Constitution and By-Laws

The King Philip Soccer Association (KPSA) is an organization devoted to bringing the best possible soccer experience to the youth of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham by incorporating the best attributes from the Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham soccer programs into one organization. Because of the diversity of the soccer backgrounds of players and coaches who are involved, it became necessary to form a Constitution and By-Laws so that all those involved will have a clear understanding of the organizational goals of KPSA. Note that KPSA is a not-for-profit social welfare organization as defined under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Constitution and By-Laws are meant to help the Board members, coaches and players set their policies concerning the organization, teams and players. These are not to be interpreted as hard by-laws that must be adhered to regardless of the circumstances, but rather as a guide to making the season to season or day to day decisions in a reasonable and fair manner.

Rules (R), however, are more strict and must be followed much more closely. Coaches, Board members and players do not have the authority to deviate from the rules on their own. However, realizing the possibility for extenuating circumstances, the Board may chose to override any rule, on a case by case basis, by a simple majority. i.e. A seven member Board requires four votes even at a meeting where only four Board members attend.

I. CONSTITUTION

ORGANIZATION NAME:

The organization shall be referred to as King Philip Youth Soccer Association, a.k.a. KPSA. KPSA will be affiliated with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) and with the Bay Area Youth Soccer Association (BAYS) and will maintain those affiliations each year.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of KPSA is to develop a program to provide soccer players the best possible competition within Massachusetts. This will be accomplished by allowing players to play at their own level of skill. These programs will be available on a year round basis and will provide training and development for both players and coaches. The goal of the organization is to encourage each youth soccer player to attain their personal best.

DESCRIPTION AND GOVERNING BODY:

KPSA will be an association of soccer teams representing Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham. KPSA will be responsible for setting policy, objectives, providing game play, equipment, recruiting and training of players and coaches.

The governing body of KPSA will be the executive Board, hereafter referred to as the Board, which shall consist of the following eight members:

President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, Training Director, Head Referee, and Immediate Past President.

Officers of the Board (excluding the Immediate Past President) will be elected every other year at the close of the Fall season. Elections will be held in November of the odd years. The President's of each of the youth soccer Boards in Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham shall be notified of the election process at least 30 days in advance and nominations shall be taken during that period. Time and date of the election will then be given to each organization at least five days prior to the election. Every effort should be made to have the three towns represented on the Board; this is not a requirement.

A slate shall be developed by the current president and vice president after discussions with each of the three towns soccer organization's presidents and all of the current KPSA Board members. The slate will then be presented to the current Board for approval. The slate may be voted on as a whole, a portion of, or individually with nominations accepted from anyone present at the election meeting.

Elected officers will commence their term on the first of January in the year following the elections.

If a person holds multiple Board positions he/she will be counted as one Board member when voting, or figuring percentages for quorum or meeting vote requirements.

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Transact all KPSA business.

The following may only be done after written notification to all current Board members at least five days prior to the meeting. And will be decided with a majority of the entire Board.

2) Make and amend the Constitution and By-laws of the organization.

3) It may appoint and remove such officers, coaches or players as it may deem necessary and may fix or alter their duties.

4) Elect members.

5) Fix, impose and remit penalties for violations of the by-laws of the KPSA.

6) Constitute and appoint committees and define the powers and duties of the same.

7) Fill any vacancy in the membership of the Board to serve until the next election.

All other matters of policy shall be decided by a simple majority vote of those members present at a meeting, where a quorum exists. A majority of the currently acting Board shall constitute a quorum.

Any Board member may be reimbursed for expenditures incurred in the performance of his/her duties. This amount is not to exceed $100.00 and may be done without a Board vote. However, the Treasurer may, at his / her discretion, require any such expenditures be brought before the Board for a vote. All expenses exceeding $100.00 dollars must be voted on by the Board. Uniform expenditures as well as MYSA fees and BAYS fees are exempt from this requirement.

OFFICERS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

President: Person responsible for the general supervision of the organization in the performance of its business. He/She shall be the contact for individuals to get on the agenda for Board meetings. Agenda will then be prepared by the President and forwarded to the Secretary no later than ten days before the next Board meeting, for distribution. The President shall also serve as the spokesman for the organization with all outside organizations such as MYSA, BAYS, Norfolk Soccer, Wrentham Soccer, and Plainville Soccer. The President shall conduct the Board meetings. The President shall insure that the Vice President is exposed to all aspects of the organization and so that he/she is fully prepared to assume the position of President in his/her absence. The President is authorized to sign checks for the organization.

Realizing the magnitude of this position and the time required to perform the duties of President in an adequate manner, it is recommended that the President not participate as a head coach during his/her time of office. It should be clearly understood this is not a requirement.

Vice President: In the absence of the President, the Vice President is vested with all the powers of the President. In the case of disability, resignation, or other long time absence of the President, the Vice President shall assume all the duties of the President until the next election or until a special meeting can be called to elect a new president. The Vice President shall be the primary contact for the volunteer fund-raising committee. The Vice President shall be responsible for co-ordinating field maintenance, field lining and will manage all KPSA equipment. The Vice President is authorized to sign checks for the organization.

Treasurer: The Treasurer has general charge of the financial affairs of KPSA. This individual shall keep an accurate accounting of the organizations finances and shall report the financial status of the organization to the Board at each monthly meeting. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual report and budget to be presented at the annual meeting. He/She is also responsible for procuring all supplies and equipment. The Treasurer is authorized to sign checks for the organization.

Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for taking, compiling, and distributing all meeting minutes. These shall be mailed to all attendees and Board members, together with the next agenda. no later than five days prior to the next meeting. In the event of the Secretary's absence from a meeting he/she is charged with the responsibility of finding a suitable person to take the minutes.

Registrar: The Registrar is responsible for ensuring that KPSA complies in a timely manner with all team, player, coach, and board member registration requirements of MYSA and BAYS. The Registrar shall process and submit all registration materials, including team rosters and passcards for KPSA. The registrar is also responsible for organizing, advertising and coordinating player registration for the Spring and Fall seasons. The Registrar is further responsible for verifying all registration information and ensuring that all appropriate requirements are satisfied before a player is allowed to participate in either practice or games. He/She shall maintain on file a birth certificate for all registrants. All birth certificates on each player will be kept until the registrant is no longer eligible to play in U-19 age division. All other records for each player will be kept on file until the close of the current soccer year. Any records in the database shall be maintained until the player is no longer eligible to play for KPSA. The Registrar will also keep on file the final team rosters for each season.

Training Director: The training Director shall research and report to the Board opportunities for coaches to further their training. These shall include but will not be limited to: manuals, tapes, books, coaching seminars, and schedules for state licensing classes. He/She shall keep on file a record of each coaches credentials and experience. He/She shall organize from time to time players clinics or any other educational programs that can help each player become better.

Head Referee: The Head Referee is the official representative for all league matters involving referees. He/She is responsible for the scheduling of referees for all home games and for the overseeing, supervising, and critiquing of the referees used for these matches. He/She will be responsible for scheduling fields and referees for all home make-up games. The Head Referee has the authority to declare a field unplayable within league rules. After such a decision it is the Head Referees responsibility to inform all affected home team coaches so that they can notify their opponents in a timely manner, within league rules.

Immediate Past President: The Immediate Past President shall serve the board in an advisory capacity. He/She shall be responsible for the smooth transition of all Board members to the newly elected Board. He/She shall assist the President in the performance of his/her duties and shall work closely with him / her for the duration of the term. This is not an elected office. Holding this position on the Board shall not disqualify the Immediate Past President from being elected to any other Board position except that of President.

Annual meeting: An annual meeting will be held in January which will receive reports from all committees and Board officers. These reports will include the past years achievements and the coming years objectives and improvements. The Treasurer shall submit his/her annual financial report. The President shall submit a yearly agenda setting goals and objectives for the organization in the coming year.

SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION:

Any participant in KPSA activities may be suspended or expelled from such activities by a resolution passed by not less than a two thirds vote of the Board. Any suspensions will be issued with a defined time frame. An expulsion is permanent.

BY-LAWS:

The board will form and publish by-laws and playing rules which shall be binding on all members. By-laws may be set and/or changed by the majority of the Board.

Any and all questions concerning the Interpretation of the By-laws shall be done at the sole discretion of the Board.

DISPOSITION OF FUNDS:

Should KPSA be dissolved, all funds currently in the treasury will be donated to the Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville travel soccer programs. Monies will be distributed on a per capita basis using the number of players who participated in the most current soccer season, Spring or Fall

II. BY-LAWS

ORGANIZATIONAL:

IA. General:

I.A.1.G. Regularly scheduled monthly Board meetings will be held at 7:30 PM on the second Wednesday of every month at the Junior High School library.

I.A.2.R. All regularly scheduled monthly Board meetings will always remain open for any interested parties to attend and voice their opinions.

I.A.3.R. Any issues deemed too sensitive for public hearing shall be dealt with at a specially called Board meeting other than the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. These meetings when called will be open to only Board members and invited parties.

I.A.4.G All decisions made by the Board, at any time, shall have the best interest of the children in mind with regard to enjoying, participating in, and learning the game of soccer.

I.A.5.G. Proposed changes to these by-laws may be submitted by anyone in the KPSA program. The proposed change must first be submitted to the President, in writing, to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. The agenda must then be mailed to all Board members at least one week in advance of the meeting.

I.B. Committees:

I.B.1.G. The following committees shall be formed to help KPSA perform special tasks not involved in the day to day business of the organization:
Newsletter, Fund-raising, Publicity, Player Evaluations, Field Preparation, and Equipment

I.B.2.R. The committee chairman of each committee is considered an official representative of KPSA and is responsible for adhering to, as well as the enforcing of, all the rules and regulations of KPSA.

I.B.3.R. Committee chairman shall report to the Board at the monthly meeting and shall keep the President informed of all activities.

I.B.4.R. The committee chairman shall be responsible for selecting all committee members. The appointment of the committee shall be subject to Board approval.

I.B.5.R. Committee chairman terms will terminate at the close of each soccer year. (July3l).

I.C. Registration:

I.C.I.R. All players must register with the registrar no later than two weeks prior to the first roster submission to BAYS. This date will be considered the registration deadline. Registrations after that date will be considered late registrations.

I.C.2.G. Registrations should not be solicited by coaches or Board members without the prior knowledge of the registrar.

I.C.3.R. No under twelve player (U12) shall be allowed to register with KPSA unless he/she is attending the King Philip Regional School System(BAYS rule).

I.C.A.R. A player will not be considered registered in KPSA unless a MYSA form, KPSA form, birth certificate and registration fee has been received by the registrar.

I.C.5.R. Players will be registered on teams within the age group they are eligible for. i.e. No player will be moved up without a Board vote.

I.C.6. Late registrations:

I.C.6.a R. A registration shall be considered late if it is received by the registrar after the registration deadline (I.C.1.R). The registration will only be considered by the Board if it is accompanied by a written request from the parent.

I.C.6.b.G. The late registrant will be considered if the applicant does not bring a team roster above sixteen. In the event the applicant's registration does bring the roster above sixteen, the coach of the team in question should be consulted before any decision to accept the application is made. The decision of the Board will be final.

I.C.6.c.G. If the number of late registrants is large, the Board may consider adding a team and still maintain a roster size at or below sixteen.

I.C.6.d.G. The Board will vote on the acceptance- of all late registrants, I.C.7.R. In the event that KPSA must recruit players to obtain adequate numbers for a roster, all late registration rules are suspended. A roster is deemed adequate when there are fourteen players on it.

I.C.8.R. Refunds

I.C.8.a.R. Refunds for registration will not be given after the registration deadline unless the player is unable to play any games because of unforeseeable circumstances beyond the registrants control. i.e. Moving, prolonged injury, illness, or KPSA's inability to field a team.

I.C.8.b.R. Refunds may be granted for equipment payed for but not yet issued.

I.C.8.c.R. There will be no registration refunds granted for any reason after the first game has been played.

I.D. Player Placements:

The importance of player placements on a team cannot be over stressed. This may be the most important thing KPSA will do in determining the player's experience as a soccer player. It is KPSA objective to give each and every player the best opportunity to be placed where he / she belongs. As an organization this is taken extremely seriously.

I.D.1.R. The evaluation committee will be responsible for evaluating players during their current season as well as conducting the group evaluations prior to team placements.

I.D.2.R. Players will be placed on teams by placement groups appointed by the evaluation committee chairman. These groups will be organized in conjunction with age and gender of the players being placed. The placement groups shall consist of members of the evaluation committee and coaches most familiar with the players being placed. i.e. Boys U-14; Boys U-16; Girls U-14 and Girls U-16 may or may not be placed by the same group of committee members.

I.D.3.G. The evaluation committee should actively seek the input from current coaches of the players being evaluated.

I.D.4.G. Coaches will be required to fill out evaluation forms at some point during the season. These forms will be kept confidential and will only be used to assist the evaluation committee in the placement of players on teams. The coach will be asked to rank each of the players on his/her team and to give a brief description of each players strengths and weaknesses.

I.D.5.G. Players will be evaluated according to their soccer ability. i.e. Skills, tactical ability, athletic ability, attitude, and aggressiveness. Players will then be ranked, within their age group. Players with the greatest soccer ability will be ranked the highest and those with the weakest ability will be ranked the lowest. Players will then be place on teams according to their ranking. The highest ranked players will first be placed on the team playing in the most competitive division. Subsequent rosters will then be filled placing players sequentially according to ranking on progressively lesser competitive teams.

I.D.6.G. Players will not be placed on teams with positions as a consideration. Realizing goalkeeping to be a specialty, there may be exceptions for this position only. KPSA notes the importance of goalkeepers getting field time to develop their foot skills. Keepers should be placed on teams where they may remain competitive when playing as a field player.

I.D.7.G. Once a player has been placed and notified of his/her placement that player will not be displaced by a player of greater ability during the current soccer fiscal year. (Aug. 1 st to July 31 st.) However, if a player was improperly placed and his/her soccer experience has been diminished because of the improper placement then that player may be considered for moving down.

I.D.8.G. When the player being considered for placement is totally new to the evaluation committee and there is absolutely no information from any other sources, as to the soccer ability of the player, then that player should be placed on the lowest team in the age group. The intent of the evaluation committee is then to watch this player early in the season to evaluate whether he/she should move up. If that is the case then the movement should occur as soon as possible, within league rules. Such movement should be done in consultation with the parent and/or player.

I.E. Coaches Placement:

I.E.1.G. KPSA will make the best attempt at selecting the most qualified coach possible for each team. The selection process should consider the coache's total soccer knowledge and the ability to communicate this knowledge to the players. Each coach should also be evaluated on his/her willingness to seek training from outside sources, which is strongly recommended by KPSA.

I.E.2.G. Incumbency is not a guarantee of a coach returning to a team the following season. However, it is the objective of KPSA to have a coach return from Fall to Spring as it is recognized by the Board that the Fall season is a developmental season for the Spring and that this gives the organization continuity.

I.F. Teams:

I.F.1.G Team placement, regardless of the season, league or tournament, should be done with the intent of pushing the team to the highest level possible while keeping the team competitive. A team shall be considered competitive if it consistently wins or loses by one or two goals.

I.F.2.G. The ideal team size is considered to be 15-16 players. When determining the number of teams for an age bracket this should be the number set as a goal. However, players registered on time should not be excluded because of this goal.

I.F.3.G. Teams with thirteen players or less will be considered to have an inadequate roster size. KPSA will actively recruit players until an adequate roster size is achieved. Late registration rules will be suspended for these recruited players. KPSA's recruiting for the team will stop once a roster reaches an adequate size.

II. COACHES:

II.A. General

II.A.1.R. All coaches must be registered with MYSA before assembling the team in a team activity.

II.A.2.R. Coaches are responsible for observing as well as enforcing the rules and regulations set forth in this booklet.

II.A.3.R. Coaches are responsible for observing and enforcing the rules set forth in any league, tournament or game in which the team is involved in.

II.A.A.R. Coaches are ultimately responsible for his own team and spectators. No verbal or physical abuse of any other player, referee, or parent is allowed at any time.

II.A.5.R As a representative of KPSA all coaches are to conduct themselves in a sportsman-like manner at all times.

II.A.6.R. A coach has the authority to suspend a player from one game for the infraction of any rules or as a disciplinary action used as a means to control the individual. The President of KPSA must be informed of said suspension as soon as possible. If the coach feels further action must be taken then this can only be done by a Board vote. If necessary, a special meeting of the Board will be called. All parties involved will be invited to attend. A player and/or parent has the right to appeal any suspension to the Board of KPSA.

II.A.7.R. The coach of each team will be charged with finding a suitable assistant coach who will be totally responsible for the team in the coach's absence.

II.A.8.R. No team game, practice, or activity can be conducted without a MYSA registered Board member or coach (with a passcard) present.

II.B. Practice:

II.B.1.G. It is suggested that practice be conducted twice a week for U-14 and whenever possible for older players. KPSA realizes the older players have other commitments with school and work which may prohibit many of them from practicing with the team.

II.B.2.R. All practices shall be supervised by at least one coach, asst. coach or Board member registered with KPSA and MYSA.

II.B.3.R. MYSA forms must be with the team at every game and practice.

II.B.4.R. Coach must have ice packs and first aid kit at all games and practices

II.C. Games:

II.C.1.G. It is suggested that every coach should do his/her best to give each player at least half of each game on the field of play. This should not be confused with equal playing time.

II.C.2.G. It is suggested that goalies should not be playing goal exclusively. For a keeper to develop to his/her fullest potential he/she must develop foot skills, this is best done on the field as a field player.

II.C.3.G. An animated and enthusiastic coach is a great asset. However, the coach should keep sideline instructions to players on the game field at a minimum.

II.D. Training:

If players are put in the proper atmosphere they will learn the game regardless of the coaches soccer abilities. Players will learn quicker, however, if they have confidence in what the coach is teaching. First, however the coach must have confidence in himself. By attending coaching clinics this confidence may be attained by even the most inexperienced coaches.

Coaches who have coached many years with the same players will benefit from such courses by learning new games and techniques which may rejuvenate both the coach and the players. By changing and improving coaching strategies the players will be treated to something new on a continuing basis. As the players learn and grow so must the coach.

II.D.1.G. It is suggested that Fall coaches who do not have a state "F" license should obtain that license before returning as a coach in the Spring.

II.D.2.G. It is suggested that Fall coaches who have a state "F" license should obtain a state "E" licence before returning as a coach in the Spring.

II.D.2.G. It is suggested that coaches who have a state "E" licence should consider obtaining a state "D" licence.

II.D.3.G. All coaches should make an effort to attend the MYSA conference each Spring. The conference offers expert coaching clinics which can benefit all regardless of their soccer background.

[II.D.4.R. Coaches attending any licensing course or coaches clinic mentioned in this section shall be reimbursed for the cost of the course after completion.] This is not a part of the by-law!

II.E. DRUGS:

II.E.1.G. It is suggested, in order to set an example to KPSA soccer players, that coaches refrain from using tobacco, in any form, at team activities.

II.E.1.R. No coach shall indulge in the use of alcohol while participating in team activities.

II.E.2.R. No coach will participate in the use of illegal drugs while associated with KPSA.

III. PLAYERS CONDUCT:

III.A. General:

III.A.1.R. Players are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner at all times.

III.A.2.G. Swearing at no time is permitted. A player heard swearing by the coach should immediately be pulled from the playing field. Depending on the severity of the offense a player may sit out the remainder of the half or even the game. This action should be taken, by the coach, regardless of any referees action.

III.A.3.G. Players involved in excessive physical behavior with the intent of hurting another player shall be given ample time to cool off on the bench. Repeated offenses should result in the player being removed from the game. This action should be taken, by the coach, regardless of any referee action, for the safety of the players.

III.B. DRUGS:

III.B.1.R. The use of tobacco, alcohol or any other illegal drug or substance, by any player, during any KPSA sponsored activity, shall result in an immediate suspension, of that player, for the remainder of the season.

III.B.2.R. A soccer season starts at the time of the first team practice, before the start of the season, and will continue to the last team event.

III.B.3.R. Any player, under suspension, shall not participate with the team at any practice, scrimmage, tournament or any other function where the team assembles as a group.

IV. PARENTS:

IV. A. Games:

IV.A.1.R. Parents shall treat players, coaches, and referees with respect. At no time will they verbally or physically abuse them. Only words of encouragement, to the players on the field, will be acceptable at any time.

IV.A.1.R. All spectators of KPSA home games will watch the game from the touch line opposite the teams. No spectators will be allowed behind the goal lines.

IV.B. DRUGS:

IV.B.1.G. Spectators should refrain from smoking while on school grounds both at games and practices.

IV.B.2.G. KPSA greatly discourages the consumption of alcohol at any team activities.

V. REFEREES:

VI. TOURNAMENTS:

VI.A.R. The KPSA Board shall be notified, by the coach, of any team planning to attend any tournament, prior to the team registration application being submitted.

VI.B.G. KPSA teams should play in 11 vs. 11 tournaments if at all possible.