ARTICLE 1 - NAME
This organization shall be known as Littleton Soccer Club hereafter referred to as LSC.

The LSC is a sub-committee of Littleton Park and Recreation Commission and is affiliated with Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League (NVYSL) and the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (MYSA). The LSC shall adhere to the NVYSL and MYSA Constitutions in all respects.


ARTICLE 2 - OBJECTIVE

SECTION 1
The objective of LSC is to develop and execute a vital and exciting soccer program for the Town of Littleton to teach the children of the 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, decent, 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 the 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 substantial 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. Not withstanding any other provision of these 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 the deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

SECTION 3
It is the policy of LSC to adhere to a strict non-discrimination policy. No individual or group will be discriminated against based on their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or any other category enumerate under either federal or state law. Additionally LSC will not engage in, nor encourage others from engaging in, any illegal activity.

SECTION 4
Should the LSC be dissolved, all funds currently in the treasury will become the property of the Littleton Park and Recreation Department.

SECTION 5
The annual year of the LSC shall run from July 1 through June 30.


ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1
Eligibility/Categories: Participation in LSC shall be open to any resident of Littleton interested in the sport of soccer, subject to the disciplinary regulations mentioned herein. Participation in LSC shall be open to any resident of towns neighboring Littleton interested in the sport of soccer, subject to the disciplinary regulations mentioned herein. Participation in LSC 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:

• Participating Members (Members). Any adult person actively interested in furthering the objectives of LSC.

Only Participating Members in good standing are eligible to vote at Annual Meetings (see Article 5). All Board Members, Committee Members, coaches, Volunteer Referees and other elected or appointed officials must be active Members in good standing.
Note: Members of LSC automatically include all parents (as designated on player registration forms) of Player Members, current Board Members, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Volunteer Referees and any other person who is recognized by the Board as a Volunteer in LSC.
 

• Player Members. Any child of a resident of Littleton who has registered to play in the league by the established cutoff date, and whose fee has been paid or whose fee has been waived by LSC by the established fee due date. The board will consider non-Littleton residents as members on a case-by-case basis, taking in to account the league charter. Player members shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of LSC. Player eligibility's are as stated below:
  • Pee Wee: Children age 4 on or before September 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken.
  • U6: Children age 5 on or before September 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken.
  • U8: Children ages 6 or 7 on or before September 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken.
  • U10: Children ages 8 and 9 on or before August 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken.
  • U12: Children ages 10 and 11 on or before August 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken.
  • U14: Children ages 12 and 13 on or before August 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken.
  • U16: Children ages 14 and 15 on or before September 1st of the year in which play will be undertaken

The Board of Directors has the authority to decide membership in good standing and to waive the age requirements as necessary, taking in to account the league charter and in the best interest of LSC. 
As used hereinafter, the word Member shall mean a Participating Member unless otherwise stated.

SECTION 2
Suspension or Termination: Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors, either adhering to LSC's discipline policy, or, any of the following:

1. The Board of Directors, by a two thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted Board meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of LSC. The Member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
2. The Board of Directors shall, in the case of a player member, give notice to the coach of the team of which the player is a member. Said coach will notify the player and his or her parent/guardian of the pending meeting concerning suspension or termination. The coach and his or her parent/guardian, and player (at his/her parent's discretion) will be requested to attend said meeting. After considering all facts pertinent to the suspension/termination the Board of Directors will act in the best interest of LSC.
3. The Board of Directors shall have full power to suspend or revoke any player members or Regular Members right to future participation.

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 LSC. This fee will be determined by the Board of Directors at the start of each fiscal year.

SECTION 2
Player Members’ parents or guardians who fail to pay their fixed dues within thirty (30) 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 Members of the league (including Special Meetings, Section 6). A minimum of one per year (Annual General Meeting, see Section 5) is required.

SECTION 2
Notice of Meetings. Notice of each association meeting of the Members shall be emailed, posted on the association’s website, published in the local newspaper, or otherwise made aware to the general public at least seven (7) days in advance thereof setting forth 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 of Directors, from time to time, at a regularly convened Board meeting.

SECTION 3
Voting. Only Members shall be entitled to make motions and only Board Members shall be entitled vote at any association meeting of LSC. However, the Board of Directors, may invite, admit and recognize guests for presentations or comments during general membership meetings.

SECTION 4
Rules of Order. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceeding of all General membership meetings, except where they conflict with the Constitution of LSC.

SECTION 5
Annual General Meeting. The annual association meeting of the Members of LSC shall be held in June of 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 meeting. The official agenda for the meeting shall be set by the Board of Directors and must include provision for feedback from the membership on the current season, make any necessary adjustment to the LSC constitution, the .

1. The Annual General Meeting of the Members of LSC, shall provide a report, verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Directors, showing:
   1. The condition of LSC, to be presented by the President or his/her designate;
   2. A general summary of funds received and expended by LSC for the previous year, the amount of funds currently in possession of LSC, and the name of the financial institution in which such funds are maintained;
2. At the Annual Meeting, the Members shall determine the number of Officers of the board of Directors to be elected for the ensuing year and shall elect such number of Officers. The number of Officers elected shall be not less than nine (9). They shall be elected in the order set forth in Article 5, Section 5, subparagraph (3) (below) with any additional Officers approved by at the AGM voted on after those listed in Article 5(5)(3).
3. After the election, the Board of Directors shall assume the performance of its duties on the last day of the spring season or July 1, whichever comes first. The Board's term of office shall continue until its successors are elected and qualified under this section.
4. The Officers of the Board of Directors shall include, at a minimum:
   1. President,
   2. Vice President,
   3. Treasurer,
   4. Secretary,
   5. Travel Coordinator,
   6. In-Town U8 Coordinator,
   7. In-Town U6 Coordinator,
   8. In-Town Pee Wee Coordinator,
   9. Registrar

b) 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 tenure and created by a simple majority of Board members. Appointed positions may include but are not limited to:

(1) Referee Coordinator
(2) Field Coordinator
(3) NVYSL Representative
(4) Equipment Coordinator
(5) Booster Director
(6) Player Development Coordinator
(7) Coach Development Coordinator

SECTION 6
Special meetings. Special meetings of the Members may be called by the Board of Directors or by the Secretary or President at their discretion. Upon the written request of ten (10) members, the 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.
 
ARTICLE 6 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1
Authority. The management of the property and affairs of LSC 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 Members 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 LSC. The minimum number of Directors to constitute a quorum of the board is the majority of voting directors as authorized under Article 5 Section 5.3 (a). A quorum constitutes five (5) directors.

SECTION 5
Board Meetings and Notice. 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 and discussion and execution of LSC business shall, at a minimum, address the following as necessary:

• Roll call (attendance)
• Minutes of the last meeting
• Treasurers Reports
• Coordinators Reports
• Committee Reports
• Old business
• New business
• Schedule next board meeting

Only members of the Board of Directors may make motions and vote at meetings of the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit and recognize guests for presentations or comments during Board meetings. 
Notice of each meeting shall be given by the Secretary electronically via email, posted on the association’s website, or published in the local newspaper, to each Director at least seven (7) days before the time appointed for the meeting.
A quorum of the members of the Board of Directors shall be necessary for the transaction of business.
The President or the Vice President may, whenever any of them deems it advisable, or the Vice President shall, at the request in writing of four (4) Directors, issue a call for a special meeting of the Board. In case of Special Meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not so stated may not be acted upon at the meeting.  The 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.

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 LSC 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 LSC and to appoint a person to serve in the vacant position.

SECTION 7
Rules of Order for Board Meetings. Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all Board of Directors meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of LSC.

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 9), an addendum to this Constitution titled “Position Descriptions” will provide a supplement to the following brief descriptions. The position description addendum is informational only and can be updated at any time by a majority vote of the Board. However, the purpose of the position description is to clarify only and no position description can add or remove any responsibilities specifically assigned below.

SECTION 3
President. The President shall:

1. Conduct the affairs of LSC and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.
2. Present a report of the condition of LSC at the annual meeting.
3. Communicate to the Board of Directors, such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of LSC.
4. Be responsible for the conduct of LSC in strict conformity to league affiliations, including the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of said league, as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued LSC by that organization.
5. Designate, in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of LSC such contracts and leases as may have been received and prior approval of the Board.
6. Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to LSC 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. The President shall preside at all meetings.
10. The President shall delegate responsibility to other Board members and members of the LSC at large to conduct business for the well being of LSC.
11. Represent LSC at League meetings and have the authority to act in the best interest of LSC.
12. Past presidents of LSC can attend meetings of LSC if they so desire; however, they have no voting rights.

SECTION 4
Vice President. The Vice President shall:
a. Assume the responsibilities of the President in his or her absence and, if necessary, ascend to the position of President if he or she cannot complete their term for any reason.
b. Resolve any issues in a timely manner involving players, coaches, and referees and make recommendations to the Board based on the information gathered.
c. Serve as the liaison with Littleton Park and Recreation Department.

SECTION 5
Secretary. The Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for recording the activities of LSC 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 LSC,
4. Keep the minutes of the Annual, Board, and Special meetings and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose.
5. Shall 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 the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors.
2. Receive all moneys and securities, not otherwise received by the Park and Recreation Department, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors.
3. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all moneys 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 Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
5. Prepare an Operational budget.
6. Provide a financial report on the current financial status of LSC at each board meeting.

SECTION 7
Travel Coordinators. The Travel Coordinators shall:

1. Be responsible to LSC for the proper conduct of the soccer league operation
2. Ensure adherence to the discipline policy of LSC.

Perform in the role of local contact should any issues arise from local coaches.

3. Provide a report on the current status of the league at each board meeting.
4. Assist in the evaluation of players
5. Interview and investigate prospective coaches and assistant coaches, and recommend Board of Directors
6. Observe the conduct of the coaches and report its findings to the Board should there be violations to the league's discipline policy.
7. Be responsible for the creation of all travel team rosters and submission to the league.
8. Ensure that all travel game scores are reported to the league on time as stated by the league rules.

SECTION 8
In-Town Coordinators (U6, U8 and Pee Wee). The In-Town Coordinators shall:

a. Be responsible to LSC for the proper conduct of the soccer league operation
b. Ensure adherence to the discipline policy of LSC.
c. Perform in the role of local contact should any issues arise from local coaches.

4. Provide a report on the current status of the league at each board meeting.
5. Assist in the evaluation of players and coach selection
6. Compile and maintain the regular season game schedule
7. Interview and investigate prospective coaches and assistant coaches, and recommend acceptable candidates to the President, for appointment and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors.

8. Observe the conduct of the coaches and report its findings to the Board should there be violations to the league's discipline policy.

9. Create and maintain rosters for all teams in accordance with the Player Placement Policy

10. The U8 coordinator (with the assistance of the U6 and PeeWee coordinators) is responsible for the planning and administration of an annual “World Cup Day” at the end of each spring season.

SECTION 9
Registrar. The registrar shall:

1. Facilitate all aspects of the registration process, including interactions with the Park and Recreation Department, 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 In Town and Travel Coordinators
4. Oversee all monetary transactions as they pertain to registration
5. Ensure that LSC complies with all the registration requirements for participation under MYSA or any league with which LSC is affiliated.

ARTICLE 8 - OTHER COMMITTEES AND COORDINATORS
The Board of Directors shall appoint other committees and coordinators, as they deem necessary, 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 chairmanship, prepare an agenda addressing duties, 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 to 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 LSC website

ARTICLE 9 - ANNUAL CALENDAR
On an annual basis, the Board of Directors shall establish a calendar of operations and shall submit the calendar to the Park and Recreation committee for record keeping purposes. The calendar shall list dates for, but shall not be limited to, the following topics:
Annual end of season meeting
Election of Board members for the upcoming season
Establishing an operational budget for the upcoming season
Player registration
Playing schedules
Equipment procurement, distribution and inventory
Activities, fundraisers, etc.
Player Evaluations
Clinics

The purpose of the calendar is to establish a schedule for planning and coordination of the activities of LSC.
 
ARTICLE 10 - AFFILIATION
SECTION 1

Charter.

• Nashoba Valley Youth Soccer League. LSC 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. LSC may apply annually for affiliation with any other league the board chooses if such membership enhances the play opportunities for LSC player members.

SECTION 2
Rules and Regulations.

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

ARTICLE 11 – RULES, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

SECTION 1
RULES OF PLAY

• LSC will maintain a set of rules and policies regarding in-town (PeeWee through U8) play. These rules and policies may be amended by a majority vote of the board of directors at any properly constituted board meeting.
• Examples of these rules and procedures may include (but are not limited to):

Number of players on the field;
Size of the ball, field dimensions, etc.;
Determining placement on teams, balancing strength of teams, etc.
Maximum goal differentials in games; or
Exceptions to FIFA rules.

SECTION 2
RULES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• LSC 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 LSC and which may be amended by a majority vote of the board of directors at any properly constituted board meeting.
• Examples of these rules and procedures may include (but are not limited to):

Required coaching licenses and/or policies for selecting and/or retaining coaches;
Policies and procedures regarding any tryouts or assessments for team placements; and
Policies and procedures for all board positions.

ARTICLE 12 - AMENDMENTS
One copy of this Constitution shall remain on file at the Park & Recreation office. 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. A revised Constitution shall be immediately sent to the Park and Recreation Committee for their records.



This Constitution was approved at the Annual General Meeting on June 2, 2010






_______________________ _______________________
Patrick Stearns Dave Kiley
President Secretary
Littleton Soccer Club Littleton Soccer Club