SOUTHWEST
SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER
BYLAWS
UNIVERSITY
INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE
NATIONAL FEDERATION
OF
STATE
HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Southwest
Soccer Officials Association
San Antonio Chapter
P.O. Box 33232
San Antonio, Tx 78265-3232
BYLAWS
OF THE SOUTHWEST SOCCER OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER
ARTICLE
I:
NAME
The
name of this organization shall be known as The San Antonio Chapter, Southwest
Soccer Officials Association, (hereafter referred to as S.S.O.A.) a Division
of the Southwest Officials Association, Inc., (hereafter referred to as S.O.A.)
a Texas Non‑Profit Corporation.
Elected
officers are hereafter referred to as Board Members.
Appointed officers are hereafter referred to as Officers.
Elected and Appointed officers are hereafter referred to as the Board
of Directors.
ARTICLE
II: PURPOSE
The
purpose of the Association shall be to foster and promote national and
international amateur sports competition in the game of soccer by:
1.
Advancing the ideals of good sportsmanship and fair play through
quality officiating in soccer, and respect for the authority of soccer
officials at all levels of competition;
2.
Providing educational programs to advance the skills of soccer
officials at all levels of competition;
3.
Conducting public information programs that will encourage appreciation
for the skills and competence of soccer officials;
4.
Placing special emphasis on developmental concepts of good
sportsmanship among the youth of the nation, both as
competitors and
as spectators;
5.
Conducting studies and analyses of soccer rules to identify sources of
officiating problems and seek solutions in cooperation with appropriate rule
making bodies;
6.
Developing and maintaining a membership, consisting of experienced and
capable soccer officials whose integrity is above reproach and who are
actively engaged each year in officiating games;
7.
Fostering a high standard of ethics, encouraging fair play and
sportsmanship, and promoting closer cooperation and better understanding among
officials, athletic representatives, coaches, players, and the press.
ARTICLE
III: GEOGRAPHICAL
OPERATION AREA
Section
1:
Geographical Service Area
The
San Antonio Chapter includes the Bexar county area, and sections of Comal,
Kendall, Kerr, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Maverick, and Val Verde counties.
Section
2:
Sub‑chapter
1.
A county with a membership of not less than nine (9) members in good
standing may become a Sub‑Chapter of the San Antonio Chapter.
a.
Each county so approved by the San Antonio Chapter Board of Directors
as a Sub‑Chapter, shall be named after its county, and shall remain a
Sub‑chapter unless the membership shall fall below three (3) members in
good standing for two (2) consecutive years.
b.
The Board Members shall review the membership status of those
Sub‑ chapters at each pre‑season Board meeting.
2.
Only one (1) Sub‑chapter may be formed per county. A
Sub‑chapter may become a Chapter, if they meet the following:
(1)
They are approved by the S.S.O.A. Board of Directors;
(2)
They are in a county where ten (10) or more members are in good
standing of S.S.O.A. and are bona fide residents of said county; and
(3)
They hold regular meetings for the purpose of discussing soccer rules
and officiating mechanics.
3.
Each Sub‑chapter is required to have a designated representative
in attendance at the San Antonio Chapter pre‑season meeting and one (1)
Board Business meeting during the season.
Failure to do so for three (3) consecutive meetings is grounds for
termination.
4.
Each Sub‑chapter shall elect an At-Large Area Administrator,
whose responsibility is to act as a liaison between the Sub-Chapter and the
San Antonio Chapter.
ARTICLE
IV: OFFICERS
‑ BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section
1:
Board and Board of Directors:
1.
The San Antonio Chapter Board shall be composed of the
President/Chairman, Vice-President/Co‑Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer,
and At-Large Area Administrators.
2.
The San Antonio Chapter Board of Directors shall be composed of the
President/Chairman, Vice-President/Co‑Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer,
At-Large Area Administrators, and Ex‑officios.
Section
2:
Ex‑officio:
A
School district served by the San Antonio Chapter or Sub‑chapter, may
each designate a representative from their respective district to serve as an
Ex‑officio, non‑voting member of the Board of Directors.
The Immediate Past‑President, Director of Instruction, Director
of Assessments, the Secretary of Assignments, and the Texas Association of
Soccer Coaches (T.A.S.C.O.) Liaison, shall serve as ex‑officio of the
Board of Directors.
Section
3:
Power:
Subject
to the restrictions contained in the bylaws of the S.S.O.A. or of the
S.O.A., the Board Members shall have full charge of the activities and
general operations of this
association. It shall have full
power and authority, within the limitations imposed by law, to do all things
necessary to further the purpose for which the association is organized and to
serve the best interest of the association.
The Board Members shall have the power to recommend bylaw
changes and present these to the membership for a vote. The Board
Members shall be empowered to rule on situations not covered in the San
Antonio Chapter's Administrative Procedures and Bylaws Handbook, and to adopt
all operating procedures to govern its own deliberations.
Section
4:
Compensation of Board of Directors:
No
individual member of this Chapter, elected or appointed, shall receive any
compensation for any act or services done as a Board of Directors or
otherwise for or on behalf of the association.
His/Her provision shall not exclude the reimbursement to the individual
member, for expenses incurred in or performing the business and affairs of
this association and for fees paid to instructors, assessors and game
assigners or schedulers duly assigned by the Chapter officers.
Section
5:
Property Rights:
No
member, Board Member, Director, officer, or employee of San Antonio Chapter
shall have any right, title or interest in or to any property of any kind
owned by this association or use by it in connection with the performance of
its functions nor in or to any income or other funds received by it, and no
part of the net earnings of this association shall inure to the benefit of any
private member.
ARTICLE
V: ELECTION
OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Section
1:
Nomination procedures for Board Members:
1.
Qualified candidates shall be nominated by the Nomination Committee for
the office of President, Vice‑President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Provided the Vice‑President consents, the Vice‑President=s
name shall automatically be listed on the ballot as a nominee for the office
of President. Names of candidates
may be submitted by a member or members of the Nomination Committee at the
election meeting. All candidates
shall agree to serve prior to their nomination. The retiring President shall
automatically become the Immediate Past-President.
2.
Nominations are to take place at the following scheduled Chapter
meetings:
a.
The Nominating Committee shall be appointed during the January general
meeting of the current soccer season.
b.
Nominations for the office of President, Vice‑President,
Secretary, and Treasurer shall
take place at the first meeting in the month of February of the current soccer
season.
Section
2:
Election Procedures:
1.
San Antonio Chapter Board Members shall be elected by a majority of
closed ballots cast by members in
good standing. Ballots will be
available at the designated Election meeting.
a.
Election results will be announced during the month of April of the
current soccer season.
Section
3:
Terms of Office:
1.
Term of office for each officer is as follows:
a.
The term of office for each Board Member, and Director shall be two (2)
years, unless otherwise in conflict with these by‑laws. All elected and
appointed Board of Directors, including At-Large Area Administrator, shall
serve until a successor has been duly elected or appointed and qualified.
b.
The President and Vice-President shall be elected in odd numbered
years. The District Director, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected in even
numbered years according to the procedures set forth in Article V, Section 1.1
of these bylaws.
c.
At-Large Area Administrator shall be elected according to local needs.
Two (2) years is recommended.
d.
The term of office for the District Director shall be two (2) years,
unless otherwise in conflict with
these by‑laws.
2.
The new elected Board Members and appointed officers shall assume their
duties on the 1st of May, of the year of their election or appointment.
Section
4:
Office Limitations:
1.
A Board Member may be elected for only two (2) consecutive terms,
however, after being out of office for a period of one (1) term, the person
may be re-elected to the same office.
2.
The Directors of Instruction and Assessments may serve only two (2)
consecutive terms; however, after being out of office for a period of one (1)
term, the person may be re‑appointed to the same or another
office.
3.
The term of office for The Secretary of Assignment is two (2) years,
unless otherwise in conflict with these bylaws. However, the person may be
re‑appointed for another successive term upon performance review and
approval by the President, in concurrence with Board of Directors.
4.
The District Director may serve only two (2) consecutive terms;
however, after being out of office for one (1) term, the person may be
re‑elected, or may be elected or appointed to any other office within
the Chapter.
Section
5:
Vacancies:
1.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of President, the
Vice-President shall become the President.
A vacancy in the office of Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer shall
be filled by a majority vote of the Board Members in concurrence with the
District Director=s office. In
the event of a simultaneous vacancy in the Office of the President and
Vice-President, the remaining Board Members are authorized to appoint a
temporary President and Vice-President, until such time as an election can be
held to fill the unexpired terms.
2.
In the event the District Director is not elected, or if the vacancy
occurs during a term, the President, in concurrence with the rest of the Board
Members and subject to the approval of the S.S.O.A. office, shall appoint a
member in good standing, who resides in the San Antonio Chapter area to
fulfill the vacancy in that office.
Section
6:
Procedures for Recall
1.
An elected officer may be recalled by a majority vote of the Board
Members, or by a two‑thirds vote of the membership.
A request for recall must be filed with the S.S.O.A. District
Director=s office. The officer or
officers whose recall is being requested is/are not eligible to vote. A
minimum of fifteen (15) days will be permitted before the membership=s vote is
taken.
2.
A District Director may be recalled by a majority vote of the Board
Members or by a two‑thirds vote of the membership or by the S.S.O.A.
Board of Directors. A request for
recall must be filed with the S.S.O.A. office and approved
by S.S.O.A. Board of Directors, as set forth in the S.S.O.A. bylaws,
Article III, Section 3.
ARTICLE
VI: AMENDMENTS
TO THE BY‑LAWS
Section
1:
Amendments:
The
members of the San Antonio Chapter shall have the power to alter, repeal or
amend Bylaws, and the Administrative Handbook, at any regular meeting of the
membership, by an affirmative vote of three‑fourths (3/4ths) of the
votes cast, provided notice of the proposed action is set forth in the notice
of meeting. The Board Members shall have similar power, subject to the same
requirements of notice; provided, however, that the amendments by the Board
Members, shall be valid and continue in effect unless the members, at the next
regular meeting, alter, modify, or rescind the action of the Board Members;
and provided that the notice of any amendment by the
Board Members, shall be given to each member within two (2) consecutive
meetings after such amendment; and provided further that the Board Members
shall not make or alter any bylaws fixing their number, qualifications or
terms of office.
Section
2:
Notice of Amendment Vote:
Proposed
amendments for consideration at any San Antonio Chapter meeting shall be
provided, in writing to the Chapter Secretary at least Fifteen (15) days prior
to the meeting date. A copy of
the proposed amendment(s) shall be distributed to each member at the meeting.
Discussion and election will be held at the following meeting.
ARTICLE
VII: DUTIES OF
THE CHAPTERS OFFICERS
Section
1:
President=s Duties:
The
President shall preside at all meetings of the association and of the Board of
Directors. The President appoints Committee Chairs and Officers as needed and
represents and acts as liaison between the San Antonio Chapter, the offices of
S.S.O.A., and the school districts Athletic Directors respectively.
Other duties include, but are not limited to:
a.
Approve, pre‑approve or dis‑approve San Antonio Chapter
business expenditures including but not limited to travel allowances.
b.
Attend to the School District Athletic Directors pre‑season and
playoffs selection meetings, procure game schedules and provide contact
personnel roster.
Section
2:
Vice-President Duties:
The
Vice-President (Operating Officer) shall perform all the duties of the
President, in the event of the President`s absence, and generally perform all
the duties usually incident to
the office of Vice-President, or which may be required by the President, the
Board of Directors, or provisions of these bylaws. The Vice-President
Chairs all standings committees, but may delegate this authority while
maintaining responsibility for
the performance of the standing committee.
The Vice-President acts as liaison between the Committees and the
Board.
Section
3:
Secretary Duties:
The
Secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the Chapter and of Board
of Directors; shall send out all notices, per Article VI of these bylaws;
preserve all records; and, have charge of all necessary printing and
publications ordered by the Chapter. Other
duties include, but are not limited to:
a.
Send each member a notice of dues, registration fees and registration
form in accordance with the current Administrative Procedures prescribed by
S.S.O.A. and the San Antonio Chapter Board of Directors.
b.
Administrate membership requirements and procedures under the
jurisdictions prescribed in Article VIII of these bylaws.
c.
Update records pertaining to officials, prospective members, school
district soccer personnel, and playing sites.
e.
Ensure each member has all the current publications necessary to
perform his/her duties as an official.
f.
Recruit possible members and non‑active members.
g.
Make all records of the Chapter available for review at the request of
any member in good standing, at a mutually agreeable time and place.
Section
4:
Treasurer Duties:
The
Treasurer shall have charge of the collection and disbursement of all fees and
dues authorized by the Chapter; shall place all receipts of the Chapter into
one fund from which
disbursements, authorized by the President, shall be made; shall carry
the funds of the Chapter in the name of Southwest Soccer Officials
Association, San Antonio Chapter; and shall maintain a complete financial
record in the name of the Southwest Soccer Officials Association San Antonio
Chapter. Other duties include,
but are not limited to:
a.
Provide monthly and annual financial reports to the membership and to
S.S.O.A. offices respectively.
b.
Be liaison between San Antonio Chapter and the Internal Revenue Service
offices, in regards to non‑profit organization status.
c.
Revise and update game and tournament fees, including pre‑season
and charity events. Propose,
negotiate and consent to fee changes with school district soccer staff, under
the jurisdiction of Article XI of these bylaws.
d.
Be liaison between members and school district Athletic Directors=
accounting office, in matters regarding fee disagreements, payments or late
payments, and travel allowances at local or state levels.
e.
Make all records of the Chapter available for review at the request of
any member in good stand, at a mutually agreeable time and place.
Section
5:
At-Large Area Administrator Duties:
The
At-Large Area Administrator shall preside over all meetings of the
Sub‑chapter and attend, when possible, the San Antonio Chapter, Board of
Directors meetings. Shall appoint
local committees and officers as needed and represent and act as liaison
between the local members and the San Antonio Chapter.
Other duties include, but are not limited to:
a.
Approve, pre‑approve or dis‑approve San Antonio Chapter
business expenditures including but not limited to travel allowances.
b.
Attend to the school district Athletic Directors= pre‑season and
playoffs selection meetings, procure game schedules and provide contact
personnel roster.
c.
Review the San Antonio Chapter assigning procedures, officials scratch
list, rule changes and U.I.L. Codes of Ethics for Coaches, Athletic Directors
and Officials, with the local membership and school district soccer staff.
Section
6:
Immediate Past President Duties:
The
immediate Past President, Planning and Development Officer, shall perform
the duties of the President in case of absence of both the President
and the Vice- President and shall
act in an advisory role to the President and Directors.
Section
7:
Secretary of Assignments Duties:
The
Secretary of Assignments, shall be responsible for all game assignments and
cancellations as per policies and procedures set forth in the San Antonio
Chapter Administrative Handbook. Shall be the primary liaison between the
Chapter and the school district Athletic Directors office, in matters of game
administration, such as additions, schedule changes or game cancellations.
Section
8:
Director of Instruction Duties:
1.
The Director of Instruction, shall be responsible for the
administration of the Training Program, under the guidelines set forth in the
San Antonio Chapter Administrative Handbook.
2.
The Director of Instruction, shall be the primary liaison between the
Sub‑chapter training officers and the Director of Assessments.
They shall work together to develop specific training programs to
address needs identified in the assessment program.
3.
The Director of Instruction, shall serve as Rules Interpreter and
Technical Officer and shall be the official interpreter of soccer rules and
mechanics for the Chapter. He/she
shall provide support in this regard for all members and school district
soccer staff. He/She shall
conduct necessary rules and mechanics classes as required and will represent
the San Antonio Chapter at S.O.A. and/or
S.S.O.A. state or national rule meetings.
Section
9:
Director of Assessment Duties:
The
Director of Assessment, shall be responsible for the Chapter Assessment
Program, as set forth in the San Antonio Chapter Administrative Handbook,
training qualified assessors, and establishing quality standards to allow for
a consistent assessment program. The
Director of Assessment shall work closely with the Director of Training to
develop specific training programs to address the needs identified in the
assessment program.
Section
10:
Board of Director Duties:
1.
The Board of Directors shall act in a advisory capacity to the Board
Members.
2.
The Board Members, in concurrence with The Board of Directors, subject
to the requirements of the
S.S.O.A., shall have full power to adopt all regulations to govern its own
deliberations, and to act and pass on all matters of business, pertaining to
the San Antonio Chapter, including overruling decisions made by the Discipline
and Protest Committee, in the best interest of the Chapter.
3.
The Board of Directors shall be responsible for the promotion of
regular meetings of officials, to discuss rules and interpretations, and shall
act as liaison between the Board of Directors and the individual
Sub‑chapters. All officers
and directors shall assist and encourage young and new officials, and do all
in their power to further the interest and objectives of S.S.O.A..
4.
All correspondence or business conducted by the Board of Directors and
Committees pertaining to the Chapter, shall be submitted by copy or copies to
the Chapter Secretary with 24 hours.
Section
11:
District Director Duties:
1.
The District Director shall act in an advisory role to the Board of
Directors. In this role, the
District Director will audit the overall operation and present plans for the
continued development of the San Antonio Chapter.
The District Director shall assist the President as needed.
2.
Additional duties of the District Director are set forth by the S.O.A.
Executive Director.
Note:
All District Director statements and references in these bylaws are
valid and current while San Antonio Chapter maintains its Single‑Chapter
District status.
ARTICLE
VIII: MEMBERSHIP
Section
1:
Qualification for Membership:
Applications
will be processed through the San Antonio Chapter Secretary in accordance with
procedures establish by S.O.A. and S.S.O.A. Board of Directors.
Section
2:
Approval of Membership Application:
1.
Applicants must be at least 19 years of age.
2.
Applicants shall have satisfactorily completed the prescribed
application form and submitted it to the secretary of San Antonio Chapter.
3.
Applicants must submit their current dues and application fees with
each application.
The amount of such fees are to be determined by the Board of Directors
of S.S.O.A. and the San Antonio Chapter.
4.
All Applicants, regardless of their level or grade, must meet the
requirements set forth in the San Antonio Chapter Administrative Handbook
under the Criteria for Certifying and Upgrading Program.
5.
Applicants, upon approval by the S.S.O.A. office, shall receive, an
annual membership card, the National Federation Rules Book (current
year), and the current year S.S.O.A. badge, which shall be worn in all
U.I.L. games.
6.
New applicants will be issued a San Antonio Chapter Administrative
Procedures and Bylaws Handbook. Additional
copies are available at $10.00 per issue.
7.
The membership year shall be from May 1st to April 31st.
8.
Multiple Chapter memberships are permissible.
However, only one State dues will be paid, but San Antonio Chapter dues
must also be paid. A member with multiple Chapter memberships must vote for
office of District Director, for officers of S.S.O.A. and for Amendments to
the S.S.O.A. bylaws, through the Chapter that he/she paid his/her state dues.
Section
3:
Privileges of Membership:
1.
All San Antonio Chapter members in good standing have voting privileges
in selecting the Board Members
and the District Director, provided a member with multiple Chapter or multiple
district memberships, may vote in only one such Chapter for District Director
in which he/she paid his/her state dues.
2.
All officers and directors, to be eligible for and hold office, either
elected or appointed, must be and remain members in good standing during their
term or terms in office.
Section
4:
Termination of Membership:
1.
The membership and any interests of rights thereunder of a member who
fails to comply with the
provisions of Article VIII, Section 2, or is guilty of any offense as set
forth in The Officials Guidelines to Offenses and Fines, shall expire
immediately or at the end of the current membership year, depending upon the
severeness of the violation.
2.
Members who violate the provisions and/or spirit of the Bylaws, Code of
Ethics, and/or Administrative Procedures, of the S.O.A. or of the S.S.O.A. or
of the San Antonio Chapter, or falsify information on the application for
membership, shall, after due notice and a disciplinary hearing, and at the
discretion of the Discipline and Protest Committee, have their membership and
any interest or rights thereunder terminated.
Section
5:
Appeals:
Members
may appeal disciplinary action taken by the Grievance and Ethics Committee to
the Discipline and Protest Committee or action taken by Discipline and Protest
Committee to S.O.A. and/or S.S.O.A. Ethics Body, as appropriate under the
S.O.A. and/or S.S.O.A. Codes of Ethics and Due Process Guidelines.
Members who appeal disciplinary action taken by the Board of Directors
at any level, shall abide by the decision of the S.O.A. Ethics Body.
Section
6:
Transfers:
The
San Antonio Chapter will accept as a transfer, any official in good standing,
outside the San Antonio Chapter District, upon proof of current or prior
certification, and with the approval of the Director of Assessments.
However, the Board of Directors shall have the authority to waive any
individual requirements.
ARTICLE
IX: REGISTRATION
AND DUES
From
time to time, a schedule of dues payable by members of this association shall
be recommended to and adopted by the S.S.O.A. and San Antonio Chapter Board of
Directors. The S.S.O.A. Board of
Directors or San Antonio Chapter Board Members shall be entitled to terminate
the membership of any member who has not paid his/her dues after a deadline
prescribed by the Board of Directors.
1.
The membership year begins on May 1st and ends on April 31st.
2.
The State dues for the membership shall be determined annually by the
S.S.O.A. Board of Directors.
3.
The Chapter dues for the membership shall be determined annually by the
San Antonio Chapter Board Members.
4.
Procedures for the payment of the dues and method of notification shall
be prescribed.
5.
The membership of a member, who fails to comply with the provisions of
Article VII, Section 2.2 and Section 2.3, shall expire at the end of the
current membership year.
6.
The San Antonio Chapter Board Members must approve the reinstatement of
any expired membership.
ARTICLE
X: UNIFORMS
1.
The S.S.O.A. Board of Directors shall prescribe the regulation uniform
for use by the members statewide.
2.
No two (2) different, alternate jerseys are to be worn in the same
match, either one color or the other, but not both.
a.
The San Antonio Chapter Board of Directors recommend a long sleeve
jersey at all stadium games when possible.
b.
The officiating team should wear the same sleeve length jersey when
possible.
ARTICLE
XI: OFFICIATING
FEES AND TRAVEL ALLOWANCE
Section
1:
Officiating Fees:
1.
Officiating fees will conform to the fees prescribed by the U.I.L.
Constitution and Contest Rules, Section 1204 (j)(4), by the S.S.O.A. Board of
Directors and by the San Antonio Chapter Board Members.
Fee violations will be processed through
the procedures set forth in the U.I.L. Constitution and Contest Rules Section
1204 (i).
2.
Officials shall not be paid for pre‑season scrimmage games, but
may be reimbursed for mileage. Two
(2) pre‑season scrimmage games are recommended (not mandatory) per
official when possible.
3.
Fees for charity, tournaments and post‑season games are to be
paid by the host school or by the game management as approved by the school
and San Antonio Chapter Board Members. Fees
shall be paid promptly.
Section
2:
Travel Allowance:
1.
Mileage rate will conform to the rates prescribed by the U.I.L.
Constitution and Contest Rules, Section 1204 (k), by S.S.O.A. Board of
Directors and by the San Antonio Chapter Board Members.
2.
Officials may be paid round trip from the official=s home to the site
of the game or scrimmage.
a.
State mileage reimbursement per car.
Prior consent is required from the school, when a maximum of two (2)
cars, from the same Chapter are going to submit for reimbursement.
b.
By prior agreement between officials and school authorities, air fare
may be substituted for ground
transportation mileage fees.
c.
If agreed upon by the school, officials may be paid an average mileage
fee which, when totaled for the year or season, would not exceed what normally
would be paid by each school for mileage.
Section
3:
Other Allowed Expenses:
1.
Meals: If there is a previous agreement between officials and schools,
schools may pay per day, for meals as recommended by the U.I.L. Constitution
and Contest Rules Section 1204 (l)(1).
2.
Lodging: May be reimbursed as necessary when previously agreed upon,
between the officials and schools.
3.
Ground Transportation: If prior agreement exist, schools may reimburse
for taxi fare, etc.,for
officials.
Section
4:
Limitations:
No
other item shall be included in payment of officials.
ARTICLE
XII: OFFICIATING
PROCEDURES:
1.
Games assigned by the U.I.L. office, or by the S.S.O.A. office, or by
the San Antonio Chapter, shall be administrated in compliance with the U.I.L.
Constitution and Contest Rules, Section 1204.
They shall be officiated under the jurisdiction of The National
Federation High School Soccer Rule Book, by The United States Soccer
Federation Mechanics Procedures for Referees and Linesmen, and by the
procedures prescribed by the S.S.O.A. Board of Directors.
ARTICLE
XIII: MEETINGS
Section
1:
Meeting Schedule:
1.
The place, time, and date for San Antonio Chapter meetings shall be
determined by the Board Members. Meetings
shall be conducted generally in accordance with Robert=s Rules of Order, as
amended from time to time.
2.
All general membership meetings are considered mandatory.
A Chapter officer must be notified of non-attendance.
3.
Participation in Board Members or Board of Directors meetings, shall be
limited to Board Members or Board of Directors, unless an invitation to
participate is extended to a member or guest.
Section
2:
Board Members Meeting:
Board
Members shall hold two (2) semi-annual meetings.
One (1) in May of each year, to review and discuss officer duties,
policies and procedures prescribed in the San Antonio Chapter Administrative
Handbook and Bylaws, budget, dues, and other such business to be discussed and
voted on. One (1) in September of
each year to appoint officers and review the Secretary of Assignments,
elections and other such business to be discussed and voted.
Section
3:
Board of Directors Meeting:
Board
Of Directors shall hold two (2) semi-annual meetings.
One (1) in the last week of October of each year, to appoint Committee
officers and to review and discuss officers
duties, policies and procedures prescribed in the San Antonio Chapter
Administrative Handbook and Bylaws. One (1) in the first week of
February to review the overall administration and general business. These
meetings may be held concurrently with the time and place of the general
membership meeting.
Section
4:
General Membership Meeting:
The
General Membership shall hold fourteen (14) general meetings.
One (1) in the months of August, September, and October. Beginning in
November the meetings will take place every other Wednesday through the first
Wednesday of April. The meetings
are to discuss rules and mechanics of the game and administration of old and
new business. The Fifteenth
meeting is the State/C.O.P.E. mandatory meeting.
Section
5:
State/C.O.P.E. Meeting:
1.
Annual State Meeting:
a.
A mandatory state meeting will be held for members to attend to discuss
and interpret soccer rules. Time
and place will be announced as assigned and approved by S.S.O.A. Board of
Directors, at their annual meeting.
2.
C.O.P.E. Annual Meeting:
a.
A mandatory U.I.L. meeting will be held for all members to attend.
Time and place will be announced as assigned and approved by S.S.O.A.
Board of Directors, at their annual meeting.
Section
6:
Special or Emergency Meeting:
1.
A special meeting may be called by any officer or director or any five
(5) members in good standing. Seven
(7) days written notice to the address of record of each member, shall be
given by those calling the special meeting.
The special meeting can only take up the business specified in the
notice for which the meeting is called. All
other rules apply and may not be waived even by consent.
2.
An emergency meeting may be called by any elected officer with at least
twenty-four (24) hours notice. A
meeting may be conducted by telephone with all elected members subsequently
consenting by their signature to a written rendition of the resolution(s)
adopted. The emergency meeting
can only take up the business specified in the notice for which the meeting is
called. All other rules apply and
may not be waived, even by consent.
ARTICLE
XIV: COMMITTEES
Section 1:
Discipline and Protest Committee:
The
Discipline and Protest Committee is to be comprised of five (5) members in
good standing, Chaired by the
President=s designee. Term of
office is two (2) years.
Section
2:
Discipline and Protest Committee Duties:
1.
The Discipline and Protest Committee shall be responsible to
investigate and manage all
discipline issues and disagreements between officials and the school district
soccer staff, which include, but are not limited to coaches send off and
school administrators site violations by following the policies and procedures
prescribed by the S.O.A. Incident Reporting Procedures and Guidelines for
Investigating Officers.
2.
The Discipline and Protest Committee shall be the primary liaison
between the Chapter and the School District Athletic Directors Office, in
matters of scratching officials.
3.
The Discipline and Protest Committee shall assist and train members to
establish consistency in reporting incidents to the proper authorities
and shall address S.O.A. Incident
Report Procedures.
4.
The Discipline and Protest Committee shall conduct Officers= Appeal
hearings as needed.
Section
3:
Grievance and Ethics Committee:
The
Grievance and Ethics Committee is to be comprised of five (5) members in good
standing, Chaired by the President=s designee. Term of office is two (2)
years.
Section
4:
Grievance and Ethics Committee Duties:
1.
The Grievance and Ethics Committee shall be responsible to investigate
and to manage officials S.O.A. Code Of Ethics violations and Offenses
prescribed in the San Antonio Chapter Administrative Handbook, see section
entitled Officials Guidelines on Offenses and Fines.
2.
The Grievance and Ethics Committee in concurrence with The Discipline
and Protest Committee, shall help, assist and train members, to establish
consistency in reporting incidents to the proper authorities.
The Committee shall address the S.O.A. Incident Report Procedures.
3.
The Grievance and Ethics Committee shall abide by the decision of the
Discipline and Protest Committee body.
Section
5:
Nominating Committee:
The
Nominating Committee is to be comprised of five (5) members in good standing,
Chaired by the President=s designee. Term of office is two (2) years.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
a.
The Nominating Committee shall be responsible to recruit and select
candidates for each elective office of the San Antonio Chapter in accordance
with the procedures prescribed in Article V, Sections 1, 2,
and 4 and Article XV of these bylaws, including District Director when
applicable.
b.
The Nominating Committee shall submit to the membership, a slate of
candidates for each elective office. They
shall set election day and arrange ballot distribution.
The Committee may take nominations from the floor at said meeting, but
unless the candidate is present to ratify his/her nomination, a written
consent by the nominee must be filed at the time of nomination.
c.
The Nominating Committee shall announce the election results to the
membership.
Section
6:
Ranking Committee:
The
Ranking Committee is to be comprised of four (4) senior officials and at least
four (4) assigned T.A.S.C.O. coaches representing several districts when
possible and Chaired by the Director of Assessments or by her/his assignee.
Term of office is one (1) year. Duties
include, but are not limited to the following:
a.
The Ranking Committee shall be responsible for ranking all scheduled
matches from one (1) to five (5), one (1) being the high skilled and
competitive match, and five the (5) less competitive match.
ARTICLE
XV: VOTE AND
QUORUM
One‑third
of the members of the Chapter, or a majority of the Board Members, shall
constitute a quorum, but any number of members may adjourn a meeting.
A mail vote of the members, or of the Board Members may be taken and
shall be in all respect as valid as if taken with the members in a general
meeting.
ARTICLE
XVI: ADMINISTRATIVE
1.
All administrative correspondence, including replies, proposals and
deliberations among officers, members and school district Athletic Directors,
shall be in writing with copy(s) to the Chapter Secretary.
2.
Policies and procedures shall be processed and executed in conformance
with the procedures prescribed in
the San Antonio Chapter Administrative Handbook and Bylaws, unless otherwise
in conflict with S.S.O.A. Bylaws.
3.
Games schedules shall be procured no later than October 30th of each
year.
4.
The San Antonio Chapter adopts the S.O.A. Code of Ethics, as its
official Code of Ethics.
5.
The Board Members shall review the Sub‑chapter status at each
pre‑season Board meeting.
6.
Every active member, prior to officiating, shall receive a copy (s) of
the following documentation:
a.
S.O.A. Incident Reporting Procedures
b.
S.O.A. Conflicts of interest
c.
National Federation High School Rule Book. current year
d.
S.S.0.A. current year patch and membership card
e.
S.S.0.A. uniform policies
f.
San Antonio Chapter official availability form
g.
San Antonio Chapter game fees
h.
San Antonio Chapter payment voucher
i.
San Antonio Chapter administration contact personnel
j.
School District=s playing sites including addresses and telephone
numbers
7.
All working rules for any investigation shall be done by the assigned
officer or officers using S.O.A. Guidelines for Investigating Officers
Procedures.
8.
In the event the San Antonio Chapter looses its Single‑Chapter
status, Article V, Section 3.1.b; Section 3.1.f;
Section 4.5; Section 5.1; Section 5.3, and Section 6.3 and also Article
VII, Section 11 and Section 14.1 of these Bylaws shall be amended.
9.
The exiting officer shall surrender his/her San Antonio Chapter
business records to the newly elected officer at the first general meeting,
held in the month of April of the membership year their election or
appointment took place.
ARTICLE
XVII: ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section
1:
Procedures:
1.
The Senior officer, shall Chair the meeting and if the Secretary is not
present, he shall appoint one. It shall first be determined if a quorum is
present. The Chairman will be the exclusive authority for determining whether
or not a member is in good standing. The
order of business at all meetings shall be as follows:
a.
Roll call
b.
Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting
c.
Reports of the officers
d.
Unfinished business
e.
New business
f.
Election of officers, if appropriate
Section
2:
Conduct of Meetings:
San
Antonio Chapter=s meetings shall be conducted generally in accordance with
Robert=s Rules of Order, and from time to time amended.
ARTICLE
XVIII: EXPENSES
Reasonable
expenses incurred by the Officers and Directors in attending designated
meetings, representing the Chapter and carrying out the affairs of the Chapter
shall be paid by the Chapter as approved or pre-approved.
Reimbursement of expenses for entertainment, alcoholic beverages and
expenses not necessary in the conducting of Chapter business is prohibited.
LIST OF CHANGES AND
REVISIONS/DATES
1.
Original Constitution Approved: August
8, 1977
First
Printed: February 21,1978
Abolished
by S.O.A.: September 1987
2.
Re‑writing: June 14,
1995
Revised:
November 1, 1995
Adopted:
November 8,1995
Printed:
November 15,1995