GSC BY-LAWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: GENERAL
BY-LAW 101: Name
BY-LAW 102: Office
BY-LAW 103: Purpose
BY-LAW 104: Affiliation
BY-LAW 105: Laws of the Game
BY-LAW 106: Equal Opportunity
BY-LAW 107: Seasonal and Fiscal Years
BY-LAW 108: Use of Name and Logo and Colors
BY-LAW 109: Order of Business
BY-LAW 110: Boundaries
BY-LAW 111: Authorities
BY-LAW 112: Dissolution
BY-LAW 113: Definitions
BY-LAW 114: Meetings of the Organization

PART II: MEMBERSHIP
Subpart A: General
BY-LAW 201: Eligibility
BY-LAW 202: Membership Categories
BY-LAW 203: Prohibition on Transferring and Assigning Membership
BY-LAW 204: General Responsibilities
Subpart B: Individual Members
BY-LAW 211: Admission to Membership
BY-LAW 212: Terms of Membership
Subpart C: Fees
BY-LAW 241: Membership Fees
Subpart D: Suspensions, Fines, Terminations and Reinstatement
BY-LAW 251: Suspensions, Fines and Terminations
BY-LAW 252: Suspension Because of Litigation
BY-LAW 253: Resignations
BY-LAW 254: Reinstatement

PART III: ORGANIZATION
Subpart A: Voting
BY-LAW 301: Organization Members
BY-LAW 302: Officers and Board of Directors
BY-LAW 303: Limitation
Subpart B: General Assembly
BY-LAW 311: Composition and General Authority
BY-LAW 312: General Assembly Meeting
BY-LAW 313: Special Meetings
BY-LAW 314: Place of Meeting

PART IV: OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Subpart A: Officers
BY-LAW 401: Officers
BY-LAW 402: Nominations
BY-LAW 403: Elections
BY-LAW 404: Responsibilities of Officers
BY-LAW 405: Removal
BY-LAW 406: Vacancies
BY-LAW 407: Restrictions
Subpart B: Board of Directors
BY-LAW 411: Composition and General Authority
BY-LAW 412: Meetings

PART V: COMMITTEES
BY-LAW 501: Standing Committees
BY-LAW 502: Special Committees
BY-LAW 503: Restriction

PART VI: ADMINISTRATIVE
BY-LAW 601: Fiscal Year Budget
BY-LAW 602: Accounts, Books and Records
BY-LAW 603: Indemnification
BY-LAW 604: Disclaimer
BY-LAW 605: Liability

PART VII: GRIEVANCES, PROTESTS AND APPEALS
Subpart A: General
BY-LAW 701: General Requirements
BY-LAW 702: Definitions
BY-LAW 703: General Procedures
BY-LAW 704: Filing Fees
BY-LAW 705: Documentation Processing
BY-LAW 706: Regarding Rules of Competition
BY-LAW 707: Exhaustion of Remedies
Subpart B: Hearings
BY-LAW 711: Hearing Procedures
BY-LAW 712: Types of Hearings
BY-LAW 713: Agenda
BY-LAW 714: Evidence and Testimony
BY-LAW 715: Minimum Rights
BY-LAW 716: Serious Infractions
BY-LAW 717: Decisions
Subpart C: Appeals
BY-LAW 721: Appeals Procedures

PART VIII: PLAYERS AND PLAYING
BY-LAW 801: Registration
BY-LAW 802: Proof of Age
BY-LAW 803: False Registration
BY-LAW 804: Team Roster Limitation
BY-LAW 805: Player Release and Transfer/Special Transfer
BY-LAW 806: Player Passes
BY-LAW 807: Special Modification
BY-LAW 808: Return of Passes
BY-LAW 809: Player Safety
BY-LAW 810: Tournament
BY-LAW 811: Travel
BY-LAW 812: Accountability, Conduct & Ejection
BY-LAW 815: Playing with professional Players
BY-LAW 816: Assault - Censure and Suspension
BY-LAW 817: Referees
BY-LAW 818: Scholarships

PART IX: AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
BY-LAW 901: Proposing Amendments
BY-LAW 902: Advance Notice
BY-LAW 903: Voting Requirements
BY-LAW 904: Priority
BY-LAW 905: Effective Date
BY-LAW 906: Exceptions
BY-LAW 907: Ratification
BY-LAW 908: Policies

GILBERT SOCCER CLUB BY-LAWS
PART I - GENERAL
BY-LAW 101. – NAME
This organization shall be incorporated as the “Gilbert Soccer Club”. It shall be referred to as
“Gilbert Soccer Club” and/or “GSC”.
BY-LAW 102. – OFFICE
The principle office of the Gilbert Soccer Club shall be located within the Gilbert/Higley school
districts, in the State of Arizona. The Mailing address shall be:
Gilbert Soccer Club
P.O. Box 1060
Gilbert, AZ 85299-1060
BY-LAW 103. – PURPOSE
Section 1. It is the mission of the GSC to foster the physical, mental, and emotional
growth and development of the youth in the Towns of Gilbert, Higley, and
surrounding cities youth through the sport of competitive soccer. It is also
the mission of the GSC to teach and encourage children to enjoy this
sport and develop and exhibit good sportsmanship at all times
Section 2. The objectives of the GSC are to:
A. Promote the game of soccer at the competitive level.
B. Organize teams and develop players and coaches to participate
in the State of Arizona’s competitive soccer league(s).
C. Assign administrative responsibilities to elected GSC members.
D. Provide programs for the membership as required.
Section 3. The GSC shall maintain its tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue
Code.
Section 4. The GSC shall maintain its non-profit corporation status, organized and
existing under the laws of the State of Arizona.
BY-LAW 104. – AFFILIATION
Section 1.
A. The GSC shall be a member of and comply with the authority of
Valley Youth Soccer League (VYSL), Arizona Premier Soccer
League, Arizona Youth Soccer Association (AYSA), the United States
Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) United States Soccer
Federation (US Soccer), and US Club Soccer.
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B. The GSC shall be a partner with Gilbert Youth Soccer Association
(GYSA). GYSA is the recreational soccer program that provides GSC
with players who have a desire to move up to a competitive level of
soccer.
BY-LAW 105. – LAWS OF THE GAME
The “Laws of the Game” as authorized by FIFA, and modified for youth play by the US Soccer, US
Youth Soccer, AYSA, VYSL, apply to youth soccer games sanctioned by VYSL and GSC.
BY-LAW 106. – EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Section 1. The GSC shall provide an equal opportunity to athletes, coaches, trainers,
managers, administrators, and officials to participate in competitive youth
soccer without regard to that individual’s race, color, religion, national
origin, age or sex.
Section 2. Any individual serving on the Board of Directors or a committee of GSC
shall be selected without regard to that individual’s race, color, religion,
national origin, age or sex.
BY-LAW 107. – SEASONAL AND FISCAL YEARS
The seasonal year shall begin August 1 of one calendar year and end July 31 of the following
calendar year. The fiscal year shall begin January 1 of one calendar year and end December 31 of
the same calendar year.
BY-LAW 108. – USE OF NAME AND LOGO AND COLORS
Section 1. No one may use the name or initials of GSC, any of its trade names
including GSC, Arsenal, or any of its logos except as provided under
these by-laws or except with the express written consent of GSC.
Section 2. The colors of GSC are teal, white, and black. The Pantone number for
teal is 320.
Section 3. Individual teams will follow the same naming convention. This naming
convention will appear on all official documents including tournament
applications. Teams will be designated ‘Gilbert Arsenal (year) (Premier or
Select) (gender) effective May 1, 2004. Example: Gilbert Arsenal ’87
Premier, F.
Section 4. Arsenal is the only name permitted for the club’s teams. Individual teams
may not use a nickname or specialized team name while being associated
with Gilbert Soccer Club effective May 1, 2004.
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BY-LAW 109. – ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1. – Except as otherwise provided in these by-laws, all meetings shall be
conducted in accordance with the latest authorized edition of Robert’s Rules of Order. The
GSC Secretary shall have a copy of this publication in his/her possession at all meetings.
Meeting Format is as follows:
A. Call to order
B. Reading and Approval of the Minutes
C. President’s Report
D. Treasurer’s Report
E. Field Coordinator Report
F. Uniform Coordinator Report
G. Director of Coaching/Education Report
H. Director of Coaching/Personnel Report
I. Communications/Public Relations/Webmaster
J. Committee Reports
K. Report of VYSL Representative
L. Report of GYSA Liaison
M. Old Business
N. New Business
O. Date of Next Meeting
P. Adjournment
Section 2. – Committee Minutes and position reports must be in written form and turned
into the Secretary. If the written form is turned in and published for distribution a week
prior to the next General Assembly Meeting, this report may be approved without reading
at the General Assembly Meeting.
Section 3. – A quorum at any meeting shall be a majority of the total number of eligible
votes for that meeting. Anyone who is interested in the promotion of competitive soccer,
complies with the club by-laws and policies, and is in good standing with the GSC, VYSL,
and AYSA shall be eligible for General Membership and to run for office.
BY-LAW 110. – BOUNDARIES
Section 1. The boundaries of the GSC shall be that area that is defined by the legal
boundaries of District 1 of AYSA with a primary focus on the Town of
Gilbert, Higley, and surrounding areas.
BY-LAW 111. - AUTHORITIES
Section 1. The GSC shall be governed by its by-laws as presently constituted, except
in those matters reserved VYSL, AYSA, US Soccer, US Youth Soccer,
and US Club Soccer. These organizations governing documents take
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precedence over, and supersede the governing documents of the GSC to
the extent applicable under Arizona State Law.
Section 2. The GSC will not join any organization that has requirements that conflict
with AYSA, US Soccer US Youth Soccer, and US Club Soccer governing
documents.
Section 3. The legislative and judicial powers of GSC, except those, which are herein
otherwise delegated, shall be vested in a Board of Directors.
Section 4. In any and all matters that are not addressed by these by-laws, the
governing documents of VYSL, AYSA US Youth Soccer, and US Club
Soccer shall take precedence. In any and all matters that are not
addressed by these by-laws or those of US Youth Soccer, the governing
documents of the US Soccer shall take precedence.
BY-LAW 112. – DISSOLUTION
If the GSC dissolves for any reason, its properties and assets shall become the property of Gilbert
Youth Soccer Association (GYSA) and/or Town of Gilbert Parks and Recreation Division and put in
trust until a new Soccer Club can be formed under the guidelines of the Federation.
If any team that is a member of the Gilbert Soccer Club dissolves, all financial instruments, all
equipment purchased either through donation, sponsorship, or parents will become the property of
the Gilbert Soccer Club to be distributed to any new or returning team at the discretion of the Board
of Directors.
BY-LAW 113. – DEFINITIONS
A. Except as otherwise provided, these definitions apply to these by-laws and all
policies of GSC:
B. "AYSA" means the Arizona Youth Soccer Association.
C. “GSC” means Gilbert Soccer Club.
D. “Executive Board” means Elected Officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer,
and Secretary.
E. "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of GSC established under Bylaw
411.
F. “Manager” means all positions elected to the Board of Directors as established
under By-law 401 Section 2.
G. "Federation" means the United States Soccer Federation, Inc.
H. "FIFA" means the Federation Internationale de Football Association of which the
US Soccer is the national association member for the United States.
I. "State Association" means the administrative body within a territory determined by
the National Council to carry out US Youth Soccer’s programs for youth players.
J. "General Assembly" means the General Assembly of GSC as provided under Bylaw
311.
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K. "Team" means a group of soccer players playing on the same side in soccer
games.
L. "USOC" means the United States Olympic Committee that is the corporation
established under the Amateur Sports Act to oversee all amateur athletic activity in
the United States.
M. " US Youth Soccer" means the United States Youth Soccer.
N. "Youth player" means an individual who has not reached 19 years of age prior to
August 1 immediately before the start of any seasonal year. A player who reaches
19 years of age during a seasonal year is allowed to complete that seasonal year.
A player who reaches 19 years of age during August of one seasonal year shall be
allowed to complete all of the next seasonal year.
O. USCS means US Club Soccer.
BY-LAW 114. – MEETINGS OF THE ORGANIZATION
A. General Assembly Meetings shall be held the second Sunday of every month
unless otherwise announced at the previous meeting and in the minutes. At least
7 Organization Members of GSC must be present for the meeting to take place.
B. The February Meeting shall be designated as an Election Meeting. All Officers,
Managers, Standing Committees, and Standing Positions shall take office at the
conclusion of the February Meeting.
C. The Board of Directors shall meet every month. At least 1 (one) officer and 3
(three) total members of the Board of Directors must be present.
D. The Standing Committees shall meet as deemed necessary by the Committee or
Officers. At least 2 (two) members must be present.
E. Special meetings of the General Assembly may be called by the President. The
President must notify any and all Officers concerning a special meeting. All efforts
shall be made to notify the General Assembly of a Special General Assembly
Meeting.
F. Any Officer may call a meeting of the Board of Directors. All members must be
notified by telephone call; e-mail, or U.S. Mail.
G. Minutes shall be kept of all regular and special meetings.
PART II – MEMBERSHIP
Subpart A – General
BY-LAW 201. – ELIGIBILITY
The membership of GSC shall include all soccer players, their parents/guardians, coaches,
trainers, managers, administrators, and officials without discrimination on the bias of race, color,
religion, age, sex, or national origin and upon payment of appropriate fees.
BY-LAW 202. - MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
GSC has the following categories of membership:
A. Player Membership
B. Adult Membership
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BY-LAW 203. – PROHIBITION ON TRANSFERRING AND ASSIGNING MEMBERSHIP
Membership in GSC is not transferable or assignable. Membership terminates when GSC
dissolves, the individual dies or as provided under these by-laws.
BY-LAW 204. – GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. In addition to other requirements of these by-laws:
A. Falsification of records shall be grounds for removal from future
participation and/or membership in GSC;
B. A plea of ignorance to the by-laws, policies and procedures of
GSC is not sufficient and violators may expect appropriate action
by the Board of Directors;
1. Any person found guilty of violating the by-laws, policies and
procedures of GSC will have the opportunity to appear before
the Board of Directors in order to explain his/her actions.
Subpart B – Individual Members
BY-LAW 211. – ADMISSION TO MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. An individual who is a player, coach, referee, administrator or
parent/guardian of a player is a member of GSC.
A. Through that individual’s membership or association with GSC;
B. As an elected officer or member of the Board of Directors;
C. If the individual occupies an unpaid administrative position; or
D. As a committee member of GSC.
E. Parents and or legal guardians through their child’s membership
with GSC.
BY-LAW 212. TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. The term of membership of a GSC member is for one seasonal year or
the duration of membership or association within GSC, or the term of
election/appointment to the position of office noted in by-law 403.
Subpart C – Fees
BY-LAW 241. – MEMBERSHIP FEES
Section 1. Each Player Member shall pay to GSC annual fees in an amount
recommended by the Board of Directors and ratified by at the Annual
Budgetary Meeting.
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Section 2. The Board of Directors shall establish deadlines for the payment of fees.
Section 3. Any changes in fees being recommended by the Board of Directors shall
be forwarded, in writing, to all voting members after AYSA and VYSL have
made any fee changes.
Section 4. Fee for second season will be 60% of the original fee set by the Club. Fee
from end of VYSL third season to the end of State Cup will be the State’s
fee plus a nominal GSC processing fee.
Subpart D – Suspensions, Fines, Terminations, and Reinstatement
BY-LAW 251. – SUSPENSIONS, FINES and TERMINATIONS
Section 1.
A. A Player Member failing to pay any fees due GSC or the team
with whom the member is associated ,shall be provided written
notice of the delinquency. If those fees are not paid within 30
days after the date of the notice of delinquency, the delinquent
Member shall be suspended. Unless otherwise provided by the
Board of Directors, the membership of the Member shall be
terminated automatically if the Member has failed to pay those
fees for a period of 90 days after the date specified in the notice
of delinquency. The Member shall be notified in writing of the
suspension and the date on which membership will be terminated
if the fees remain unpaid.
B. Any fine imposed upon or debt owed by any Member shall be
binding on every team thereof.
Section 2. The Board of Directors may suspend, fine, or terminate (or any
combination thereof) the membership of any Member of GSC, if the Board
determines that:
A. The conduct of the Member is adverse to the best interests of
soccer, GSC, or the purpose that GSC has been formed; or
B. The Member has not complied with the requirements of its
membership in GSC. The Board of Directors may act only after a
hearing, reasonable notice to the Member of the time and place of
the hearing, and providing the Member with a reasonable
opportunity to present evidence in support of the Member’s
position.
Section 3. All Members of GSC upon notification by GSC must recognize a
suspension or other disciplinary action imposed by GSC in accordance
with these by-laws.
Section 4. GSC must recognize suspensions and rulings of all organizations under
the jurisdiction of US Youth Soccer.
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Section 5. The Board shall establish fines and penalties, as necessary, to enforce
the rule, regulations, and by-laws of GSC.
Section 6. If occasions arise that are not fully covered by the By-laws of GSC, the
Board shall have the power to decide action to be taken. This authority
may include, but not be limited to fines, suspensions, or termination from
this organization.
Section 7. A coach, team manager, or team representative must attend General and
Special Assembly meetings. Teams failing to be represented at the
regular bi-monthly or special Assembly meetings shall be reprimanded by
mail. For each offense, a fine of $50.00 will be automatically levied upon
the team. The Secretary will read the names of the Teams which have
been reprimanded and which owe fines at each meeting of the Assembly.
Failure to pay the fine(s) by the meeting following the reading of the
team’s name will automatically serve to suspend all Members of the team
from voting at Assembly meetings until the fine(s) are paid. Absence may
only be excused by the Executive Board. Approval is not guaranteed
Section 8 Coaches will be required to attend quarterly coaches meetings
BY-LAW 252. – SUSPENSION BECAUSE OF LITIGATION
Section 1. Any person participating in a GSC program, or in a program of a Member
of GSC, who becomes a defendant in litigation detrimental to the welfare
of youth players or litigation based on activity detriment to the welfare of
youth players, shall be suspended from all soccer-related activities. The
Board of Directors shall determine suspensions under this by-law.
Matters detrimental to the welfare of youth players shall include crimes of
moral turpitude and felonies. The person has right to appeal the
suspension only over whether the matter, which is the substance of the
accusation, if true, is detrimental to the welfare of youth players.
Section 2. On completion of the litigation, the suspended person may inform the
body suspending the person under Section 1 of this by-law that the
litigation has been completed and request that the suspension be
terminated and the person reinstated. The suspending body may grant
the request of the person or, if the decision of the litigation was adverse to
the person, may continue the suspension for a period specified by the
suspending body, fine the person, terminate all membership of that person
with the suspending body and its members, or any combination of those
authorized penalties.
BY-LAW 253. – RESIGNATIONS
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Section 1. Any Member may resign from GSC by submitting a written resignation to
GSC. The resignation need not be accepted by GSC to be effective. A
Member’s resignation does not relieve the member of any obligation to
pay any fees that had been accrued and were unpaid before the effective
date of the resignation.
Section 2. Any member resigning between the date of paying their yearly fee and
August 1 are entitled to a full refund of their registration fee paid. Any
member resigning between Aug 1 and their teams first regular season
game is entitled to a refund of 50% of their registration fee paid. Any
member resigning after their teams first regular season game is not
entitled to any refund of their registration fee.
Section 3. Any monies donated through sponsorship or fundraising by the resigning
member may not be refunded to the member and may only be transferred
to a family member in the club upon written notice.
BY-LAW 254. – REINSTATEMENT
Section 1. A suspended member of GSC may submit a written request for
reinstatement. The Board of Directors may reinstate the membership of a
suspended member on reasonable terms that the Board considers
appropriate.
PART III – ORGANIZATION
Subpart A – Voting
BY-LAW 301. – ORGANIZATION MEMBERS
Section 1. Each team, in good standing, is entitled to vote at General Assembly
meetings.
A. Each team shall have 1 vote. The voting member of the team will
be established in roll call.
BY-LAW 302. – OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The individual who is chairing a meeting of the General Assembly may
vote only when the vote is by ballot ,or, in all other cases, to affect the
result of the vote.
Section 2. Each member of the Board of Directors, except as outlined in Section 1 &
2 of this by-law, is entitled to one vote each at General Assembly
meetings.
BY-LAW 303. – LIMITATION
An individual may vote at any meeting of GSC in only one capacity.
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Subpart B – General Assembly
BY-LAW 304. - COMPOSITION AND GENERAL AUTHORITY
Section 1. GSC has a General Assembly that is composed of representatives of
Organization Members and the Board of Directors.
Section 2. The General Assembly has the following responsibilities:
A. To attend all meetings.
B. To elect, appoint, and nominate candidates for offices.
C. To uphold all decisions of the General Assembly, Executive
Officers, Board of Directors, Committees, and Standing Positions.
Also to support the actions of those with whom we are affiliated
with.
D. To exercise the right to vote on By-law changes and uniform
changes.
E. There shall be no absentee ballots.
Section 3. The General Assembly has the following authority:
A. Exclusive authority to amend the by-laws of GSC.
B. Adoption of the budget of GSC;
C. The election of all officers and Board of Directors;
D. Approval of fees;
E. Ratify actions of the Board of Directors;
F. Conduct additional business at the General Assembly Meeting as
deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.
BY-LAW 305. – GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING
Section 1.
A. The GSC Board of Directors shall hold an annual general meeting
on or before February 29th, which shall be the election meeting.
B. The GSC Board of Directors shall hold General Assembly
Meetings on the second Sunday of every month unless otherwise
announced at the previous meeting and in the minutes. At least
seven members must be present for the meeting to take place.
Section 2. GSC shall provide to all voting members no later than 30 days prior to the
Annual General Meeting in writing:
A. Notice of the annual meeting, giving the agenda, date, time, and
location of the meeting; and
B. Any proposals or motions to amend the By-laws of the GSC; and
C. The proposed budget; and
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D. A list of any individuals who have declared candidacy for election
to the Board of Directors as of the time of the notification.
Section 3. The order of business at the Annual General meeting shall be as follows:
A. Call to order.
B. Roll Call.
C. Acceptance of Minutes of previous General Assembly meeting.
D. Acceptance of Reports and Confirmation of actions taken and
policies adopted by the Board of Directors.
E. Unfinished Business.
F. Acceptance of Proposed Budget.
G. Amendments to the By-laws and policies.
H. Election of Officers and Board Members.
I. New Business.
J. Good of the Game.
K. Adjournment.
Section 4. Any business item (other than proposed amendments to the by-laws of
GSC) to be presented at a General Assembly Meeting must be submitted
in writing to GSC 15 days prior to the any General Assembly Meeting.
BY-LAW 306. – SPECIAL MEETINGS
Section 1.
A. A special meeting of the General Assembly may be called at any
time on request of:
1. The President of GSC
2. A majority of the Board of Directors; or
3. At least 7 Organization Members of GSC.
B. The request shall state the business items to be considered at the
special meeting. No other items may be considered at the
meeting.
BY-LAW 307. – PLACE OF MEETING
The Board of Directors may designate a place within reasonable proximity for attendance by the
constituency as the place for a meeting of the General Assembly.
PART IV – OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Subpart A – Officers
BY-LAW 401. OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. The Executive Officers a.k.a. Executive Board of GSC is the President,
Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
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Section 2. The Board of Directors of GSC are President, Vice President, Treasurer,
Secretary, Past President, Registrar, Field Coordinator, Uniform
Coordinator, Referee Coordinator (if unpaid position), Public Relations
Director, Tournament Director, and Webmaster.
BY-LAW 402. NOMINATIONS
A. A nomination committee of two (2) or three (3) members of GSC shall be
appointed by the Board of Directors at the October Meeting.
B. During the month of November, the committee shall post at the field all Board of
Director positions that are up for election.
C. At the December meeting nominations shall be made for the positions of Officers
and Managers that are open for election.
D. All nominated people must be members in good standing with GSC at the time of
their nominations.
E. Any Member of the Board of Directors wishing to run for a new position when
his/her term has not expired shall make his/her intent known to the nomination
committee by November 30th and a letter of resignation to be handed to the
Officers effective at the February Meeting.
F. No person can hold two positions elected or appointed at the same time.
G. In January, the Nominating Committee shall seek to fill any position that has no
nomination.
H. In January there will be a Special General Assembly meeting for the purpose of
each nominated candidate to speak for no more that 5 minutes on their purpose
for running and their qualifications.
I. No individual team within Gilbert Soccer Club may have more than 2 adults from
an individual team nominated/elected to the Board of Director positions at any
time. If a parent/guardian nominated/elected has more than one child in the
Gilbert Soccer Club that adult counts as 1 adult member from each team they
have a child on.
BY-LAW 403. ELECTIONS
Section 1.
A. The President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar,
Field Coordinator, Uniform Coordinator, Referee Coordinator,
Public Relations Director and Webmaster of GSC are elected for
a term of 1 year at the annual general meeting.
B. All members holding a position listed in by-law 403 are entitled to
a refund of the annual registration fee for one of their own children
at the completion of each term year
Section 2. An Officer or member of the Board of Director referred to in this by-law
commences the officer’s term of office after the adjournment of the
meeting at which the officer or Board of Director was elected or appointed,
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or, if filling a vacancy before the expiration of a term of office, immediately
after elected to fill the vacancy.
BY-LAW 404. – RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1. The President of GSC shall supervise all activities of the GSC; the work of
the Executive Board, the Board of Directors, and the General Assembly,
and shall include but not be limited to, the following:
A. Be the Chief Executive Officer of GSC
B. Shall administer the affairs of GSC with the concurrence of the
Board of Directors;
C. Shall be responsible for oversight of office procedures and
personnel, which responsibility may be delegated;
D. Shall establish GSC committees and make committee leader
appointments as provided by By-laws 501 and 502;
E. May execute instruments for GSC that the Board of Directors
authorizes to be executed; and
F. Shall perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board of
Directors.
G. Shall preside at all Meetings of the Officers and Board of
Directors as well as the General Assembly Meetings.
H. Shall oversee all matters of Director(s) of Coaching; and
I. Shall be a member ex-officio of all committees.
J. Shall sit on the board of Gilbert Youth Soccer Association in the
position of Vice President of GYSA Club Programs.
Section 2. The Vice-President shall assist the President in the performance of his/her
duties and shall exercise the powers of the president in the President’s
absence. The responsibilities of the Vice President shall include, but not
be limited to, the following:
A. Assume the responsibilities of President when the President is
absent, cannot act, or refused to act;
B. Oversee Protest, Appeals and Arbitration Committee;
C. Oversee Rules and Revisions; and
D. Shall oversee the duties of the Field Coordinator; and
E. Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board of Directors
or the President.
F. Shall be present at all Meetings of the Officers and Board of
Directors as well as the General Assembly Meetings.
Section 3. The responsibilities of the Treasurer shall include, but not be limited to,
the following:
A. Be the Chief Financial Officer of GSC;
B. Be bonded by a reputable bonding agency;
C. Shall keep detailed accounts of all monies received and spent in a
book provided for this purpose and according to Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles.
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D. Shall pay all bills as they come due on behalf of the organization
and all of its accounts as authorized by the Officers.
E. Shall maintain a checking account in a local bank and all
expenditures shall be made by check in order to have a valid
record of payments.
F. Shall also maintain accurate records of all expenditures.
G. Shall submit in writing the financial standing of the organization at
every meeting.
H. Shall oversee the duties of the Uniform Coordinator.
I. Maintain tax-exempt status.
J. Shall make and implement policies and procedures that protect
the Gilbert Soccer Club’s tax exempt status and its status as a
legal entity with the approval of the President.
K. Shall train, provide procedures and support Team Treasurer’s in
the functions they are undertaking so that each Team is run with
consistency.
L. Shall prepare and present to the General Assembly in the
February meeting the proposed budget for the coming year.
M. Insure the preparation, execution and submittal of forms required
annually by the Arizona Corporation Commission to maintain the
incorporated status of the GSC.
N. Coordinate the preparation of the Annual Tax Return with an
approved Tax accountant.
O. Shall audit any teams records at the request of three or more
parents from that team made in writing.
P. Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board of Directors
or the President.
Q. Shall be present at all Meetings of the Officers and Board of
Directors as well as the General Assembly Meetings.
Section 4. The responsibilities of the Secretary shall include but not be limited to:
A. Give proper notice of all GSC meetings.
B. Minutes are to be postmarked or emailed to all Board of Director
members within seven (7) calendar days after any meeting that
minutes are taken. Once the Board of Directors approves the
minutes, the minutes must be posted to the web-site within seven (7)
calendar days.
C. Ensure that a record is kept of the name and address and other
information of each Member, Director, Officer and Employee of GSC.
D. Act as Custodian of all GSC assets and correspondence.
E. Oversee the Newsletter, Web Designer, and Public Relations Director.
F. Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board of Directors or
the President.
G. Shall be present at all Meetings of the Officers and Board of Directors
as well as the General Assembly Meetings.
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Section 5. The responsibilities of the Past President of GSC shall include, but not
limited to, the following:
A. Serve a one-year term;
B. Provide continuity and consulting services for the newly elected
President and for any other member of the Board of Directors.
C. Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Board of Directors
or President.
Section 6. The responsibilities of the Registrar shall include, but not limited to, the
following:
A. Shall be responsible for the organization and registration of all
persons playing for this club.
B. While any Board member may validate a player’s registration, a player
may not be scheduled into regular season play without the Registrar’s
approval that all documents, records, and information on the
application form are correct and in order.
C. Shall be responsible for communicating all information on registration
forms to the proper individuals in a timely manner.
D. Shall further have charge of all receipts and monies of the Club and
shall provide them to the Treasurer to be deposited in the name of
GSC in a financial institution approved by the President. All monies
shall be collected in the form of a team check only.
E. Shall keep a regular record of such receipts and transmit such records
to the Treasurer.
F. Shall make a written report to the Board of Directors and the General
Assembly on the conclusion of their term.
Section 7. The responsibilities of the Referee Assignor shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
A. Shall be responsible to assign referee’s at all home games for all
teams in the GSC.
B. Shall be responsible to assign referees to all games in the
Arsenal Cup Tournament.
C. Shall be responsible to be certified as a referee assignor.
D. Shall be reimbursed by the GSC for all monies paid by the
Referee Assignor for certification.
E. If no General Member of the GSC will accept the position, the
President shall hire a qualified individual to fill this position from
outside the General Membership. If this position is filled from
outside the General Membership then this individual will not be
entitled to participate in meetings of the Officers, Board of
Directors, or General Assembly.
Section 8. The responsibilities of the Web Designer/Public Relations Director(s) shall
include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. Shall be responsible for the promotion and publication through
various media the activities of the Club.
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B. Shall be the primary promoter of all special club activities, fund
raising drives and sponsorships.
C. Shall be responsible for the writing, printing and distribution of a
parent newsletter prior to each season as well as when otherwise
needed.
D. Shall be responsible for all web design for the club.
E. Shall provide a written report to the Board of Directors and
General Assembly at the end of their term.
Section 9. The responsibilities of the Uniform Coordinator shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
A. Shall be responsible for uniform orders.
B. Shall collect and record funds collected prior to ordering any
inventory; and funds shall be collected in the form of a team
check only.
C. Shall purchase needed uniforms and distribute to all teams.
D. Shall purchase necessary uniforms and equipment within
budgetary allowance.
E. Shall conduct an inventory after each month and provide a report
to the Treasurer.
F. Shall provide the General Membership with a catalog, at the time
of the Club’s Skills Assessment. This catalog will to be posted on
the web site of all approved options/guidelines of apparel and
equipment.
G. Shall report directly to the Treasurer.
H. Shall provide a written report to the Board of Directors and
General Assembly at the end of their term.
Section 10. The responsibilities of the Tournament Director shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
A. Shall schedule a yearly club tournament with the AYSA by the
annual AYSA deadline.
B. Shall form a committee to help with the tournament
C. Shall provide a report for presentation at the Board of Directors
Meeting at the conclusion of the annual tournament.
Section 11. The responsibilities of the Field Coordinator shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
A. Shall work with GYSA, the Town of Gilbert and the Gilbert School
District on practice and game fields for the use of the Club and on
keeping the fields in proper playing condition.
B. Shall have the right to form a committee for additional assistance.
C. Shall schedule fields for all practice sessions and practice and
home games for Gilbert Soccer Club as required.
D. Field Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Coaching –
Education.
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Section 12. The responsibilities of the League Representative shall include the
following:
A. Shall act as advisor to the Board of Directors and perform all
liaison duties between GSC and the League GSC is associated
with.
B. Shall submit in writing, a signed report of the league meeting to
the GSC Board of Directors.
C. Shall bring to the board any matters of importance to which a vote
is required by the league, GSC is associated with, and will vote as
directed by the Board of Directors.
Section 13. The Director of Coaching – Education shall be appointed by the President
based on the recommendations given by the Board of Directors. The
responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, as follows:
A. Shall provide a uniform and beneficial style of play for all teams.
This includes practices and games for all teams.
B. Shall provide a qualified GoalKeeper Trainer, to be paid by the
GSC, to train goalkeepers from all teams.
C. In order to prevent conflicts and dissension, the Director of
Coaching - the President and Vice-President of GSC shall
oversee Education.
D. Shall oversee the activities of the Field Coordinator.
E. Shall bring any problems to the Board of Directors who will have
final say or approval of all matters.
F. Shall hold a paid position with the GSC as a Consultant and shall
have no vote.
G. Shall prepare a Club’s Skills Assessment each year to be held
between May 1 and July 31. The dates for the Skills
Assessments will be fixed by March 15 each year.
Section 14. The Director of Coaching – Personnel shall be appointed by the President
based on the recommendations given by the Board of Directors. The
responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to, as follows:
A. Shall appoint and govern GSC teams with qualified coaches and
trainers that meet the age appropriate requirements for each team
in a timely manner.
B. Shall verify that all coaches’ credentials are valid.
C. Shall do a background check on each coach through a Board
approved Law Enforcement Agency.
D. Shall bring any concerns to the Board of Directors who will have
final say or approval of all matters.
E. Shall hold a paid position with the GSC as a Consultant and shall
have no vote.
F. Shall hold an orientation meeting with all coaches outlining
expectations and responsibilities no later than June 30 each year.
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Section 15. The responsibilities of the GYSA Liaison shall include the following:
A. Shall be President of GSC.
B. Shall assist in facilitation of communication between the GSC and
the GYSA to maintain a positive working relationship.
C. Shall help the Field Manager and Tournament Director of GSC
with coordinating fields for practice, games, and the Arsenal Cup
Tournament.
D. Shall report the happenings of both Organizations at the
respective meetings.
Section 16. Board of Directors
Besides the duties already ascribed to the Board of Directors, the below
duties shall also be carried out:
A. They shall present to the General Assembly 1st meeting after
elections, in the April meeting a set of goals and plans for the
coming year. Also, long-range plans should be viewed, reviewed
and presented.
B. They shall settle jurisdiction disputes between the several
committees and positions.
C. They will strive to help all committees, positions, and teams to
work together in light of the Clubs purpose.
D. They shall set the agenda for the up-coming General Assembly
Meeting.
E. They shall promote and/or sponsor workshops for coaches and
clinics for players in the local area.
Section 17. Coaches
A. The coaches shall be appointed by and governed by the Director
of Coaching - Personnel. The Board of Directors has the right to
remove any coach from a team if determined to be in the best
interest of the players. Each coach will be selected on his/her
qualifications and experiences in youth organizations, soccer and
other related activities.
B. All coaches are required to obtain a minimum of “D” National
Coaches License by the end of their first year with the club.
C. Shall assist with promoting GSC to GYSA qualified and interested
players.
BY-LAW 405. - REMOVAL
Section 1. Any officer referred to in by-law 401 or the Immediate Past President
when serving as a member of the Board of Directors may be removed
from office by a two-thirds vote of the members entitled to vote for that
office.
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Section 2. Any officer, referred to in by-law 401, or the Immediate Past President,
who is absent for three consecutive meetings or a total of five meetings of
the Board of Directors during their term of office for any reason, other than
in performing duties associated with their GSC responsibilities, may be
removed from office by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
BY-LAW 406. – VACANCIES
Section 1. If any office, including the President, becomes vacant for any reason, the
remaining members of the Board of Directors shall elect an individual to
the office to fill the balance of the term or until the next AGM, whichever
comes first.
Section 2. The following positions may not remain vacant for more than 30 days:
President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
BY-LAW 407. – RESTRICTIONS
Section 1. No officer referred to in by-law 401 may-
A. Receive compensation (except for reimbursement for expenses
and annual registration) for services as an officer; or
B. Be a paid employee of, or receive compensation (except
reimbursement for expenses) from GSC.
Section 2. No officer referred to in by-law 401-Section 3 may-
A. Hold office of President with any Organization Member of AYSA.
Subpart B-Board of Directors
BY-LAW 411. – COMPOSITION AND GENERAL AUTHORITY
Section 1.
A. GSC has a Board of Directors. The Board is composed of the officers
noted in by-law 401 and the Immediate past President.
B. Each officer of the Board of Directors has one vote, except that the
individual presiding at a Board meeting may vote only when the vote
is by ballot or, in all other cases, to affect the result of the vote.
Section 2. Except as otherwise provided in these by-laws, the Board of Directors
shall-
A. Manage the affairs of GSC;
B. Enforce and interpret the by-laws, rules, policies, and procedures
of GSC;
C. Review and approve GSC by-laws in order to insure consistency
with the AYSA and VYSL documents; and ,
D. Make temporary rules or regulation for specific cases or
occasions not provided for in existing documents, but which the
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Board of Directors, to carry out the objectives of GSC, deems
necessary.
Section 3. Subject to the limitation of these by-laws and the laws of the State of
Arizona, all of the GSC’s powers shall be exercised by or under the
authority of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall control all
business and other affairs of GSC.
Section 4. The Immediate past President of GSC shall serve a 1-year term on the
Board of Directors on the expiration of the individual’s term as President.
An individual removed as President or Immediate Past President under
by-law 404 is not a member of the Board of Directors, and the position of
Immediate Past President remains vacant on the Board.
BY-LAW 412. – MEETINGS
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall hold meetings no less than monthly
throughout the seasonal year. The Board shall establish the time, place,
and location of the meetings.
Section 2.
A. Proxies are not permitted at meetings of the Board of Directors.
B. Visitors may attend all open Board of Director meetings. Visitors
may be granted the privilege to speak at meetings under the
approval of the President or any three members of the Board of
Directors.
PART V – COMMITTEES
BY-LAW 501. – STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1. GSC Committees shall be established as required to satisfy the programs
and needs of the GSC. The president shall be an ex-officio member of all
committees.
Section 2. Each standing committee shall be the responsibility of a specific member
of the Executive Board. Standing Committees of the GSC are:
A. Protest, Appeals and Arbitration Committee.
B. Budget and Finance Committee.
C. Tournament Committee.
D. Opening Ceremony Committee.
E. Skills Assessment Committee.
F. Uniform Committee.
G. Coaching Committee.
H. Newsletter and Publicity Committee.
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Section 3. The Executive Board shall confirm committee chairs annually; and shall
publish a list of said committee directors not later than the beginning of the
seasonal year. In the event that the responsible GSC officer fails to submit
a name for approval, the President shall appoint the committee director
with the approval of the Executive Board. In the event a committee chair
resigns, is removed, or is unable to fulfill the position as chair, the
responsible officer shall bring to the Executive Board a recommendation
for replacement. The Executive Board shall vote on the replacement in a
timely manner. The Executive Board may also remove committee chair.
Section 4. The membership of any committee shall be determined by the specific
member of the Executive Board responsible for that committee, subject to
the approval of the Board of Directors.
Section 5. All committees, standing or ad hoc, shall submit a report in writing to the
Board of Directors every month.
BY-LAW 502. SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Section 1. Special Committees may be formed as deemed appropriate by the
President, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, for the
purpose of accomplishing specific tasks. The authorization for these
committees shall include provisions for a budget for the duration of the
committee, and for appointing a member or members of the Executive
Board to be responsible for the committee.
BY-LAW 503. RESTRICTION
No member of a committee may receive compensation (except reimbursement for
expenses) for services performed as a committee member. However, if a group of parents
from a team or teams forms a committee for an event such as Opening Ceremonies they
may incorporate fundraising activities for their team into the event.
PART VI-ADMINISTRATIVE
BY-LAW 601. FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
Section 1. The Budget Committee shall consist of the Executive Board. The Budget
Committee shall prepare a proposed budget for GSC for the next fiscal
year. Proposed budget will be provided to the incoming Executive Board
for review and approval by the General Assembly at the February
Meeting.
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Section 2. The Budget Committee shall be required to submit a budget for GSC for
the next fiscal year. The budget shall:
A. Outline all programs administered by GSC, including but not
limited to;
B. Administration, Fields and Lights, Tournament, Skills
Assessments, Coaching Director(s), Trainers, Team and Player
Support, etc.;
C. Propose complete income and expenses for each program;
D. Identify sources of income to support each program.
BY-LAW 602. ACCOUNTS, BOOKS AND RECORDS
Section 1. GSC shall maintain adequate and correct accounts, books, and records of
its business and properties. All of those accounts, books, and records
shall be kept at the office of the Treasurer.
Section 2. All books and records, including copies of the governing documents, shall
be open to inspection for the Directors and members of GSC, and in the
manner provided for the Board of Directors.
BY-LAW 603. INDEMNIFICATION
Section 1. GSC shall indemnify each of its present or former directors, officers,
employees, or official representatives, or any person who is or was
serving another entity in any capacity at the request of GSC, against all
expenses actually and reasonably incurred by the person (including
judgments, costs, and counsel fees) in connection with the defense of any
pending or threatened litigation to which that person is, or is threatened to
be made, a party because that person is or was serving in such a
capacity. This right of indemnification may also apply to expenses of
litigation that is compromised or settled, including amounts paid in
settlement, if GSC approves the settlement as provided in section 2 of this
by-law. Such a person shall be indemnified if the person acted in good
faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of GSC. The termination of any litigation by
judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not
act in good faith or in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or
not opposed to the best interests of GSC.
Section 2. GSC may pay any amount payable as indemnification under this by-law
on a determination by the Board of Directors, not including those
members who have incurred expenses in connection with the litigation for
which indemnification is sought, that the person in question met the
standard of conduct provided for under section 1 of this by-law. If no such
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disinterested Board members are available; the required determination
shall be made by a majority vote of the General Assembly.
Section 3. Any expenses incurred by a qualified person in connection with the
defense of any litigation may be paid by GSC in advance of a final
disposition of the litigation on receipt of a written commitment by that
person to repay the amount advanced if it is determined under section 2 of
this by-law that that person is not entitled to indemnification under this bylaw.
Section 4. The Board of Directors may authorize the purchase of insurance on behalf
of any person that may potentially be indemnified under this by-law. That
insurance may include indemnification for those persons for expenses of a
kind not subject to indemnification under this by-law.
BY-LAW 604. DISCLAIMER
The GSC shall not assume, nor be liable for, the debts and/or financial responsibilities, implied or
incurred, of any player, parent/guardian, coach, manager, treasurer, team assistant, trainer, club
official, team, affiliate or other organization.
BY-LAW 605. LIABILITY
All officers of GSC and committee members shall be covered against personal liability claims by
the Gilbert Soccer Club for performing acts and duties directly related to the work of this Club.
PART VII-GRIEVANCES, PROTESTS, AND APPEALS
Subpart A-General
BY-LAW 701. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The following hearing and appeal procedures guarantee the rights of individuals participation and
competing in activities sponsored by the Gilbert Soccer Club and its members to appeal any
grievances to US Soccer Appeals committee that has the jurisdiction to approve, modify or reverse
a decision.
Section 1. The Executive Board shall hear initial protests and infractions arising from
games and other activities played under their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Any committee or other authority hearing and/or deciding on grievances,
disputes, protest, or appeals-
A. Shall be composed of people who have no conflict of interest in
the matter being heard;
B. Shall not include any person who has adjudicated the matter at
any other level;
C. Shall not be composed of less than three persons, and five
persons are preferred.
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BY-LAW 702. DEFINITIONS
Section 1. Protests are:
A. Generally related to a specific game or administrative action, and
are filed by one of the involved parties. Protests cannot be filed by
third parties.
B. Must be based upon violation of the published rules of the
competition, governing documents, code of conduct, GSC
Coaches Code of Conduct or application of FIFA Laws of the
Game.
C. Are only to proceed to the next level after the rights of protest and
appeal are exhausted at the initial levels whose jurisdiction the
protest or appeal falls within.
Section 2. Appeals are:
A. The result of an adverse decision from a protest hearing,
administrative action, disciplinary hearing or lower level appeal.
Only those parties to the original action, who are adversely
impacted by such decisions, shall be allowed to appeal.
B. Not to have the effect of "staying" a previous ruling. Previous
decisions remain in force, pending the result of the appeal.
Section 3. Disciplinary hearings are:
A. A result from allegations of misconduct. Such misconduct must be
a violation of a published rule, regulation, or procedure.
B. To be heard only by the disciplinary committee within the
jurisdiction of the convening authority.
Section 4. General Grievances are:
A. Complaints of a general nature.
BY-LAW 703. GENERAL PROCEDURES
Section 1. A protest, appeal, allegation of misconduct, or grievance must be filed in
writing and must include:
A. The nature and specifics of the complaint.
B. A listing of the rules or procedures which have been violated.
C. A statement of the desired resolution
D. Proper filing fee per By-law 704.
Section 2. Filing shall be as follows:
A. The original document of the protest, appeal, allegation of
misconduct, or grievance, along with all supporting documents,
shall be forwarded to the appropriate chairperson by Registered
US Mail, Certified, US Mail-Return Receipt Requested, or Federal
Express-Signature Required.
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B. In the case of an appeal, seven copies of the appeal and all
supporting documents must be submitted by Registered US Mail,
Certified US Mail-Return Receipt Requested, or Federal Express-
Signature Required within forty-eight (48) hours of the receipt by
the appellant of the prior adverse ruling (Saturday, Sunday, and
holidays excluded unless the rules of the competition state
otherwise).
C. Additionally, in an appeal of a lower-level decision, one (1) copy
shall be sent to the chairman of the hearing board whose decision
is being appealed and one (1) copy to the President of the GSC.
These copies shall serve as notice of the filing of an appeal.
Section 3. The conduct of the hearing shall be as determined by the rules of the GSC
Board of Directors.
Section 4. A written record (called the official record) shall be kept of the
proceedings.
Section 5. All hearings shall be scheduled to be held within 30 days from the date of
proper filing (see section 705)
BY-LAW 704. FILING FEES
Section 1. A $50 fee for filing a protest, appeal, allegation of misconduct, or
grievance will be set by the board of directors and approved by the
General Assembly.
Section 2. All filing fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome except that
the Protest, Appeal & Arbitration Committee shall have the discretion of
refunding the fee if a fine of a lower level jurisdiction has been overturned.
BY-LAW 705. DOCUMENTATION PROCESSING
Upon filing of a protest, appeal, allegation of misconduct, or grievance, the receiving authority shall
institute the following procedures:
Section 1. The appropriate action or response shall be determined by conducting a
"validation/review" of the following:
A. Identifying the principal parties involved.
B. Determining if they are in good standing.
C. In the case of a protest, determining the protester’s right to lodge
a protest.
D. In the case of an appeal, determining if the appeal is directly
related and germane to the decision of the next-lower authority. (If
not, the appeal must be rejected and returned).
E. Determining if all the information necessary to adjudicate the
matter and reach a decision is included.
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F. Determining whether the matter has been filed with the proper
authority.
G. Determining that specific charges are made, the rules allegedly
violated are cited, and the desired resolution has been stated.
NOTE: Five (5) working days are considered sufficient for the conduct of
the "validation/review". The 30-day time limit will begin upon completion.
Section 2. All parties are entitled to a hearing with proper notification. Upon
completion of the "validation/review," is complete, all involved parties shall
be notified of the protest, appeal, allegation of misconduct, or grievance
within five (5) working days.
Section 3. Notification of the receipt of a protest, appeal, allegation of misconduct, or
grievance and of the date, time, and place of a hearing, shall be
communicated to the principal parties at the same time and by the same
method. Notification shall be accomplished by Registered US Mail,
Certified US Mail-Return Receipt Requested, or Federal Express-
Signature Required.
Section 4. Notification shall contain the following:
A. A condensed restatement of the cause of action.
B. The date, time and place of the hearing.
C. The type of hearing to be held (see section 712)
D. What limits or restrictions (if any) will be imposed on testimony.
E. Whether or not testimony may/must be in written form, and the
date by which such written testimony must be received.
F. Any other special requirements.
BY-LAW 706. REGARDING RULES OF COMPETITION
No decision which arises out of the application of the rules of competition that is made in the
course of the competition, and has no consequence beyond the competition as herein defined,
shall be appealable. For the purposes of this by-law, the term "competition" may include games,
tournaments, league play or a regular season. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the rights
of appeal available under the Amateur Sports Act or the Constitution and By-laws of the USOC
relating to the opportunity of Athletes to participate in "protected competition" as defined in the
USOC Constitution.
BY-LAW 707. EXHAUSTION OF REMEDIES
Section 1. No Member of GSC, team, player, parent/guardian, coach, administrator
or referee may invoke the aid of the courts of the United States or of a
state without first exhausting all available remedies within the appropriate
soccer organizations, and as provided within GSC.
Section 2. For a violation of this by-law, the offending party shall be subject to
suspension and fines, and shall be liable to GSC for all expenses incurred
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by GSC and its officers and members of the Board of Directors in
defending each court action, including the following:
A. Court costs;
B. Attorney’s fees;
C. Reasonable compensation for time spent by GSC officials and
employees in responding to and defending against allegations in
the action, including responses to discovery and court
appearances;
D. Travel expenses; and
E. Expenses for holding special meetings necessitated by court
action.
Subpart B-Hearings
BY-LAW 711. HEARING PROCEDURES
In all hearings conducted under these by-laws, the parties shall be accorded:
A. Notice of the specific charges or alleged violations in writing and possible
consequences if the charges are found to be true;
B. Reasonable time between receipt of the notice of charges and the hearing within
which to prepare a defense;
C. The right to have the hearing conducted at a time and place so as to make it
practicable for the person charged to attend.
D. A hearing before a disinterested and impartial body of fact-finders.
E. The right to be assisted in the presentation of one’s case at the hearing;
F. The right to call witnesses and/or present oral and written evidence and argument;
G. The right to confront witnesses, including the right to be provided the identity of
witnesses in advance of the hearing;
H. The right to have a record made of the hearing if desired; and
I. A written decision, with reasons for the decision, based solely on the evidence of
record, issued in a timely fashion.
BY-LAW 712. TYPES OF HEARINGS
The method of holding a hearing may vary and will be decided by the Board of Directors. Basically,
there are two types:
Section 1. Open Hearings
A. Open hearing shall be held with the principal parties, witnesses
for both sides, and all necessary evidence, actually appearing
before the members of the Hearing Committee.
B. Testimony from witnesses need not be taken in the presence of
another witnesses, but the principal parties may be present for all
proceedings except the deliberations of the Hearing Committee.
C. Deliberation may occur and decisions may be reached in open
sessions.
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Section 2. Closed Hearings
A. Closed hearings require that all testimony and evidence (including
rules) be submitted in writing.
B. The principal parties must submit all evidence in written form, as
specified by the notification.
C. Deliberation may occur and decisions may be reached in closed
sessions.
BY-LAW 713. AGENDA
Section 1. The agenda a hearing shall be as follows:
A. All parties, including witnesses, will be brought into the hearing
chamber. The Chair will describe the following items:
1. Statement of case to be Heard, including:
2. Names of parties involved (including team, league, etc.)
3. Specific event involved.
4. Date of occurrence.
5. Rule number and description of rules allegedly violated.
6. Outcome requested by plaintiff.
7. Procedures for hearing, including:
8. Plaintiffs and Defendants allowed to remain in hearing
chamber. All witnesses to wait in outer chamber.
9. All written evidence should have been presented in advance
for distribution and inclusion in the evidence packet.
10. All written evidence presented at the hearing will be passed to
the Chair. The committee/Board of Directors will vote on its
acceptance as proper evidence.
11. All questions/statements from involved parties will be
addressed to the Chairman, who will ask the appropriate
individual for an answer/rebuttal if he deems it pertinent.
12. Witnesses may be recalled after initial testimony for further
testimony and/or clarification.
13. Decisions will be made and notification will be made in
writing, within forth-eight (48) hours (excluding Saturdays,
Sundays, and Holidays) to both parties, including instructions
for appeal.
B. All witnesses will then be excused to the outer chamber.
1. Plaintiff will present case.
2. Witnesses for the plaintiff will be called individually.
3. Committee/Board members will question plaintiff/witnesses as
deemed necessary after each testimony has been given.
4. Defendant will present case.
5. Witnesses for defendant will be called individually.
6. Committee/Board members will question defense/witnesses
as deemed necessary after each testimony has been given.
7. Any witnesses will be recalled as necessary.
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8. Plaintiff will make closing statement.
9. Defendant will make closing statement.
C. Open hearing adjourned; parties excused; Committee/Board to
deliberate.
BY-LAW 714. EVIDENCE AND TESTIMONY
The following shall apply to all hearings where evidence and/or testimony are allowed.
Section 1. Evidence
A. All evidence, such as player passes, team rosters, game report
forms (line-up cards), and letters, proof of age documents and
other sources of written or printed information shall be originals or
official copies only. No photocopies, Xerox copies, or other
reproduction shall be acceptable. Notarized documents shall
attest to the validity of the signature thereon and shall not attest to
the validity of the information contained in the document.
B. Proof-of-age documents shall conform to the proof-of-age Rules
of the competition.
Section 2. Testimony.
A. All testimony shall be limited to the principal parties,
eyewitnesses, and recognized authorities on the subject.
B. If a witness cannot appear at an open hearing, written testimony
shall be accepted. Notarization may be required at the option of
the hearing authority, but only if such requirement was
communicated in the notification of the hearing.
C. Character witnesses and other third-party witnesses shall not be
allowed.
D. Testimony may be restricted with respect to time.
Section 3. A lawyer shall not represent a team at a hearing unless he is a bona fide
member of one of the teams involved.
Section 4. A lawyer shall not represent an organization member at a hearing unless
he is a bona fide organization member involved.
Section 5. No matter in the nature of a dispute or claim shall be presented to or
defended in this Association except by a bona fide member of the League,
Association, Club or team which is concerned.
BY-LAW 715. MINIMUM RIGHTS
These minimum rights apply to hearings conducted under these by-laws:
Section 1. Each party at a hearing shall have the right to have an individual present
at the hearing to assist the party in presenting the party’s case. Such
individual may, but shall not be required to be, an attorney.
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Section 2. If the Complainant is represented by another individual at any hearing and
the hearing panel allows that individual to speak, question the parties and
/or witnesses, or grants that individual any other rights, then it shall afford
all other parties, or the individual representing the party, including an
attorney, the same rights during the course of the hearing as is allowed
the individual representing the Complainant.
Section 3. If an attorney is present at a hearing to assist a party in presenting the
party’s case, it shall be made clear at the commencement of any such
hearing that the hearing shall proceed in accordance with the GSC
hearing rules and procedures. All Federal, State or local Rules of
Evidence or Civil Procedure shall not be applicable.
Section 4. The GSC may provide, as part of the hearing rules and procedures, that
an individual assisting a party may be allowed to speak on behalf of the
party, make requests or ask questions at the hearing.
Section 5. Regardless of whether the GSC allows the individual assisting the party
the rights to speak, make requests or ask questions, as noted section 4,
an individual assisting the party in presenting the party’s case shall have
the right to be physically present in the hearing room, and so as not to
interfere with the hearing procedure.
Section 6. During the course of the hearing, the party may confer briefly with the
individual who is assisting before making a statement or request or prior to
responding to a question. The panel conducting the hearing may limit the
frequency and duration of the conferences so as not to unduly interfere
with the proceeding.
Section 7. If there is confusion or concern, the party may request a recess to confer
with the individual assisting the party. Such a request should be granted
unless the number of requests by a party becomes unreasonable or the
length of a requested recess is deemed by the hearing panel to be
unreasonable.
Section 8. An individual assisting a party may prepare written materials for the party
and collect documents for the party. However, the party must submit or
present the materials and documents as materials and documents of the
party and not of the individual assisting. The party has complete
responsibility for those materials and documents and is subject to
questioning about them.
Section 9. The GSC may, but is not obligated to, allow greater rights to assistance
than noted in this by-law.
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Section 10. The rights, either mandatory or permissible under this policy, shall be
consistently applied, and the GSC shall not arbitrarily allow or disallow the
rights set forth in this by-law to those individuals assisting a party in the
presentation; or defense of the party’s case.
BY-LAW 716. SERIOUS INFRACTIONS
Formal and open hearings will be conducted in cases of initial infractions that are considered
serious enough to potentially involve disciplinary action that could result in a suspension of more
than three (3) matches (in cases where game or match suspensions are meted out) or a
suspension of more than four weeks or one month (in cases where time suspensions are meted
out).
BY-LAW 717. DECISIONS
Section 1. The decisions of the committee, and any disciplinary sanction imposed,
shall respond only to the specific issues and allegations contained in the
complaint (as filed)
Section 2. Any other issue and/or rule violation, which may become known or
apparent during the hearing, shall be referred to either the convening
authority or a lower-level authority. This referral may be accompanied by a
recommendation for appropriate action. When such matters are referred,
notice of the referral shall be included with the notification of decisions
rendered.
Section 3. Decisions shall be reduced to written form, and shall be forwarded to the
principal parties shall be communicated to the principal parties at the
same time and by the same method within forty-eight hours of the
conclusion of deliberations (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted).
Notification shall be accomplished by Registered US Mail, Certified US
Mail-Return Receipt Requested, or Federal Express-Signature Required.
Section 4. If a suspension is imposed upon a member of GSC by an affiliated
member, the GSC office shall also receive a copy of the decision within
forty-eight hours of the conclusion of deliberations (Saturdays, Sundays
and holidays excepted). Notification shall be accomplished by Registered
US Mail, Certified US Mail-Return Receipt Requested, or Federal
Express-Signature Required. Suspension of players for less than thirty
(30) days are exempt from this requirement.
Section 5. Verbal communication of decisions shall not be permitted. Consideration
should be given to ensure that the method chosen provides adequate
notice to those impacted by the decisions(s).
Section 6. Notification of the decisions shall include a statement of the procedure for
appeal. The statement shall clearly indicate the appropriate level of
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jurisdiction, including the identity and address of the person and/or office
to which the appeal must be directed.
Section 7. Written minutes of all hearing s will be considered proprietary and made
available only on request from higher level authorities in direct line of
appeal.
Subpart C-Appeals
BY-LAW 721. APPEALS PROCEDURES
Section 1. There shall be one level of adjudication within GSC. It is:
Level 1: GSC Board of Directors, GSC Protest, Appeals & Arbitration
Committee.
Section 2. There shall be one (1) level of appeal within the GSC. It is:
Level 1: The GSC Board of Directors GSC Protest, Appeals & Arbitration
Committee
Section 3. The Appeals Committee shall hear and determine appeals from decisions
rendered by Organizational Members relating to activities sponsored by
GSC or its members. The Appeals Committee has the power to call for the
production of any documents and evidence the Appeals Committee may
require.
Section 4. All GSC Level 1 Board of Directors Appeal Committee hearings will be
closed hearings.
Section 5. All parties will be notified in writing of the timeline and procedure for the
preparation and exchange of documentation.
PART VIII-PLAYERS AND PLAYING
BY-LAW 801. REGISTRATION
Section 1. With the concurrence of the State Association, a player rostered to a team
may roster to a second team at the second teams initial rostering. No
player may roster to more than two teams at one time in a seasonal year.
No player may multiple rosters without the permission of his/her parent(s)
or legal guardian. Additional approval signatures required are the coaches
from each team, club representative and league representative. No coach
will be required to accept a multiple roster player. The primary team will be
the team the player rostered too first.
Section 2. The GSC Registrar shall be responsible for insuring proper registration of
the players, affiliation of the teams, proper accounting of all transactions
and accurate reporting to the VYSL and AYSA.
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Section 3. Each team shall be required to prepare and submit to the appropriate
registering League officer or League Board of Directors, the proper GSC
Team or Player registration forms, proof of age per Rule 6, the required
number of photographs, and to pay all membership fees or fines that may
be levied by the League or the Association.
Section 4.
A. Players who come to the United States after their fourteenth
(14th) birthday will be asked to fill out and sign a form (along with
their parents) stating whether or not they have signed a
professional contract or received money from a professional team
for playing.
1. If the answer is no, that form will stay with the registering state
association and no further action is necessary.
2. If the answer is yes, that player has signed a professional contract
or received money for playing, that player must follow the regular
international clearance procedures.
B. All players coming to this country (USA) who are seventeen (17)
years of age by January 1 of the year they arrive, must secure an
international clearance per FIFA rules before being registered to a
team in this country.
Section 5. Players coming from another State Association during the seasonal year
must complete the appropriate transfer forms prior to participating with a
team registered within the GSC.
Section 6. A minimum of one and maximum of four coaches of record shall be listed
on the team roster.
Section 7. Players must use their legal first names, middle initial and last names, as
listed on the proper birth certification document, on all registration
material.
Section 8. AYSA will issue Player/Coach passes to all players and coaches of
record.
Section 9. No player or coach of record will be allowed to participate in any
scheduled league, club, and/or tournament match without a player/coach
pass issued by AYSA.
Section 10. The GSC Registrar shall regularly report to the Board of Directors of the
GSC each Team's registration status.
Section 11. The AYSA shall register all players, coaches, teams, and administrators
with the Federation at least once each year and shall timely pay all
Federation dues and fees.
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Section 12. The AYSA shall register all players, coaches, teams, and administrators
with the US Youth Soccer at least once each year and shall timely pay all
US Youth Soccer dues and fees.
BY-LAW 802. PROOF OF AGE
Section 1. The age group in which a team registers with its club/league shall be the
age group in which it participates in all state sponsored tournaments,
providing the age group is available, i.e., American Cup, County and
Association Cups, and the AYSA Arizona State Cup Championships.
Section 2. Proof of age shall consist of a birth certificate or birth registration or
driver’s license issued by an appropriate governmental agency, board of
health records, passport, alien registration card issued by the United
States government, a Certificate issued by the Immigration and
Naturalization Service attesting to age, or a Certification of an American
Citizen born abroad issued by the governing agency. Hospital, Baptismal
or religious certificates will not be accepted.
Section 3. The Board of Directors of any affiliated League of AYSA may request
proof of age to be established. Copies of the written request must also be
directed to the Board of Directors of AYSA and to the appropriate League
or other administrative authority. Proof of age shall be presented within
forty-eight (48) hours of the presentation of such written request. Failure to
respond to such request shall result in the immediate suspension of the
player involved and forfeiture of all League games in which that player
participated.
BY-LAW 803. FALSE REGISTRATION
Any coach who is found to have played a player who is over-age and/or illegally registered shall, at
a minimum, be suspended for the remainder of the seasonal year in which the player is found to
have played and the following seasonal year. In addition, the team shall forfeit the game(s) in
which that player has taken part.
BY-LAW 804. TEAM ROSTER LIMITATION
Section 1. No team registering to play 11-a-side shall be allowed more than eighteen
(18) nor less than seven (7) registered players at any given time.
Section 2. No team registering to play 8-a-side shall be allowed more than fourteen
(14) nor less than five (5) registered players at any given time.
BY-LAW 805. PLAYER RELEASE AND TRANSFER / SPECIAL TRANSFER
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Section 1. A multiple rostered player after he has played his first game sanctioned by
this AYSA who requests a transfer will lose his multiple status by such
request.
Section 2. Any player registered to a team is bound to that team for the entire
seasonal year unless he / she requests and obtains a transfer. All
requests for release or transfer shall be submitted to the AYSA Registrar
on AYSA transfer form by the GSC Registrar. The reason for the request
to transfer must be stated in the appropriate place on the form.
Section 3. Teams participating in Arizona State Cup Championships shall be limited
to a total of three (3) transferred players per seasonal year. A transfer
shall be defined as adding a currently AYSA/US Youth Soccer registered
player to a roster or a player who returns to the same roster in the same
seasonal year. Teams participating in Arizona State Cup Championships
are permitted to transfer more than three players to their team after
Arizona State Cup Championships competition is completed.
Section 4. A player may be released from a team by the coach only if the player is
unable to play for one of the following reasons:
A. The player has violated rules of the US Soccer, US Youth Soccer
or the GSC;
B. The player has moved beyond a reasonable travel distance; the
determination of "reasonable travel distance is subject to
definition by the GSC; and/or,
C. The player is injured in such a manner that the player will not be
able to participate for the remainder of the season.
Section 5. A player can play for only one team in any competition sponsored by the
US Youth Soccer, i.e., National Youth Challenge Cup.
BY-LAW 806. PLAYER PASSES
Section 1. Player passes furnished by this AYSA are to have a recent photograph
affixed which can easily identify the player, to be signed by the player in
the appropriate manner and to be laminated correctly.
Section 2. When AYSA furnishes player passes, each player or coach must present
is/her pass(es) to the referee prior to the start of each game. The player
passes must have the same team number, club number, league number
and age group (unless appropriate and acceptable loan paperwork is
provided), otherwise that player shall not be allowed to play in that game.
The player passes shall be returned to each player or the coach at the
end of the game. If a player was ejected, his/her player pass shall be
turned over to the proper authorities for disciplinary action.
Section 3. A coach’s pass will be issued for the head coach of each team registered
in GSC. The coach must present his/her pass to the referee prior to the
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start of the game. This pass must have the same team number, club
number, league number and age group as the team, otherwise the coach
shall not be allowed to coach that game. The coach's pass shall be
returned to the coach at the end of the game. If the coach was ejected, his
pass shall be turned over to the proper authorities for disciplinary action.
Section 4. In the case of U-6 and U-8 players participating in leagues using modified
rules for those age groups, players must be registered prior to any
scheduled game but need not use player passes unless participating in
tournaments. Membership cards are to be given to the players by the
club/league.
BY-LAW 807. SPECIAL MODIFICATIONS
Special modifications of the player passes may be made for tournaments and exhibition matches
played within the jurisdiction of AYSA provided that the guidelines for the tournament or exhibition
matches have been approved by the Board of Directors.
BY-LAW 808. RETURN OF PASS
When a player transfers or drops, the players pass must be surrendered to the GSC registrar.
BY-LAW 809. PLAYER SAFETY
Section 1. No youth player / team will be allowed to participate in more than two
games per day or the equivalent regulation time thereof for that specific
age group.
Section 2. Names or nicknames of players shall not appear on any player's uniform,
sweats, jacket or equipment bag. Current equipment is grandfathered
with a sunset of May 1 2004.
Section 3. It is the responsibility of all coaches and administrators within the Gilbert
Soccer Club to ensure the safety, both physically and mentally, of all
players. Guidelines that meet certain minimum criteria established by the
Federation in accordance with state and local law concerning physical and
sexual abuse will be established and distributed to all.
BY-LAW 810. TOURNAMENT
Section 1. Tournaments are to be governed by the AYSA Tournament Manuals;
Section 2. Each GSC tournament will be assessed current applicable AYSA fees per
team.
Section 3. Each GSC sanctioned 3 x 3 or 4 x 4 tournament shall be applicable AYSA
fees per team;
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Section 4. Assessments are due with the tournament and financial reports, within
thirty days of said tournament.
Section 5. GSC must submit their Application to Host a Tournament by March 1st of
the previous seasonal year. Late requests will be subject to applicable
AYSA fee. Any tournament given a fine or probation for any reason shall
post a bond equal to the applicable AYSA fee per team based on the
previous year's team count with their Application to Host.
Section 6. Any GSC tournament must be assigned by a US Soccer licensed assignor
or a staff supervised by a US Soccer licensed assignor.
BY-LAW 811. TRAVEL
Section 1. Completed "Application to Travel" and “Travel Roster” forms must be
received at the State Association offices prior to the event in which a team
wishes to participate outside of the State of Arizona. The "Application to
Travel" form must have a copy of the official brochure, invitation or other
applicable material of the Tournament or Games host and be
accompanied by the fee set by the AYSA board of directors and ratified at
the AGM. Any members of the Board of Directors or full time employee of
the AYSA shall be the authorized to sign these papers granting
permission to travel.
Section 2. Loan forms for out-of-state tournaments must be completed appropriately
and submitted to the AYSA office for signature prior to the applicable
tournament.
Section 3. Teams wanting to travel outside the United States must follow the
timelines and procedures established by US Soccer.
BY-LAW 812. ACCOUNTABILITY, CONDUCT & EJECTION
Section 1. Each team shall be held primarily accountable for the conduct of persons
associated with the team in any manner whatsoever. Refer to the
grievance process in Part VII-Grievances, Protests, and Appeals of these
by-laws.
Section 2. During any game sanctioned by or regularly scheduled by VYSL or AYSA
or any of its affiliated member leagues, clubs or teams, a referee may stop
the game and eject any spectator from the grounds (field of play and
areas surrounding the field and fields near the field upon which the game
is being played), if in the opinion of the referee, the offender is guilty of
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violent conduct, serious foul play, or the use of foul or abusive language,
or if the conduct is deemed to be interference by the offender as
designated in subdivision ( d ) of Law V - Referees-Laws of the Game).
Section 3. Coaches and other team officials shall be subject to all rules pertaining to
misconduct contained herein, including cautions, ejection and standard
suspensions. Any other individual who may be reasonably construed as
being associated with a team, such as relatives and spectators, shall also
be subject to the jurisdiction and authority of the Association. Any coach
or team official shall be held responsible for the actions of any
individual(s) at any match that, in the opinion of the referee, is a supporter
of that team.
Section 4. All red cards or ejection shall result in a minimum one (1) game
suspension. Referees' decisions are final and may not be overturned
unless said referee has made a technical error.
Section 5. At no time shall drinking of alcoholic beverages be permitted at any game
or practice sanctioned by or regularly scheduled by GSC or any affiliated
member league, club or team.
Section 6. No contact whatsoever may be initiated with a player (directly or indirectly)
properly registered to a team in this association by a coach, assistant
coach, or designated team parent/manager of another team in this
association for purposes of recruitment while the player's team is still
participating in league, current year in-state tournaments or National
Youth Challenge Cup play. Violation of this rule may result in a minimum
one (1) year suspension for the guilty party. Complaints must be made in
writing by an affected party and will be heard by the State Discipline, &
Appeals, & Arbitration Committee.
Section 7. The adjudicating committee shall determine minimum penalties for other
abuses or infractions, i.e., those not involving referee assault or abuse.
The severity of any such penalties meted out should be determined by the
severity and nature of the infraction, by any precedence set in other
similar situations and/or recommendations or suggestions that may be
found in the AYSA Administrative manual or the, US Soccer
Administrative Manual.
Section 8. Any violation of the Coaches, Parents, or Players Code of Conduct may
result in a suspension issued by the Executive Board after following the
hearing procedures covered in Part VII-Grievances, Protests, and Appeals
of these by-laws. Coach ejections will be reviewed by the Director of
Coaching and the Board of Directors. Coaches who receive 2 or more
ejections from games will attend a disciplinary class with the Director of
Coaching or his designee.
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BY-LAW 815. PLAYING WITH PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
Any player signing a professional contract, receiving funds for playing soccer, or playing with a
professional team without the permission of the Board of Directors of AYSA shall be declared a
professional player and shall lose all privileges of youth amateur status. The Board of Directors of
this Association may grant a youth amateur player permission to play in benefit or exhibition games
only where professional players are involved. Permission must be requested in writing.
BY-LAW 816. ASSAULT - CENSURE AND SUSPENSION
Section 1. When any person shall assault or abuse an official, jurisdiction shall vest
immediately in the Board of Directors of AYSA. An official, for the sole
purpose of this specific AYSA regulation, shall be defined as the referee,
official linesman, referee assignor(s), referee administrator, player, coach,
team administrator, tournament director(s), tournament staff, or any officer
or member of the Board of Directors of AYSA. Misconduct towards
officials may occur before, during and after the match, including travel to
and from the match. "Assault" shall be defined as an intentional act of
physical violence upon an official and shall include, but not be limited to,
hitting, kicking, punching, choking, spitting at, or on, grabbing or bodily
running into a official, kicking or throwing any object that could inflict
injury, damaging an official's uniform or personal property. "Verbal Abuse"
shall be defined as a verbal statement, which implies or threatens physical
harm to an official or the official's property. "Physical Abuse" shall be
defined as, but not limited to, using foul or abusive language toward the
official, threatening the official with remarks that carry implied or direct
threat of physical harm, and spewing a beverage on an official or his
property.
Section 2. It shall be mandatory upon the Board of Directors of AYSA to execute the
provisions of this regulation within THIRTY (30) days of notification of the
offense except in cases involving players only.
Where only players are involved, the appropriate competition authority
may adjudicate the matter.
Section 3. Referee Assault against an adult referee or adult assistant referees or any
other adult reasonably construed or defined to be an official in by-law 816.
Minimum penalties shall be as follows:
(a) For minor or slight touching of the referee or the referee’s uniform or
personal property, at least 3 months from the time of the assault.
(a) For other assaults, at least 6 months from the time of the assault.
(c) If there is serious injury, a five (5) year minimum suspension.
(d) Verbal Abuse - an automatic suspension of at least three (3)
scheduled matches.
(e) Physical Abuse - an automatic suspension of at least three (3)
scheduled matches.
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(f) When the official involved is of age to play in this Association, the
minimum penalties shall be three (3) times greater than a, b, c, d and e
above.
BY-LAW 817. REFEREES
Section 1. In all competitions under the jurisdiction of AYSA, all official referees must
be currently registered with and be in good standing with, US Soccer, if at
all possible. All League matches and Tournament matches under the
jurisdiction of the AYSA shall be officiated under the three (3) man system
as described in FIFA and , US Soccer official "Laws of the Game." If
because of unforeseen circumstances a currently registered, US Soccer
Referee is unable to officiate, some other person may be agreed upon to
officiate. However, such unregistered person is prohibited from receiving
any payment, directly or indirectly, for officiating under such emergency,
or officiating under any other circumstances. The prohibition against
payment shall also apply to any payer under the jurisdiction of AYSA,
whether or not the match officiated is under tournament, league, or club
play.
The following combinations of match officiating are listed in order of
preference:
(a) One (l) currently USSF registered Center Referee assisted by: Two (2)
neutral currently USSF registered linesmen.
(b) One (l) currently USSF registered Center Referee assisted by: One (1)
neutral currently USSF registered linesman and one (1) emergency
linesman.
(c) One (l) currently USSF registered Center Referee assisted by: Two (2)
emergency linesmen.
NO MATCHES SHALL BE OFFICIATED UNDER A SYSTEM NOT
RECOGNIZED BY FIFA, US Soccer, AYSA or GSC.
By-law 817 does not apply to games played according to modified rules.
Section 2. All League/Clubs, Tournament match assignments must be made by a ,
US Soccer licensed assignor or a staff supervised by a , US Soccer
licensed assignor.
BY-LAW 818. SCHOLARSHIPS
Section 1. Scholarships will be made available to a limited number of Gilbert Soccer
Club players each seasonal year, which will be determined by the
approved budget. Funding if needed beyond what the GSC can provide
will be the responsibility of the team and family.
(a) Scholarships can be issued for any amount up to the total of the
approved Registration Fee.
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(b) All players requesting a scholarship must submit a scholarship
application by the due date established by the Board of Directors.
(c) Approval and issuance of scholarships will be made the decision of
the Executive Board
(d) No family is entitled to more than the equivalent of one full
scholarship.
(e) Applicant’s parents will be required to perform volunteer work for their
child’s team or the GSC in exchange for the scholarship.
PART IX-AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS & POLICIES
BY-LAW 901. PROPOSING AMENDMENTS
Any proposed amendment to the By-laws of GSC may be made by:
A. An Organization Member;
B. Board of Directors;
C. Committee of GSC.
BY-LAW 902. ADVANCE NOTICE
Section 1. Any proposed amendment to by-laws of GSC must be submitted in writing
to the GSC Secretary no later than 45 days prior to the proposed date of
any General Assembly Meeting.
Section 2. Each proposed amendment received in compliance with section 1 of this
by-law shall be sent in writing by GSC to each Organization Member and
the Board of Directors at least 30 days prior to the General Assembly
meeting at which the amendment is to be considered.
BY-LAW 903. VOTING REQUIREMENTS
Any amendment to the by-laws of GSC requires a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly present
at the meeting of which the amendment is being considered.
BY-LAW 904. PRIORITY
To the extent applicable by Arizona State Law, in the event of a conflict between the charter and
by-laws of GSC and the articles of incorporation, by-laws, policies, and requirements of the VYSL,
AYSA, and the Federation, the articles, by-laws, policies, and requirements of the VYSL, AYSA,
and the Federation govern in the order listed.
BY-LAW 905. EFFECTIVE DATE
Unless otherwise provided, any amendment to the by-laws of GSC is effective immediately after
the amendment is adopted.
BY-LAW 906. EXCEPTIONS
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Amendments passed at the Annual General Meetings of the VYSL and/or AYSA, which may affect
the by-laws of the GSC shall be distributed to the membership by the Secretary of the Club and
shall become effective on that September 1 that occurs immediately after the amendment is
adopted.
BY-LAW 907. RATIFICATION
The Ratification and Signature of Three (3) members of the Gilbert Soccer Club Executive Board
shall be sufficient for the establishment of these By-laws.
BY-LAW 908. POLICIES
The declaration of a policy for this Club shall be declared only in the following manner:
A. A policy or policy change must be submitted at a General Assembly meeting,
discussed, and then tabled to the next meeting.
B. At the following meeting of the General Assembly it shall be voted upon. A simple
majority will be required to pass a policy.
C. All coaches shall be given a copy each season if needed.
Exception: The Treasurer with the approval of the President shall establish policy and/or
procedures without General Assembly vote for the purpose of protecting the GSC’s status as a
legal entity, GSC’s tax exempt status, and/or the members of the organization.