Middletown, CT Little League Constitution

Constitution Overview

Middletown Little League (MLL), in accordance with Little League International rules, is governed by a constitution which stipulates how we manage our program.  Because of our size, MLL is actually comprised of two separate and distinct leagues (O’Rourke and Moose) within our defined geographic area.  MLL is the oldest continuous running little league in Connecticut and New England and has nurtured and developed a love of baseball/softball for the children of the City of Middletown for the past 65 years.  The Moose League is the original league name dating back to the 1948 season and The O’Rourke League is named for Bernie O’Rourke, former Superintendent of Parks and Playgrounds and one of the founders of our league.

Dividing our league into two separate divisions allows us to field as many teams as we need to accommodate all the children enrolled in our program.  Although each league serves a different area of town, we are managed by one Board of Directors.  We do not segregate our membership and each constitution is virtually identical.  The difference between them is simply the league name and identification number.  This organizational structure supports our need to manage both common administrative functions (registration, tryouts, expenses, etc) and our physical assets for the benefit of all in our community.  Our softball program is run as one league, a combination of both the Moose and O’Rourke leagues.

This constitution is available online at www.middletownctlittleleague.com as well as in our headquarter office located at 28 River Road, Middletown, CT 06457.  Our mailing address is PO Box 1492, Middletown, CT 06457.  A copy is also available for viewing at the Concession Stand at Hubbard Park.

ARTICLE I – NAME

This organization shall be known as the Middletown Little League, hereinafter referred to as “MLL.”

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE

SECTION 1

The objective of MLL shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens.

SECTION 2

To achieve this objective, MLL will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All Directors, Officers and Members shall bear in mind that stressing exceptional athletic skills or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance. In accordance with Section 501-(c)-(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, the Local League shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball and softball games. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual; no substantial part of the activities of which is carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and which does not participate in or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1

Eligibility.

Any parent/guardian of a child playing Little League, or active volunteer may become a member.  Active volunteers may be an umpire, coach, concession stand worker, or any other approved by the Board.  An active volunteer may apply for Voting Regular Membership or Non-Voting Regular Membership.

SECTION 2

Classes.

There shall be the following classes of Members:

(a) Player Members.         Any player candidate meeting the requirements of Little League Regulation IV shall be eligible to                                                  compete for participation. Player Members shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the                                                             management or in the property of MLL.

(b) Voting Regular Members:  A person is considered a Voting Regular Member if he/she:

      i.          A person who holds an elected Board position listed in Article VII.  The secretary shall maintain the                                      roll persons who are currently voting regular members.

        ii.            Each Voting Member is entitled to only one vote even is he/she holds two or more volunteer or elected                                positions.

        iii.            Must be at least 18 years of age.

(c) Non-Voting Regular Members:  Unless their membership has been revoked for disciplinary reasons or a person sends a signed letter to the league secretary informing him/her that they do not want to be considered a member, the following persons are considered Non-Voting Members:

                i.              A person who currently holds a volunteer positions that serves only an individual team*;

                ii.             A person who holds an assistant league-wide or assistant division wide position*;

                iii.            Parents and Guardians of a Player Member;

                iv.            Upon request, grandparents of a Player Member.

Each Non-Voting Regular Member may bring his/her concerns, objections, and/or proposals will be given serious consideration; but Non-Voting Regular Members are not entitled, and will not be given the right to vote on matters to be voted on by the Voting Regular Members.  However, Non-Voting Regular Members are entitled to vote for members of the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting and pursuant to Article XI, may vote concerning proposed amendments to this constitution.

*Examples of MLL positions that are considered to serve an individual team or assistant league-wide or assistant division-wide positions are Team Managers, Team Parents, Assistant Concessions Stand Director.

 (c) Honorary Members.   

Any person may be elected as Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of all Directors present at any duly held meeting of the Board of Directors but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of MLL.

(d) Sustaining Members.

Any person not a Voting Regular Member who makes financial or other contribution to MLL may by a majority vote of the Board of Directors become a Sustaining Member, but such person shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of MLL.

(e) As used hereinafter, the word “Member” shall mean a Voting Regular Member unless otherwise stated.

SECTION 3

Other Affiliations.

(a) Members, regardless of class type, shall not be required to be affiliated with another organization or group to qualify as members of the Local League.

(b) Voting Regular Members should not be actively engaged in the promotion and/or operation of any other baseball/softball program.

SECTION 4

Suspension or Termination.

Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors as follows.

(a) 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, including managers and coaches, when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of MLL and/or Little League Baseball. 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.

(b) The Board of Directors shall, in case of a Player Member, give notice to the manager of the team for which the player is a Player Member. Said manager shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player before the Board of Directors or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors. The player’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may also be present. The Board of Directors shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player’s right to future participation by two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting (quorum is required).

ARTICLE IV - DUES FOR REGULAR MEMBERS (NOT PLAYERS)

There are no dues required for eith Voting or Non-Voting Regular Members.  (See Article X, Section 7 for fiscal year of this league.)

ARTICLE V - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

SECTION 1

Definition.

A General Membership Meeting is a meeting in which all Voting and Non-Voting Members of the MLL are invited to attend, (including Special General Membership Meetings, Section 7). A minimum of one per year (Annual Meeting, see Section 6) is required.

SECTION 2

Notice of Meeting.

Notice of each General Membership/Annual Meeting shall be delivered by at least two means: personally, electronically via the MLL website,  by mail to each Voting Regular Member and Non-Voting Regular Member at the last recorded address or a publication in the local paper at least 7 days in advance of the meeting, setting forth the place, time and purpose of the meeting. In lieu of the above methods, notice may be given in such form as may be authorized by the Voting Regular Members, from time to time, at a regularly convened Board Meeting.

SECTION 3

Quorum.

At any General Membership or Annual Meeting, a quorum shall constitute a minimum of 50% of the previous years Voting Regular Members.

SECTION 4

Voting.

Only Voting Regular Members shall be entitled to make motions and vote at General Membership Meetings. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit and recognize guests for presentations or comments during General Membership Meetings. (Those eligible to take part at meetings of the Board of Directors are described in Article VI, Section 4.)

SECTION 5

Absentee Ballot.

Absentee Ballots will not be allowed.

SECTION 6

Annual Meeting of the Members.

The Annual Meeting of the Voting and Non-Voting Regular Members shall be held on the first Sunday in October at 7:00 PM at a place to be announced a to all Voting and Non-Voting Regular Members in a manner authorized under Section 2 above.  The meeting is to take place each year for the purpose of electing the Board of Directors, which is described more fully below, receiving reports, appointing committees, and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting.  If, for any reason, the date must be changed, adequate notice shall be provided.

(a) The Membership, including Voting and Non-Voting Regular Members, shall receive at the Annual Meeting of the Members of MLL a report, verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Directors, showing:

                (1) The condition of MLL, to be presented by the President or his/her designate;

                (2) A general summary of funds received and expended by MLL for the previous year, the amount                 of funds currently in                 possession of MLL, and the name of the financial institution in which such funds are maintained;

                (3) The whole amount of real and personal property owned by MLL, where located, and where and             how invested;

                (4) For the year immediately preceding, the amount and nature of the property acquired, with the date of the report and          the manner of the acquisition, the amount applied, appropriated or expended, and the purposes, objects or persons to                 or for which such applications, appropriations or expenditures have been made;

                (5) The names of the persons who have been admitted as Voting Regular Members of MLL during such year. This                 report shall be filed with the records of MLL and entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting. A                copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League Headquarters.

(b) At the Annual Meeting, the Members shall determine the number of Directors to be elected for the ensuing year and shall elect such number of Directors. The number of Directors elected shall be not less than six (6) but not more than thirty five (35). Elections shall be held in the following manner:

                (1) Nominations.  Annual nominations for each position on the Board of Directors shall be made verbally at the         Annual Meeting.  Those persons who are interested in a Board position but not able to attend are permitted to        submit a letter to the outgoing President or Vice-President.  The letter must state the position interested in and                 the persons qualifications for such position.

                (2) Elections.

                                a).  Election of the entire Board of Directors shall be held at each Annual Meeting as the  last item of                                            “old business”, being immediately prior to “new business”. 

                                (b)  Unless otherwise agreed upon by more than fifty percent (50%) of the existing Board of  Directors, the                                  annual election of the Board of Directors shall be by written ballot.  The presiding officer of the Annual                                         Meeting shall designate, with the approval of the Board, a judge of elections who shall not be either the                                      incumbent President or a candidate for President.  The judge of elections shall, with any assistance he/she                                              deems necessary, collect all ballots, count all votes, verify the count to his/her satisfaction and report the                                    results to the Annual Meeting.  If no positions on the Board of Directors are contested, the presiding officer                                                 may waive balloting and instruct the then acting secretary of the Annual Meeting to cast a single ballot for the                            slate, thereby electing all candidates so nominated.

                                (c) To be eligible for re-election to any Board position, the Board Member must have attended at least 2/3 of                             the combined General Membership and Board meetings of the previous October to September fiscal year.                                               This provision does not apply to persons who are not current Board members but are seeking election to a                                                Board position.

                                (d) To be elected, a candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast.

(c) After the election, the Board of Directors shall assume the performance of its duties immediately, and conduct the balance of the Annual Meeting. The Board’s term of office shall

(d) The Officers of the Board of Directors shall include, at a minimum, the President, one or more Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary, one or more Player Agents and a Safety Officer. The Board shall also include a minimum of one manager. Only volunteer umpires may be elected to the Board.

SECTION 7

Special General Membership Meetings.

Special General Membership Meetings of the Voting and Non-Voting Regular 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) Voting or Non-Voting Members, the President or Secretary shall call a Special General Membership Meeting to consider the subject specified in the request. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any Special General Membership Meeting. Such Special General Membership Meeting shall be scheduled to take place not less than ten (10) days after the request is received by the President or Secretary.

SECTION 8

Rules of Order for General Membership Meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all General Membership Meetings, except where same conflicts with this Constitution of MLL.

ARTICLE VI - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1

Authority.

The management of the property and affairs of the Local League shall be vested in the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2

Increase in number.

The number of Board of Directors so fixed at the Annual Meeting may be increased at any General Membership Meeting or Special Meeting of the Members. 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 Membership Meeting. All elections of additional Directors shall be by majority vote of all Voting Regular Members.

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 remaining Voting Regular Members at any regular Board meeting or at any Special Board Meeting called for that purpose.

SECTION 4

Board Meetings, Notice and Quorum.

Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the Annual Meeting and the first Sunday of every month thereafter. The number of managers shall not exceed a minority of the total board membership.

                (a) The President or the Secretary may, whenever they deem it advisable, or the Secretary shall at                the request in                 writing of ten (10), Voting Regular Members issue a call for a Special Board Meeting. In the case of Special Board Meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not so stated may be acted upon at the             meeting.

                (b) Board Meetings are the first Sunday of every month.  If it  is necessary to change the date and or time of the Board                 Meeting, the Secretary or another Board Member designated by the Secretary shall notify all Voting Regular Members           no less than ten (10) days before the time appointed for the meeting.  This notification shall be handled electronically.

                (c) Fifty percent (50%) members of the eligible Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the              transaction of                 business. If a quorum is not present, no business shall be conducted.

                (d) Only Voting Regular 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.

                (e) If a Voting Regular Member misses two or more consecutive General Membership or Board Meetings, that member        is not eligible to vote at the next General Membership or Board Meeting. This is only a temporary suspension of the    right to vote, since it will be restored at the following meeting.  The voting suspension will on re-occur if the Voting        Regular member again misses two consecutive General Membership or Board Meetings.  Absence from a meeting due       to a work schedule or illness or other good cause accepted by the Board shall not affect a Board member’s voting             privilege.  When a Voting Regular Member cannot attend a General Membership or Board Meeting, notification must        be given to the President or either Vice-President at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

SECTION 5

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 MLL as it may deem proper, provided such rules and regulations do not conflict with this Constitution. The Board shall have the power by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular Board or Special Board Meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director or Officer or Committee Member of MLL in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 4 (a,b).

SECTION 6

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 MLL.

ARTICLE VII - DUTIES AND POWERS 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 membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board.

SECTION 2

See Appendix 1 for a complete listing and description of all Board Descriptions.

Section 3

Power of President to Make Appointments and Board to Confirm Appointments.

President may appoint and the Board of Directors may confirm by a majority vote league-wide and division-wide positions that are identified and described in MLL’s By-Laws.  The President will appoint persons to these positions on the condition that they are confirmed by a majority of the Board of Directors. These 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 membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board.

ARTICLE VIII - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SECTION 1

The Board of Directors may appoint an Executive Committee which shall consist of the League President, Vice-President(s), Secretary, Treasurer, League Information Officer, Player Agent(s), Director of Safety and the Director of Code of Conduct.

SECTION 2

The Executive Committee shall advise with and assist the Board of Directors of MLL in all matters concerning its interests and the management of its affairs, and shall have such other powers as may be delegated to it by the Board, but in no event will the Executive Committee have authority over the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3

At any meeting of the Executive Committee, a majority of committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Committee.

ARTICLE IX - OTHER COMMITTEES

SECTION  1

Sponsorship/Fundraising Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a Sponsorship/Fundraising Committee consisting of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) Directors. The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Committee. The Committee shall investigate ways and means of financing MLL including team sponsorships and submit recommendations. It shall be responsible for taking up collections at games, if such collections are authorized by MLL, and shall turn over said collections to the Treasurer immediately after each game. The Director of Sponsorship/Fundraising is the Chairperson of this committee.

SECTION  2

Safety Committee.  The Board of Directors may appoint a Safety Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Non-Voting Regular Members. It shall be responsible for repair and improvement recommendations, (other than normal maintenance), and shall oversee all teams, players, fields, buildings and grounds utilized by MLL to ensure proper safety procedures are being followed.  The committee shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors for all improvements.  The Director of Safety is the Chairperson of this committee.

Section 3

Capital Improvement/Long Term Planning Committee.  The Board of Directors may appoint a Capital Improvement Committee of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) Directors.  The Treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the Committee.  The Committee shall investigate and recommend available, suitable sites and plans for development, including ways and means.  They shall also supervise the performance of approved projects. 

SECTION  4

Umpire Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Umpire Committee consisting of three (3) Directors and other appointed Non-Voting Regular Members. The Director of Umpire Scheduling shall be chairman of any such Committee. The Committee shall recruit, interview and recommend to the President for appointment a staff of umpires, including a chief umpire and replacements. When appointed, the staff of umpires shall be under the personal direction of MLL President, assisted by the Chief Umpire who shall train, observe and schedule the staff.

SECTION  5

District Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint a District Committee consisting of the Local League President as chairman and two (2) other Directors. The Committee shall assist the District Administrator in interleague district functions including the selection of members of the District Administrator’s Advisory Committee and the selection of tournament sites and area tournament

directors.

SECTION  6

Auxiliary Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Auxiliary Committee consisting of the Local League Treasurer and two (2) other Directors and other appointed Non-Voting Regular Members. The Committee shall coordinate the activities of the Auxiliary. It shall review and evaluate auxiliary projects for raising money and disposition of profits, and make recommendations to the Board. The Board of Directors shall approve in advance all projects and actions of the Auxiliary.

SECTION 7

Auditing Committee. The Board of Directors may appoint an Auditing Committee consisting of three (3) Directors. The President, Treasurer or signatories of checks are not eligible. The Committee will review MLL’s books and records annually prior to the Annual Meeting and attach a statement of its findings to the annual financial statement of the President and Treasurer; or may, if directed by the Board of Directors or Membership, secure the services of a Certified Public Accountant to accomplish such review.

Section 8

Code of Conduct Committee.  The Board of Directors will appoint a Code of Conduct Committee consisting at least of the Director of Code Conduct (the Chariperson), a representative from the Middletown Police Department, one (1) Non-Voting Regular Member, and (1) member of the public.  No Directors, Managers, or Coaches may be a member of this committee.  It shall observe the conduct of all Board Members, Players, Managers/Coaches, Parents and Umpires of MLL.  It shall at the request of any Voting or Non-Voting Member investigate complaints and make a report thereof to the President or Board of Directors as the case may be.  By a unanimous vote of the Committee’s Members, the Committee shall have the authority to discipline any Voting or Non-Voting Member. If Suspension or Termination of membership is recommended by the Committee, all procedures of Article III, Section 4 must be adhered to.  No appeal of the Committee’s decision is permitted.  A report of any disciplinary action will be presented to the Board of Directors at the next regular meeting.

Section 9

Diversity Committee.  The Board of Directors may appoint a Diversity Committee consisting of at least three (3) Directors and other appointed Non-Voting Members.  This committee will meet to determine ways to outreach into the community to develop a more diverse league. 

Section 10

Rules and Protest Committee.  The Board of Directors may appoint a Rules and Protest Committee consisting of at least one (1) Director from each league (Moose Baseball, O’Rourke Baseball, Softball).  The Director of Umpire Scheduling is the Chairperson of this committee.  The Committee will review MLL’s Rules and make recommendations for any changes necessary to be included in the By-Laws.  They will also update the Board Members on any rule changes brought forth by Little League International.  In the event of a protest, the committee will convene within 24 hours and determine appropriate action.  No appeal of the Committee’s decision is permitted.

ARTICLE X – AFFILIATION

SECTION 1

Charter.

MLL shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Incorporated, and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter. MLL shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program.

SECTION 2

Rules and Regulations.

The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Incorporated, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, shall be binding on MLL.

SECTION 3

Local Rules, Ground Rules and/or Bylaws. The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of MLL shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to the first scheduled game of the season, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, nor shall they conflict with this Constitution. The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of MLL shall expire at the end of each fiscal year, and are not considered part of this Constitution. (See Article XI, Section 7 for fiscal year of this league.)

ARTICLE XI - FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING

SECTION 1

Authority.

The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of MLL and it shall place all income including Auxiliary funds, in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of funds in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.

SECTION 2

Contributions.

The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit funds for the common treasury of MLL, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the Local League.

SECTION 3

Solicitations.

The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball unless all of the funds so raised be placed in the MLL treasury.

SECTION 4

Disbursement of Funds.

The Board shall not permit the disbursement of MLL funds for other than the conduct of Little League activities in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All disbursements shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the MLL Treasurer and such other officer or officers or person or persons as the Board of Directors shall determine.  Any disbursement greater than $1,000 must be signed by two authorized person.

SECTION 5

Compensation.

No Director, Officer or Member of MLL shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation or emolument from MLL for services rendered as Director, Officer or Member.

SECTION 6

Deposits.

All monies received, including Auxiliary Funds, shall be deposited to the credit of MLL in/at

Citizens Bank, except that the first five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) in funds raised by the Concession Stand each year shall be deposited into a separate Contingency Fund for Safety and Capital Improvements.  Use of all monies in the Contingency Fund must be approved by a 2/3 majority of the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7

Fiscal year.

The fiscal year of MLL shall begin on October 1 and shall end on September 30.

SECTION 8

Distribution of Property upon Dissolution.

Upon dissolution of MLL and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Members shall direct the remaining property of MLL, to Eastern Region Challenger Day program. 

ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS

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. Draft of all proposed amendments shall be submitted to Little League Baseball, Incorporated, for approval before implementation.

This Constitution was approved by the Middletown Little League Voting and Non-Voting Membership on _______________________________________________ (date).

President’s Name

President’s Signature

Date

02070912 & 02070913                     

Little League ID No.

52-1243174                                         

Federal ID No.

N/A                                                         

State ID No.

Make one copy for the District Administrator and copies for the Local League. Send original to Regional Headquarters. This Local League’s Constitution on file at Regional Headquarters (most recently-approved copy) is the official Constitution of this Local League.

Little League Baseball does not limit participation in its activities on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference or religious preference.