CONSTITUTION
  1. Name and Address
  2. Mission Statement
  3. Affiliation
  4. Governing Authority
  5. Membership
  6. Meetings
  7. Amendments
BY-LAWS
  1. Board of Directors
  2. Executive Committee
  3. Election of Officers
  4. Removal of an Officer
  5. Succession of Offices
  6. Duties of Officers
  7. Meetings
  8. Agendas
  9. Quorum
  10. Voting Qualifications of Members
  11. Meeting Minutes and Correspondence
  12. Committees
  13. Disciplinary & Arbitration Committee
  14. Social Committee
  15. Indoor Committee
  16. Uniform/Equipment/Fields (UEF) Committee
  17. Sponsor Committee
  18. Training/Practice Committee
  19. Web-Site Committee
  20. Fees and Dues
  21. Fundraising Credit System
  22. Amendments
RULES AND REGULATIONS
  1. Outdoor Teams
  2. Indoor Teams
CONSTITUTION
  1. NAME AND ADDRESS
    1. The name of this organization shall be "Ford Soccer Club", herein referred to as "FSC" or the "Club".
    2. The address of FSC shall be as provided in the By-laws.
  2. MISSION STATEMENT
    1. The purpose of FSC shall be:
      1. To provide an atmosphere for competitive and recreational soccer.
      2. To provide social activities for the promotion of the sport and the Club.
    2. Team objectives shall be determined by each specific team.
  3. AFFILIATION
    1. FSC shall be affiliated with Ford Employees Recreation Association (FERA) and shall comply with the rules set forth by same.
  4. GOVERNING AUTHORITY
    1. FSC shall be governed by this Constitution, By-laws and Rules and Regulations.
    2. The governing authority of FSC shall be vested in the Board of Directors whose power shall be enumerated by this Constitution and By-laws.
    3. The Executive Committee shall be elected by the general members and shall hold office as prescribed in the By-laws.
  5. MEMBERSHIP
    1. Membership in Ford Soccer Club is open to any Ford Motor Company (or affiliate) employee, spouse, family member, supplier or contractor. Members must be at least 18 years of age.
    2. Membership of non-Ford affiliated personnel shall be limited to 10% of the active general membership. An "active member" is defined as someone who has actively participated on a team within the prior twelve (12) months.
    3. All members registered with FSC must comply with its Constitution, By-laws and Rules and Regulations. Any breach of this agreement may result in dismissal from the Club as determined by the Board of Directors.
    4. The Board of Directors reserves the right to deny membership to any person in order to preserve the common good of the Club. Reasons for exclusion may include, but are not limited to, unacceptable behavior exhibited towards other players or Club members, inability to fulfill Club financial obligations, etc.
  6. MEETINGS
    1. FSC shall hold meetings as provided in the By-laws.
    2. Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern all meetings of this Club.
  7. AMENDMENTS
    1. Amendments to the Constitution may be made at the Annual General Meeting or any special meeting (such as the spring organizational meeting for the summer outdoor season) at which a quorum is present. A quorum shall be as defined in the By-laws.
    2. Amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and published to the general membership at least ten (10) working days prior to the meeting.
    3. Adoption of an amendment to the Constitution will require an affirmative vote from 3/4 of the members present (provided a quorum exists).
    4. Amendments from the floor will only be considered at the Annual General Meeting. These amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and will also require an affirmative vote from 3/4 of the members present (provided a quorum exists).
    5. In matters of urgent importance, the Board of Directors may submit proposals to the active general membership by electronic mail vote.
BY-LAWS
  1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
    1. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of:
      1. President
      2. Vice-president
      3. Treasurer
      4. Secretary
      5. Immediate Past President
      6. Team Manager (or designated representative) of each team fielded during the current calendar year (indoor and outdoor teams).
    2. The term of office for all Directors shall be one (1) year.
    3. Each Director shall have one (1) vote at all meetings. In the event a person is manager of both an outdoor and an indoor team, he/she will still have only one (1) vote.
    4. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to initiate and implement policies for the operation and coordination of FSC affairs.
    5. The Board of Directors shall decide all questions raised by members or itself in closed session by majority vote. The voting positions of Board members shall not be made public.
    6. All decisions of the Board shall be final and binding on all members unless they are reconsidered and reversed by the Board, or other appropriate, higher authority.
  2. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
    1. The Executive Committee shall consist of:
      1. President
      2. Vice-president
      3. Treasurer
      4. Secretary
      5. Immediate Past President
    2. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to resolve any conflict regarding the interpretation of the Club's Constitution, By-Laws, Rules and Regulations, Policies, and other issues not fully covered in these documents.
    3. The President and Vice-president shall serve as an Emergency Committee to decide matters which require urgent attention between Board meetings. Their decisions shall be subject to Board approval at the next Board meeting.
  3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
    1. Elections of the President, Vice-president, Treasurer and Secretary shall be held annually at the Annual General Meeting.
    2. To be elected, each candidate must receive a simple majority of the votes cast by eligible members (see Section X).
    3. The President shall appoint an Election Chairman who shall conduct the election in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order and as stipulated in this Constitution and By-laws.
    4. Each member in good standing will be allowed one (1) vote.
    5. The term of office for the Executive Committee shall commence on January 1 after the Annual General Meeting of their election.
    6. The current Board of Directors shall continue in office until their successors take office on January 1.
  4. REMOVAL OF AN OFFICER
    1. Any Director with three (3) unexcused Board meeting absences during the calendar year shall be subject to dismissal by a 2/3 vote of the Board.
    2. Executive Committee members may be removed from their office on the petition of a 2/3 majority of the Board of Directors, or at a special meeting by a 2/3 vote of the general membership.
    3. Officers/members may also be removed from office or the Club by a two-thirds vote of the Disciplinary Committee as described in Section XIII.
  5. SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS
    1. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-president shall serve as President until the next Annual General Meeting.
    2. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to fill officer vacancies until the next Annual General Meeting.
  6. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
    1. The President shall:
      1. Preside at all meetings of this Club, except during the election of the Executive Committee.
      2. Appoint all Committee Chairpersons and be an ex-officio member of all committees.
      3. Vote only in the case of a tie vote in Board or Executive Committee meetings.
      4. Be available to attend meetings of affiliated organizations which relate to the business of this Club (e.g. FERA).
      5. Make an annual report on the state of the Club at the Annual General Meeting.
      6. Be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Club.
      7. Be responsible for coordinating all materials offered for sale by the Club (e.g. Entertainment books).
    2. The Vice-president shall:
      1. Assume the duties of the President in the President's absence.
      2. Ensure that the Club and each affiliated team are in good-standing with each respective league or organization.
      3. Coordinate both men's and women's outdoor team try-outs and oversee selection of teams.
      4. Perform any other duties that may be assigned to him/her by the President or as may be specified in these By-laws.
    3. The Treasurer shall:
      1. Have charge of all finances of the Club.
      2. Maintain a checking account in a bank approved by the Board.
      3. Be the resident agent of Ford Soccer Club.
      4. Report, at each Board meeting, on the Club's financial condition and include all moneys paid and received by the Club since the last report.
      5. Submit an itemized report of the Club's inventory at the Annual General Meeting.
      6. File a tax return with FERA for coverage as a non-profit organization.
      7. Forfeit his/her office without further formality if the reports on the Club's financial condition are not provided to the Board or President for three consecutive such obligations.
    4. The Secretary shall:
      1. Have charge and keep record of all correspondence of the Club.
      2. Publish the meeting agenda at least five (5) working days prior to the respective meeting.
      3. Record and publish the minutes of all meetings to the general membership.
      4. Maintain the attendance record at all meetings.
      5. Publish prior to the Annual General Meeting or any special meeting, the list of all people holding membership in the Club.
      6. Notify general membership when teams are forming.
      7. Notify general membership of club meetings and club events open to general membership (i.e service events, club picnics).
  7. MEETINGS
    1. The Board of Directors shall meet on the first Wednesday of each month from May through December. The December meeting shall include the newly elected officers. The Board of Directors shall meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month from January through April.
    2. The time and place of Board meetings shall be determined by a simple majority vote of the Directors.
    3. The Club shall hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the second Wednesday in November.
      1. Time and place shall be published to the general membership at least ten (10) working days in advance of the meeting date.
      2. A club member may give his/her proxy to another member in good standing to vote in his/her stead at the AGM. Proxy authority must be submitted in writing to the club Secretary at least one day before the AGM. No one person may hold more than two proxies at the AGM. Officers may hold/give a proxy.
      3. The proxy votes do NOT count toward the quorum.
    4. Seasonal meetings shall be held before the start of any season.
    5. Special meetings of the general membership may be called as needed by the President, upon request of the majority of the Board, or by request of a simple majority of the general membership.
    6. The President shall appoint a Parliamentarian who shall rule on any questions regarding rules of order or procedure that may arise during any Club meeting.
  8. AGENDAS
    1. The agenda at regular Board meetings will be:
      1. Call to Order
      2. Minutes of the last Board meeting
      3. Reports
      4. Open Issues List
      5. New Business
      6. Walk-ins
      7. Adjournment
    2. The agenda at the Annual General Meeting will be:
      1. Call to Order
      2. Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting
      3. Reports
        1. President
        2. Vice-president
        3. Treasurer
        4. Secretary
        5. Committee Chairpersons
      4. Unfinished Business
      5. Election of Officers
      6. New Business
      7. Walk-ins
      8. Adjournment
  9. QUORUM
    1. A quorum at the Annual General Meeting or any special meeting shall be twenty (20) members in good-standing eligible to vote (see Section X).
    2. A quorum at Board meetings shall be five (5) Directors.
  10. VOTING QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS
    1. Elected Board members shall have voice and vote at the Annual General Meeting.
    2. To be eligible for voice and vote at any Annual General Meeting or special meeting of this Club, general members must:
      1. Be in good standing in the Club (i.e. not suspended or under probation).
      2. Have actively participated on a team within the last calendar year.
      3. Be current in all financial obligations to the Club.
    3. A Board member who knows of any outstanding obligation or reason why a member should be denied a vote, must notify the Secretary.
  11. MEETING MINUTES AND CORRESPONDENCE
    1. The minutes of Board meetings shall be published to all members within five (5) working days of the respective meeting.
    2. Copies of all communications shall be maintained by the Secretary and included in the Club's files.
  12. COMMITTEES
    1. This Club shall have the following Standing Committees:
      1. Disciplinary
      2. Social
      3. Indoor
      4. Uniform/Equipment/Fields (UEF)
      5. Sponsor
      6. Training/Practice
      7. Web-site
    2. Other committees may formed as needed by the Board of Directors.
    3. The chairpersons of all committees shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board.
    4. Committee Chairpersons shall operate under the direction and approval of the Board, and shall make all decisions relevant to their committee's administration including the appointment of their committee members (except where superseded by these By-laws).
  13. DISCIPLINARY & ARBITRATION COMMITTEE
    1. This committee shall consist of the President, Vice President, and the Treasurer..
    2. The purpose of this Committee is to review infractions of FSC, MSA, and any other league rules by members of FSC, to discipline the offender if necessary, and arbitrate disputes involving roster additions and changes.
    3. The Manager of the offender and the offender may be requested to appear before the Disciplinary Committee above in order to review the offense and determine the course of punishment.
    4. Managers must report any red card violations to the Disciplinary Committee within 48 hours of the occurrence. The Disciplinary Committee will be responsible to review the offense and determine if actions must be taken to discipline the offender.
  14. SOCIAL COMMITTEE
    1. This committee shall consist of the appointed Social Chairperson and selected volunteers.
    2. This committee shall be responsible for coordinating the social activities of the Club.
    3. Events include, but are not limited to:
      1. Fall/Spring Banquet
      2. Golf Outing
      3. Comedy Nights
      4. Sports Outings
      5. Bar Nights
      6. Christmas Party
      7. FSC Derby Parties
    4. All expenditures must be approved by the President and Treasurer.
  15. INDOOR COMMITTEE
    1. This committee shall consist of the appointed Indoor Chairperson and a Team Manager from each affiliated indoor team.
    2. This committee shall be responsible for the registration of FSC indoor teams including roster selection, collection of fees, etc. (men’s', women’s and coed/rec teams).
  16. UNIFORM/EQUIPMENT/FIELDS (UEF) COMMITTEE
    1. This committee shall consist of the UEF Chairperson and a Team Manager from each affiliated team.
    2. This committee shall be responsible for:
      1. Selecting FSC team uniforms/warm-ups and other Club apparel.
      2. Coordinating, with the Treasurer, the purchase of all required team equipment.
      3. Maintaining an inventory list of Club-owned equipment.
      4. Scheduling fields for all practices and games.
      5. Ensuring that the fields are properly maintained, lined and safe for play.
    3. All expenditures must be approved by the President and Treasurer.
  17. SPONSOR COMMITTEE
    1. This committee shall consist of the appointed Sponsor Chairperson and selected volunteers.
    2. This committee shall be responsible for working with the President and Treasurer to develop a strategy and sales presentation to attract Club sponsors.
  18. TRAINING/PRACTICE COMMITTEE
    1. This committee shall consist of the appointed Training/Practice Chairperson and a Captain from each affiliated team.
    2. This committee shall be responsible for developing the Club's training philosophy and practice methodology to improve the players' skill base.
    3. This committee shall meet weekly during active seasons.
  19. WEB-SITE COMMITTEE
    1. The Web-Site Committee shall be led by the Web-Site Manager. He/she will have responsibility to post relevant Club information on the Ford Soccer Club web page as it is requested and approved by the Board members.
  20. FEES AND DUES
    1. The Board of Directors has the authority to appropriate funds for the normal cost incurred for the on-going operation of the Club.
    2. The fiscal year of operation of the Club shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
    3. All checks issued must be signed by the Treasurer and fund distribution must be approved by both the President and Treasurer.
    4. Players/members with outstanding debt to the Club will not be allowed to play in any games until the debt is removed from the Treasurer's books.
  21. FUNDRAISING CREDIT SYSTEM
    1. Before each monetary fundraising event, a pre-set amount of credit for participation will be determined by the Board. This credit will be given to participants of the fund-raiser after they have completed their obligation to the event.
    2. Credits will be accrued until a player owes FSC a fee for dues, shirts, etc. The players fee will then be reduced by the amount of credits held at that point.
    3. The Sponsor Chair will keep a master list of all members with credit points, and will update the list in conjunction with the Treasurer as credits are redeemed.
    4. Before fee collection for a season/session begins, the team manager is to request from the Social Committee the list of credits accrued for the players. When fees are turned in, the manager is to notify the Treasurer and the Social Committee of the credits used by each player. The Social Committee will keep track of used credits, and the Treasurer will deduct the amount the players use from the FSC Treasury.
    5. Credits may not be transferred to other members of the Club.
  22. AMENDMENTS
    1. Amendments to the By-laws may be made at the Annual General Meeting or any special meeting (such as the spring organizational meeting for the summer outdoor season) at which a quorum is present.
    2. Amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and published to the general membership at least ten (10) working days prior to the meeting.
    3. Adoption of an amendment to the By-laws will require an affirmative vote from 2/3 of the members present (provided a quorum exists).
    4. Amendments from the floor will only be considered at the Annual General Meeting. These amendments must be submitted in writing to the Secretary and will also require an affirmative vote from 2/3 of the members present (provided a quorum exists).
    5. In matters of urgent importance, the Board of Directors may submit proposals to the active general membership by electronic mail vote.
RULES & REGULATIONS
  1. OUTDOOR TEAMS
    1. PLAYER SELECTION
      1. Outdoor teams are open to anyone meeting the membership requirements of FSC. If there are spaces open on the roster, non-Ford affiliated personnel (over the 10% limit) will be allowed to fill the remaining positions on the roster, provided they have a contact person within Ford.
      2. Before the start of each season, the Board will decide the number of teams that the Club can support for the upcoming season and the placement of those teams in the appropriate leagues (over-30, open, etc) and the appropriate divisions within those leagues. The Board will also decide if the teams are to be ranked teams (first team, second team, etc) or equally competitive teams. The Board will appoint a Manager and Coach for each team.
      3. Official team try-outs will be held starting the 3rd week in March for men's teams, first week in May for women's teams, weather permitting, and will be co-ordinated by the club Vice President. Try-out schedules must be disseminated to the club at large at least one week prior to their start.
      4. Placement of players on a team roster will be made by the Team Managers and coaches in accordance with the team placement and objectives as determined by the Board. Players can choose to make themselves available for selection on an over-age team (if eligible) or open team or both. If selected to a particular team, a player can choose not to play for that team and make themselves available for selection to another team.
      5. The outdoor and indoor seasons are completely independent of one another. There will be no carry-over rosters or positions from one season to the next, or from one year to another.
      6. Mid-season player pick-ups will be coordinated by the Vice President.
      7. All of the above items apply to both men's and women's outdoor teams.
    2. PLAYER MOVEMENT
      1. Player movement after the initial selection of rosters will be allowed. Such player movement must be in accordance with the Rules & Regulations of the MSA and of the leagues involved.
      2. Player movement between teams can be made on agreement of the managers involved. If player movement is disputed, petition for such movement can be made by a team manager to the Board. A simple majority decision of the Board will be required to approve such movement.
    3. TEAM CAPTAIN
      1. The Captain shall be responsible for:
        1. Leading the team on the field during games with a positive and controlled attitude.
        2. Handling any situation that may arise on the field during a game.
        3. Promoting sportsmanship by the team.
        4. Leading by example in the areas of practice/game attendance.
        5. Coordinating team practice drills and training methodology with the Training/Practice Committee (in the absence of a Coach).
      2. The Captain will be selected by the Coach..
      3. Captains must be FSC members in good-standing.
      4. A substitute Captain may be appointed by the Coach if the selected Captain is not present for a game.
    4. TEAM MANAGER
      1. The Manager shall be responsible for:
        1. Assisting the Coach in the selection of the team roster (or sole responsibility in the absence of a Coach).
        2. Collecting player fees.
        3. Registering and maintaining good-standing of the team with FSC, MSA, and any league in which the team is registered.
        4. Attending meetings of the league in which the team is registered.
        5. Coordinating the scheduling of the home field.
        6. Delegating responsibilities to coordinate uniforms, referee fees, and practice schedules and fields.
        7. Maintaining an inventory of team equipment.
        8. Representing the team at FSC Board and affiliated league meetings.
      2. The Manager shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.
      3. Managers must be FSC members in good-standing.
      4. Any Manager with three (3) unexcused game absences during the season shall be subject to dismissal by a 2/3 majority vote of the Disciplinary & Arbitration Committee.
      5. Managers are responsible to confirm with the Treasurer if any outstanding debt is owed to the Club by any player that he/she signs for a season/session. If the player owes the Club fees, the player may be rostered but will not be allowed to play in any games until the fees are settled.
    5. TEAM COACH
      1. The Coach shall be responsible for:
        1. Selecting the team roster in consultation with the Manager.
        2. Leading practices as well as ensuring good sportsmanship by the team.
        3. Determining, with the Captain, appropriate disciplinary actions that may need to be taken with players on the team.
        4. Administering disciplinary actions when appropriate.
        5. Completing and submitting the game report to the respective league and providing the Manager with copies.
        6. Coordinating team practice drills and training methodology with the Training/Practice Committee.
      2. The Coach shall be appointed by the Team Manager with the approval of the Board of Directors.
    6. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS/FINES
      1. All players are bound by the constitutions of FSC, MSA, and any affiliated league regarding monetary fines issued as disciplinary actions.
      2. All non-monetary disciplinary actions will be determined by the Coach and Captain of each respective team (i.e. actions taken for poor practice/game attendance, etc).
  2. INDOOR TEAMS
    1. PLAYER SELECTION
      1. Indoor teams are open to anyone meeting the membership requirements of FSC. If there are spaces open on the roster, non-Ford affiliated personnel (over the 10% limit) will be able to fill the remaining positions on the roster, provided that they have a contact person within Ford.
      2. If there are more participants than the roster allows, priority will be given to players who have been active within the past twelve months. Any remaining spaces will then be filled on a first-come basis.
    2. TEAM MANAGER
      1. The Team Manager shall be responsible for:
        1. Selecting the team roster.
        2. Collecting player fees.
        3. Registering and maintaining good-standing of the team with FSC, MSA, or any league in which the team is registered.
        4. Delegating responsibilities to coordinate uniforms, referee fees, and practice schedules and fields.
        5. Leading the team on the field during games with a positive and controlled attitude.
        6. Promoting sportsmanship by the team.
        7. Maintaining an inventory of team equipment.
        8. Representing the team at FSC Board and affiliated league meetings
      2. The Manager shall be appointed by the Board of Directors with the recommendation of the previous season team members.
      3. Any Manager with three (3) unexcused game absences during the season shall be subject to dismissal by a 2/3 majority vote of the team.
      4. Managers are responsible to confirm with the Treasurer if any outstanding debt is owed to the Club by any player that he/she signs for a season/session. If the player owes the Club fees, the player may be rostered but will not be allowed to play in any games until the fees are settled.

Ford Soccer Club Constitution
Ratified: Nov 8, 2000
Last Amended: October 16, 2001