Billerica United Soccer Club

Constitution and Bylaws

Established 1972

ORGANIZATION NAME

This organization shall be called Billerica United Soccer Club, hereafter referred to as Billerica United or United.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of Billerica United is to create a positive environment for athletes to improve and develop as individuals through the sport of soccer with strong emphasis on character, attitude, teamwork, and fun.

GOVERNING BODY

The United President, and if applicable, the Executive Board, shall govern and administer the day-to-day operations within the scope of the United Constitution and Bylaws and the policy guidelines set by the President, and if applicable, the Executive Board.

The President, and if applicable, the Executive Board, shall set policy guidelines and make amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws.

The Executive Board shall consist of the following elected persons:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Registrar
Referee Director

Members of the Executive Board shall hold office for the period of one (1) year and are eligible for re-election.

OFFICERS

President

United

Vice President
The Vice President shall assume the role of President in the event of the President's absence. The Vice President will succeed the President, if the President's seat is vacated for any reason and will assist the President in running the day-to-day operations.

Secretary
The Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings and handle all correspondence. The Secretary will inform members of upcoming meetings.

Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible for all funds.

Registrar
The Registrar shall be responsible for coordinating all registrations. The Registrar will validate pass cards and team rosters.

Referee Director
The Referee Director shall be responsible for scheduling referees for games.

MEETINGS

The Annual General Meeting shall be held at the conclusion of the Spring season. Special meetings may be called by the President, and if applicable, the Executive Board, as needed.

The parents or legal guardians of any player registered during the current soccer year (9/1 - 8/31), coaches, assistant coaches, and members of the Executive Board shall be considered voting members at the Annual General Meeting and/or special meetings.

A simple majority vote is needed to establish all matters.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

United is affiliated with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA).

United participates in the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League (NVYSL).

United adopts the rules and regulations set forth in the MYSA and NVYSL Handbooks, except or unless otherwise modified, changed or superseded in the United Constitution and Bylaws.

GENERAL RULES

A. Mandatory registration for all administrators, coaches, and players is required by MYSA each seasonal year (9/1 - 8/31). Parent/Guardian and player must sign and completely fill out the MYSA registration form, provide proof of a player's age, and pay appropriate registration fees. There will be a $25.00 charge for all bounced checks.

B. United will follow the age group guidelines established by MYSA. (8/1 - 7/31)

C. United will offer roster spots to residents of the Town of Billerica and Billerica’s border towns. Players from towns that do not offer teams will also be allowed to roster on a United team pending roster availability. Players who played on the prior season's fall or spring team are also eligible. The President will vote on any exceptions.

D. There will be no players added to the team roster after the roster freeze date mandated by MYSA.

E. In the event a player withdraws or is suspended or expelled for any reason after the season begins, no part of the registration fee will be refunded.

F. Each team will be allowed 1 head coach, 2 assistant coaches, and 1 team parent. All coaches participating at practices and games must be registered. These 4 people are the only adults allowed on the teams side of the field.

G. Shin Guards, covered with socks, MUST be worn at all practices, scrimmages and games. Players without "shin guards" CANNOT practice or play in games.

H. The teams scheduled for the first and last games of the day will be responsible for picking up debris on their field and putting up and taking down the corner flags and nets.

I. All spectators MUST be on the opposite side of the field from the teams and must stand at least 3 yards from the sideline.

J. The Referee has complete control of the field and game. Cancellation of games due to inclement weather or unplayable field conditions will be decided by the referee at game time. Contact your coach or appropriate United official for cancellation information.

K. Any and all problems must be directed through an appropriate United official. All unresolved matters will be taken before the President, and if appropriate, an Investigative Committee, appointed by the President.

L. Disciplinary actions within United will be handled by the President, and if appropriate, a Disciplinary Committee, appointed by the President. The Committee will follow the guidelines in the NVYSL Handbook.

M. United Policies and Procedures will be periodically reviewed at the discretion of the President.

TEAM RULES:

A. NVYSL will set the dates for the fall and spring seasons and provide United with team schedules. The President, and if appropriate, a Financial Advisory Committee, appointed by the President, will set the appropriate registration fee.

B. United is responsible for obtaining coaches for all teams.

C. The recommended roster size is 18 players.

D. A recent waist high photo and signatures are required on all players’ and coaches’ pass cards.

E. Unexcused absences at practice and games will not be tolerated and players are subject to disciplinary actions and/or dismissal from the team.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF COACH/PARENT/PLAYER:

Coach

1. Strive to be a better coach through developmental programs.

2. Plan your practices and make them fun.

3. Develop and train players to their highest potential.

4. Only directional and encouraging remarks from the sideline.

5. Promote "Good Sportsmanship" and make each season a positive experience.

Parent:

1. Transport player to and from practices and games on time.

2. Remain on "Spectators'" side of the field.

3. Volunteer when needed.

4. Set an example one can admire. Criticism is unbecoming.

5. Applaud the efforts of ALL players on BOTH teams.

Player:

1. Bring ball, water and wear shin guards at practices and games.

2. Notify your coach if you can't be at practice or a game.

3. Treat your coach, teammates, and opponents with respect.

4. Show "Good Sportsmanship" whether you win or lose.

5. Practice on your own to become a better player.