Mantua Township Soccer Association

The Corporation is formed to promote and encourage support of soccer in the Township of Mantua; to promote and encourage the sport of soccer among the youth of Mantua Township and the surrounding communities; to educate the youth of Mantua Township by teaching them sportsmanship and fair play in the sport of soccer and to teach them the benefits of team sport; to promote and encourage the support, pleasure, exercise, and recreation of its members and their children; to promote sociability and friendship among its members; and to manage and conduct entertainment, excursions, and social meetings of its members.

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The Association shall do its best to have every child participate equally. It shall emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork. It shall attempt to seek the best behavior in children through everyone's positive speech and behavior.

Keeping this philosophy in mind, it is a policy of this corporation that each child will play at least half of each game. The only exceptions to this policy are as follows:

1 - The child is sick or injured

2 - The child chooses not to play

3 - The child is missing practices or is a discipline problem

The Corporation may have such offices as the Board of Trustees may require. The principle office shall be located at P.O. Box 11, Mantua, in the county of Gloucester and the state of New Jersey.

Any person, 18 years old or over, who has a genuine interest in Mantua Township Soccer and who follows the philosophy of the organization, and is willing to actively participate, will be eligible for membership.

Active Members: Any person, 18 years or older, who attends at least two (2) meetings a year (coaches meetings and committee meeting included), or gives at least four (4) hours of their time in one year will be considered an Active Member. A record of time put in will be kept by the Secretary.

The Board of Trustees may cause to be issued, certificates, cards, or other instruments permitted by law evidencing membership in the corporation.

REGULAR MEETINGS: The regular meeting of the Corporation will be held each month in the Mantua Township Municipal Building, or when called by the Executive Board.

SPECIAL MEETINGS: Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President, Vice Presidents of Player Development or any member of the Board of Trustees. Special notice will be sent to Active Members in case of special meetings.

QUORUM: A quorum of five Executive Board members is needed in order for any business to be transacted at any Membership Meeting.

VOTING: Active Members only will be permitted to vote to elect board members.

1 - NUMBER - No less than three (3) not more than five (5)

2 - TERM - Two (2) years. Each member of the Board of Trustees will serve until their successor is elected and qualified, subject to earlier termination by removal or resignation.

A - Outgoing officers will automatically be members of the Board of Trustees.

B - Any Active Member of the Corporation elected at the May meeting.

C - Current officers, except for the President, may not be members of the Board of Trustees.

REGULAR MEETINGS: All trustees shall attend all meetings and special meetings.

SPECIAL MEETINGS: The President or any two (2) trustees may call a special meeting of the Board and fix the time without further notice.

QUORUM: A majority of trustees must be present in order to conduct business. However, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice

VACANCIES: Any vacancy on the Board of Trustees may be filled by the affirmative vote of the majority of the Active Members present and the remaining trustees even if less than a quorum of the board. A trustee so elected to fill a vacancy shall complete the unexpired term of their predecessor in office. If additional trustees are to be elected to the Board to increase its size, it shall be at a meeting of the membership.

REMOVAL: The Board of Trustees may remove any of its members at any time when, in its judgement, the best interests of the Corporation would be served thereby.

QUORUM: At least five officers must be present for business to be conducted at any Executive Board meeting.

OFFICERS: The Executive Board of the Corporation will consist of the following voting officers in order of succession and no one person will be permitted to hold more than one office at a time:

PRESIDENT: shall be the principal officer of the Corporation and shall supervise all of the business affairs of the Corporation. He/She shall preside over all meetings of the membership, Executive Board and Board of Trustees.

VICE PRESIDENT: shall perform the duties of the president in his/her absence or in the event that the president is unable to perform his/her duties. The Vice President shall also oversee all committees formed by the Corporation.

VICE PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF BOYS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: shall be in charge of the registration of all players. He/She is also responsible for organizing players into teams as per the by-laws, scheduling of coaches meetings, arranging of practice schedules, and relaying any difficulties that may occur in the Traveling Program to the President or the Board of Trustees. He/She is also responsible for selecting and training of coaches for the Traveling Program with the approval of the Executive Board. He/She shall attend league meetings.

VICE PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GIRLS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: shall be in charge of the registration of all players. He/She is also responsible for organizing players into teams as per the by-laws, scheduling of coaches meetings, arranging of practice schedules, and relaying any difficulties that may occur in the Traveling Program to the President or the Board of Trustees. He/She is also responsible for selecting and training of coaches for the Traveling Program with the approval of the Executive Board. He/She shall attend league meetings.

VICE PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF U-6,U-7 IN-HOUSE PROGRAM: shall be in charge of organizing U-6, and U-7 players into teams as per the by-laws, scheduling of coaches meetings, arranging practice and game schedules, and relaying any difficulties that may occur in the In-House Program to the President or the Board of Trustees. He/She is also responsible for the selecting and training of coaches for the In-House Program with the approval of the Executive Board.

VICE PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF U-8,U-9 IN-HOUSE PROGRAM: shall be in charge of organizing U-8 and U-9 players into teams as per the by-laws, scheduling of coaches meetings, arranging practice and game schedules, and relaying any difficulties that may occur in the In-House Program to the President or the Board of Trustees. He/She is also responsible for the selecting and training of coaches for the In-House Program with the approval of the Executive Board.

SECRETARY: shall keep the minutes and records of the Corporation in the appropriate books and see that all notices are given in accordance with the by-laws, or as provided by law. The Secretary must keep the seal of the Corporation, affix same to the appropriate documents, and keep a list of all active members and their mailing addresses. He/She shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Trustees.

TREASURER: shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Corporation. Only the Treasurer, the President and the Vice President may sign checks in order to pay any outstanding bills. He/She shall perform all duties incidental to the office of Treasurer as well as other duties as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Trustees.

FIELD COMMISSIONER: shall oversee the maintenance and upkeep of all playing fields, practice fields, and field equipment used by the Association.

STAND MANAGER: shall oversee and maintain the concession stand. He/She will order all supplies necessary to keep the concession stand running during all soccer seasons. He/She will handle managing and staffing the concession stand.

1 - NOMINATIONS for the offices of President, Vice President, Vice President in Charge of Boys Player Development, Vice President in Charge of Girls Player Development, Vice President in Charge of U-6,U-7 In-House Program, Vice President in Charge of U-8,U-9 In-House Program, Secretary, Treasurer, Field Commissioner, and Stand Manager will be opened at the April membership meeting and closed during the May meeting.

2 - QUALIFICATIONS OF OFFICERS - any Active Member of the Corporation.

3 - The President, Vice President, Vice President in Charge of Boys Player Development, Vice President in Charge of Girls Player Development, Vice President in Charge of U-6,U-7 In-House Program, Vice President in Charge of U-8,U-9 In-House Program, Secretary, Treasurer, Field Commissioner, and Stand Manager will be elected by the Active Members at the May membership meeting and installed into office September 1st.

4 - TERM - Each officer shall remain in office until their successor is elected or appointed and qualified, subject to early termination by removal or resignation. Vacancies may be filled at any meeting (regular or special)

5 - REMOVAL - Any officer elected by the membership may not be removed except by the membership and only after the membership agrees that to do so would be in the best interest of the Corporation.

The Executive Board may establish committees consisting of at least three members of the Corporation for the purpose of carrying out the goals of the Corporation. These committees may not exercise the authority of the Executive Board. All committees shall function in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Executive Board.

The seal of the Corporation shall be kept by the Secretary.

These by-laws may be amended or repealed by an affirmative vote of the majority of those present at the membership meeting. In order to change a by-law, the change must be read at three consecutive meetings and voted on at the third meeting.

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In order to give each member, player, or parent a chance to have their complaint registered and/or resolved, the following procedure shall apply to all complaints or grievances:

1 - If the grievance concerns a player, coach, parent, or team, an attempt must be made to have the problem resolved by the coach involved. Should this not be possible, the grievance will be presented to the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development. Should he/she not be able to resolve the grievance, it will be submitted to the Executive Board.

2 - All other grievances will be submitted directly to the Executive Board.

3 - When a grievance reaches the Executive Board, the Board will summon all parties concerned to hear
testimony. A vote will be taken by secret ballot to resolve the issue. The decision of the Executive Board is final with no recourse.

TRAVELING TEAMS - The make up of the levels of the traveling teams will be done by the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development with the approval of the Executive Board.

1. U-10 through U-19: Players will be placed on teams based on their abilities. All registered players will be rated at ability ratings coordinated by the Vice President in Charge of Player Development. The Vice President in Charge of Player Development must approve final team rosters.

2. ORDER OF SELECTION: Selection to the teams will rely upon the ratings compiled at the ability ratings. If possible, additional information (e.g. in-house ratings, coaches recommendations, etc.) may be used in conjunction with the ability ratings.

a. For U-10 and U-11, once rosters are set, the coach of the “A” team will be allowed a maximum of two (2) changes to the “A” team roster (for example, to select a goalie). Changed to the “A” team roster may only be made with players from the “B” team roster. In the event of a “C” team, the coach of the “B” team will be allowed a maximum of one (1) change to the “B” team roster. Changes to the “B” team roster may only be made with players from the “C” team roster.

b. For U-12 through U-19, the coach of the “A” team will have first selection of all of his/her players. The coach of the “B” team will follow and so on.

c. A coach's child/children may play on his/her team regardless of ability. If the parents of two siblings of different abilities with their children to play on the same team, this request may be honored with both children playing at the lower ability level.

3. MOVING PLAYERS UP EARLY: A player may be moved up to the next age level if:

A - The coach of the "A" team at the higher age level requests the player to try out for the "A" team and, in the opinion of the coach and Executive Board, the player demonstrates the ability to play at that level. This will only be done with the approval of the parent.

B - The Vice Presidents In Charge of Player Development must move the player in order to form teams with appropriate number of players. This will be done only with the approval of the Executive Board.

IN HOUSE PROGRAM TEAMS - The make up of the teams for the In-House Program will be done by the Vice President in Charge of the In-House Program with the approval of the Executive Board.

1. In-House U-8: Players will be placed on a team by random selection from a master list or by player ratings to create equally rated teams. Teams will play intramural with a few possible exceptions. Consideration will be given to requests by parents as much as possible when placing players on teams.

2. In-House U-9: Players will be placed on a team by random selection from a master list or by player ratings to create equally rated teams. Teams will play intramural with a few possible exceptions. Consideration will be given to requests by parents as much as possible when placing players on teams.

A time of registration shall be set by the Executive Board. Registration will be handled by the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development with the assistance of the Executive Board.

Past players will be registered first. Re-registration of past players shall apply to players completing the entire prior season.

No player shall be re-registered in the association under the following conditions:

1. The player's parent or guardian filled out a re-registered form and paid the fee in a prior year.

2. The player was assigned to a travel team in that prior year.

3. The player quits that team.

The only exception to this will be by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.

Open registration for new players will follow.

When quotas have been reached, a waiting list will be established.

A late fee will be charged to anyone who registers after the posted dates.

A roster of all coaches and assistants will be kept by the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development.

The head coach of each team will be selected from interested Active Members eighteen (18) years of age or older by the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development and presented to the Executive Board for approval.

1. Coaches shall handle the players on the team in such a manner as to directly reflect the by-laws of the Corporation.

2. Coaches will treat all parents and players equally and with respect without regard to race, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, gender, or playing ability at all times.

3. Coaches will teach the game of soccer in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth by the Mantua Township Soccer Association.

4. Coaches will provide a good example for players by refraining from using tobacco or foul language while in their presence.

5. Coaches will not attend practices or games with the odor of alcoholic beverage on his/her breath.

6. Coaches will not abuse players, referees or other coaches either verbally or physically.

CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND PARENTS

1. Parents and players will not abuse players, referees, coaches, or members of the opposing team either physically or verbally.

2. Parents and players will refrain from using foul language while in the presence of players, referees, coaches, or members of the opposing team.

TABLE OF MINIMUM PENALTIES FOR UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT

The Table of Minimum Penalties For Unacceptable Conduct as set forth by the GCSL, SJGSL, SJSL and NJYSA shall apply to coaches, players and parents.
The Executive Board will act in accordance with all penalties as prescribed by the GCSL, SJGSL, SJSL and NJYSA when handling all matters regarding unacceptable conduct.

GRIEVANCES AGAINST COACHES, PLAYERS OR PARENTS

1. An attempt to resolve the grievance as per ARTICLE X, PARAGRAPH 1 must first be made.

2. If the grievance is of a serious nature, such as, but not limited to, a violation of Conduct of Coaches paragraph 5 or 6 and/or Conduct of Players and Parents all paragraphs, it may be presented directly to the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development.

3. If the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development feels that the offense is of a serious nature, he/she may immediately suspend the coach, player, or parent involved pending a hearing before the Executive Board at the earliest opportunity.

4. When a grievance reaches the Executive Board, the Board will act in accordance with ARTICLE X, PARAGRAPH 3

5. Coaches who do not abide by the by-laws may be removed from their position by the Executive Board.

6. Players or parents who do not abide by the by-laws may be expelled from future participation in the MTSA soccer program.

Assistant coaches will be chosen by the head coaches of each team and presented to the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development and the Executive Board for approval. Assistant coaches must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and must abide by the by-laws.

Student coaches may be selected by the head coach of a team and presented to the Vice Presidents in Charge of Player Development and the Executive Board for approval. Student coaches will always be supervised by the head coach of that team and must abide by the by-laws of the Corporation.

All awards are to be determined by the Executive Board.

1. All boys travel teams shall wear the same uniform.

2. All girls travel teams shall wear the same uniform.

3. All travel uniforms shall be approved by the Executive Board.

4. All travel uniforms shall have a primary color of forest green and all alternate uniforms shall have a primary color of white.

In Article IV, Regular Meetings, deleted “from August through December” due to meetings being held every month of year.

In Article XI, “U-12 through U-16: Players will be picked...” was changed to “U-11 through U-16: Players will be picked...” due to Gloucester County Soccer League changing to age specific brackets.

In Article VI, Executive Board, “QUORUM: At least four officers must be present...” was change to “QUORUM: At least five officers must be present...”

In Article VI, Executive Board, deleted reference to League Representative position and replaced with field commissioner position. Changed Item 1 and Item 3 under Elections to make field commissioner position an elected position.

In Article XI, Team Selection, Traveling Teams Item 1, changed “U-11 through U-16" to “U-10 through U-16" due to fact that U-10 teams now travel. In Team Selection, In-House Program Teams Item 2, deleted U-10 references.

In Article VI, Executive Board, split V.P. In Charge of Player Development into V.P. for Boys and V.P. for Girls. Added that V.P. shall attend league meetings. Split V.P. In House Program into V.P. for U-5,U-6,U-7 and V.P. for U-8,U-9. Added new positions under Elections sections 1 and 3.

In Article XI, Team Selection, changed “U-10 through U-16” to “U-10 through U-19”.

In Article XV, End of Season Awards, deleted first and second paragraphs and changed “all other awards” to “all awards” in third paragraph.

January 2003
In Article VI, Executive Board, added Stand Manager position.

In Article VI, Elections-1, changed “opened at November” to “opened at April” and “closed during December” to “closed during May”. In Election-3, changed “at the December” to “at the May” and “into office immediately” to “into office September 1st”. Changes made to match soccer season and to provide transition period to train new officers.

In Article IV deleted “on the third Thursday”. Changed quorum from four to five in Quorum section. Added “to elect board members” to Voting section. In Article V-3B changed December to May. In Article VI, deleted references to U-5. In Article X-1 added “parent”. In Article X-1 and 2, revised team selection process. In Article X 3-1 and 2, added “or by player ratings to create equally rated teams”. In Article XIII, added Conduct of Players and Parents and Table of Minimum Penalties. In Article XIII, added references to layers and parents in Grievances Against Coaches section. In Article XIV, deleted “there will a maximum of 2 assistant coaches”. Added Article XVI.