Article I. Name
The name of this organization shall be the Reading-Berks Soccer Referees Association, herein after referred to as RBSRA or Association.
Article II. Mission
Section 1. Historical RBSRA Statement:
The purpose of the Reading-Berks Soccer Referees Association is to:
A. Promote, foster, and perpetuate the game of soccer and its officiating.
B. Instill a spirit of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, respect for authority, and fair play among members, coaches, players, and fans.
C. Develop, teach, promote, and regulate soccer for individuals of all ages.
D. Teach soccer refereeing by holding clinics conducted by qualified instructors.
Section 2. Mission
Our mission is to increase the knowledge and performance level of all Association members through training, mentoring, and assessing.
To achieve our mission, we shall:
A. Have regularly scheduled meetings during the year to provide continuing instruction and to conduct business.
B. Conduct yearly written and fitness tests.
C. Assist those who wish to attain higher levels of proficiency and/or upgrade their certification level.
D. Offer a mentoring program to counsel and develop newly licensed referees.
E. Conduct training classes for new referees when requested by the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association (EPSA).
F. Host clinics when requested by the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association-Referee Committee (EPSARC).
G. Instill in all referees the importance of maintaining the highest standards of personal and official conduct.
Article III. Affiliation
The RBSRA is affiliated with the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League, the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association (EPSA), the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association Referee Committee (EPSARC), and the United States Soccer Federation.
Article IV. Membership
Section 1. Classes of Membership
A. Referee Membership
1. All Association members must be registered USSF referees.
2. Referees may become members upon completion of registration forms and payment of fees. The Board will determine local Association fees.
3. Membership shall be open to any person approved by the RBSRA Board of Directors.
4. All members shall abide by the Constitution, By-Laws, rules and regulations of the Association and with the Constitution, By-Laws, rules, and regulations of the USSF and EPSA.
B. Voting Membership
To be a voting member of the membership, the individual must have met the following requirements:
1. All Association members must be registered USSF referees.
2. The member must have paid the annual membership fee established by the Board
3. The individual must have at least twelve months experience as a USSF referee.
4. The individual must have covered sanctioned USSF games in District 7 within the last 12 months.
5. The individual must have registered for the following year to vote at the Annual Meeting.
C. Non-voting Membership
Any member who does not meet all of the requirements stated in Article IV, Sect. 1, subsection B may enjoy all of the advantages of membership but will not cast a vote for the election of board members or on motions.
D. Honorary Membership
Honorary memberships may be granted to individuals elected to membership in a non-voting capacity for their outstanding service to the association.
Article V. Fees and Other Financial Obligations
Section 1. Annual Fees
A. The Board shall establish annual membership fees.
B. Payment
1. Fees shall be payable by the next meeting after the date of mailing.
2. With the failure of any member to pay the established membership fee, that member shall be considered delinquent and subject to membership removal by the Board.
3. A member’s voting privileges shall be suspended during the time the member is delinquent.
4. The Board reserves the right to waive fees in exceptional cases or because of financial hardship.
Article VI. The Board of Directors
Section 1. Personnel
The Board of Directors, here after referred to, as “The Board” of the RBSRA shall consist of nine (9) members as follows:
A. Executive Board
1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
B. Assistant State Referee Administrator (A.S.R.A.)
C. Four (4) Additional members elected to the board shall be Trustees
D. One of the Trustees shall be a Youth trustee who must be between 14 and 19 years of age.
Section 2. Nomination
The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) delegates consisting of: one (1) Board member and two (2) members of the Association
Section 3. Elections
A. The elections shall be held annually at the Annual Meeting.
B. A slate of officers shall be available at the meeting prior to the election meeting. Nominations may still be made at the election meeting.
C. The Secretary at the election meeting shall distribute ballots. Voting will be by secret ballot.
D. Nominees receiving a plurality of the votes shall be declared elected.
E. The term of office, so long as the individual meets the requirements to be a member in good standing, shall be for one (1) year effective from the close of the Annual Meeting to the close of the next Annual Meeting. Each board member shall serve their term until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal.
F. If a Board member becomes ineligible, the remaining Board members shall appoint an eligible successor to serve the remainder of the ineligible Board member’s term.
Section 4. Duties of the Officers
A. The Board of Directors
The Board is the administrative body of the RBSRA, and is responsible to the general membership of the Association. The Board will develop policy and have general oversight of the Association’s programs, operation, funds, and physical property.
These responsibilities shall include:
1. Authorizing and submitting to the membership all budgets and membership fees.
2. Authorizing expenditures within the budget guidelines.
3. Developing and administering training and developmental programs.
4. Making decisions regarding grievances forwarded against a member.
5. Approving all appointments made by the President.
6. Calling for an official membership meeting.
7. Creating appropriate committees to carry on the work of the Association in accordance with Article II of this Constitution.
B. The President
The President shall be the chief executive officer of this Association. The duties of the President are as follows:
1. Shall preside at all general meetings of the Association and meetings of the Board.
2. Shall be a member ex-officio of all committees.
3. Shall appoint a Board member(s) as a representative(s) and an alternate to attend the Reading Berks Junior Soccer League meetings.
4. With the approval of the Board, shall appoint members for the committees created by the Board.
5. The President shall vote only when necessary to break a tie.
C. The Vice-President
The Vice-President shall serve as assistant to the President and must be familiar with the operation and programs of the association. The duties of the Vice- President are as follows:
1. Shall assume the responsibilities of the President in the President’s absence.
2. Shall assume the duties of the Secretary in the event of the Secretary’s absence.
3. Shall assume such other responsibilities as may be designated by the Board of Directors.
D. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings and conduct the general correspondence of the Association. Other duties are as follows:
1. Send out notice of all meetings in a timely fashion.
2. Maintain annually, a directory of names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all member referees.
3. Keep minutes and attendance of all meetings and distribute copies of the minutes to all Board members. These may be posted on the Association web site at the discretion of the Board.
4. Provide ballots and conduct the election at the Annual Meeting.
E. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Association and the custodian of its funds. The duties of the Treasurer are as follows:
1. Keep full and accurate accounts and present monthly-itemized financial statements to the Board and general statements at meetings of this Association.
2. Arrange for a yearly audit of the books following the close of the fiscal year by 2 at-large members appointed by the President.
4. Obtain Board approval for expenditures exceeding $150.00
5. Require signed vouchers for all reimbursed expenses above $10.00.
F. A.S.R.A.
The A.S.R.A. shall serve as chief liaison between the Association and the E.P.S.A.R.C. Further, the A.S.R.A. also serves as the representative of District 7 at the E.P.S.A.R.C. meetings. The duties of the A.S.R.A. are as follows:
1. Chair the Advancement and Assessment Committee.
2. Present reports on directives issued by the E.P.S.A.R.C. at the general meeting of the Association.
3. Report to the Board any directives or requirements issued by the E.P.S.A.R.C.
4. Schedule and conduct annual recertification written and fitness testing.
5. Keep full and accurate accounts of annual recertification written and fitness testing.
6. Present any concerns of the Board or members of the Association to the E.P.S.A.R.C.
G. Trustees
The Trustees shall be at-large members of the Association, who are elected to the Board at the Annual Meeting. The duties of the Trustee are as follows:
1. Offer counsel at all Board meeting.
2. Vote on all motions of the Board.
3. Offer help to the Executive Board, as required.
4. Shall be first called upon to fill an Executive Board position if the elected individual is no longer able to fulfill their duties and/or their term in office
5. One of the Trustees shall be a “Youth Trustee” who shall specifically voice the views of those referees who have yet to reach the age of 20. The Youth Trustee shall enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of a Trustee on the Board.
Section 5. Limitation on Terms of Office
All Executive Board members shall not hold their elected office for more than three (3) consecutive terms.
Section 6. Removal or Resignation of Officers
1. The Board may remove any officer or agent whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Association will be served. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of any person so removed.
2. Removal from the Board shall require a two thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors, as defined in Article VI, Section 1.
3. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors. The resignation shall be effective upon receipt by the Board of Directors or at such subsequent time as may be specified in the notice of resignation.
Article VII. Meetings
Section 1. Quorum
Business cannot be conducted at either a Board Meeting or a General Meeting without a quorum being established.
A. The Board of Directors
A majority of the Board of Directors, as defined in Article VI, Section 1, shall constitute a quorum.
B. A General Meeting
A quorum at a General or Special Meeting shall consist of at least 20 voting members.
Section 2. General Meetings
A. Shall be held no less than six times a year.
B. Instruction shall be part of every general meeting.
C. One meeting each year shall be designated for the election of officers. It shall be called the Annual Meeting and be held in December.
D. A budget shall be prepared and voted on at the meeting following the Annual Meeting.
E. The Treasurer shall report the treasury balance and all activity on the account(s) of the Association, at every General Meeting.
F. Minutes shall be taken at every General Meeting to be reported at the next General Meeting.
G. The Board shall report business conducted at the Board Meetings to the General Meeting, in a manner deemed suitable by the Board.
H. A quorum, as defined in Article VII, Section 1, shall be required to transact business at a General Meeting
Section 3. Board Meetings
A. The Board of Directors shall meet periodically, at least four (4) times a year and report any action at the next General Meeting.
B. A quorum, as defined in Article VII, Section 1, shall be required to transact business.
C. The President may call a Board meeting at any time, in an emergency.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President or Board of Directors or upon the written request of 20 of the voting members of the Association.
Section 5. Voting
A. A simple majority of affirmative votes, of those voting members present at a meeting, shall carry a motion.
B. The specific language of any changes to the Constitution or By-Laws must be presented in the meeting notice at least two weeks prior to the meeting date.
C. Constitution and By-Law changes must be approved at 2 consecutive general meetings to become ratified.
D. A simple majority of affirmative votes, of those voting members present at a meeting, shall carry a motion to change the By-Laws.
E. A Constitutional Amendment must be approved by a 2/3 vote of those voting members present.
Article VIII. Committees
All committees shall be reviewed at the first meeting of the Board following a change in officers.
Section 1. Standing Committees
Standing Committees are those representing activities, which are continuing, in the programs of the Association. The appointed Chairperson shall serve a term of one (1) year unless otherwise stated.
A. Nominating Committee
1. There shall be a Nominating Committee appointed by the President consisting of three (3) delegates:
a. One (1) Board member
b. Two (2) Association members At-Large, provided they are qualified to vote.
2. The principal function is to prepare a slate of officers for election to the Board of Directors.
3. The committee, at the General Meeting prior to the meeting at which the election is to take place, shall present these nominations.
4. The liaison from the Board to this committee shall be the Board member serving on the committee.
B. Advancement and Assessment
1. This committee shall be responsible for overseeing the advancement and assessment of the referee members.
2. The committee shall be chaired by the A.S.R.A. of the Association.
3. It shall consist of the A.S.R.A., one (1) board member, and one (1) member At-Large.
C. Education
1. This Committee will facilitate classes to train new referees, coordinate clinics with EPSARC, and facilitate ongoing instruction at General Meetings.
2. The liaison with the Board shall be the Vice-President.
3. All certified instructors in the chapter are members of this committee.
Section 2. Special Committees
The President or Board at may create special committees at any time to facilitate work in areas not under purview of the Standing Committees as deemed necessary to conduct RBSRA Business. Membership on these committees shall be for one (1) year, appointed by the President with the consent of the Board.
Article IX. Policies and Standards
Section 1. Policies
The policies of this Association shall be in harmony with the policies of EPSARC and the USSF.
Section 2. Dissolving the Association
The Association may be dissolved in the event that it shall cease to carry out the purpose herein set forth or upon the unanimous vote of the Board and the Association’s voting membership, each at their own separate meeting. In the event of dissolution, all of the property and assets of the Association shall be distributed to the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League or its successor organization(s) or to EPSARC for use in furthering referee instruction and training.
Section 3. Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary action shall be left to the discretion of the Board in accordance with the procedures and policies of EPSARC and the USSF. In matters of severe misconduct, and with Review Committee input, the Board of Directors by a two-thirds (2/3) vote will have the authority to suspend, any Association member, Association officer, and remove them from membership or participation of any kind in the Association or its sponsored activities for a period of time deemed appropriate.
Article X. Miscellaneous
Section 1.
This Association is organized exclusively for educational purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Section 2.
No part of the net assets of the Association shall inure to its members, board members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Association shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein above.
Section 3.
Upon dissolution of the Association the Executive Board shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all the of the Association’s debts or encumbrances, dispose of all the monetary assets of the Association to the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League or its successor organization(s) and any training material or support equipment to the EPSARC.
By-Laws of the Reading-Berks Soccer Referees Association
A. The Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year starting on January 1 and ending on December 31.
B. Mentoring Committee
1. The President will appoint a Mentoring Committee to develop mentoring program for new referees. The Vice-President will chair this committee.
2. The program will seek mentors to work with new referees in game situations.
3. New referees will be assigned as A.R.s, working with more experienced referees. It is expected that discussion of game situations will be shared during breaks in the games. Upon completion of the program, the Treasurer will issue checks for the appropriate fee per game to each new referee who participated in the program.
C. Review Committee
A Review Committee chaired by the Vice-President and aided by the A.S.R.A and a Trustee shall be instituted to review any concerns brought forward by referees, the RBJSL, coaches, or players concerning the conduct of a referee during a game.
D. Enactment and Enforcement
1. All requirements and enforcement of the Constitution and its By-Laws shall commence with their acceptance with the exception of Article VI section 5 and Article IV section 1.
2. Article VI section 5, Limitation Of Terms shall commence with the election term following the acceptance of the Constitution and its By-Laws.
3. Article IV section 1, Classes of Membership, all Non-Honorary Members in good standing shall have voting privileges. The requirements Article IV, Section 1, Subsection B shall go into effect 12 months after ratification of the Constitution and its By-Laws.
Revised and accepted at the April, 2004, general meeting of the Reading-Berks Soccer Referee Association.
Hank Arbo
President- RBSRA
The name of this organization shall be the Reading-Berks Soccer Referees Association, herein after referred to as RBSRA or Association.
Article II. Mission
Section 1. Historical RBSRA Statement:
The purpose of the Reading-Berks Soccer Referees Association is to:
A. Promote, foster, and perpetuate the game of soccer and its officiating.
B. Instill a spirit of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, respect for authority, and fair play among members, coaches, players, and fans.
C. Develop, teach, promote, and regulate soccer for individuals of all ages.
D. Teach soccer refereeing by holding clinics conducted by qualified instructors.
Section 2. Mission
Our mission is to increase the knowledge and performance level of all Association members through training, mentoring, and assessing.
To achieve our mission, we shall:
A. Have regularly scheduled meetings during the year to provide continuing instruction and to conduct business.
B. Conduct yearly written and fitness tests.
C. Assist those who wish to attain higher levels of proficiency and/or upgrade their certification level.
D. Offer a mentoring program to counsel and develop newly licensed referees.
E. Conduct training classes for new referees when requested by the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association (EPSA).
F. Host clinics when requested by the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association-Referee Committee (EPSARC).
G. Instill in all referees the importance of maintaining the highest standards of personal and official conduct.
Article III. Affiliation
The RBSRA is affiliated with the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League, the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association (EPSA), the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association Referee Committee (EPSARC), and the United States Soccer Federation.
Article IV. Membership
Section 1. Classes of Membership
A. Referee Membership
1. All Association members must be registered USSF referees.
2. Referees may become members upon completion of registration forms and payment of fees. The Board will determine local Association fees.
3. Membership shall be open to any person approved by the RBSRA Board of Directors.
4. All members shall abide by the Constitution, By-Laws, rules and regulations of the Association and with the Constitution, By-Laws, rules, and regulations of the USSF and EPSA.
B. Voting Membership
To be a voting member of the membership, the individual must have met the following requirements:
1. All Association members must be registered USSF referees.
2. The member must have paid the annual membership fee established by the Board
3. The individual must have at least twelve months experience as a USSF referee.
4. The individual must have covered sanctioned USSF games in District 7 within the last 12 months.
5. The individual must have registered for the following year to vote at the Annual Meeting.
C. Non-voting Membership
Any member who does not meet all of the requirements stated in Article IV, Sect. 1, subsection B may enjoy all of the advantages of membership but will not cast a vote for the election of board members or on motions.
D. Honorary Membership
Honorary memberships may be granted to individuals elected to membership in a non-voting capacity for their outstanding service to the association.
Article V. Fees and Other Financial Obligations
Section 1. Annual Fees
A. The Board shall establish annual membership fees.
B. Payment
1. Fees shall be payable by the next meeting after the date of mailing.
2. With the failure of any member to pay the established membership fee, that member shall be considered delinquent and subject to membership removal by the Board.
3. A member’s voting privileges shall be suspended during the time the member is delinquent.
4. The Board reserves the right to waive fees in exceptional cases or because of financial hardship.
Article VI. The Board of Directors
Section 1. Personnel
The Board of Directors, here after referred to, as “The Board” of the RBSRA shall consist of nine (9) members as follows:
A. Executive Board
1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
B. Assistant State Referee Administrator (A.S.R.A.)
C. Four (4) Additional members elected to the board shall be Trustees
D. One of the Trustees shall be a Youth trustee who must be between 14 and 19 years of age.
Section 2. Nomination
The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) delegates consisting of: one (1) Board member and two (2) members of the Association
Section 3. Elections
A. The elections shall be held annually at the Annual Meeting.
B. A slate of officers shall be available at the meeting prior to the election meeting. Nominations may still be made at the election meeting.
C. The Secretary at the election meeting shall distribute ballots. Voting will be by secret ballot.
D. Nominees receiving a plurality of the votes shall be declared elected.
E. The term of office, so long as the individual meets the requirements to be a member in good standing, shall be for one (1) year effective from the close of the Annual Meeting to the close of the next Annual Meeting. Each board member shall serve their term until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, or removal.
F. If a Board member becomes ineligible, the remaining Board members shall appoint an eligible successor to serve the remainder of the ineligible Board member’s term.
Section 4. Duties of the Officers
A. The Board of Directors
The Board is the administrative body of the RBSRA, and is responsible to the general membership of the Association. The Board will develop policy and have general oversight of the Association’s programs, operation, funds, and physical property.
These responsibilities shall include:
1. Authorizing and submitting to the membership all budgets and membership fees.
2. Authorizing expenditures within the budget guidelines.
3. Developing and administering training and developmental programs.
4. Making decisions regarding grievances forwarded against a member.
5. Approving all appointments made by the President.
6. Calling for an official membership meeting.
7. Creating appropriate committees to carry on the work of the Association in accordance with Article II of this Constitution.
B. The President
The President shall be the chief executive officer of this Association. The duties of the President are as follows:
1. Shall preside at all general meetings of the Association and meetings of the Board.
2. Shall be a member ex-officio of all committees.
3. Shall appoint a Board member(s) as a representative(s) and an alternate to attend the Reading Berks Junior Soccer League meetings.
4. With the approval of the Board, shall appoint members for the committees created by the Board.
5. The President shall vote only when necessary to break a tie.
C. The Vice-President
The Vice-President shall serve as assistant to the President and must be familiar with the operation and programs of the association. The duties of the Vice- President are as follows:
1. Shall assume the responsibilities of the President in the President’s absence.
2. Shall assume the duties of the Secretary in the event of the Secretary’s absence.
3. Shall assume such other responsibilities as may be designated by the Board of Directors.
D. Secretary
The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings and conduct the general correspondence of the Association. Other duties are as follows:
1. Send out notice of all meetings in a timely fashion.
2. Maintain annually, a directory of names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of all member referees.
3. Keep minutes and attendance of all meetings and distribute copies of the minutes to all Board members. These may be posted on the Association web site at the discretion of the Board.
4. Provide ballots and conduct the election at the Annual Meeting.
E. Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be the chief financial officer of the Association and the custodian of its funds. The duties of the Treasurer are as follows:
1. Keep full and accurate accounts and present monthly-itemized financial statements to the Board and general statements at meetings of this Association.
2. Arrange for a yearly audit of the books following the close of the fiscal year by 2 at-large members appointed by the President.
4. Obtain Board approval for expenditures exceeding $150.00
5. Require signed vouchers for all reimbursed expenses above $10.00.
F. A.S.R.A.
The A.S.R.A. shall serve as chief liaison between the Association and the E.P.S.A.R.C. Further, the A.S.R.A. also serves as the representative of District 7 at the E.P.S.A.R.C. meetings. The duties of the A.S.R.A. are as follows:
1. Chair the Advancement and Assessment Committee.
2. Present reports on directives issued by the E.P.S.A.R.C. at the general meeting of the Association.
3. Report to the Board any directives or requirements issued by the E.P.S.A.R.C.
4. Schedule and conduct annual recertification written and fitness testing.
5. Keep full and accurate accounts of annual recertification written and fitness testing.
6. Present any concerns of the Board or members of the Association to the E.P.S.A.R.C.
G. Trustees
The Trustees shall be at-large members of the Association, who are elected to the Board at the Annual Meeting. The duties of the Trustee are as follows:
1. Offer counsel at all Board meeting.
2. Vote on all motions of the Board.
3. Offer help to the Executive Board, as required.
4. Shall be first called upon to fill an Executive Board position if the elected individual is no longer able to fulfill their duties and/or their term in office
5. One of the Trustees shall be a “Youth Trustee” who shall specifically voice the views of those referees who have yet to reach the age of 20. The Youth Trustee shall enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of a Trustee on the Board.
Section 5. Limitation on Terms of Office
All Executive Board members shall not hold their elected office for more than three (3) consecutive terms.
Section 6. Removal or Resignation of Officers
1. The Board may remove any officer or agent whenever, in its judgment, the best interests of the Association will be served. Such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of any person so removed.
2. Removal from the Board shall require a two thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors, as defined in Article VI, Section 1.
3. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors. The resignation shall be effective upon receipt by the Board of Directors or at such subsequent time as may be specified in the notice of resignation.
Article VII. Meetings
Section 1. Quorum
Business cannot be conducted at either a Board Meeting or a General Meeting without a quorum being established.
A. The Board of Directors
A majority of the Board of Directors, as defined in Article VI, Section 1, shall constitute a quorum.
B. A General Meeting
A quorum at a General or Special Meeting shall consist of at least 20 voting members.
Section 2. General Meetings
A. Shall be held no less than six times a year.
B. Instruction shall be part of every general meeting.
C. One meeting each year shall be designated for the election of officers. It shall be called the Annual Meeting and be held in December.
D. A budget shall be prepared and voted on at the meeting following the Annual Meeting.
E. The Treasurer shall report the treasury balance and all activity on the account(s) of the Association, at every General Meeting.
F. Minutes shall be taken at every General Meeting to be reported at the next General Meeting.
G. The Board shall report business conducted at the Board Meetings to the General Meeting, in a manner deemed suitable by the Board.
H. A quorum, as defined in Article VII, Section 1, shall be required to transact business at a General Meeting
Section 3. Board Meetings
A. The Board of Directors shall meet periodically, at least four (4) times a year and report any action at the next General Meeting.
B. A quorum, as defined in Article VII, Section 1, shall be required to transact business.
C. The President may call a Board meeting at any time, in an emergency.
Section 4. Special Meetings
Special meetings may be called by the President or Board of Directors or upon the written request of 20 of the voting members of the Association.
Section 5. Voting
A. A simple majority of affirmative votes, of those voting members present at a meeting, shall carry a motion.
B. The specific language of any changes to the Constitution or By-Laws must be presented in the meeting notice at least two weeks prior to the meeting date.
C. Constitution and By-Law changes must be approved at 2 consecutive general meetings to become ratified.
D. A simple majority of affirmative votes, of those voting members present at a meeting, shall carry a motion to change the By-Laws.
E. A Constitutional Amendment must be approved by a 2/3 vote of those voting members present.
Article VIII. Committees
All committees shall be reviewed at the first meeting of the Board following a change in officers.
Section 1. Standing Committees
Standing Committees are those representing activities, which are continuing, in the programs of the Association. The appointed Chairperson shall serve a term of one (1) year unless otherwise stated.
A. Nominating Committee
1. There shall be a Nominating Committee appointed by the President consisting of three (3) delegates:
a. One (1) Board member
b. Two (2) Association members At-Large, provided they are qualified to vote.
2. The principal function is to prepare a slate of officers for election to the Board of Directors.
3. The committee, at the General Meeting prior to the meeting at which the election is to take place, shall present these nominations.
4. The liaison from the Board to this committee shall be the Board member serving on the committee.
B. Advancement and Assessment
1. This committee shall be responsible for overseeing the advancement and assessment of the referee members.
2. The committee shall be chaired by the A.S.R.A. of the Association.
3. It shall consist of the A.S.R.A., one (1) board member, and one (1) member At-Large.
C. Education
1. This Committee will facilitate classes to train new referees, coordinate clinics with EPSARC, and facilitate ongoing instruction at General Meetings.
2. The liaison with the Board shall be the Vice-President.
3. All certified instructors in the chapter are members of this committee.
Section 2. Special Committees
The President or Board at may create special committees at any time to facilitate work in areas not under purview of the Standing Committees as deemed necessary to conduct RBSRA Business. Membership on these committees shall be for one (1) year, appointed by the President with the consent of the Board.
Article IX. Policies and Standards
Section 1. Policies
The policies of this Association shall be in harmony with the policies of EPSARC and the USSF.
Section 2. Dissolving the Association
The Association may be dissolved in the event that it shall cease to carry out the purpose herein set forth or upon the unanimous vote of the Board and the Association’s voting membership, each at their own separate meeting. In the event of dissolution, all of the property and assets of the Association shall be distributed to the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League or its successor organization(s) or to EPSARC for use in furthering referee instruction and training.
Section 3. Disciplinary Action
Disciplinary action shall be left to the discretion of the Board in accordance with the procedures and policies of EPSARC and the USSF. In matters of severe misconduct, and with Review Committee input, the Board of Directors by a two-thirds (2/3) vote will have the authority to suspend, any Association member, Association officer, and remove them from membership or participation of any kind in the Association or its sponsored activities for a period of time deemed appropriate.
Article X. Miscellaneous
Section 1.
This Association is organized exclusively for educational purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
Section 2.
No part of the net assets of the Association shall inure to its members, board members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Association shall be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth herein above.
Section 3.
Upon dissolution of the Association the Executive Board shall, after paying or making provision for payment of all the of the Association’s debts or encumbrances, dispose of all the monetary assets of the Association to the Reading-Berks Junior Soccer League or its successor organization(s) and any training material or support equipment to the EPSARC.
By-Laws of the Reading-Berks Soccer Referees Association
A. The Fiscal Year
The fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year starting on January 1 and ending on December 31.
B. Mentoring Committee
1. The President will appoint a Mentoring Committee to develop mentoring program for new referees. The Vice-President will chair this committee.
2. The program will seek mentors to work with new referees in game situations.
3. New referees will be assigned as A.R.s, working with more experienced referees. It is expected that discussion of game situations will be shared during breaks in the games. Upon completion of the program, the Treasurer will issue checks for the appropriate fee per game to each new referee who participated in the program.
C. Review Committee
A Review Committee chaired by the Vice-President and aided by the A.S.R.A and a Trustee shall be instituted to review any concerns brought forward by referees, the RBJSL, coaches, or players concerning the conduct of a referee during a game.
D. Enactment and Enforcement
1. All requirements and enforcement of the Constitution and its By-Laws shall commence with their acceptance with the exception of Article VI section 5 and Article IV section 1.
2. Article VI section 5, Limitation Of Terms shall commence with the election term following the acceptance of the Constitution and its By-Laws.
3. Article IV section 1, Classes of Membership, all Non-Honorary Members in good standing shall have voting privileges. The requirements Article IV, Section 1, Subsection B shall go into effect 12 months after ratification of the Constitution and its By-Laws.
Revised and accepted at the April, 2004, general meeting of the Reading-Berks Soccer Referee Association.
Hank Arbo
President- RBSRA