North Quabbin United

Soccer Club

Constitution 

 

North Quabbin United Soccer Club Constitution

ARTICLE 1 - NAME

This organization, for legal & tax purposes, shall be known as North Quabbin United Soccer Club.

As a byname, North Quabbin United Soccer Club is often referred to as NQUSC.

The NQUSC is affiliated with Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League (NVYSL) and the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA).  The NQU shall adhere to the NVYSL and MYSA Constitutions in all respects.

ARTICLE 2 - OBJECTIVE

SECTION 1

The objective of NQUSC is to develop and execute a vital and exciting soccer program to teach the children of the North Quabbin (Athol, Orange, Royalston, New Salem, and Petersham) community the game of soccer, instilling the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority so that they will be stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, healthy and trustworthy citizens.  This will be accomplished through programs of organized competitive and recreational soccer play and programs designed to educate and develop players, coaches and referees.  This association is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

SECTION 2

No part of the net earnings of this association shall ever inure to or for the benefit of or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the exempt purposes for which it was formed.  No part of the activities of the association shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation and the association shall not participate in or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.  Notwithstanding any other provision of the articles, the association shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

SECTION 3

Should the North Quabbin United Soccer Club be dissolved, all funds currently in the treasury will become the property of the current Membership (as defined in Article 3, Section 1) of NQUSC or another non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 4

The annual year of the NQUSC shall run from July 1 through June 30.

ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1

Eligibility/Categories: Participation in NQUSC shall be open to any resident of Athol, Orange, Petersham, Royalston, and New Salem interested in the sport of soccer, subject to the disciplinary regulations mentioned herein. Participation in NQUSC shall be reviewed and adjusted as necessary on a yearly basis and shall consist of the following categories, provided the criteria established for members in good standing are also achieved.

Board of Directors. 7 Elected Officials that were elected by the Membership at the Annual General Meeting

Committee Member. Appointed Official to the Board by the President

Board Member. Any person on the Board of Directors or Committee Member

Player Members.  Any child of a resident of Athol, Orange, New Salem, Petersham, and Royalston who has registered to play in the league by the established cutoff date, and whose fee has been paid or waived by NQUSC by the established fee due date.  The Board will consider non-town residents as members on a case-by-case basis, considering the league charter.  Player Members shall have no rights, duties, or obligations in the management or in the property of NQUSC.  Player eligibility is as stated below:

Gr 2/3/4: Children in 2^nd, 3rd or 4th grades during the soccer season.

Gr 5 / 6: Children in 5th or 6th grades during the soccer season.

Gr 7 / 8: Children in 7th or 8th grades during the soccer season. 

Gr 9 / 10: Children in 9th or 10th grades during the soccer season.

Gr 9PG: Children in grades 9-12 and first year after high school graduation during the soccer season.

The Board of Directors has the authority to decide membership in good standing and to waive the age requirements as necessary, considering the league charter and the best interest of NQU.

As used hereinafter, the word Member shall mean Participating Member unless otherwise stated.

SECTION 2

Suspension or Termination: Membership/Player Members may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors, either adhering to NQUSC’s discipline policy, code of conduct, zero tolerance policy or the following:

a. The Board of Directors, by a 2/3 vote of those present at any duly constituted Board meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend, or terminate the membership of any Member/ Player Member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of NQUSC. The Member/Player Member involved shall be notified no less than 7 days before such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges, and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges. (In the case of a Player Member, the Family will be notified).

 

SECTION 3

Code of Conduct:

The overall goal of North Quabbin United Soccer Club (NQUSC) is to have fun, be active, improve skills, learn sportsmanship, develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, develop peer interactions, learn to compete within established rules, accept decisions of authorized officials, seek interpretation, or change through proper channels and to develop sound minds and bodies.

All participants shall treat one another and all other people taking part in NQUSC- sponsored activities with dignity and respect. Participants shall behave according to the rules of soccer, and avoid conduct that demeans, harasses, or threatens any person either verbally or physically. A participant is any one of the following persons present at an activity sponsored by NQUSC, or at an activity in which he/she represents NQUSC: player, coach, assistant coach, spectator, referee, club official, league official.

All participants should be aware of, understand, and comply fully with the requirements to which they are subject, including the principles in this Code of Conduct and the policies of their soccer club, the requirements of the NVYSL and MYSA. Conduct that is verbally or physically threatening or abusive, belligerent, or harassing is never appropriate and shall not occur at any time.  

Participants shall not show prejudice or bias based upon race, gender identity, religion, age, disability, national origin, or sexual orientation.  

Participants shall actively promote & display honesty and forthrightness and shall exhibit the highest standard of such behavior.  

Participants that display any violent, disrespectful, bullying, terrorizing, abusive behavior violating this Code of Conduct during practice/games will be disciplined at the coach’s discretion. Depending on the gravity of the violation, coaches shall be permitted to discipline the offending player by having her/him sit out during practices or during portions of games. Consequences should be commensurate with behavior; consistent infractions may cause greater consequences.  

Should inappropriate behaviors continue without improvement, the coach should inform the player’s parents/guardians and/or consult with the board for additional actions.  

Upon recognizing a serious or repeated infraction, the coach will inform at least one member of the NQUSC board.  If the coach is a board member, he or she will inform at least one other board member.  Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the entire board should be notified the same day, or such notification may be delayed while additional facts are collected, but in no event shall the delay extend beyond the next board meeting. Any disciplinary actions requiring board approval, such as suspensions, shall be voted on at a board meeting.

ARTICLE 4 – FEES

SECTION 1

Player Members.  A registration fee will be assessed as a parent/guardian’s obligation to assure the operational continuity of NQUSC.  This fee will be determined by the Board of Directors at the start of each fiscal year.

SECTION 2

Player Member’s parents or guardians who fail to pay their fixed dues within twenty one (21) days of application to become a member may, by majority vote of the Board present at a Board meeting, be dropped from the rolls and shall forfeit all rights and privileges of membership.

ARTICLE 5 – ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

SECTION 1

Definition. An association meeting is any meeting of the Board Members of NQUSC

(including Special Meetings, Section 6).  A minimum of one per year (Annual General Meeting, see Section 5) is required. A quorum to run an official meeting will be set at 4 or more of the Board of Directors or Elected Members. In the situation that a director is not present, but the assistant director is, the assistant director will count toward the quorum of 7.   

SECTION 2

Notice of Meetings.  Notice of each association meeting of the Board Members shall be emailed, posted on the association’s website, published on social media, or otherwise made aware to the general public at least seven (7) days in advance thereof setting for the place, time and purpose of the meeting; or in lieu thereof, notice may be given in such form as may be authorized by the Board Members, from time to time, at a regularly convened Board Meeting.

SECTION 3

Voting.  Only the Board of Directors shall be entitled to make motions and only the Board of Directors shall be entitled to vote at any association meeting of NQUSC.  However, Board Members may invite, admit, and recognize guests for presentation or comments during general membership meetings. 

SECTION 4

Rules of Order. The President shall preside over all meetings to facilitate discussion, entertain motions, and oversee the voting process. All motions from Board Members shall be entertained by the President. For a motion to progress to discussion and vote, it will need to be seconded by another board member. Once a motion is seconded, the President shall ensure all members present have been heard before initiating the voting process. A motion which does not receive a second or does not receive sufficient votes will fail, and a motion supported by a majority of the voting Board of Directors present will carry.

SECTION 5

Annual General Meeting (AGM).  The Annual General Meeting of the Members of NQUSC shall be held in June each year. The purpose of the meeting shall be for the election of officers to the Board of Directors, selection of coordinators, reviewing the Constitution, appointing committees, receiving reports and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the Board.  The official agenda for the meeting shall be set by the President/Board of Directors and must include provision for feedback from the membership on the current season and make any necessary adjustments to the Constitution:

1. The Annual General Meeting of the Members of NQUSC, shall provide a report, verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Board of Directors, showing:

     a. The condition of NQUSC, to be presented by the President or his/her designee.

     b. A general summary of funds received and expended by NQUSC for the previous year, the amount of funds currently in possession of NQUSC, and the name of the financial institution(s) in which such funds are maintained.

2. At the Annual General Meeting, the Members shall determine the number of Officers of the Board of Directors to be elected for the upcoming year and shall elect such a number of Officers.  The number of Officers elected shall not be less than eleven (7).  They shall be elected in the order set forth in Article 5, Section 5, Subparagraph (3) (below) with any additional Officers approved by members at the AGM voted on after those listed in Article 5 (5)(3).

3. Board Members shall assume the performance of their duties until either on the last day of the ongoing Spring season or July 1, whichever comes first.  The Board Member’s term of office shall continue until its successors are elected and qualified under this section.

1. The Officers of the Board of Directors shall include, at a minimum:

1.             President

2.             Vice President

3.             Treasurer

4.             Secretary

5.             Registrar  

6.             Referee Director

7.             Field Director

 

2. The Incoming President shall fill all open appointed positions during the Annual General Meeting. Appointed positions may be proposed by the President at any point during his/her tenure and created by a simple majority of the Board of Directors. Appointed positions may include, but are not limited to:

1.      NVYSL Representative

2.      At Large Member: any member that would like to join the board without having a specific position of assistant position

3.      Sponsorship Coordinator

4.      Social Media/Website Coordinator

5.      Fundraising Coordinator

   c. Any member at large may be elected to an assistant position. The assistant will have the same power as their director, but the director has the ultimate and final decision.  The assistant will only be allowed to vote in the event their director is not present at the current time of vote.  

SECTION 6

Special Meetings.  Special Meetings of the Members may be called by the Board of Directors or by the Secretary or the President at their discretion.  Upon request, the president or vice president shall call a special meeting to consider a specific subject.  No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the Members.  The president shall preside the meeting unless not in attendance, then the vice president shall preside the meeting.  The President, Vice President, or Secretary must give notice of this special meeting to each Director at least Twenty-Four (24) hours before the time appointed for the meeting.  

Voting.  All meetings are recommended to be held in person unless otherwise not permittable, except when timing is of the utter importance or in National or State Emergencies included but not limited to stay-at-home orders or other orders limiting group gatherings. Board Members may gather via web conference to vote. In this instance, voting will be conducted by roll call and results will be noted in the current month’s meeting minutes.

ARTICLE 6 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1

Authority.  The management of the property and affairs of NQUSC shall be vested in the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2

Increase in number.  The number of Board of Directors so fixed at the Annual General Meeting may be increased at any general meeting of the Members upon the motion of an order to increase the number, the motion be seconded, and approved by a majority of the quorum of the directors in attendance.  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 Meeting.  All elections of additional Directors shall be by majority vote of all Directors present.

SECTION 3

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 quorum of remaining Directors at any regular Board Meeting, or at any Special Board Meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 4

Quorum.  A quorum is the minimum number of Board of Directors necessary to conduct the business of NQUSC.  The minimum number of Directors to constitute a quorum of the board is the majority of voting directors has authorized under Article 5 Section (5)(3)(a).  A quorum constitutes seven (4) directors or assistant directors.

SECTION 5

Board Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall commence following the Annual Meeting and, on such days, thereafter, as shall be determined by the Board.  These meetings will be held for the purpose of planning, discussion, and execution of NQUSC business. They shall, at a minimum, address the following as necessary:     

• Roll Call (attendance)
• Review and approve minutes of the previous meeting
• Treasurer’s Report
• Registrar’s Report
• Coordinators’ Reports
• Committee Reports
• Old Business
• New Business
• Schedule next Board Meeting

A quorum of the Board of Directors shall be necessary for the transaction of business.

SECTION 6

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 NQUSC as it may deem proper, provided such rules and regulations do not conflict with this Constitution.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority based upon majority vote of the Board members who attend any planned meeting to dismiss any Board member who misses three consecutive board meetings of NQUSC and to appoint a person to serve in the vacant position.

ARTICLE 7 – DUTIES, POWERS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD

SECTION 1

Appointments.  The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable and may prescribe the powers and duties of each.  Appointed officers or agents shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board by the Board or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board.

SECTION 2

Board Member Responsibilities.  In addition to the responsibilities which are listed below (Sections 3 through 8), an addendum to this Constitution titled “Position Descriptions” will provide a supplement to the following brief descriptions.  The addendum is informational only and can be updated at any time by a majority vote of the Board.  However, no position descriptions can add or remove any responsibilities specifically assigned below.

SECTION 3

President.  The President shall:

1. Conduct the affairs of NQUSC and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
2. Present a report on the condition of NQUSC at the annual meeting.
3. Communicate with the Board of Directors about such matters as deemed appropriate and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of NQUSC.
4. Be responsible for the conduct of NQUSC in strict conformity to league affiliations, including the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of said league, as agreed to under the conditions of the charter issued by NQUSC by that organization.
5. Designate, in writing, other officers, if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of NQUSC such contracts and leases as may have received prior approval of the Board.
6. Investigate complaints, irregularities, and conditions detrimental to NQUSC and report thereon to the Board of Directors as circumstances warrant.
7. Be responsible for the proper execution of the approved annual Operational Budget.
8. Be responsible for the proper execution of the approved annual Calendar (Article 9).
9. Preside over all meetings.
10. Delegate responsibility to other Board Members and members of the NQUSC at large to conduct business for the wellbeing of NQUSC.
11. Represent NQUSC at League Meetings and have the authority to act in the best interest of NQUSC.
12. The President shall not authorize any outlays of five hundred dollars ($500) or less without the verbal consent of the Treasurer.
13. Past presidents of NQUSC can attend meetings of NQUSC if they so desire; however, they have no voting rights.

SECTION 4

Vice President.  The Vice President shall:

1. Assume the responsibilities of the President in his/her absence and, if necessary, ascend to the position of President if he/she cannot complete the term for any reason.
2. Resolve any issues in a timely manner involving players, coaches and referees and make recommendations to the Board based on the information gathered.

SECTION 5

Secretary.  The Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for recording the activities of NQUSC and maintain appropriate files and necessary records.
2. Perform such duties as are herein 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.
3. Maintain a list of all Board Members, Coordinators, and Committee Members.  Give notice of all Annual, Board or Special Meetings of NQUSC.
4. Keep the minutes of the Annual, Board, and Special meetings and cause them to be recorded and kept for that purpose.
5. Conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings.

SECTION 6

Treasurer.  The Treasurer shall:

1. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
2. Receive all monies and securities and deposit the same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
3. Keep records of the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the local league.  Draft checks for all Board of Directors approved payments from allotted funds.
4. Prepare an annual financial report for submission to the Members and the Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
5. Prepare an Operational Budget.
6. Provide a financial report on the current financial status of NQUSC at each Board Meeting.
7. The Treasurer shall not authorize any outlays of five hundred dollars ($500) or less without the verbal consent of the president.
8. The Board of Directors shall vote on any outlays of more than $500 after treasurer approval from a financial standpoint.

SECTION 7

Registrar.  The Registrar shall:

1. Facilitate all aspects of the registration process, including interactions with the media, other forms of advertisement, and tracking registrations.
2. Ensure that all registration deadlines are widely advertised.
3. Provide current, accurate and complete registration information to Travel Coordinators and/or coaches.
4. Oversee all monetary transactions as they pertain to registration.
5. Ensure that NQUSC complies with all the registration requirements for participation under MSYA or any league with which NQUSC is affiliated.

SECTION 8

Referee Director.  The Referee Director shall:

1.     The referee director shall be responsible for recruiting, training and developing referees to officiate. He/she shall also be responsible for scheduling the referees for league games.

 

ARTICLE 8 – OTHER COMMITTEES AND COORDINATORS

The Board of Directors shall appoint other committees and coordinators, as they deem necessary, on an annual basis.  Committee members and Coordinators may consist of any Member, unless otherwise specified, who in turn shall report to Board meetings.  Committee Chairpersons shall, as early as possible, after assuming leadership, prepare an agenda addressing duties and the goals to be accomplished for the upcoming year.  Examples of Committees are, but not limited to:

• Rules Coordinator and/or Committee.  The Board of Directors may appoint a Rules Committee to review and make recommendations regarding any local rules or guidelines to the Board.
• Web Site Committee.  The Board of Directors may appoint a website committee to review and make recommendations about the layout, content, etc. of the NQUSC website.

ARTICLE 9 – AFFILIATION

SECTION 1

Charter.

• Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League.  NQUSC may apply annually for affiliation with the Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain that affiliation.
• Other Leagues.  NQUSC may apply annually for affiliation with any other league the board chooses if such membership enhances the play opportunities for NQUSC player members.

SECTION 2

Rules and Regulations.

• NQUSC will adhere (unless otherwise accepted) to all FIFA rules and regulations.
• NQUSC will adhere (unless otherwise accepted) to all USYSA rules and regulations.
• NQUSC will adhere to any rules and regulations of MYSA and any league with which NQUSC is affiliated.

ARTICLE 11 – RULES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SECTION 1

Rules, Policies and Procedures

• NQUSC will maintain a set of rules, policies and procedures regarding all other rules, policies, and procedures the Board of Directors feels are necessary for the proper administration of the NQUSC, and which may be amended by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any properly constituted board meeting.
• Examples of these rules, policies and procedures may include but are not limited to; o Required coaching licenses and/or policies for selecting and/or retaining coaches.

o    Policies and procedures regarding any tryouts or assessments for team placements; and

o    Policies and procedures for all board positions.

ARTICLE 12 – AMENDMENTS

This Constitution shall remain publicly available.  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. 

This Constitution was reviewed at the Association General Meeting on January 3rd, 2024. Updates were presented by a committee and later approved on February 12th, 2024.