Central Sarasota County Little League Baseball, Inc. Constitution
Article I – Name
This organization shall be known as the Sarasota Little League, hereinafter referred to as SLL, which shall consist of two leagues. One league shall be called the Sarasota American League (League ID 3091613) and the second shall be called the Sarasota Nation League (League ID 3091608). Sarasota Little League’s principal office shall be located at 6700 Clark Rd. County of Sarasota, State of Florida 34241, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 212266, Sarasota, FL 34276. Sarasota Little League formerly known as Central Sarasota Little League (CSCLL).
Article II – Objective
Section 1
The objective of SLL shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good citizenship, 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, SLL will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little 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 the future citizens is of prime importance. In accordance with the Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue code, SLL shall operate exclusively as a non-profit organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball 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 propagandas, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and which does not participate in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Article III – Membership
Section 1
Eligibility Any person interested in active participation to further the objective and purpose of SLL may apply to become a Member.
Section 2
Classes There shall be the following classes of Members:
a) Player Member. Any player candidate meeting the requirements of Little League Regulation IV shall be eligible to compete for participation. Player members shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of SLL.
b) Regular Members. Any adult person actively interested in furthering the objectives of SLL may become a Regular Member upon approval. All Officers, Board Members, committee Members, Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires and other elected or appointed officials must be active Regular Members in good standing.
c) Honorary Members (Optional). Any person may be elected as Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of all Directors present at any duly held meeting of the Board of Directors but shall have no rights, duties and obligations in the management or in the property of SLL.
d) Sustaining Members (Optional). Any person not a Regular Member who makes financial or other contributions to SLL may by majority vote of the Board of Directors becoming a Sustaining Member, but such person shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management of in the property of SLL.
The secretary shall maintain the roll of membership to qualify voting members. Only Regular Members in good standing are eligible to vote at General Membership Meetings. As used hereinafter, the word “Member” shall mean a Regular Member unless otherwise stated.
Note: Regular Members of SLL automatically include all current Managers, Coaches, Volunteer Umpires, Board Members, Officers of the Board and any other person who is recognized by the Board as a volunteer in SLL including those volunteers with the following titles: Team Parent Field Maintenance.
Section 3
Other Affiliations
a. Members, whether Regular of Player, shall not be required to be affiliated with any another organization or group to qualify as members of SLL.
b. Regular Members shall not be actively engaged in the promotion of any other baseball programs.
c. Board Members shall not serve on another competitive recreational baseball league’s Board of Directors. (Eg. Cal Ripken Babe Ruth, etc.)
Section 4
Suspension of Termination
Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors as follows.
For a Member of the Board of Directors:
A Disciplinary Hearing may be requested by any two Directors. The charges detailing the Conduct must be specified in writing to the President of the Board. After reviewing the details of the complaint, the President shall issue a Notice of Disciplinary Hearing detailing the Conduct of the accused Director. Such notice shall be made at least seven (7) days in advance of the Board Meeting which will conduct the Disciplinary Hearing. At such Hearing, the two accusing Directors will present their charges, the Director so charged shall answer such charges and a two-thirds vote of the remaining Directors shall be required to enact any duly made motion of discipline, suspension, or termination. The two accusing Directors and the Director so accused shall not vote on any disciplinary motion, nor shall they be present during the vote. No appeal of the final vote of the Directors will be entertained.
For a Member that is a Coach or Manager:
A Manager or Coach may be accused of Conduct Requiring Disciplinary Action by an Umpire at a game through the Umpire in Chief. The Umpire In Chief (with the accusing Umpire) shall present the charges to the Baseball Operations Committee Disciplinary Sub-Committee within three (3) days of the occurrence of the Conduct. The Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall review the charges, give the Manager or Coach so accused an opportunity to answer the charges, and by a majority vote of those Disciplinary Sub-Committee members present, a disciplinary action shall be passed or denied
A Manager or Coach may also be accused of Conduct Requiring Disciplinary Action by a Director, the Director On Duty at the time of the Conduct, or the opposing Manager of the game in question in writing to the President of the Board of Directors. Such accusation must be made within three (3) days of the occurrence of the Conduct. In such a case the president will present the written complaint to the Baseball Operations Committee Disciplinary Sub-Committee within three (3) days of its receipt. The Disciplinary Sub-Committee will review the facts and circumstances presented, interview anyone the committee deems vital to a clear understanding of the facts and circumstances of the Conduct, and by a majority vote of those Disciplinary Sub-Committee members present, a disciplinary action shall be passed or denied. A parent may also notify the President of the Board of Directors of Conduct Requiring Disciplinary Action in their own time. In such case, the President will present the written complaint to the Baseball O9perations Committee Disciplinary Sub-Committee within three 93) days of the receipt of such a complaint. The Disciplinary Sub-Committee will review the facts and circumstances, interview anyone the committee deems vital to a clear understanding of the facts and circumstances, and by a majority vote of those Disciplinary Sub-Committee members present, a disciplinary action shall be passed or denied.
If passed by a majority vote, the disciplinary action shall be presented by the Chair – Baseball Operations Committee to the Board of Directors at the next duly appointed Board Meeting or at a Special Board Meeting called for the purpose of conducting a vote on the Disciplinary Sub-Committee’s recommended disciplinary action. The Board of Directors, by a majority vote of those Directors present, shall pass or deny a motion to enact the recommended disciplinary action of the Disciplinary Sub-Committee. No changes to the recommended disciplinary action may be entered into motion. An accused Manager or Coach that is a member of the Board of Directors may not vote or be present during such a vote.
For a Player Member:
A Player Member may be accused of Conduct Requiring Disciplinary Action by an Umpire, an opposing Manager, or the Director On Duty at the time of the Conduct in writing to the President of the Board of Directors. Such accusation must be made within three (3) days of the occurrence of the Conduct. The President will present the written complaint to the Baseball Operations Committee Disciplinary Sub-Committee within three (3) days of its receipt. The Disciplinary Sub-Committee will review the facts and circumstances and give the Player Member so accused, his parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and his/her Manager an opportunity to answer the charges. This review will be conducted as soon as conveniently feasible to the Player Members and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s) schedule.
By a majority vote of those Disciplinary Sub-Committee members present, a disciplinary action shall be passed or denied. The Disciplinary Sub-Committee may interview the Umpire, the opposing Manager, or Director On Duty bringing the charges against the Player Member as part of its review.
If passed by a majority vote, the disciplinary action shall be presented by the Chair – Baseball Operations Committee to the Board of Directors at the next duly appointed Board Meeting of at a Special Board Meeting called for the purpose of conducting a vote on the Disciplinary Sub-Committee’s recommended disciplinary action. The Board of Directors, by a majority vote of those Directors present, shall pass or deny a motion to enact the recommended disciplinary action of the Disciplinary Sub-Committee. No changes to the recommended disciplinary action may be entered into motion.
For a Regular Member That Is Not A Member of the Board of Directors, or a Coach, or a Manager:
A Disciplinary Hearing may be requested by any two Directors. The charges detailing the Conduct must be specified in writing to the President of the Board. If the President of the Board determines that no further action should be taken then he/she shall present the facts, circumstances, and conclusion at the next duly appointed Board Meeting. If the President of the Board determines that the Conduct should be presented for consideration by the Board of Directors then a Notice of Disciplinary Hearing detailing the Conduct shall be issued to the accused Regular Member. Such notice shall be made at least seven (7) days in advance of the Board Meeting which will conduct the Disciplinary Hearing. At such a Hearing, the two accusing Directors will present their charges, the Regular Member so charged shall answer such charges, and a two-thirds vote of the remaining Directors shall be required to enact any duly made motion of suspension of Regular Membership. The two accusing Directors shall not vote on any disciplinary motion, nor shall they be present during the vote. No appeal of the final vote of the Directors will be entertained.
Article IV – Annual Membership Meeting
Section 1
Definition An Annual Membership Meeting is any meeting of membership of SLL (including Special Membership Meeting, Section 7). A minimum of one Annual Meeting per year is required.
Section 2
Notice of Meeting Notice of each General Membership Meeting shall be delivered personally, electronically or by mail to each Member at the last recorded address at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting, setting forth in place, time and purpose of the meeting. In lieu of the above methods, notice may be given in such form as may be authorized by the Members, from time to time, at a regularly convened General Membership Meeting.
Section 3
Voting Only Regular Members shall be entitled to make motions and vote at the Annual Membership Meetings. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit, and recognize guests for presentations or comments during the Annual Membership Meetings. (Those eligible to take part at meetings of the Board of Directors are described in Article VI, Section 4).
Section 4
Absentee Ballot For the expressed purpose of accommodating a Regular Board Member in good standing who cannot be in attendance at the Annual Meeting at which new Board members will be elected, an absentee ballot may be requested and obtained from the Secretary of SLL. The absentee ballot shall be properly completed, signed and returned in a sealed envelope to the Secretary prior to the date of 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 5
Quorum Any matter presented to the Annual Membership Meeting for a majority vote of the Members shall be valid only if a quorum of 20% of the Regular Membership is represented at the meeting by the presence in person of the Regular Member or by Absentee Ballot.
Section 6
Annual Meeting of Members The Annual Meeting of the Members of SLL shall be held the first Thursday of September each year for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors, receiving reports, reviewing the Constitution, appointing committees, and for the transactions of such business as may properly come before the meeting.
a) The Membership shall receive at the Annual Meeting of the Members of SLL a report, verified by the President and Treasurer, or by majority of the Directors, showing:
1. The condition of SLL, to be presented by the President or his/her designate;
2. A general summary of funds received and expended by the local league for the previous year, the amount of the funds currently in possession of SLL, and the name of the financial institution in which such funds are maintained;
3. The whole amount of real and personal property owned by SLL, 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 acquisition, the amount applied, appropriate 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 SLL during the year. The report shall be filed with the records of SLL and entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting. A copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League Headquarters.
b) At the Annual Meeting, the Members shall elect a Board of Directors for the ensuing year. The numbers of Directors elected shall not be less than seven (7) and no more than twenty three (23). The election of the Board of Directors shall be conducted by secret ballot. The ballot will list each nominee in name alphabetical order and it will also provide space for write-in candidate names. The ballot shall contain one column to be marked for voting next to each name. The column shall be an affirmation column to express a positive vote for the nominee.(column heading “Yes”)
c) The elected candidates will be those that received the maximum number of votes for the number of predetermined seats to be elected. The votes will be counted by the Secretary of the board and the results will be certified by the current President of the Board. The vote tally and all original, anonymous votes shall be made available to the general membership for the review after the conclusion of the certification process by the President.
d) After the Board of Directors is elected, the Members attending the Annual meeting will be dismissed and the newly elected Board shall meet to elect the officers. After the election, the newly elected Board of Directors shall immediately assume the performances of its duties. The term of the outgoing members of the Board of Directors shall not expire until the first Monday in October to assist in the transition. The election of the Officers of the Board of Directors at this meeting shall include, at a minimum, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, Safety Officer, Coaching Coordinator, and one or more Player Agents.
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 or by the Secretary at their discretion. Upon the written request of ten (10) Regular Members or three (3) Members of the Board of Directors, the President or Secretary shall call a Special General Membership Meeting to consider the subject specified in the request. No business other than 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 received by the President or Secretary. A Quorum of at least 20% of the Regular Membership shall be required to enact, through majority vote, the business of the Special General Membership Meeting. Such quorum shall be established by presence in person of Regular Members or by Absentee Ballot in accordance with the quorum requirements of Article IV, Section 5.
Section 8
Rules of Order for General Membership Meeting Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all General Membership Meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of SLL.
Article V – Board of Directors
Section 1
Authority The management of the property and affairs of SLL shall be vested in the Board of Directors
Section 2
Increase in number The number of Board of Directors so fixed at the Annual Meeting may be increased at any General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting of the Members. If the number is increased, the additional Directors may be elected at the meeting at which the increase is voted, or at any subsequent General Membership Meeting. All elections of additional Directors shall be by majority vote of all Regular Members present or represented by a properly executed and signed absentee ballot filed with the Secretary prior to the election meeting.
Section 3
Vacancies If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may or may not be filed by a majority vote of the remaining Board of Directors at any regular Board meeting or at any Special Board meeting called for that purpose.
Section 4
Board Meetings, Notice and Quorum Regular meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board.
a. The President or the Secretary may, whenever they deem it advisable, or the Secretary shall at the request in writing of two (2) SLL Directors 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 Secretary personally, electronically or by mail to each Director at least seven (7) days before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director.
c. Five (5) members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If a quorum is not presented, no business shall be conducted.
d. Only Members may invite, admit and recognize guests for presentations or comments during Board meetings.
Section 5
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. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of SLL as it may deem proper, provided such rules and regulations to 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 of Officer or Committee Member of SLL in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 4(a,b).
Section 6
Rules of Order for Board Meeting Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all Board of Directors meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of SLL.
Section 7
Dismissal A Board Member who misses two (2) consecutive regularly scheduled board meetings or total of three (3) regularly scheduled board meetings shall be subject to dismissal. The dismissal hearing will be added to the meeting minutes and take place following regularly scheduled board meeting. A Quorum of members shall be present in order to conduct the hearing and the majority vote will determine the outcome.
Article VI – Duties and Powers of the Board
Appointments The Board of Directors shall elect officers to coordinate and conduct the activities of Sarasota Little League. The following elected positions shall be maintained by the Members of the Board of Directors at all times:
President The President shall:
a. Conduct the affairs of the appointed Local League and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
b. Present a report of the condition of the SLL 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 SLL.
d. Be responsible for the conduct of SLL in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc., as agreed to under the conditions of the charter issued by Little League Baseball to SLL.
e. Designate in writing, other officers, if necessary, to have the power to make and execute for/and in the name of the SLL such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board.
f. Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to SLL and report thereon to the Board of Executive Committee as circumstances warrant.
g. With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the proof of age documentation of every All Star candidate and to certify to residence and age eligibility before the player maybe accepted for team selection.
Vice President, Director of Baseball Operations The Vice President shall:
In case of the absence of disability of the President and provided he/she is authorized by the President of Board to so 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 maybe assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President. The Vice President is an ex-officio member of all committees.
Additionally, the Vice President fulfills the role of Director of Baseball Operations and he/she chairs the Baseball Operations Committee.
Secretary The Secretary shall:
a. Be responsible for recording the activities of SLL and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records.
b. Perform such duties as are herein 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. Maintain a list of all Regular, Sustaining and Honorary Members, Directors and Committee Members and give notice of all meetings of the SLL, the Board of Directors and Committees.
d. 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.
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 Members, Directors, Officers and Committee Members of their election of appointment.
Treasurer, Chair – Finance and Budget Committee The Treasurer shall:
a. Perform such duties as are herein set forth and such other 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 same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
c. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of SLL, including Auxiliary, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with the policies established in advanced of such actions by the Board of Directors. Any disbursements by check of $5,000 must have dual signatures. Electronic disbursements are authorized for reoccurring bills.
d. Prepare a budget under the direction of the President for submission to the Board of Directors at the August Meeting.
e. Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting.
Player Agent(s) The Player Agent shall:
a. Record all player transactions/trades and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof.
b. Conduct the player draft and all-other player transactions or selection events and meetings with the President and/or Vice President.
c. Prepare the “Player Agent’s list” of players eligible for the draft.
d. Prepare for the President’s signature and submission to the Little League Headquarters, team rosters, including players’ claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit.
e. Notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements or trades.
f. Coordinate tryouts.
g. Prepare the required All-Star player books for participation in the annual Little League All-Star tournaments.
h. The Player Agent is an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
All Star Coordinator the All Star Coordinator shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the Uniform Manager, the Player Agents, the Equipment Manager, the Manager Selection Committee, and the Baseball Operations Committee to ensure that all tasks related to fielding Sarasota Little League All Star teams are completed in a timely fashion.
b. Coordinate with the Player Agents and the Baseball Operations Committee to ensure that the All Star Books are properly completed and signed by District.
c. Work with the team Managers and Coaches to ensure that all notifications, team meetings, etc. are handled efficiently. Report all progress to the Board of Directors on a regular basis, as required.
Safety Officer, Chair Grounds, Facilities and Safety Committee The Safety Officer shall:
a. Be responsible for the implementation of the A.S.A.P. (A Safety Awareness Program) at the local level.
b. Be responsible to make all members aware of all safety procedures found in the Little League Safety Code.
c. Annually, with the President, prior to the start of the season, audit the field lighting system(s) to insure it meets Little League minimum standards. The lighting audit will be performed by a qualified technician.
d. Frequently inspect all playing areas for holes, damage, glass and other foreign objects.
e. Make certain all fences, screens and dugouts are in safe condition.
f. Periodically inspect the stands or bleachers.
g. Have arrangements in place in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services.
h. Arrange first aid training and CPR for all managers and coaches.
i. Arrange with the President an annual training meeting for managers and coaches by implementing Little League’s “Prevention and Emergency Management Program”,
j. Handle all accident claims promptly and shall maintain all records to all injuries and to include any claims for liability.
k. Assign Director On Duty (DOD) personnel for each day when baseball games are scheduled.
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. Set up online registration and ensure the leagues rosters are uploaded to the Little League. Present a report of the condition of SLL at the Annual Board Meeting.
c. Assign online administrative rights to local volunteers.
d. Encourage creation of team websites to manger, coaches and parents.
e. Ensure that league news and scores are updated on a regular basis.
f. 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 media.
g. Service 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.
Coaching Coordinator The Coaching Coordinator shall:
a. Implement a league-wide training program.
b. Order and distribute training materials to players, managers and coaches.
c. Coordinate mini-clinics if necessary.
d. Serve as contact person for SLL and its manger-coach education program for the league.
e. The Coaching Coordinator is an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
Coach Pitch Commissioner The Coach Pitch Commissioner shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the SLL Coach Pitch program.
b. Coordinate any post-season tournaments with players and coaches.
c. Interacts with Player Agents as necessary to move/trade players as required to ensure player safety.
d. Be an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
T-Ball Commissioner The T-Ball Commissioner shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the SLL T-Ball program(s).
b. Coordinate any post-season tournaments with players and coaches.
c. Interacts with Player Agents as necessary to move/trade players as required to ensure player safety.
d. Be an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
Umpire In Chief The Umpire In Chief shall:
a. Responsible for selection and training of all umpires.
b. Coordinates umpire schedules to ensure that all games have proper umpires present.
c. Represents the umpire at any disciplinary meeting.
d. Be an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
Chair – Manager Selection Committee The Chair – Manager Selection Committee shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the Manager Selection Committee.
b. Present a slate of managers to the President of the Board for approval each season.
c. Be an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
Chair – Vendor and Government Relations Committee The Chair – Vendor and Government Relations Committee shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the Vendor and Government Relations Committee.
b. With the President, coordinate all activities with the Sarasota County Government.
c. With the President, coordinate all activities with the Baltimore Orioles.
Chair – Auxiliary Committee The Chair – Auxiliary Committee shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the Auxiliary Committee.
b. Coordinate all public relations activities.
c. Work closely with the League Information Officer.
Chair – Opening Day Ceremonies Committee The Chair – Opening Day Ceremonies Committee shall:
a. Coordinate all activities of the Opening Day Ceremonies Committee.
b. Coordinate all rewards ceremonies.
c. Coordinate all purchases and distribution of season ending awards.
Schedule Manager The Schedule Manager shall:
a. Produce and coordinate baseball playing and practice schedules for all leagues/teams.
b. With the League Information Officer, publish all schedules.
c. Be an ex-officio member of the Baseball Operations Committee.
Equipment Manager The Equipment Manager shall:
a. Ensure that all equipment is in proper working order prior to the start of each season.
b. Ensure that adequate equipment is available to all teams at the start of each season.
c. Ensure an adequate supply of baseballs are available for games.
d. Issue equipment to team mangers and retrieves equipment from managers at season’s end.
e. Maintain a log of the disposition of all equipment.
Uniform Manager The Uniform Manager shall:
a. Secure bids for all uniform purchases prior to the start of each season.
b. Recommend a vendor to the Board of Directors for approval.
c. Coordinate the ordering, delivery, and distribution of all uniforms to teams.
d. Coordinate the ordering and distribution of All Star uniforms.
Article VIII – Standing Committees
Baseball Operations Committee The Baseball Operations Committee is responsible for all operational aspects of SLL’s baseball programs at all levels. The Committee consists of a number of ex-officio members and three (3) members appointed on a rotating basis, as follows:
Ex-Officio Members
Vice President, Chair – Baseball Operations Committee
Player Agents (American, National, Jr/Sr/Big League)
Chair – Manager Selection Committee
Umpire in Chief
Coaching Coordinator
Coach Pitch Commissioner
T-Ball Commissioner
Schedule Manager
Additionally, three (3) rostered mangers from the AAA/Majors divisions shall serve on the committee on a rotating basis during each season. The Chair should coordinate appointments with the Schedule Manager.
Disciplinary Sub-Committee The Disciplinary Sub-Committee is a subset of members from the Baseball Operations Committee. This Committee conducts all disciplinary reviews, as required, for Players, Mangers, or Coaches as provided for in Article III, Section four (4).
Sub-Committee Membership is taken from the membership of the Baseball Operations Committee, as follows:
Vice-President, Chair – Baseball Operations Committee
Appropriate Player Agent
Chair – Manager Selection Committee
Umpire In Chief
Coaching Coordinator
Three (3) rostered mangers serving on a rotating basis
Finance and Budget Committee The Treasurer is the Chair of this committee. In addition to him/herself, the Chair shall appoint three (3) other Directors to be on the committee. The President is an ex-officio member which brings the total committee members to five (5). The Committee shall prepare a budget for presentation to the board and shall be responsible for overseeing all financial activities of SLL, including audits as necessary.
Manager Selection Committee The Chair – Manager Selection Committee shall appoint four (4) Directors to the Manager Selection Committee, the Committee shall investigate prospective managers and coaches for the AAA and Majors divisions and recommend acceptable candidates to the President for appointment and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors. It shall, during the playing season, observe the conduct of the managers and coaches and report its findings to the Chari – Baseball Operations committee.
Five Year Plan (Vision) Committee This committee is charged with the task of developing long range plans for the future development of SLL, its facilities, and its programs. It’s time horizon should be one (1) to five (5) years in the future and it should include plans for growth of enrollment, growth of programs/teams, and communication of such plans to the Board of Directors and (with the approval of the Board) to Sarasota County.
Ex-Officio Members
Chair – President of the Board of Directors
Treasurer
Secretary
Three (3) members from the Auxiliary Committee shall be appointed by the Chair. Five (5) members from the community at large shall be appointed by the Chair.
Auxiliary Committee The Auxiliary Committee is responsible for all fund raising and public relations activities of SLL. Its role is to develop and implement fund raising activities and to ensure that the League’s public relations activities promote the League in a manner consistent with Little League International’s policy guidelines and in a manner that positively promotes Sarasota Little League.
Ex-Officio Members
Treasurer
Secretary
Chair – Auxiliary Committee
League Information Officer
Four (4) members from the General Membership of SLL shall be appointed to the committee by the Chair. Additionally, five (5) members shall be appointed from the local Sarasota community as well.
League Information Committee The League Information Committee shall assist the League Information Officer with the responsibilities of broadcasting information to the general public about Sarasota Little League. These efforts may include activities with Facebook, Twitter, or other mediums. The Committee is also responsible to ensure that SLL’s website represents SLL accurately and in a manner consistent with Little League values.
Ex-Officio Members
Chair – League Information Officer
Two (2) members of the Board of Directors shall be appointed by the Chair. Four (4) members from the SLL General Membership or the community at large shall be appointed by the Chair.
Opening Ceremonies and Awards Committee The Opening Ceremonies and Awards Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating all activities related to SLL’s opening day ceremonies for the Spring Season and any other such opening ceremonies as may be determined by the Board of Directors. This committee is also responsible for recommending season ending awards (trophies, medals, etc.) to the Board of Directors for their approval. Once approved, this committee is responsible for procuring and distributing such awards.
Ex-Officio Members
Chair – Opening Day Ceremonies and Awards Committee
Additionally, the Chair shall appoint two (2) members form the Board of Directors to the committee and four (4) members from the community at large.
Grounds, Facilities and Safety Committee The Grounds, Facilities and Safety Committee is responsible for ensuring that the SLL Safety Program is properly implemented, for coordinating with Sarasota County to ensure that all county grounds and facilities are always in the best possible condition of usability, and for enduring that all SLL owned grounds and facilities are in proper working order at all times.
Ex-Officio Members
Chair – Grounds, Facilities and Safety Manager
Equipment Manager
Additionally, three (3) members from the community at large shall be appointed to the committee by the Chair.
Article IX – Affiliation
Section 1
Charter SLL shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charters. SLL shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charger 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 with SLL.
Section 3
Local Rules, Ground Rules and/or Bylaws The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of SLL shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at meeting to be 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 SLL shall expire at the end of each fiscal year, and are not considered part of this Constitution. (See Article XI, Section seven (7) for fiscal year of SLL). The Board of Directors shall have the flexibility to add and remove Local Rules / Ground Rules throughout the season as they apply to the safety of the players and the league. (ex. The prohibited use of artificial noise makers).
Article X – Financial and Accounting
Section 1
Authority The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of SLL and it shall place all income including Auxillary funds, in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of the 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 SLL, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of SLL.
Section 3
Solicitations The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball unless all of the funds so raised are placed in the SLL treasury.
Section 4
Disbursement of Funds The Board shall not permit the disbursement of SLL 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 authorized electronic transfer. All checks shall be signed by the SLL Treasurer or SLL President.
Section 5
Compensation No Director, Officer, Member of SLL shall receive, directly or indirectly a salary, compensation or emolument from SLL for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member. Umpires maybe compensated at the direction of the Board of Directors.
Section 6
Deposits All monies received, including Auxiliary Funds, shall be deposited to the credit of SLL at Bank of America.
Section 7
Fiscal Year The fiscal year of SLL shall begin October 1 and shall end on September 30. (Note: The above fiscal year must be chosen if SLL intends to qualify under the Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Group Tax ID Number.)
Section 8
Distribution of Property upon Dissolution Upon dissolution of SLL and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of SLL to Little League Baseball, Incorporated, which are or any not be entitled to exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or any future corresponding provision.
Article XI- 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 meetings. Draft of all proposed amendments shall be submitted to Little League Baseball, Incorporated, for approval before implantation.