Copper Country Soccer Association Constitution and Bylaws
Adopted by the CCSA Board of Directors March 29, 2004.

"When the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name he marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game."
Grantland Rice (1880-1954) Alumnus Football

ARTICLE 1: NAME AND AFFILIATION

The organization shall be known as the Copper Country Soccer Association, (hereafter referred to as the CCSA) and shall be affiliated with the Soccer Association for Youth, USA (hereafter referred to as SAY).

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSES OF THE CCSA

The CCSA is established for the following purposes: A. To provide high-quality soccer programs for the children and youth of Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties. B. To provide children and youth of all skills and abilities, beginning at the age of 4, with the opportunity to learn the laws of the game of soccer and to participate in an organized program of soccer training and recreation. C. To foster and promote both the philosophy and the practice of good sporting conduct among its members. D. To receive and administer funds, gifts, bequests, and devices from any person or organization in pursuing the goals of the CCSA. E. To otherwise further and promote youth soccer in the Copper Country.

ARTICLE 3: SCOPE OF THE CCSA

3.1 Programs CCSA programs will be open to any boy or girl living in Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties, having met the age-appropriate criteria established by the CCSA.

3.2 Training To ensure the quality of CCSA programs, training and related documents will be made available to all coaches.

ARTICLE 4: CCSA MEMBERSHIP

4.1 Membership Defined Members are defined as any parent or legal guardian who has a child registered in a CCSA program, and any coach, assistant coach, board member, or anyone else contributing their support to the CCSA, whether or not they have a child registered in a CCSA program.

4.2 Good Standing Each member of the CCSA will be required to adhere to the CCSA Constitution and Bylaws and to other CCSA policies in order to remain a voting member in good standing.

ARTICLE 5: CCSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

5.1 Board of Directors Defined The governing body of the CCSA shall be the CCSA Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the Board). The Board shall include a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The Board may elect or appoint additional directors to carry out the association's business.

5.2 Authority of the Board The Board shall have the following powers in addition to the powers expressly or implicitly conferred on it by law: A. Authority to make and enforce rules and regulations for the benefit of the CCSA or as promulgated by SAY. B. Authority to enter into contracts and to hold and/or own property. C. Authority to formulate and adopt policies for the regulation of internal affairs of the CCSA and for the dealings of the CCSA with other parties as it deems necessary in the normal course of its business or for any other purpose deemed to be in the best interest of the CCSA.

5.2 Code of Conduct A. Members of the Board shall carry out their duties in a spirit of cooperation, remembering at all times that the purpose of the CCSA is to serve our children. B. Members of the Board should strive to avoid not only impropriety but also the appearance of impropriety. C. Members of the Board should attend all Board meetings unless they have been released from this obligation, as has traditionally been the case for the CCSA treasurer.

5.3 Resignations A director may resign at any time by giving written or verbal notice to the president or secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time of its receipt by the president or the secretary; the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

5.4 Removals Any director may be removed with or without cause by the affirmative vote of a twothirds majority of the Board.

5.5 Vacancies A vacancy in any office on the Board, regardless of reason or cause, may be filled by majority vote of the remaining Board members. Any vacancy other than that of an officer, regardless of reason or cause, may be filled by the approval of a majority of the Board for the remainder of the vacated term.

5.6 Duties of Officers

5.6.1 President Subject to the control of the Board of Directors, the president shall supervise and control the business and affairs of the CCSA. The president's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Upholding and enforcing the Constitution and By-laws of CCSA. B. Conducting and presiding over general meetings on a regular basis to ensure the quality and timeliness of the responsibilities completed by and for the CCSA. C. Calling special meetings of the Board as scheduled or deemed necessary. D. Appointing people to fill non-elected positions. E. Passing on knowledge or information from previous years to administrative personnel. F. Assisting in all registrations and placement of players on teams and selection of coaches. G. Representing the CCSA, its Board, members, and teams in meetings with other soccer clubs, associations, or organizations. H. Acting as authorized agent in the execution of any bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board have duly authorized and approved to be executed, except where signing and executing has been assigned to any other officer according to these bylaws. I. Serving as ex-officio member on all committees. J. Signing CCSA checks as needed.

5.6.2 Vice President The vice president shall support all the functions of the office of president. The vice president's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Presiding over and carrying out the duties of the president in the event of the president's absence or disability. B. Serving as the president's liaison to all committees and reporting to the president.

5.6.3 Secretary The secretary shall attend all meetings of the members and of the Board and shall record, or cause to be recorded, accurate minutes of such meetings. The secretary shall attend to the proper issuance of all notices of the CCSA and shall have custody of the minutes of the CCSA. The secretary's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Keeping minutes of the meetings of the Board. B. Providing notice of all meetings when directed by the president. C. Issuing correspondence as directed by the president and the Board of Directors. D. Sending letters of appreciation to all sponsors and patrons. E. Maintaining a register of the mailing addresses of the CCSA's members.

5.6.4 Treasurer The treasurer shall be the financial officer of the CCSA. The treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be responsible for all funds of the CCSA. The treasurer shall deposit such funds in such depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors. The treasurer shall receive and faithfully account for all funds of the CCSA and shall render to the president, whenever requested and as good accounting and tax practices may require, an account of all financial transactions of the CCSA and of the financial condition of the CCSA. The treasurer's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Collecting all funds due the CCSA and making disbursements for payment of all obligations as authorized by the Board. B. Keeping a suitable set of books and submitting montWy statements to the Board and to the SAY national office a year-end statement covering all receipts and expenditures as well as a current balance sheet. C. Maintaining accurate and complete records of all amounts owed to the CCSA from any individual or entity and actively promoting and participating in the timely collection of any such receivable amounts. D. Preparing and cooperating in an independent year-end audit of all financial records and transactions maintained by the treasurer as related to CCSA matters. E. Signing CCSA checks as needed.

5.7 Duties of Other Directors In addition to the officers, the CCSA may appoint additional directors to positions described below. These additional directors shall work with the officers to promote the goals and purposes of the CCSA. If it is not possible to select individuals for these additional directorships, then it shall be the responsibility of the remaining directors to make reasonable efforts to divide, share, assign, or otherwise cause the completion of these responsibilities.

5.7.1 Registrar The registrar's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Registering and certifying CCSA players. B. Enforcing all rules, bylaws, and policies of the CCSA governing player registration and team assignment. C. Storing and maintaining CCSA records regarding the registration of teams and players within the CCSA and ensuring the confidentiality of player information. D. Assigning players to teams.

5.7.2 Field Manager The field manager's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Locating, planning, and preparing all practice and playing fields. B. Enlisting volunteers, with the cooperation of the age-division coordinators, to help prepare and maintain all fields, including the supervision and coordination of the initial set-up, layout, and preparation of all fields at the beginning of each season. C. Establishing and maintaining constructive relationships with any person or group that has authority over the fields and locations that the CCSA uses for practices and games. D. Routinely inspecting all fields, goals, nets, playing surfaces, storage facilities, and all related CCSA property to ensure the proper working condition and best possible safety conditions for the CCSA and its members.

5.7.3 Equipment Manager The equipment manager's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Establishing and maintaining constructive relationships with vendors who provide equipment to the CeSA. B. Procuring and distributing sufficient quantities of balls and other practice equipment for all coaches with the cooperation of the age-division coordinators and other Board members. C. Identifying supply requirements and procuring and maintaining sufficient quantities of all game, practice, field, and related equipment as needed and approved by the president or the Board. D. Collecting, inventorying, inspecting, storing, and providing reasonable security for all CeSA equipment at the end of each season. E. Providing a projected budget and a list of all anticipated supply needs prior to the start of each season or as otherwise requested by the president or the Board.

5.7.4 Head Referee The head referee's duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Soliciting, selecting, and assigning referees for CCSA games. B. Training all referees to ensure their competency in the rules and regulations documented in the most recent rules of the CCSA. C. Tracking, requisitioning, and paying all fees owed to referees in compliance with the financial guidelines established by the president or Board and administered by the treasurer. D. Providing budgetary information, including estimates of all fees and referee-related expenses, prior to the start of each season as requested by the president or the Board. E. Objectively reporting to the president any action, comment, or gesture by any player, coach, assistant coach, referee, parent, or spectator that violates provisions in the CCSA Constitution and Bylaws designed to provide and maintain an environment of good sporting conduct.

5.7.5 Director of Age-Division Coordinators The director of age-division coordinators' duties shall include, but not be limited to: A. Recruiting, training, and supervising age-division coordinators.

5.7.6 Safety Officer The safety officer shall ensure the safety of CCSA players and of others affiliated with CCSA events (spectators, coaches, officials). The-safety officer shall regularly inspect, or causes to be inspected, all CCSA fields and equipment to ensure that players and others can participate in CCSA events as safely as possible. This shall include but not be limited to ensuring that appropriate anchors or weights are available for every CCSA goal and that fields are as free as possible of holes and of rocks and other hazardous objects. (Note: Ensuring the proper use of goal anchors and weights is the responsibility of the coaches and game officials.)

5.7.8 Publicity and Information Manager The public information officer will work with the president of the CCSA Board of Directors to ensure that CCSA members and prospective members are adequately informed about CCSA programs.

5.7.9 Multiple-Use Liaison The multiple-use liaison will help to resolve potential conflicts with scheduling and use of fields used by both the CCSA and other organizations or individuals, such as baseball leagues.

ARTICLE 6: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS

6.1 Annual Meeting The Board shall convene an annual meeting of the members of the CCSA. At this meeting, the members shall discuss means of improving the CCSA for the following year.

6.2 Date, Time, and Place of the Annual Meeting The president or a majority of the Board shall fix the date, time, and place of the annual meeting.

6.3 Special Meetings Special meetings of the members may be called by or at the request of the president or the Board to vote on the business purposed to be transacted at the meeting.

6.4 Notice and Purpose of Annual and Special Meetings The Board shall notify members of the date, time, and place of annual and special meetings at least five days in advance of such meetings. Such notice may be provided by U.S. Postal Service, email, telephone, or public notice published in the local newspaper. A notice of a special meeting shall also state briefly the purpose or purposes of such meeting, and only the matters so referenced in the notice shall be considered at such meeting, except with the consent of all members present.

6.5 Electing the Board of Directors A Board of Directors of up to 10 members shall be elected each fall by the members of the CCSA.

6.6 Electing Board Officers and Other Officials Each fall, the Board shall elect by secret ballot Board officers and other Board officials (registrar, field manager, equipment manager, head referee, director of age-division coordinators, safety officer, and publicity and information manager). Members of the Board may vote either in person or by proxy. When there is only one candidate for registrar, field manager, equipment manager, head referee, director of age-division coordinators, safety officer, or publicity and information manager, such position may be filled by appointment by the president, with the approval of the majority of the Board.

6.7 Quorum At any meeting, a majority of the Board represented in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum.

6.8 Meeting Chair The president, and in the president's absence the vice president, and in their absence the secretary, and in their absence any member chosen by the members present, shall chair CCSA meetings.

6.9 Secretary The secretary, and in the secretary's absence a member appointed by the chair of the meeting, shall act as secretary of CCSA meetings.

6.10 Rules of Order Board meetings shall follow the general spirit of Robert's Rules of Order.

6.11 Majority Vote Required The vote of the majority of those voting members present at any meeting shall be required for any action or resolution of the Board unless otherwise specified in the CCSA Constitution and Bylaws.

ARTICLE 7: NOMINATION OF, ELECTION OF, AND TERM OF OFFICE FOR BOARD MEMBERS AND BOARD OFFICERS

7.1 Eligible Candidates for the Board Any CCSA member in good standing may be a candidate for service on the Board.

7.2 Voting Rights Any CCSA member in good standing is entitled to vote in the election of the Board.

7.3 Nominations Nominations for openings on the following year's Board may be made in person, by phone, in writing, or via email to any current Board member. It shall be the responsibility of those offering nominations to first ensure that the nominee is willing to serve if elected.

7.4 Nominations Concluded and Elections Held Nominations will be concluded on September 1. At the direction of the Board, Division Coordinators will conduct elections by secret ballot during the last game of each team. Ballots shall be counted by the current president and at least one other current Board member; they must be counted openly at the annual meeting. The nominees receiving the most votes will fill the open positions on the next year's Board.

7.5 Election of Board Officers All nominations for positions of officers will be drawn from the elected members of the Board, except as deemed appropriate by majority vote of the Board. The Board shall elect its officers by majority vote with a secret ballot. New officers shall assume office at the meeting during which the elections are held.

7.6 One Office Only Board members may hold only one office (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer) at a time. They may, however, hold another position on the Board (registrar, field manager, equipment manager, head referee, director of age-division coordinators, safety officer, and publicity and information manager) if so elected or appointed by the president.

7.7 Term of Office for Board Members Election or appointment to the Board shall be for a term of two years. The election or appointment of members of the Board shall be staggered so as to provide continuity and consistency. Each individual so elected or appointed shall not be limited to a maximum number of consecutive terms.

7.8 Term of Office for Officers and Other Officials CCSA officers and officials shall be elected or appointed for a one-year term. Each individual so elected to one of the officer positions shall not be limited to a maximum number of consecutive terms.

ARTICLE 8: BUSINESS MATTERS

8.1 Execution of Negotiable Instruments All checks, drafts, or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the CCSA shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the CCSA and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board.

8.2 Execution of Deeds, Contracts, etc. The Board may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name and on behalf of the CCSA. Such authority may be general or confined specific instances.

8.3 Finances The Board shall decide and have authority to act on all matters pertaining to the day-today finances of the CCSA.

8.4 Loans No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the CCSA, and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board. Such authority may be general or confined to specific matters.

8.5 Deposits All funds of the CCSA not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the CCSA in such banks, trust companies, or other insured depositories as the Board may select.

8.6 Books and Records The CCSA shall keep correct and complete books of account and minutes of the proceedings of its members and directors. All such books, records, and lists of the CCSA shall be open to inspection and examination during reasonably scheduled times for all proper purposes by every member of the CCSA or their duly authorized agent or attorney. Upon the written request of any such member, the most recent annual financial statements of the CCSA, showing in reasonable detail its assets and liabilities and the results of its operations, will also be made available.

ARTICLE 9: PROCEDURES FOR SELECTING TEAMS

General Policy: Players shall be assigned to teams in a manner that provides no intentional advantage to anyone team over another. This is one of the most basic principals of fairness of the CCSA, and it must be enforced.

A. Team selection must take place in the presence of a member or members of the CCSA Board of Directors or in the presence of a person or persons designated for this purpose by the Board.

B. No one with a conflict of interest should participate in team selection; specifically, no coach will participate in the initial assignment of his or her team members, and no parent will participate in the initial assignment of his or her child's team.

C. Players will be sorted by age, gender, and skill level and will be blindly drawn from these groups such that players in each category are distributed as evenly as possible among the available teams for each age division.

D. The following players may be exempt from the draw and may select the team on which they play: (1) the child or children of the head coach of the team; (2) the child or children of one assistant coach of the team, if that assistant coach was assigned to the team prior to the draw; and (3) any eligible sibling of a player who is already assigned to a team.

E. If the blind drawing results in an inequitable distribution of players, players may be randomly transferred immediately after the draw to correct this inequity.

F. Any subsequent imbalance due to loss of players should be corrected by assigning unassigned players who have registered late or who have been placed on waiting lists.

Team selection is an art, not an exact science. Although the above procedure will be followed, those responsible for building teams also appropriately consider a variety of additional variables, such as the desire of young children to team with friends; carpooling arrangement of parents; and histories of interpersonal conflicts among players, coaches, and parents. Where changes to teams are made on these and other such grounds, every effort will be made to ensure that the resulting teams are balanced by age, gender, and skill level.

After the initial team selection is completed, head coaches for each division will be provided an opportunity to meet together to review the results and to request appropriate modifications. A record of the final results of team selection will be submitted to the CCSA Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 10: PROCEDURES FOR MAKING AGE-GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

Players will be assigned to their respective age-group divisions with birthday cut-off date being August 1 of the current year. Hence, for example, players may not play in the U10 (under 10) division unless they have reached their eighth birthday on or before August 1 of that year and have not reached their tenth birthday by that date. In accordance with SAY rules, someone other than the registrar will assign teams for divisions in which the registrar has a child.

A player may advance to the next age division if the Board determines that it is in the player's and the CCSA's best interest that this request be granted. No player shall be allowed to play in an age division below his or her age level.

ARTICLE 11: PROCEDURES FOR RANKING PLAYERS

Rank 4: Stands out as one of the most talented players on the field. Aggressive and capable on both offense and defense. Scores on offense; is hard to get past on defense.

Rank 3: Competent, attentive, mobile, skilled, and motivated. Good grasp of field positions and tactics. Scores now and then on offense; plays solid defense. Understands passing and team play. The team is more vulnerable when this player is not on the field.

Rank 2: A basic player for age level. Adequate on offense and defense: contributes actively but is unlikely to score on offense and needs help on defense. Reasonable grasp of field positions and tactics.

Rank 1: Skills are visibly limited for age level. Vulnerable on defense; ineffective on offense.

Goal Keeper: Player has both the skills and the desire to play keeper. Rank ability in parentheses; for example, use G (3) to indicate a competent keeper.

ARTICLE 12: COACHING RULES

12.1 Selection of Coaches The CCSA reserves the right to establish policies and parameters for the selection, approval, and assignment of coaches. To further the quality of soccer experience for our children, the CCSA recognizes the importance of properly selecting, guiding, and training all coach volunteers. Considerations in selecting coaches shall include but not be limited to previous coaching experience, length of CCSA membership, participation in Board responsibilities, licensing level, and objective evaluations from other CCSA members. In matters where selection or qualification criteria are similar for opposing candidates, the president of the CCSA shall have the authority to finalize a selection.

ARTICLE 13: CCSA CODES OF CONDUCT

In A Theory of Justice (1971), John Rawls considers the nature of social institutions that would be chosen by people who are both rational and impartial. To ensure impartiality, Rawls proposes a "veil of ignorance" that would prevent people from knowing what their initial position would be (beggar or king) in the proposed social structure. This principal of justice guides the CCSA Codes of Conduct.

13.1 General Code on Offensive or Abusive Behavior and Language The conduct and demeanor of all players, coaches, referees, parents, spectators, and others involved in any way with the CCSA must always model courtesy, good sporting behavior, and professionalism. Incidents of players, coaches, referees, parents, or spectators physically or verbally abusing one another set an unacceptable example for young athletes. Therefore, the CCSA has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on such behavior.

Black's Law Dictionary defines assault as "The threat or use of force on another that causes that person to have a reasonable apprehension of imminent harmful or offensive contact; the act of putting another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of an immediate battery by means of an act amounting to an attempt or threat to commit a battery." Black's Law Dictionary defines battery as "The application of force to another, resulting in harmful or offensive contact."

The CCSA has a zero-tolerance policy on both assault and battery so defined. The CCSA also has a zero tolerance policy on foul and abusive language-including obscenity (crude sexual references), profanity (irreverent references to god or the divine), vulgarity (crude references to excretory matters), and hate speech (verbally assaulting a person's race, religion, ethnicity, etc.)-when such language is directed at others (as opposed to muttered to oneself under one's breath).

Any player, coach, referee, parent, or spectator who violates these policies will be directed to leave the field area by the game referee. Failure to comply immediately with such direction will result in the cessation and forfeiture of the game and the suspension of the offending party or parties.

Subsequently, the offending party or parties will be asked to appear before the CCSA Board, which will hear their case and determine appropriate consequences, up to and including suspension or expulsion from any subsequent CCSA-sponsored activities.

If a parent or guardian is suspended, expelled, or placed on probation, that parent's or guardian's player(s) may also be suspended from CCSA activities. Reinstatement of the offending party will be at the discretion of the CCSA Board.

Anyone affiliated with the CCSA must accept these policies as a condition for participation in CCSA-sponsored activities.

13.2. Coaches' Code of Conduct

13.2.1 Responsibility to Players A. Coaches must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. Winning should only be promoted as a result of preparation and teamwork, not as an individual achievement or an end in itself. Players and coaches should be humble in victory and graceful in defeat. B. Coaches should remember at all times that players and the games they play are of intrinsic, not instrumental value. Players should never be considered pawns in a contest between coaches. C. Coaches shall instruct and ensure that players play according to the policies of the CCSA and within the written laws and spirit of the game at all times. D. Coaches shall never seek unfair advantage by failing to allow every player to participate in each game, by substituting un-registered players, or by allowing unsporting conduct in any form. E. Coaches shall endeavor to play each player approximately one-half of each game, unless the player has not attended at least 50 percent of the scheduled practices preceding each game without an acceptable medical or personal excuse. F. Coaches must take proactive, corrective action whenever they observe any form of inappropriate behavior from a player, parent, spectator, or other party at a CCSA game or practice. G. Coaches must always direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician's instructions regarding treatment and recovery. At no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or by being forced to play while injured. H. Coaches should under no circumstances discuss player rankings within hearing of the players. I. Coaches shall ensure that goals are properly secured (anchored and/or weighted) before players are allowed onto the field for either practice or games. They shall also ensure that the goals are either securely stored or left properly secured (anchored and! or weighted) at the end of each practice or game.

13.2.2 Responsibility to the CCSA A. Coaches must adhere unfailingly to all CCSA and SAY rules and policies, especially those regarding eligibility, team formation, and player participation. It is the responsibility of every coach to know and understand these rules. B. Player development and the improvement of players through coaching and participation are essential to the growth of the sport. Coaches must always behave in such a manner that the principles, integrity, and dignity of the sport are maintained. C. Any problems that cannot be resolved among coaches, assistant coaches, members, or other individuals must be referred to the coordinator or other member of the Board as soon as possible and must never interfere with any CCSA activities or in any way be conducted in a manner that is not in keeping with the express policies and purposes of the CCSA.

13.2.3 Responsibility to the Laws of the Game A. Coaches should have a thorough knowledge of the laws of the game of soccer. Coaches are also responsible for ensuring that their players understand the intent as well as the application of the rules. B. Coaches must always adhere to the letter and spirit of the laws of the game. C. Coaches are responsible for their players' actions on the field and must not tolerate any violation of this code of ethics or of the other policies of the CCSA. D. Coaches must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior.

13.2.4 Responsibility to Officials A. Officials must always have the support of coaches, players, parents, and spectators. Criticism of officials undermines the purpose of the game. Coaches must always refrain from and encourage others to refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of players. B. Coaches should strive to develop communication with officials, giving each party an opportunity to better understand the problems relating to their responsibilities, and providing an example to players of the benefits of mutual cooperation and respect. C. On game day, officials should be treated with respect before, during, and after the game. Officials should be addressed courteously. Professional respect should be mutual, and there should be no demeaning dialogue or gestures among officials, coaches, parents, or players. Coaches must never incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of play. D. Constructive comments or appropriate feedback regarding any official should be made in writing and submitted to the respective coordinator or to a member of the Board.

13.2.5 Game Day and Other Responsibilities A. A coach's behavior must be such as to bring credit to him- or herself, the team, the CCSA, and the sport of soccer. This is never more evident than on the day of the game. B. Rival coaches should meet prior to the game and exchange friendly or professional greetings. While the concept of competition is recognized, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct. C. During play, coaches must conduct themselves in a professional manner. Coaches shall exhibit a respectful attitude toward all officials, spectators, parents, and players, including those on the opposing team. D. It shall be a violation of this code and subject to disciplinary action for a coach to have a verbal altercation with an opposing coach, bench, official, or player during the game. Hostile physical contact is unacceptable and is subject to disciplinary action by the game official and, subsequently, by the Board. E. Coaches shall cooperate with coordinators to provide for the adequate preparation and maintenance of all fields and playing surfaces as assigned or requested.

13.3 Parents' and Guardians' Code of Conduct Parents and guardians should understand that the main goal of the CCSA is to provide an atmosphere of safe, recreational fun that includes models of good sporting behavior for our children. The cooperation of all coaches, referees, and parents and guardians in promoting such an atmosphere is vital to the success of the CCSA.

13.3.1 Responsibility to Players and Officials A. Children have more need of example than of criticism. B. Athletic participation for all children should be a positive non-stressful experience. C. Always attempt to relieve the stress of competition, not to increase it. D. The opponents are necessary friends. Without them, your child could not participate. E. Applaud and compliment good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team. F. Issues regarding game rules should be raised tactfully. Minor differences of opinion should be ignored. Officials are symbols of fair play, integrity, and good sporting conduct. If an official's call threatens the safety of players, a coach may intervene. When possible, coaches should wait until the next break in the game to privately and tactfully question the official about his or her decision. G. Accept the results of each game. Encourage children to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. H. Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not ours. I. Teach children that honest effort is as important as victory and, hence, to accept the results of a loss without undue disappointment.

13.3.2 Game Day and Other Responsibilities A. All spectators will recognize the authority of the referees, coaches, and assistant coaches in maintaining the spirit of the game on the field of play prior to, during, and immediately following a game. B. Parents and guardians watching on the sideline should not raise their voices in anything but positive encouragement. C. Foul or abusive language as well as derogatory acts and comments directed toward the referee, coaches, players, or other spectators will not be tolerated. D. Parents and guardians and other spectators will not argue or dissent with referee decisions; nor will they make statements or engage in other actions that could incite others to argue or dissent with referee decisions. E. The referee has the authority to dismiss from the field of play anyone- including spectators, parents, or guardians-who does not adhere to these rules.

13.4 Referees' Code of Conduct A. Always remember that the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first. B. Study and learn the Laws of the Game, and understand the spirit of the Laws. Help other referees do the same. C. Encourage and enforce positive coaching and the commitment that every player plays. D. Support good sporting conduct with a kind word to players, coaches, and parents of both teams when deserved. Referees are to treat coaches and parents respectfully. E. Respect other referees' decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official. F. Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition. G. Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action. H. Stay calm when confronted with emotional reactions from players, coaches, and parents.

I. Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement. J. Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable. K. Referees should avoid being excessively directive or officious. The game belongs to all of the participants. The CCSA hopes to train and retain enough referees that it will never be necessary for a referee to officiate a game in which a member of the referee's immediate family is either a player or a coach. Until such time as this is possible, such a situation is to be avoided whenever possible and should be made clear to the coaches of both teams when it is not avoidable.

13.5 Players' Code of Conduct A. Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach. B. Play by the Laws of the Game. C. Never argue with or complain about referees' calls or decisions. D. Control your temper. Most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged. E. Concentrate on playing soccer with your best efforts. Work equally hard for your team as for yourself. F. Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether by your team or by your opponent's. G. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. H. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good. Don't be a showoff or a ball hog. I. Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees.

13.6 Disciplinary Policies and Procedures In order to promote good sporting conduct, fair play, the safety of our players, player development, and the spirit of the laws of the game, the CCSA has adopted the following disciplinary policies and procedures. The Board has full authority (1) to administer these policies and procedures whenever it deems such administration appropriate to maintaining the goals and objectives of the CCSA, and (2) to change or revise these policies and procedures as it deems appropriate.

Determination: 1. Alleged violations of the CCSA Code of Conduct will be reviewed by the Board with the assistance of the game official and team coach(es) as appropriate. 2. If the Board finds sufficient evidence of a violation or violations, it will assign appropriate penalties. Hearsay is not considered sufficient evidence. 3. Penalties may vary depending on the severity of the violation. They include, but are not limited to: Warnings Cautions Probation Suspension Expulsion from the CCSA

Clarifications: 1. Disciplinary actions or consequences not fulfilled in the current season, due to timing, will carry over to the next season until satisfied. 2. These penalties and consequences apply to any member of the CCSA (player, coach, spectator, or official) at any time and are not confined to games, playing fields, practice sessions, meetings, etc. These consequences and penalties remain effective for any time, place, circumstances, or location when and where the interests of the CCSA are involved. 3. All CCSA members are subject to probation due to repeated or multiple warnings or cautions, or where deemed appropriate by the Board. 4. Any member under probation may be placed on suspension for any infractions. 5. Any member under suspension may not attend or participate in any game, practice, event, or function of the CCSA. 6. Any member under expulsion is expelled from the CCSA indefinitely. Reinstatement may be made only after a favorable review by the Board. 7. Repetitive instances of warnings, cautions, game ejections, yellow cards, or red cards will result in formal disciplinary actions by the Board, up to and including expulsion. 8. In the event that a member of the Board is the subject of a disciplinary investigation, that member may not participate in the review process. 9. A warning shall consist of a verbal notice of infraction, and a caution shall consist of a written notice of infraction. 10. Decisions by the Board to suspend, expel, or otherwise separate from CCSA membership will require written notification to the person(s) involved. 11. The penalties, disciplinary actions, and decisions of the Board do not exclude the use of civil or criminal legal action and remedies by the CCSA or any injured party or parties.

13.7 Appeal Process Any person suspended or expelled by the Board may appeal the Board's decision during the next scheduled Board meeting.

Procedure: 1. Any appeal of disciplinary action must be submitted in writing to the Board within ten days of the Board's decision. Such appeal should be detailed and objective and should include the names and phone numbers of parties involved in or witnessing the alleged incident(s). 2. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Board shall contact all parties involved, within seven days, to announce the date, time, and place of a formal hearing. 3. The appeal hearing will be conducted before the entire Board. 4. The members of the Board present at this hearing, by simple majority vote, will render a decision within two days of the hearing.

ARTICLE 14: STATUS AND ACTIVITIES

14.1 Status as a 501 (c) (3) Not-For-Profit Organization Any and all assets of the CCSA are permanently dedicated to exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or corresponding provisions of future laws). The CCSA shall not be operated for pecuniary profit and shall have no capital stock and shall make no distribution of dividends to its members, directors, or persons having a private interest in the activities of the CCSA, except that the CCSA shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the CCSA Constitution and Bylaws.

14.2 Activities The CCSA shall not engage in any activities not permitted by (1) an organization exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law); or (2) an organization contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law). Specifically, the CCSA shall not participate in any attempt to influence legislation or participate in any political campaign on behalf of a candidate for public office.

ARTICLE 15: ASSETS OF THE CCSA UPON DISSOLUTION

Upon dissolution or termination of the CCSA, the Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the CCSA, dispose of all the assets of the CCSA to 501 (c) (3) organizations committed to charitable or community service. Any assets not so disposed shall be disposed of by a court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the principal office of the CCSA is then located.

ARTICLE 16: AMENDMENT OF THE CCSA CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

The CCSA Constitution and Bylaws may be amended by a simple majority vote of the CCSA Board. Any proposed amendments must be presented for discussion during a regularly scheduled and publicly announced CCSA meeting at which a quorum of the Board is present and shall be officially included in the minutes of that meeting. Such amendments shall be presented for a formal vote at the date and time of the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.