Windham Youth Lacrosse Association
BY LAWS
Approved
September 28, 2017
Revised March 30, 2021
Articles of Incorporation of the undersigned, a majority of whom are citizens of the
United States, desiring to form a Non-Profit Corporation under the Non-Profit Corporation Law of The New Hampshire Attorney General Charitable Trust Unit
do hereby certify:
Article One: NAME
The name of the Corporation shall be Windham Lacrosse Association, DBA. Windham Youth Lacrosse Association, and may be properly referred to when desired for convince or brevity as “WYLA”.
Article Two: LOCATION
The place in this state where the principal business of the Corporation is to be located is the Town of Windham.
Article Three: PURPOSE
- To provide an opportunity for interested people to actively participate in aiding the Windham Youth Lacrosse Program, through activities designed to provide assistance to the program.
- Said corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article Four: NON-PROFIT
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to 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 purposes set forth in Article Three hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation 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 these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation 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.
Article Five: DISSOLUTION
Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
Article Six: OFFICERS
- Officers shall consist of:
President,
Secretary,
Treasurer,
Boys Scheduler,
Girls Scheduler,
Player Development,
IT/Website Coordinator,
Equipment Coordinator,
Field Manager,
NHYLA Representative
Girls Youth Coordinator,
Boys Youth Coordinator,
Fund Raising/Special Projects Coordinator(s),
Marketing/Social Media
Member(s) at Large.
- All officers will serve for one (1) year.
- A proposed slate of officers for the ensuing year shall be presented at the last regular meeting, and voted on, at the initial seasonal meeting. Positions not applied for maybe nominated from the floor, at either meeting.
- Any vacancy occurring among the elected officers during the season should be filled at the next regular meeting, following the “Creation of the Vacancy”, or at a Special Meeting called for that purpose.
- All officers and team “HEAD” coaches shall receive no more than one (1) free “SPRING” member registration per annual season.
- Duties of Officers
President
(1.) Preside over all regular meetings and convene special meetings as necessary.
(2.) Act as liaison between the membership and the Windham Recreation Commissioner, the Windham High School Lacrosse Program, and the Windham Lacrosse Booster Club.
(3.) President will be the Representative Director, for the town of Windham, one of the Board of Directors that attended meetings at the New Hampshire Youth Lacrosse Association. (NHYLA), or they will designate a representative.
(4.) Responsible for content of organizations web page: Windhamlacrosse.org
(5.) Appoint committees and chairpersons as required.
(6.) Oversee all committees and functions undertaken by WYLA.
Player Development
- Manage all trainings and clinics for both players and coaches.
- Oversee coach’s certifications prior to the start of the year.
Secretary
(1.) Record and report the minutes and attendance at regular and executive meetings
(2.) Maintain files of all meeting records, correspondence, written committee reports and complete and update membership lists.
(3.) Publish dates for board meetings, notification of elections and registration dates for candidates.
Treasure
(1.) Collect and deposit any and all funds and pay all bills approved by the executive board.
(2.) Provide a written monthly financial statement to the executive board and membership.
(3.) Provide an “End of Year” summary of the financials.
(4.) Responsible for all federal tax reporting and filings as well as state reporting and filings.
(5.) Act in the capacity of the President in his/her or her absence.
Boys Youth Coordinator
(1.) Coordinate the youth program for the boys.
(2.) Provide support for the youth coaches, assistant coaches and parents.
Girls Youth Coordinator
(1.) Coordinate the youth program for the girls.
(2.) Provide support for the youth coaches, assistant coaches and parents.
Boys Referee Scheduler
(1.) Coordinate and schedule all home games and scrimmages.
(2.) Schedule and coordinate all referees for home games.
(3.) Attend preseason field assignment meeting.
Girls Referee Scheduler
(1.) Coordinate and schedule all home games and scrimmages.
(2.) Schedule and coordinate all referees for home games.
(3.) Attend preseason field assignment meeting.
IT Coordinator/Website Master
(1.) Create and maintain information for the consumption of the membership via the internet or other mass media.
(2.) Manage all aspects of youth registration. To include uniform order, number assignment, roster size, etc, etc
Field Manager
(1.) Field preparation for all home games.
(2.) Access and recommend need supplies.
NHYLA Representatives
- Attend all NHYLA meetings.
- Be the liaison between the state governing agency the Board.
Equipment Coordinator
(1.) Maintain inventory of WYLA’s physical assets.
(2.) Propose a list of equipment required before the start of the next season.
(3.) Distribute and collect equipment before and at the end of each season. Maintaining a list of each checkout and check in.
(4.) Act as the contact point for all coaches equipment requirements during the season.
Member(s) at Large
- Require that one of the outgoing board members stay on with the organization. Responsibilities are included but not limited to consulting and advice for the new incoming board members.
- Advise the board.
Fundraising/Special Projects Coordinator(s)
(1.) Candy Sales
(2.) Sports Wear
(3.) Fundraiser(s)
Marketing/Social Media Coordinator
(1.) Maintains all social media accounts
(2.) Connects WYLA with local newspaper publications
(3.) Coordinates with IT Coordinator/Webmaster on membership outreach
(4.) Brand Development – works with President and Board to develop the WYLA brand
Article Seven: MEMBERSHIP
(1.) Membership is defined as any parent, guardian, coach, or board member that has either registered a player(s) and or volunteered to provide services to WYLA.
(2.) Shall be on a yearly basis effective from registration throughout the calendar year.
(3.) Shall be encouraged to participate in all activities by the Windham Youth Lacrosse Association.
(4.) Any association member not complying with the code of conduct adopted by the association can be removed from the association at the discretion of the board. *See Recall of Officers for special removal instructions.
Article Nine: MEETINGS
(1.) Regular meetings of the officers should be held monthly from September to June or as needed by the newly elected officers.
(2.) Special meetings shall be called when necessary at the discretion of the President.
(3.) A quorum shall be established by a simple majority of members present at a regular or special meeting. A minimum of ½ the total number of officers must be present to establish a binding quorum.
(4.) All reports pertaining to the business of the Windham Youth Lacrosse Association will be heard at all regular or special meetings.
(5.) All business and proposals discussed at the executive board meetings will be presented at regular or special meetings.
(6.) Approval or disapproval of all business or proposals will be by simple majority of members at a regular or special meeting.
(7.) Personnel matters will be discussed in a closed meeting with only officers present. Public disclosure of these meetings will be authorized by a majority vote of the board.
Article Ten: COACHES
(1.) All WINDHAM LACROSSE coaches and assistant coaches must apply to and be approved by the Board.
(a.) All WINDHAM LACROSSE teams must have an experienced head coach and a minimum of one assistant coach. Lacrosse experience can be either as a youth sport coach at any level or former player or have knowledge of the game. If an prospective coach does not have any of the above criteria they still can be a Windham Lacrosse coach on a 75% yes vote of the Board.
(b.) All candidates for coaching positions shall consent to and be subject to a criminal background check.
(2.) The Board will intercede on a coach’s “philosophy” only when the team or its players are adversely affected (i.e., abusive language, unilateral cancellation or practices or games, failure to follow policy set by the Board, etc.)
(3.) Team coaches must meet minimum licensing requirements and/or standards as set forth by NHYLA.
(4.) Team coaches shall receive no more than one (1) free “WINTER SKILLS” and/or “FALL BALL” member registration to which he/she actively coaches during the scheduled session(s).
Article Eleven: DISCIPLINARY CODE
(1.) Any player or coach receiving two (2) penalties in a season for unsportsmanlike behavior, game misconduct or player bench penalties is subject to disciplinary action by the Board. This may include further review and action as well as penalties up to and including expulsion from WINDHAM LACROSSE.
(2.) Coaches must keep track of any unsportsmanlike behavior, game misconduct or bench penalties issued to players or coaches and report to the Board immediately after each game.
(3.) Upon notification to player’s parent/guardian and the Board by the coach, habitual absenteeism from practices or games shall subject the player to dismissal from the team.
(a.) In case of player reprimand or dismissal, notification of approved action shall be provided to parent(s)/guardian by the Board.
(4.) Habitual use of abusive language and/or behavior by a WINDHAM LACROSSE player, coach or member shall subject that player, coach or member to dismissal from the team and/or program.
(a.) Notice of any disciplinary action taken by the Board against an individual shall be provided to the individual by the Board via certified mail.
(5.) Coaches, players and their parent/guardian have the right of appeal of the disciplinary code.
(a.) Appeals must be submitted to the Board in writing specifying all pertinent information within five (5) days of notice of approved action.
(b.) In the event of a player appeal by parent(s)/guardian, a written statement from the player’s coach is also required by the Board.
(6.) Coaches and players must sign a Code of Conduct statement as prepared by NHYLA and/or WINDHAM LACROSSE in order to participate in the program.
Note: Board approval is required for any dismissal.
Article Twelve: SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships may be awarded to graduating Windham High School Lacrosse Players, evenly split for the boy’s team and for the girl’s team if awarded. Eligibility will consist of candidates participating in at least one year of lacrosse at Windham High School and three full years of Windham Youth Lacrosse Association participation.
Article Thirteen: RECALL OF OFFICERS
(1.) Any officer may be recalled. A recall can be initiated by anyone of the membership by submitting a petition for recall signed by a minimum of 75 members of the membership. Upon confirmation of the signatures by the secretary, a recall election will be held within 30 days. A two-thirds majority of all board officers are required to remove a board member from the board.
(2.) Misconduct of officers: A two-thirds majority of all board officers are required to remove a board member from the board.
Article Fourteen: AMENDMENTS TO BY LAWS
All proposed amendments to these by laws must be presented in writing at a regular or special meeting no less than 30 days prior to being acted upon, and no later than the initial seasonal meeting.
Article Fifteen: DISSOLUTION
Should the Windham Youth Lacrosse Association dissolve, its sole contents, monies and equipment, shall revert to the following organization, or if not possible in the following order of organizations, 1) Windham Middle School Lacrosse organization or then 2) 1/2 to Windham High School Girls Lacrosse Team and 1/2 to the Windham High School Boys Lacrosse Team or then 3) Windham Recreation Department.
Article Sixteen: ENACTMENT
The Windham Youth Lacrosse Association established approval of these By Laws.
Article Seventeen: COMMITTEES
Committees to support WYLA activities maybe formed throughout the season.
