Ramapo Youth Soccer Association
BY-LAWS
Approved June 14, 2005

SECTION 1.00: NAME
The name of the corporation shall be "Ramapo Youth Soccer Association” a not-for-profit corporation hereinafter referred to as "RYSA."  The Club shall be commonly known as the “Ramapo Wildcats”, and may be officially listed for competitive purposes, as the "Ramapo Youth Soccer Association"
The official address of RYSA will be:
Ramapo Youth Soccer Association, P.O. Box 789, Franklin Lakes, NJ  07417
The official internet web address of RYSA will be:
WWW.RAMAPOWILDCATS.COM
The official email address of RYSA will be:
RAMAPOWILDCATS@AOL.COM.
The representative colors of the club shall be Dark Green and White.

SECTION 1.01: PURPOSE
The purposes for which the corporation is organized are:
To promote participation and develop talent in the sport of soccer through the organization, operation and maintenance of a competitive soccer program based in, but not limited to the towns of Oakland and Franklin Lakes, NJ.
To promote and instill good sportsmanship and fellowship among all players, coaches and parents through the principles of honesty, discipline and fair play.
To educate the players, parents and general public with respect to the game of soccer and the value of the sport to them.

SECTION 1.02: SEASONAL YEAR
The seasonal year of RYSA shall begin on August 1st and end on July 31st of the following calendar year.

SECTION 1.03: INCORPORATION
RYSA is a not-for-profit corporation and is so incorporated under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in Section 501(c) (3).
RYSA is not organized for pecuniary profit or financial gain, and no part of its assets, income or profits shall be distributable to or inure to the benefit of its members, directors or officers.
The officers and directors of the Club shall not be individually liable for the Club's debts or other liabilities and the private property of such individuals shall be exempt from any corporate debts or liabilities.

SECTION 2.00: AFFILIATIONS
RYSA, its officers and members will be affiliated with and governed by these bylaws and by the rules and regulations of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), and the New Jersey State Youth Soccer Association (NJSYSA).  RYSA is currently affiliated with the Northern Counties Soccer Association (NCSA). This affiliation of the club and specified teams is subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3.00: FINANCIAL OWNERSHIP
All moneys paid as player dues or assessments or as team dues or assessments or raised by any fund raising activity under the name of RYSA or any of its member teams, is the property of RYSA and cannot be dispersed in any manner inconsistent with these bylaws.
The Board of Directors, hereinafter referred to as "the Board," shall decide on any questions regarding ownership or disbursement of RYSA moneys.
The Treasurer shall open and maintain such checking and/or savings and/or investment accounts in the name of RYSA at a bank or other accredited financial institution as may be approved by the Board.
The Treasurer shall be designated as the primary agent of RYSA on all club accounts.
The President shall be designated as the secondary agent on all club accounts.
The Treasurer shall track all club accounts on a monthly basis and shall report the status of the same at each Board meeting.
The Treasurer shall report and make available at the annual meeting a review of prior year receipts and disbursements.

SECTION 4.00: FUND RAISING
Fund raising projects or events or other activities sponsored by RYSA or by member teams must be approved by the Board.
Proposals for RYSA or team member fund raising activities must be presented to the Board in writing. Proposals shall be submitted no later than two (2) months prior to the event.

SECTION 4.02: TEAM SPONSORS
RYSA permits individual teams to obtain outside funding for their teams. All funding is subject to the following provisions:
1. All Team Sponsors must be approved by the Board each year.
2. All proceeds from Team Sponsors are disbursed as follows: 10% to the Club, 90% to the individual team.
The Board reserves the right to reject any sponsor for any reason at any time.

SECTION 5.00: MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club consists of players, parents and coaches.  Teams are comprised of boys or girls up to 19 years old, born between August 1st and July 31st of two consecutive calendar years, as determined by New Jersey Youth Soccer Assn.  All players must hold a NJSYSA player pass for their appropriate age group.  All Ramapo Youth Soccer Association players must be registered to the Club with a primary player pass.  Secondary player passes for teams playing within the same league in which RYSA competes are not permitted in the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association. All Coaches must hold a current NJSYSA Coaches pass.

SECTION 5.01: MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the obligation of each member of RYSA to adhere to the bylaws and rules of this organization and to those of affiliated organizations in all matters pertaining to local, district, interdistrict, regional, national and international competition or other activities carried out by or under the name of the organization.  Such obligation is a condition of membership.

SECTION 5.02: FAMILY MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the responsibility of one parent or guardian to read and sign the parent’s code of conduct, provided by the coach.
It is necessary for the club to have all of its member families involved in our club.  At times, the club needs to call upon its members to assist in certain events when needed.
Each member family is required to volunteer for no less than two (2) hours of volunteer service to the club as needed.  Each family will have the opportunity to sign up for a committee of choice when accepted into the club.  It is not guaranteed that one will be able to serve on said committee of choice.  The final committee decision will be made by the Parent Representative Coordinator.

SECTION 5.03: MEMBER SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
Members may be suspended or expelled from RYSA for reasonable cause by the Board, after a hearing at which they have reasonable opportunity to oppose such action.

SECTION 5.04: SUSPENSION
A suspended member is still a member, that is, suspension does not terminate but rather deprives the member of the exercise of membership privileges until the reasons for suspension are rectified or until the member is expelled.

SECTION 5.05: EXPULSION
An expelled member is no longer a member of the organization and retains no privileges of membership. Expelled members may not reapply for membership for a period of one calendar year from the date of expulsion.  Reapplication must be approved by the Board.

SECTION 5.06: MEMBERSHIP RESTRICTIONS
No individual or team member representing RYSA in any capacity shall use or make available for use any data resulting from player or team registration forms without the approval of the Board.
No individual or team member representing RYSA in any capacity shall use the names RYSA, Ramapo Wildcats, or any of its activities or information without approval of the Board.

SECTION 6.00: CLUB COMPOSITION
RYSA is divided into 3 distinct divisions, each with its own rules and regulations as set forth herein and, from time to time, by the Board. Each coach should strive to maintain a team composition with a minimum of 2/3 Franklin Lakes and Oakland players.  In the event the 2/3 criteria is not met, Board approval is required.

SECTION 6.01: TRYOUTS
At the end of the Spring season, all teams are officially dissolved.

SECTION 6.02: DIVISION 5 & 6 TEAMS (U-8, U-9 & U-10) Small Sided Teams
Tryouts are held each year in May or June.  All participants at a tryout, regardless of which team they may have played for in the past, are placed in one group.  The objective of allocation of players to newly formed teams, when multiple teams exist in a particular age group, is to create teams of equal strength and ability.  Flighting within the league of play for each team is also subject to the discretion of the head coach of that age group, as approved by the Board.  All participants must try out and play for their grade or age appropriate team.  At the discretion of the Board, a player may be asked to play up.  Each player at this level must play at least half of the game.  After the official tryouts, no player may be added to the roster of any team without coordinator approval.

SECTION 6.03: : DIVISION 5 & 6  TEAM MAKEUP
Small Sided Teams shall be allowed fourteen (14) registered players at any given time and will be required to carry a minimum of eleven (11) players.  The first team formed at any age group will be referred to as the Green Team, the 2nd team will be the White Team, and the 3rd will be the Black Team.  Any player registered to a team is bound to that team for the entire year unless a transfer is requested of and granted by the Board.  No player may obtain a release from a Ramapo Youth Soccer Association team, play for another team and return to a Ramapo Youth Soccer Association team within the same seasonal year.
No tryouts will be permitted other than those scheduled and approved by the Board.  If there are openings on a team after tryouts for whatever reason, additional players may be added at the discretion of the coach without additional tryouts only with the approval of the Board.

SECTION 6.04: DIVISION 3 &4 TEAMS (U-11, U-12, U-13 & U-14)
Tryouts are held in May or June and players are selected for the entire year (fall and spring seasons).  Returning players must attend tryouts each year and are not guaranteed a spot on the team.  All participants at a tryout, regardless of which team they may have played for in the past, are placed in one group.  The coach of the Green team is assisted by evaluators, to be determined by the board, who grade each candidate in various categories.  The coach then appears before the Board with the evaluation reports and presents the list of players he or she wishes to select.  This list is based on evaluations from the tryouts and the coach’s assessment of the player’s athletic ability, skill level, field awareness, attitude and team needs.  Once the 1st Team’s roster is set, the Board examines the remaining candidates to determine if there are enough skilled players to form a second team.  Also considered is the availability of a qualified head and assistant coach.  If all of these requirements can be satisfied, the Board may allow the formation of the second team.  The first team formed at any age group will be referred to as the Green Team, the 2nd team will be the White Team.  All participants must tryout and play for their grade or age appropriate team.  At the discretion of the Board, a player may be asked to play up.  After the official tryouts, no player may be added to the roster of any team without coordinator approval.

SECTION 6.05: DIVISION 3 &4  TEAM MAKEUP
All Division 3 & 4 Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Teams shall be allowed a maximum of eighteen (18) registered players at any given time and will be required to carry a minimum of thirteen (13) players.
No tryouts will be permitted other than those scheduled and approved by the Board.  If there are openings on a team after tryouts for whatever reason, additional players may be added at the discretion of the coach without additional tryouts only with the approval of the Board.  Any player registered to a team is bound to that team for the entire year unless a transfer is requested of and granted by the Board.  No player may obtain a release from a Ramapo Youth Soccer Association team, play for another team and return to a Ramapo Youth Soccer Association team within the same seasonal year.

SECTION 6.06: DIVISION 1 & 2 TEAMS (U-15, U-16, U-17, U-18 & U-19)
Players are selected for the spring season.  Returning players must attend tryouts each year and are not guaranteed a spot on the team.  All participants at a tryout, regardless of which team they may have played for in the past, are placed in one group.  Coaches are assisted by evaluators, determined by the board, who grade each candidate in various categories.  The coaches then appear before the Board with the evaluation reports and present the list of players he or she wishes to select.  This list is based on evaluations from the tryouts and the coach’s assessment of the player’s athletic ability, skill level, field awareness, attitude and team needs.  Once the 1st Team’s roster is set, the Board examines the remaining candidates to determine if there are enough skilled players to form a second team.  Also considered is the availability of a qualified head and assistant coach.  If all of these requirements can be satisfied, the Board may allow the formation of the second team.  The first team formed at any age group will be referred to as the Green Team, the 2nd team will be the White Team.  A Division 1 or 2 player may, at the discretion of the Board, the Boy or Girls Coordinator and all coaches involved, play up on an older Boys or Girls team.

SECTION 6.07: DIVISION 1 & 2  TEAM MAKEUP
All Division 1 & 2 Ramapo Youth Soccer Association teams shall be allowed eighteen (18) registered players at any given time and will be required to carry a minimum of thirteen (13) players.  Any player registered to a team is bound to that team for the entire year unless a transfer is requested of and granted by the Board.  No player may obtain a release from a Ramapo Youth Soccer Association team, play for another team and return to a Ramapo Youth Soccer Association team within the same seasonal year.  No tryouts will be permitted other than those scheduled and approved by the Board.  If there are openings on a team after tryouts for whatever reason, additional players may be added at the discretion of the coach with the approval of the Board.

SECTION 7.00: PLAYER REGULATIONS
Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club Player Code of Conduct.
1. Treats opponents with respect.
2. Plays hard, but plays within the rules of the game of soccer and always demonstrates good sportsmanship.
3. Demonstrates self-control.
4. Respects the officials and accepts their decisions without gesture or argument.
5. Plays with pride and never quits.
6. Remembers that it is a privilege to represent the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association, and wear its colors.

SECTION 7.01: DUES
Each player shall be responsible for payment of Club dues for each year in which he or she participates. Dues assist in the payment of costs of team registration, training, field maintenance, and Club operating expenses.  Dues do not cover team or individual travel expenses, uniforms, tournament fees other than the club selected Memorial Day Tournament or any other additional expenses brought about by team or individual participation in any outside soccer related events.  Dues are non-refundable, except for extraordinary circumstances, such as a severe injury that leaves a player unable to participate in soccer activities.  In the event of such an unfortunate occurrence, the Board, at its discretion, may decide to reimburse a player on a pro-rated basis for the portion of the season for which he or she was not able to play.  No player shall be permitted to participate in any Club matches until full payment of dues is received.  The Board has the right to grant partial or full scholarships for any player who petitions the Club in writing to the board and needs financial aid.  For families having three (3) or more players participating in RYSA, annual dues will be as follows:  (i) the two (2) youngest children will each be required to pay the full annual dues, and (ii) each additional child will have the annual dues waived.  The Board has the right to adjust dues annually by majority vote.

SECTION 7.02: BEHAVIOR
Each player, and his/her parents, shall represent the Club appropriately by demonstrating good sportsmanship, team spirit, self-discipline and respect for others.

SECTION 7.03: ATTENDANCE
Each player is expected to attend all games and practice sessions and to work on skill development outside of regular team practice sessions.  Players are encouraged to attend off-season soccer camps. Each player must attend the RYSA Wildcats Labor Day Weekend Tournament (U9 thru U14 Boys & Girls) and club approved Memorial Day Weekend Tournament (U9 thru U19 Boys & Girls).  Players on the roster of a team that plays in the spring and fall season must play in both seasons.

SECTION 7.04: REMOVAL
Players cannot be removed from a team during a regular season except for disciplinary reasons, including failure to attend practices and games.  Removal for such disciplinary reasons must be approved by a majority vote of the Board.

SECTION 8.00: COACHING REGULATIONS
Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club Coaches Code of Conduct.
1. Treats own players, parents, and opponents with respect.
2. Teaches and inspires soccer players to love the game, and instills the desire to compete fairly.
3. Is the type of person he/she wants the players to be.
4. Sets high standards of performance and conduct and maintains control and discipline of the team at all times.
5. Respects the judgment and interpretation of the rules by the officials.
6. Realizes that he/she is a teacher/coach and therefore understands the game and proper soccer behavior at all times.

SECTION 8.01: COACHING REQUIREMENTS

• Head coaches, assistant coaches, managers, trainers and team-parent representatives must be over 18 years of age, unless approved by the Board.
• All RYSA coaches must be approved by the Board annually, at the conclusion of the spring season. All RYSA coaches are evaluated by the Board.
• Any RYSA coach may be removed from his/her position for reasonable cause by the Board after a hearing at which he/she has had a reasonable opportunity to oppose such action.  Grounds for removal may include, but are not limited to, violation of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club Coaches Code of Conduct, failure to abide by Club rules and regulations and failure to attend Coaches meetings
• Any RYSA head coach may add, remove or change an assistant coach for his or her team with the prior approval of the board.  In addition, any replacement assistant coach must meet RYSA requirements for coaching eligibility as specified in the Bylaws.
• All coaches and trainers must complete a coaches training course leading to a USSF Class F (minimum) license and must comply with or complete such N.J.S.Y.S.A., U.S.Y.S.A. and designated league of play certifications and other procedures as those bodies may require from time to time.
• All head coaches, coaching division 1-4 teams must have a USSF Class E license.  All F and E license classes shall be reimbursed to the attendee by the RYSA.  Any advanced level coach’s classes may be reimbursed, subject to board approval.  Every Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Coach will attempt to maintain, with a balance of training and education, an atmosphere that will provide all players the opportunity to excel in the sport of soccer within the spirit of fair play.
• A team may not hold a practice or play a match unless a Board approved, U.S.S.F. carded coach is in attendance and assuming responsibility for coaching the team.
• All Ramapo Youth Soccer Association teams will participate in the league of play designated by the Club (currently the N.C.S.A.)  No team may participate in a different league or any additional leagues without prior written approval of the Board.
• Any team wishing to play in a league flight other than their age- and gender-appropriate flight must first obtain permission from the Board.
• Any team wishing to participate in a travel tournament must obtain permission from the appropriate Coordinator before applying to the tournament.  No team attending a travel tournament will be permitted to bring guest players to the tournament without prior approval of the appropriate Coordinator.  Any RYSA coach wishing to take a RYSA player from another team as a guest player must first obtain permission from the player’s coach before approaching the player.
• While playing time in League games is at the discretion of the Coach, all able-bodied players on every RYSA team should receive playing time in every game at all travel tournaments.
• The number of tournaments each individual team enters as well as the number of practice sessions each team holds is at the discretion of the Coach, subject to the approval of the Board.
• All RYSA coaches are responsible for any fines incurred by their teams.  All fines must be paid at the conclusion of each season.  RYSA reserves the right to withhold payment of any monies due to any coach who has fines outstanding.
• In addition to all outstanding fines being paid, all RYSA-required paperwork, including Club roster forms, must be completed before any team is permitted to be registered.  Teams not registering, withholding paperwork or club dues is subject to the withholding of referee money at the discretion of the Coordinator.
• All Division 1 & 2 coaches and trainers are restricted from any coaching or training involvement with other travel teams within RYSA designated league of play.  There is no restriction on coaching Recreational or Select teams.
• Attendance at all club coaches meetings is mandatory.  A $25.00 fine will be incurred to all coaches not attending or represented.

SECTION 8.02: TRAINERS

Any RYSA team wishing to use a trainer must:

• Submit the trainers resume to the board
• If the resume is approved, the said trainer must be interviewed by the Training coordinator.  If the training coordinator approves :
• The Board must have final approval on all trainers.

The Training Coordinator will bring the subject to Board discussion.  No team will receive reimbursement for trainer expenses unless they have received proper approval before entering into an agreement with a trainer.  No team may select a trainer (regardless of whether or not they wish to be compensated by RYSA) without prior approval of the Board
 
SECTION 9.00: CLUB RESPONSIBILITIES
RYSA will be responsible to all teams for the following:
• Reimburse teams for League referee fees provided the team is up-to-date with all required paperwork and does not have outstanding financial obligations to RYSA.
• Reimburse teams for all State Cup entry fees and referee fees provided the request for reimbursement is made on the appropriate form.
• Reimburse teams the club approved Memorial Day tournament each year.
• Reimburse teams for training up to a maximum of $600.00 per team, provided the following conditions are met.
1) The team requests the use of a trainer from the Training Coordinator before the season begins.
2) The team uses a RYSA approved Trainer.
3) The team submits a copy of the trainer’s invoice for each season.

The dollar amount the Club will reimburse each team for trainers will be determined on a yearly basis by the Board.

SECTION 10.00: UNIFORMS
All Players on a team will wear the same uniform.  The uniform must conform to the requirements of the club.  The Board of Directors will determine and annually review the uniform requirements.  A written uniform specification will be distributed to the membership.  The specification will be strictly enforced. Coaches will be responsible to implement this policy.

The uniform will consist of:

• Dark Green or White jersey as determined
• Dark Green shorts as determined
• Dark Green or White socks as determined

All RYSA teams MUST wear the specified club uniform to ALL competitions.  Teams may wear an approved club T-Shirt to summer competitions, upon approval of the Board.  Each year the board will publish a list of approved uniform specifications.

The Board MUST approve all items that are not on the approved club uniform list.
Each time a new uniform specification is published, it will include a list of grandfathered items and the length of time it may be used.
Coaches are obligated to purchase all uniforms and sportswear at only approved vendors of the RYSA.
The RYSA name, “Ramapo”, “Wildcats” and “Ramapo Wildcats” name, logo and patch design can not be used without permission of the Board.
SECTION 10.01 UNIFORM & EQUIPMENT VENDOR SELECTION PROCESS
The Board will name at least one (1) official sportswear and uniform vendor, and at least one (1) equipment vendor.  They may be the same vendor.  Every year, the board will review the status of the current vendor(s).  The Board must approve change of vendors by a majority vote.  If the Board agrees to change vendors, the RYSA must negotiate with no less than three (3) vendors and take bids from each one.  The vendors bidding shall be submitted by the equipment coordinator to the Board.  The selection will be made by a vote of the Board.

SECTION 11.00: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 11.01: BOARD of DIRECTORS QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates for RYSA Board must be members in good standing and over twenty-one (21) years of age, and candidates for particular officer positions must meet the criteria set forth below.

SECTION 11.02: SELECTION
All RYSA Board members, as hereinafter set forth, shall be nominated prior to the June Board Meeting by any RYSA member in good standing.  Nominations will not be accepted after 9 PM of the day prior to the election.  The election takes place at the June Board Meeting by a vote of the RYSA members.  Each RYSA family is entitles to one vote.

SECTION 11.03: TERM OF OFFICE
Board Members shall serve a term of two (2) years commencing July 1 in the year of election, and expiring on June 30 two (2) years following.  The Board will operate with staggered terms such that half of the members will have scheduled term end dates in any one (1) year.  Two (2) Board members are to be appointed by the elected Board for a one (1) year term. 
 
SECTION 11.04: RESIGNATION
Board members may resign by submitting a written notice to the Board.  Unless otherwise specified in the notice, the resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Board.  Acceptance of the resignation by the Board shall not be necessary to make it effective.

SECTION 11.05: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Officers may be removed from his or her position for reasonable cause and by due process by the Board after a hearing at which they have reasonable opportunity to oppose such action.  Any Board member missing three (3) consecutive meetings will have his/her membership reviewed at the next Board meeting for further action.

SECTION 11.06: REPLACEMENT
In the event that an officer other than the President resigns or is removed from office prior to the normal end of the current term of office, the Board shall appoint a Club member who will serve for the time remaining in the current term.  In the event that the President resigns or is removed from office prior to the normal end of the current term, the Vice-President shall assume all the duties of the President for the balance of the current term.

SECTION 11.07: ACTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The presence of no less than four (4) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum and shall be necessary for the transaction of business or of any specified item of business.  If a quorum is present, the vote of a majority of the Board present at the time of the vote shall be the act of the Board.  Each member of the Board shall have one vote.  Each member must be present at the meeting to vote — no proxies are allowed.  All actions of the Board shall be final.

SECTION11.08: FISCAL RESTRICTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Board may approve capital expenditures as necessary to run the day-to-day operations not to exceed the amount of $10,000.00 per project.  For expenditures greater than $10,000.00, The board must formally propose the expenditure at a coaches meeting and have it approved by a simple majority of the registered teams represented at a following coaches meeting.  Each registered team is entitled to one (1) vote.

SECTION 11.09: MEMBERSHIP
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of 12 voting members, elected from the current club membership.  7 of the Board of Directors will be Officer positions. Two (2) members of the board must be from division 5-6 teams.

PRESIDENT
The President of RYSA is appointed by the Board and becomes a trustee of the Board, ex-officio, for the duration of the term of President.  If the President holds an elected Board seat, he shall resign that seat and the Board shall appoint a replacement Board member for the duration of that term.

The Officer positions will be appointed by the President from amongst the members of the Board.  The Officer positions are as follows:
VICE PRESIDENT
BOARD CHAIRMAN
SECRETARY
TREASURER
BOYS COORDINATOR
GIRLS COORDINATOR

The non-officer Board positions are as follows:
FIELD AND GAMES COORDINATOR
EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
TRYOUT COORDINATOR
TRAINING COORDINATOR
NORTHERN COUNTIES LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE
PARENT REPRESENTATIVE COORDINATOR
REGISTRAR

 SECTION 12.00: BOARD OF DIRECTORS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of the Board shall include but are not limited to the following:
• To conduct all RYSA business in accordance with RYSA certificate of incorporation, bylaws and all other rules and regulations as may be adopted by the Board from time to time.
• To appoint a nominating committee to present a list of potential Board members at the annual meeting.
• To hear and pass judgment on all requests, protests and appeals brought forth by any member, officer or committee including any request seeking suspension of any Board member, Executive Committee member, coach member or officer.
• To approve the annual head coaches and trainers list provided by the Training Coordinator.
• To have full power to deal with any situation not expressly provided for in the certificate of incorporation or these bylaws.

The specific duties of the President and Board members (Officers and Non-officers) will be detailed in Sections 12.01 through 12.25.

SECTION 12.01: PRESIDENT
The duties and responsibilities of the President shall include the following:
• To preside at all meetings of the membership and the Board (the President shall vote only to break a tie).
• To nominate Board of Directors Officers
• To establish committees and to appoint committee chairs as required to administer and manage the programs and business of this organization, subject to approval of the Board.
• To serve as the liaison between RYSA and other organizations.
• To serve as the general representative of RYSA in all matters.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the Board.

SECTION 12.02: VICE-PRESIDENT
The duties and responsibilities of the Vice-President shall include the following:
• To assist the President as necessary.
• To exercise the duties and responsibilities of the President in the absence of the President.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.03: CHAIRMAN
The duties and responsibilities of the Chairman shall include the following:
• To act as facilitator at all board meetings
• To periodically review RYSA bylaws and make recommendations for the improvement of RYSA, subject to Board approval
• To nominate annually, subject to Board approval, the President of RYSA
• In the event a Board member resigns, to nominate, subject to Board approval, a new Board member to serve until the end of the un-expired term
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.04: SECRETARY
The duties and responsibilities of the Secretary shall include the following:
• To record and publish minutes of all Club and Board meetings.
• To give proper notice of all membership meetings and other organized events.
• To attend to and be custodian of all office assets, correspondence and records of the organization.
• To publish and distribute minutes, notices and other communication as requested.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.05: TREASURER
The duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer shall include the following:
• To prepare an annual budget and to present same to the Board for approval.
• To keep a detailed account of income and expenses of RYSA.
• To submit appropriate financial statements at the Coaches and Board meetings.
• To cause the filing of all income tax returns and/or reports with appropriate state and federal agencies.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.06: BOYS COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the Boys Coordinator shall include the following:
• To oversee the selection, registration and operation of the boys teams of RYSA.
• To act as a liaison between the members of the boys teams and the Board.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.07: GIRLS COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the Girls Coordinators shall include the following:
• To oversee the selection, registration and operation of the girls teams of RYSA.
• To act as a liaison between the members of the girls teams and the Board.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.08: FIELD and GAMES COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the Facilities Coordinator shall include the following:
•To act as scheduler for RYSA with the league in which its teams compete (currently Northern Counties Soccer Association)
•To represent RYSA in dealings with agencies on matters concerning facilities for use by RYSA including practice and game fields and gymnasiums.
•To insure that game fields are in proper game condition including field lining.
•To schedule all indoor and outdoor practice times.
•To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.09: EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the Equipment Coordinator shall include the following:
• To represent RYSA in dealings with agencies on matters concerning equipment for use by RYSA.
• To insure that game fields are equipped with goals, nets and corner flags.
• To handle the procurement and distribution of all necessary RYSA-supplied equipment including balls, medical kits and RYSA patches.
• To oversee the approval of all clothing and related supplies including, but not limited to, uniforms, bags and warm-ups.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.10: TRAINING COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the Training Coordinator shall include the following:
• To oversee the running of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Junior Wildcats Program.
• To organize and coordinate coaching clinics designed to improve the coach’s technical and tactical knowledge of the game, the rules of the game and the rules of the Club.
• To provide a list of possible head and assistant coaches and trainers annually to the Board.
• To coordinate individual teams requests to use a trainer with the Board.
• To make recommendations to the Board when a coaching vacancy occurs.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.11: NORTHERN COUNTIES LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE
The duties and responsibilities of the Northern Counties League Representative shall include the following:
• To represent the Club at all N.C.S.A. meetings and functions
• To complete all forms and paperwork required to have the Club represented in the N.C.S.A.
• To satisfy the responsibilities of a Club Representative as defined by the N.C.S.A. including the scheduling of all league games.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.12: PARENT REPRESENTATIVE COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the Parent Representative shall include the following:
• To serve as a liaison to all Club parents.
• To develop and oversee a Parent Representative Council which reports to the Board.
• To oversee the selection and presentation of all RYSA awards and scholarships.
• To oversee the running of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club Annual Dinner, Family Outing, Golf Outing, or other RYSA social functions.
• To collect data and publicity information from coaches and teams for publication in the local newspapers, such as game statistics and team reports.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.13: REGISTRAR
The duties and responsibilities of the Registrar shall include the following:
• To coordinate and record the registration of all RYSA members.
• To maintain an adequate supply of all forms that may be needed by RYSA teams and/or players.
• To oversee the compliance of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club with the N.J.S.Y.S.A. Kid Safe Program.
• To oversee the upkeep of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Web page.
• To assist in maintaining all information required by the hotels used at the annual Tournament.
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 12.14: TRYOUT COORDINATOR
The duties and responsibilities of the tryout Coordinator shall include the following:
• To oversee the operation of the Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Soccer Club tryouts    
• Publicize the tryout in advance through newspaper announcements, handouts and other forms of communication.
• To establish, verify, and confirm the tryout date, time, and location
• To monitor and assign all duties associated with pre and post tryout processes
• To carry out such other and further duties as from time to time are assigned by the President.

SECTION 13.00: MEETINGS
RYSA will hold board meetings, as scheduled by the President.  These meetings are open to all RYSA members.  The president has the authority to call for a board meeting to be closed to board members only. The order of business shall be as follows:
2) Acceptance of Minutes of Last Meeting
3) Correspondence
4) Treasurer Report
5) Executive Committee Reports
6) New Business
7) Special Agenda Items
8) Adjournment

• Any member wishing to address the coaches at a coaches meeting, or the board at a board meeting may do so by notifying the Board in writing no less than seven (7) days in advance of the meeting.
• Regular Board meetings shall be held every month and special meetings may be called by the President or by a quorum of the Board.
• A minimum of three (3) days’ notice is required for Board meeting and seven (7) days’ notice is required for Coaches meetings.
• RYSA will hold one (1) Annual General Meeting open to all Club members including players, parents and coaches.  This meeting will include a State of the Club report by the President as well as a financial report by the Treasurer.

9) The RYSA will hold coaches meetings, as scheduled by the President.

SECTION 14.00: PROTEST AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Before a matter is to be heard by the Grievance Committee, arbitration between the parties should take place.  A neutral arbitrator will be chosen by the board, and follow USYSA procedures.  If arbitration does not settle the dispute, a protest and grievance procedure shall take place.

The purpose of the protest and grievance procedure shall be to hear protests and grievances resulting from the game of soccer among players registered to RYSA and to hear protests and grievances pertaining to RYSA bylaws, actions, rules, regulations and policies as may from time to time be in effect.  Any individual member, team member, player, coach or team manager may present a protest or grievance to the Board.
The objective of the protest and grievance procedure shall be to provide fair, expedient and just hearing for all protests and grievances.
All grievances must be submitted in writing to the Board, or they will not be considered.  All grievances must be addressed in a timely manner and submitted to the board within 30 days of the complaint.  All grievances must be presented to the President a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the next scheduled Board meeting.

SECTION 14.01 SELECTION OF GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
A Grievance Committee is to be formed at the discretion of the President.  The committee is to be comprised of two board members, two Coaches, two parent representatives and the president of the Club.  The president will nominate the prospective committee members for review and approval of the Board of Directors.  The committee members will elect a Chairperson.

The committee is charged with the responsibility of considering grievances, ascertaining all of the facts involved, meeting with the involved parties and making reports and recommendations to the board.  The Board of Directors is responsible to determine what (if any) action needs to be taken.  A decision by the board shall take no more than seven(7) days after the recommendation of the Grievance Committee.

All grievances must be kept in strict confidence to protect all parties involved.

SECTION 15.00: AMENDMENTS AND CONFLICTS
Proposals to adopt amend or repeal bylaws may be made by any member, in writing, at membership meetings, or by any member of the Board at a Board meeting.  Bylaws may be adopted, amended or repealed only by majority vote of the registered teams at a regularly scheduled coaches meeting.  Each registered team shall have one (1) vote.  The voting will take place no sooner than the monthly meeting following the meeting in which the proposal was presented.  If there are any actual conflicts between these bylaws and RYSA Certificate of Incorporation, the latter shall govern and these bylaws shall be deemed invalid insofar as they are inconsistent with the certificate of incorporation.  To the extent possible, these bylaws and the Certificate of Incorporation shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with each other.
These Bylaws are effective as of July 1, 2005 and replace and supersede any and all prior Bylaws.

SECTION 16.00: PLAYER REGISTRATION

In order for a player to be registered to the club, they must:

• Provide original proof of birth and pictures as required
• Fill out and sign club player code of conduct
• Fill out, and provide proper state and club paperwork as shown in addendum.
• Provide proper club dues

SECTION 17.00: PARENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMITTEE

• PURPOSE

The PRC serves two major functions within the club.  First, to support the Board Committee Leaders in detailed planning and execution of club events.  Second, the committee provides an avenue of communication from families of the club to club leadership.

• COMPOSITION OF THE COMMMITTEE

Every team in the club will be REQUIRED to provide at least one (1) representative to the committee.  Any teams not sending a representative will be subject to referee fees being withheld. Teams may request to send more than one (1) representative.  Additional committee members may be appointed by the Board or the President for particular projects.  The Chairperson of the committee will be a Board member, and appointed by the President.
 

• EXPECTATIONS FOR REPRESENTATIVES

Representatives will serve for one (1) year, and attend approximately six (6) meetings a year, as well as working on a committee.  The representatives should discuss club issues with their respective team families and bring the views of those families to committee meetings.

• EXPECTATIONS FOR COMMITTEE

The committee will serve as the “WORKING” branch to the Board of Directors and president.  This committee will serve as the primary means of communication between the Club membership AND THE Board.  The committee in conjunction and cooperation with the team coaches will “WORK” with the Board to keep this club the Premier Soccer Club in North Jersey.

• FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMITTEE

Field Inspection                 Tryouts
Sponsorships                     Community outreach        
Raffle and fundraising         Club Dinner
Club Golf outing
Tournament Planning
Publicity

   ADDENDUM 1.00
Uniform Specifications    Ramapo Youth Soccer Association

REQUIRED UNIFORM SPECIFICATIONS
June, 2004

WHITE JERSEY (home): Adidas Mundial jersey, white.

Specifications:
Front markings: Ramapo Wildcats crest, left chest
Back markings: 8” “USA” numerals, dark green, American flag on back, below neck

GREEN JERSEY (away)): Adidas Mundial jersey, dark green, white panel.

Specifications:
Front markings: Ramapo Wildcats crest, left chest
Back markings: 8” “USA” numerals, white, American flag on back, below neck

SHORTS: Adidas Mundial short, dark green, white trim. Shorts to be worn with Adidas Mundial green and white jersey only! White numeral, right front.

SOCKS: Adidas Copa Socks.

Specifications:
White to be worn with white jersey, dark green to be worn with dark green jersey.
The entire team must wear the identical socks.

TRAINING SUIT (NOT REQUIRED): Adidas Nova Training suit, Dark Green, Ramapo Wildcats embroidered crest, left chest, player name and number, right chest

ALTERNATE UNIFORM FOR U8, U9 (LESS EXPENSIVE)

Adidas Mundial youth kit: Dark green jersey, same specs as above, dark green shorts same specs as above.

White t-shirt, same specs as above (not required)

Hole-IN-None brand solid green socks, Twin City brand white socks, with knitted “Wildcats” on
side.

GRANDFATHERED ITEMS:

Diadora Parma, white and green jerseys, shorts, socks.  White and green uniform t-shirts with old logo, until June, 2004

OFFICIAL UNIFORM & MERCHANDISE SUPPLIER:
 
All other Wildcats logo merchandise and apparel is available ONLY at:
Michaels Sporting Goods, Franklin Lakes  (201) 891-2797