ROMAN CATHOLIC ICE HOCKEY CLUB

 

                                                  BY-LAWS (Adopted 1/03)

 

 

                                                Article 1: ORGANIZATION

 

Section 1: Name

 

            The name of this corporation shall be the ROMAN CATHOLIC ICE HOCKEY CLUB

 

Section 2: Registered Address

 

            The registered address of the corporation shall be the address of the current president.

 

Section 3: Registered Agent

 

            The registered agent of the corporation shall be the treasurer.

 

Section 4: Non-profit Status

 

            This corporation is organized as a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania non-profit corporation upon a non-stock membership basis, not involving pecuniary gain or profit for any of its members, for as term of perpetual existence.

 

Section 5: Exempt Status

 

            This corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively as an exempt organization under the provisions of Section 501 (C)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended and as may be amended in the future.

 

Section 6: Use of Funds

 

            All funds and property of this corporation shall be used and distributed exclusively for carrying out the purposes of the corporation as set forth in Article II.

 

Section 7: Fiscal Year

 

            The fiscal year of the corporation shall begin July 1st and end June 30th of the following year.

 

Section 8: Power to Borrow Money

 

            The Club may borrow money, or issue a promissory note or bond for repayment with interest, at the recommendation of the Treasurer and with approval of two-thirds of the board of Directors.

 

Section 9: Financial Statements

 

            The treasurer shall, at least once each year or at the request of the Board of Directors, prepare a true statement of the assets and liabilities of the corporation for the preceding fiscal year.  The statement shall be made to any member on their request.

 

Section 10: Dissolution

 

            In the event of liquidation or dissolution of this corporation, or in the event it shall cease to carry out any of its purposes, all funds and property of the corporation shall be distributed to non-profit corporations with purposes similar to those set forth in Article II and which are exempt organizations as set forth in Section 4 of this Article I, as selected by the Directors of this corporation.  In no event shall any funds or property be distributed to any of the members or used for any other purpose.

 

 

                                                Article II: PURPOSE

 

            The Roman Catholic Ice Hockey Club is a non-profit organization operating a youth hockey program for the benefit of those who attend, or wish to attend, Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The purposes of the corporation are:

           

            1.  To develop character, sportsmanship, and physical fitness among these youth;

 

            2.  To promote, encourage and improve the standard of amateur ice hockey;

 

            3.  To associate with other ice hockey associations;

 

4.  To conduct an amateur hockey program consistent with the rules and regulations of       USA Hockey; and

 

            5.  To perform or participate in other activities that will aid in reaching these objectives

 

 

                                                Article III: MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1: Active Member

 

            An active member is a parent, step-parent, guardian, or other person who pays at least one dollar toward the fee of any child participating in the youth hockey program operated by the Club.  The term of the membership is the fiscal year of the corporation.  Funds contributed to Roman Catholic Ice Hockey Club as part of a fund-raising activity do not entitle the contributor to the benefits of membership.  Upon approval by the Board, any person interested in supporting the Club is eligible for an Associate membership in the organization without voting privileges

 

Section 2: Expulsion

 

            An active member or a player may be expelled after due notice and an opportunity for a hearing for conduct detrimental to the Club by the vote of two-thirds of the Executive Board (as defined in Article IV section 1).

 

             The Secretary shall provide at least ten days notice prior to the meeting at which the matter is to be resolved to the person(s) to be expelled and to the members of the Executive Board. 

 

            The person(s) shall be offered an opportunity to be heard at that meeting, and to present others to testify on his or her behalf, prior to any final disposition by the board.  The decision will be issued in writing within 7 days of the hearing and shall be final.

 

            The person(s) shall be considered suspended and ineligible to participate in any Club activities for the period between the initial written notice of intent to expel and the written final decision.

 

Section 3: Reinstatement

 

            Any active member or player expelled in accordance with Section 2 shall not be eligible to participate in any Club activity or to register for  team play in any successive season without first petitioning the Executive Board for permission.  The Executive Board may take any action consistent with the best interests of the Club in determining whether permission for reinstatement should be granted.

 

Section 4: Voting Rights

 

            Each active member in good standing at least 18 years of age and in attendance at the annual meeting shall be entitled to one vote by secret ballot in the election of the Club’s officers. “In good standing” shall be construed to mean that all club and equipment fees are paid and up to date.  No more than 2 votes per family is allowed.

 

Section 5: Right to Hold Office

 

            Each active member at least 18 years of age is entitled to run for any office of the Club under the procedures established by these by-laws, EXCEPT that a husband and wife may not serve as officers at the same time, and the office of President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer are not open to the coaching staff or their spouses.

 

Section 6: Referenda

 

            Upon the request in writing of one-quarter of the membership, the Board of Directors shall, or upon its own initiative may, submit any question to the active members for a mail referendum vote.

 

Section 7: Annual Meetings

 

            Two general membership meetings shall be held, one in the fall, the other in the spring, at a place and time to be determined by the Board.  Election of officers will take place at the spring meeting.

 

Section 8: Notice and Quorum

 

            At least fifteen days prior to the meetings, written notice of the time and place shall be mailed to the addresses of each active member and posted on the Club’s website.  The notice of the spring meeting shall include the list of members selected by the Nominating Committee to run for positions on the Board.  All such notices shall contain the text of any amendments to the By-Laws which will be presented for approval at that meeting.

 

The active members present at these meetings shall constitute a quorum.

 

Section 9: Proxy Voting

 

            Voting by proxy on matters before the membership is not allowed.

 

Section 10: Problem Resolution

 

            Any member in good standing has the right to present to the elected Officers of the Executive Board any issue or problem for resolution.  If the matter is not resolved to the member’s satisfaction, or there is no consensus among the elected Officers, then the matter may be re-presented to the full Board.  All determinations made by the full Board are final.

 

 

                                    Article IV: OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD

 

Section 1: Board of Directors

 

            The property and affairs of Roman Catholic Ice Hockey Club shall be managed by a Board of Directors composed of:

 

a) officers elected by the general membership in accordance with these by-laws, as      follows:   President, Vice-president, Treasurer, and Secretary;

            b) the Athletic Director, selected by the board;

            c) Moderator, selected by the school; and

            d) Team Managers, selected by team parents

 

Board members listed in (a) through (c) above shall constitute the Executive Board for purposes of determining whether a player or member shall be expelled as per Article III Section 2.

 

Section 2: Regular Meetings

 

            Regular meetings shall be held monthly at a time and place determined by the President.  The Secretary shall notify all members of the Board of the date, time, and place of each meeting, which will also be posted on the Club’s website.  The meetings shall be open at all times to all active members.

 

Section 3: Special Meetings

 

            Special meetings may be called by the President, or at the written request of at least three members of the Board.  The Secretary shall notify the Board of the date, time, and place of the meeting at least three days in advance.

 

Section 4: Quorum

 

            At least fifty percent plus one of the  members of the Board must be present to constitute a quorum at any regular or special meeting.

 

Section 5: Limited Liability

 

            No Board member shall be liable in any manner for any debts or obligations of the Club and shall not be subject to any manner of assessment by virtue of his membership.

 

Section 6: Resignation

 

            Any member of the Board may resign and/or withdraw from membership at any time, upon written notice delivered to the President or Secretary of the Club.

 

 

Section 7: Expulsion

 

            Any Board member shall be subject to removal for failure to discharge the normal duties of a Board member, or for conduct detrimental to the Club, after due notice and an opportunity for a hearing, by a vote of two-thirds of the Board at any regular or special meeting.  The Secretary shall provide at least ten days notice to the person to be expelled and to the members of the Board prior to the regular or special meeting at which the matter is to be resolved.  The person shall be offered the opportunity to be heard at the meeting, and to present others to testify in his/her behalf, prior to the final disposition by the Board.

 

           

Section 8: Board Alternates

 

            In the event of resignation or expulsion an alternate may be chosen by vote of the Board to fill the office.

 

Section 9: Disciplinary Committee

 

            A Disciplinary Committee shall be created as needed to review and act on all disputes regarding infractions of the Club’s rules and regulations.  The committee shall consist of the President, Athletic Director, Moderator and Head Coach for the team in whose jurisdiction the disputed activity occurred.  Decisions of the Committee shall be final, subject only to review by the full Board at the next regular or special meeting, except that a decision to expel a player can only be made by the Executive Board, following the procedure in Article III, Section 2.

 

Section 10: Nominating Committee

 

            A Nominating Committee shall be created each January, chaired by the Secretary, and consisting of the Team Managers, which will be responsible for soliciting nominations from the general  membership for each of the Board’s executive positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.

 

Section 11: Proxy Voting

 

            There shall be no voting by proxy on matters before the Board.

 

 

                                    Article V: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

 

Section 1: President

 

            The duties of the President shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

                        a.  to preside at all regular or special meetings of the membership or Board;

 

                        b.  to call special meetings of the Club;

 

c.  to make decisions on questions not provided for in the by-laws or rules until       the next regular or special meeting of the Board;

 

d.  to represent, or designate suitable representation for, the Club at other ice              hockey meetings;

 

                        e.  to keep the membership informed of all matters which are Club related;

 

                        f.  to appoint chairs of any committees, subject to the approval of the Board;

 

                        g.  to appoint an Athletic Director, subject to the approval of the Board;

 

                        h.  to chair the Disciplinary committee;

 

                        i.  to serve as an ex-officio member of all committees;

 

                        j.  and such other duties as may be specifically assigned by the Board.

 

 

Section 2: Vice-President

 

            The duties of the Vice-President shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

                        a.  to assume the duties and powers of the President in his or her absence;

 

                        b.  to chair the fund-raising committee;

 

                        c.  and such other duties as may be assigned by the President or Board.

 

Section 3: Secretary

 

            The duties of Secretary shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

a.  to record the attendance and minutes of all regular and special meetings of the         Board;

 

                        b.  to assume the responsibility for the Club’s correspondence;

 

                        c.  to receive and register all memberships of the Club;

 

d.  to notify the membership of the Club the date, time and location of the Annual       Meetings or any special meetings;

 

                        e.  to chair the Nominating Committee;

 

                        f.  and such other duties as may be specifically assigned by the Board

 

Section 4: Treasurer

 

            The duties of the treasurer shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

a.  to receive all funds due the club and deposit them in a bank or financial        institution insured against loss;

 

                        b.  to pay the rightful obligations of the Club, as approved by the Board;

c.  to provide a regular monthly report and an Annual report as to the financial              condition of the Club;

 

d.  to prepare and file any financial reports that may be required by state or federal       regulations, or by funding sources;

 

e.  to keep and maintain ledgers or other books of account, which may be audited       at the request of the Board, however at all times only one (1) checking account       may be in existence;

 

                        f.  and such other duties as may specifically be assigned by the Board.

 

Section 5: Athletic Director

 

            The duties of the Athletic Director shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

                        a. to supervise the registration of teams, coaches and players with USA Hockey;

 

b.  to arrange for, contract,  and equitably allocate sufficient ice time for all teams       upon approval of the President and Treasurer;

 

c.  to submit a recommended budget at the start of each fiscal year for             consideration by the Board in preparation for setting the Club’s fee schedule;

 

                        d.  to recommend the coaching staff, subject to approval of the Board;

 

e.  to supervise the player skills evaluation in tryouts and the selection of players          for team assignments, which is SOLELY within the purview of the Director            and coaching staff under GENERAL guidelines established by the Board to             assure a fair process;

 

                        f.  to serve on the Disciplinary Committee;

 

g.  to hold overall responsibility for the athletic program and coaching decisions           along with enforcement of team conduct and discipline;

 

h.  and such other duties as may be specifically assigned by the President or                  Board.

 

Section 7: Team Manager

 

            The parents/guardians of each team at the middle and high school levels shall select as their representative to the Board a Team Manager in a manner to be determined collectively by them.  The duties of the Team Manager shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

 

                        a.  to serve on the Nominating Committee;

 

b.  to be responsible for relaying information from the Board to the team’s parents       and reporting team problems to the board;

 

c.  to gather the statistics for each game and provide them to the Athletic Director        for posting on the website;

 

d.  to ensure that the rules, regulations and policies as established by the Board are       being followed by the players, the parents and the coaching staff;

 

e.  to be responsible for any duty which the Head Coach feels is necessary for the       efficient functioning of the team;

 

f.   and such other duties as may be specifically assigned by the President or             Board.  

 

Section 8: Moderator

 

            Roman Catholic High School shall appoint a faculty member who will act as the school’s representative to the Board.

 

 

 

                                                Article VI: COACHES

 

Section 1: Head Coach

 

            The head coach and coaching staff for each team shall be appointed by the Athletic Director in consultation with (and subject to approval by) the Board. 

 

Section 2: Ineligibility for Executive Board Positions

 

            Neither the head coach nor any coaching staff nor their spouses may hold the position of President, Vice-President, Treasurer or Secretary. 

 

Section 3: Tenure

 

            The position(s) shall not be subject to annual interviews once appointed and approved, except that upon written application of the Athletic Director may be subject to removal for failure to carry out coaching duties or conduct detrimental to the Club,  with the notice and hearing protections as set forth for the expulsion of active members and Board members found in Article III, section 2 and Article IV,  section 7, respectively.

 

 

                                                Article VII: PLAYER ELIGIBILITY

 

 

Section 1: High School Students

 

            All players must remain current with tuition and school fees in order to be eligible to play hockey.  Eligibility will be determined by Roman Catholic High School.

 

Section 2: Academics/Conduct

 

            A student who has two(2) academic failures, or an academic and a conduct failure at the end of the first, second, or third quarter will be ineligible to play hockey for a period of four weeks from the beginning of the new quarter.  At that time the student’s record will be reviewed by the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs.  If either or both of the failures are resolved at that time, the student will become eligible to participate but will be placed on probation until the next report period.

 

 

                                                Article VIII: AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

 

Section 1: Board of Directors

 

            The Board may amend these bylaws by presenting the amendment at a regular or special meeting and voting on the amendment at a subsequent regular or special meeting.  The approval      of two-thirds of the Board is required to pass any amendment

 

Section 2: Annual Meetings

 

            These bylaws may be amended at either of the two annual meetings for the general membership by including the amendment in the notice of the meeting to the members, and having the members vote on the amendment by secret ballot.  The approval of two-thirds of the votes cast is required to pass the amendment.

 

 

                                                Article IX: RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

            The Roman Catholic Ice Hockey Club will promote competition and good sportsmanship at the high school and middle school levels and the Board of Directors shall adopt rules which sets forth its expectations for players and parents.