rationale: To ensure thorough and critical review and discussion around topics by electing and/or appointing an eclectic sampling of our club’s members.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Bylaws Chapter 6.2 Eligibility for Election
Old Language: “Any adult (over the age of 17 years) member of the club in good standing as outlined in Chapter 1, Section 1.1 of these By-Laws shall be eligible for election to any position in the Club, i.e. the Executive members and At-Large members of the Board of Directors. Any individual interested in becoming a candidate for election to any position in the Club should (but is not required to) contact an Executive Board member prior to the Annual General Meeting and must attend the Annual General Meeting in order to declare their candidacy and introduce themselves to the Board of Directors and the voting membership in attendance.”
New Language: “Any adult (over the age of 17 years) member of the club in good standing as outlined in Chapter 1, Section 1.1 of these By-Laws shall be eligible for election to any position in the Club, i.e. the Executive members and At-Large members of the Board of Directors. Any individual interested in becoming a candidate for election to any position in the Club shall contact a member of the nominating committee prior to the Annual General Meeting and must attend the Annual General Meeting in order to declare their candidacy and introduce themselves to the Board of Directors and the voting membership in attendance.”
Rationale: To safeguard the consistent and stable governing of the club from one leadership to another by ensuring that those seeking an Executive Board position, have a full understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position and that an acceptance of the nomination is an acceptance to carry out all of the duties expected of the position.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Bylaws 6.3 Nominations
Old Language: “The following procedures shall apply to the nominating process for the election of officers and bBoard members:
- The President at or before the October Board meeting shall appoint a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) or more members of the Club, one of which shall be appointed Chairperson by the committeemembers.
- The Nominating Committee shall be charged with submitting names to the GeneralMembership at the Annual General Meeting for the six (6) Executive Board members of the Club as well as ten (10) names for the seven (7) At-Large Board member positions for their consideration. All nominations must have the consent of thenominee.
- Nominations for the Executive or At-Large Board members may be made from the floor at the Annual General Meeting, at which the election of officers occurs. All such nominations must have the consent of the nominee. Each nomination from the floor must have at least one seconding of the nomination.
- Depending on the number of candidates for each position, the voting may either be done through a voice vote of the membership present, or if deemed appropriate by the President, a secret ballot may becalled.”
New Language: “The following procedures shall apply to the nominating process for the election of officers and board members:
- The President at or before the August Board meeting shall appoint a Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall consist of three (3) or more members of the Club, one of which shall be appointed Chairperson by the committeemembers.
- The Nominating Committee shall be charged with submitting names to the GeneralMembership at the Annual General Meeting for the six (6) Executive Board members of the Club as well as ten (10) names for the seven (7) At-Large Board member positions for their consideration. All nominations must have the consent of thenominee.
- Nominations for the Executive or At-Large Board members may be made from the floor at the Annual General Meeting, at which the election of officers occurs. Due to the lack of adequate preparation time, otherwise afforded those who declared their intent previously, all such nominations must submit to a line of questioning from the nominating committee and receive a confirmation of a simple majority of representatives from the nominating committee.
Depending on the number of candidates for each position, the voting may either be done through a voice vote of the membership present, or if deemed appropriate by the President, a secret ballot may be called.”
Rationale: To safeguard the consistent and stable governing of the club from one leadership to another by ensuring that those seeking an Executive Board position, have a full understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position and that an acceptance of the nomination is an acceptance to carry out all of the duties expected of the position.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Bylaws Chapter 7 Committees
Old Language:
New Language: New Section “7.1 Player Development Consultant
In an effort to raise the developmental standards within the club, the board may appoint qualified and appropriately motivated club coaches to a committee with the sole and expressed directive of assessing, adjusting, and administering training and development programs for all age groups and skill levels.
Standing members of the Player Development Consultants are the President, Vice Presidents (Developmental, Recreational).
Members of this committee will be appointed by the Executive board in a similar fashion as the members at large with the distinction that members of the Player Development Consultants do not have a vote or invitation to board meetings.”
Rationale: Formalizing the Player Development Consultants (PDC) given their success over the last two years and providing clear outline of roles and responsibilities as a member of this committee.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Bylaws Chapter 10 Miscellaneous
Old Language:
New Language: “10.8 Return to Play. The club will publish and maintain a Return to Play document that aligns with PA West, state and local governments for safe and healthy play.
Revisions and repeals of Return to Play document language will require simple majority vote of the club’s Board of Directors and shall be recognized with the same weight as any other bylaw provision.
Failure to abide by the Return to Play document shall result in disciplinary review under Chapter 1.6.
Rationale: Ensuring that we align to the current risk management outlined by PA West.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Constitution SECTION 2: COMPOSITION
Old Language:
“The composition of the Board shall be as follows:
o Six (6) Officers of the Executive Board elected at the Annual General Meeting
• President
• Vice President – Recreational
• Vice President - Developmental
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Registrar
o Seven (7) At-Large Board members appointed by the six (6) Executive Board Members.
The Immediate Past President of the Club shall be an ex-officio member of the Board. As such, the Immediate Past President shall act in an advisory role and have no voting rights for any decisions made by the Board.”
New Language:
“The composition of the Board shall be as follows:
o Six (6) Officers of the Executive Board elected at the Annual General Meeting
• President
• Vice President – Recreational
• Vice President - Developmental
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Registrar
o Up To Seven (7) At-Large Board members appointed by the six (6) Executive Board Members.
The Immediate Past President of the Club shall be an ex-officio member of the Board. As such, the Immediate Past President shall act in an advisory role and have no voting rights for any decisions made by the Board.”
Rationale: When insufficient volunteers are present, the board would have the ability to operate at a lower volume without having to recruit unmotivated volunteers.
Submitted by: Nick Druga
Article/Section of Proposed Change: Constitution and Bylaws
Old Language: All mentions of Developmental and Recreational
New Language: Replace with In-House and Travel respectively.
Rationale: There has been mention of the terms being confusing and this will align us back to North District standard terminology.
Submitted by: Nick Druga