League Constitution

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Article 1 — Name & Organization

1. This organization shall be known as Los Altos-Mountain View PONY Baseball (hereinafter referred to as the “League&rdquo), a member league of PONY Baseball, Inc. of Washington, Pennsylvania (hereinafter “PONY Baseball”).

2. The purpose of this organization is to operate divisions of various age brackets of youth baseball as directed by PONY Baseball. All of the rules and regulations promulgated by PONY Baseball, as updated and amended from time-to-time shall be incorporated herein in total, except to the extent specifically modified or amended by the League’s Constitution. The League shall do all things necessary to maintain a charter from PONY Baseball.

3. This organization shall be operated as an association which exists exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Constitution, the League shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on: (1) by a charitable organization exempt from Federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law); or, (2) by a charitable organization supported by contributions which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States internal revenue law).

Article 2 — Membership

1. Player Member: Any person meeting the stated requirements as to age and residence set forth in the rules and regulations of PONY Baseball, shall be eligible to compete for participation in the League (hereinafter referred to as a “Player Member”).

2. Regular Member: Any parent or legal guardian of a Player Member; team manager or coach; or member of the Board of Directors (hereinafter generally referred to as a “Regular Member”).

Article 3 — Objectives

1. The objectives of the League shall be to implant firmly in Player Members the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and superior baseball play through the practice and play of youth baseball.

2. These objectives shall be pursued by providing supervised, competitive baseball practice and games involving all Player Members. All supervisors shall place first importance on presenting themselves as excellent examples of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty and superior baseball play, followed closely by directly teaching those same attitudes and skills. The molding of future adults is always of prime importance.

Article 4 — Elections

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of, as a minimum, a President, Secretary, Treasurer, Player Representative, and Division Directors (hereinafter collectively the “Board”). The Board may be expanded for any one year by a vote of the Board of Directors at any regular meeting.

2. At a regularly scheduled Board meeting in June of each year, the Board of Directors shall conduct an election to determine the Board of Directors for the following year (hereinafter individually the “Directors”). Candidates for Board positions shall be those individuals placed into nomination at the regularly scheduled May Board meeting or nominations duly made from the floor by members of the Board.

3. The Board of Directors shall assume office upon their election or upon the completion of post-season activities, but in no case later than September 1^st of each year. Outgoing Board members are encouraged to conduct a transition with incoming members.

Article 5 — Positions on the Board of Directors

1. Duties: It is the duty of the Board of Directors to administer the functions of the League in accordance with the highest standards of personal conduct. In addition to the individual duties of each member of the Board defined below, it is the duty of each member of the Board to provide his or her insights and guidance into the operation of the League as a whole and to assist in the accomplishment of League projects and operations to the extent possible without conflicting with the Director’s individual duties and responsibilities. Unless otherwise indicated, each position on the Board shall be a voting directorship answerable to either the President, Vice President of Operations or the Vice President of Administration.

2. Vacancies: If any vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular meeting or any special meeting called for that specific purpose. When practical, an individual should be placed into nomination at one meeting and voted upon at the next available Board meeting. The President, with the annual concurrence of the Board, is not required to fill all Board positions listed herein, nor to seat all of the Committees listed in Article 6, below.

3. Assistants/Co-Positions: Any member of the Board of Directors may petition the Board to have an assistant or an individual with whom the position is shared. Such assistant or shared position shall be subject to a vote of the Board. Anyone so approved may be a full member of the Board or a non-voting member. Such status shall be voted upon concurrently with the vote on the applicant.

4. Committee Assignments: In addition to the duties described within this Article, a Member of the Board may be a standing member or a specially elected or appointed member of a Board committee as provided for in Article 6.

5. President: The President shall be responsible for conducting the affairs of the League and for executing the policies established by the League and PONY Baseball. The President shall promote the welfare of the League, attend district meetings representing the League, preside at all meetings of the members and the Board of Directors, and have the authority to execute for and in the name of the League such contracts and leases as may have received prior approval of the Board of Directors. The President shall appoint all coaches and the heads of various committees not otherwise specified by this Constitution with the approval of the Board of Directors. The President’s signature shall be one of those authorized for the disbursement of League funds.

6. Vice President-Operations: In case of the absence or disability of the President so to act, the Vice President-Operations shall perform the duties of the President, and so when acting, shall have all the powers of that office. The Vice President-Operations is an ex-officio member of all committees, including the Discipline Committee, and shall carry out such duties and assignments as may be delegated to him/her by the President. The Vice President-Operations is responsible for oversight of the League’s on-field operations which includes oversight of league divisions, fields, training, and tournaments. The Vice President’s-Operations signature shall be one of those authorized for the disbursement of League funds.

7. Vice President-Administration: In case of the absence or disability of the President and Vice President-Operations so to act, the Vice President-Administration shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all of the powers of that office. The Vice President-Administration is an ex-officio member of all Committees, including the Discipline Committee, and shall carry out such duties and assignments as may be delegated to him/her by the President. The Vice President-Administration is responsible for oversight of the League’s administrative functions which include the treasury, registration, sponsors, field equipment, uniforms, and publications, including the League website. The Vice President-Administration along with the Registrar and the Director of Sponsors & Public Relations is responsible for marketing the League to prospective Player Members. The Vice President-Administration’s signature shall be one of those authorized for the disbursement of League funds.

8. Secretary: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Secretary shall be: (1) maintain the Minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Board for reading and approval at the next regular meeting; (2) keep Minutes as the official record of the business of the League; (3) make available to all Directors and as requested, to all other attendees of Board meetings, copies of the Minutes of the previous Board meetings; (4) maintain all official records as required for the proper administration of the League; (5) maintain the Board roster and keep all Board members informed of changes in contact information; (6) type/enter, make copies, and distribute all material pertinent to the League; and, (7) co-ordinate the archiving of all pertinent League records and documents with the Webmaster. The Secretary’s signature shall be one of those authorized for the disbursement of League funds.

9. Treasurer: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Treasurer shall be: (1) together with a person appointed by the President and approved by the Board, the Treasurer shall audit the financial books of the League maintained by the previous Treasurer and render an opinion that the books are in proper order. Thereafter, the Treasurer shall accept control of the financial books and records of the League; (2) to maintain the financial records of the League; (3) to establish and maintain a system of checks and balances to assure that all proceeds from sponsors, registration, fund raising events, and all other income are properly accounted for in the financial records of the League; (4) to maintain the checking account and any other bank accounts authorized by the Board; (5) to accumulate accounts payable and prepare checks for payment of same; (6) to prepare a financial statement for each regular Board meeting; (7) to file all tax exemption forms and informational tax returns required by county, state and federal governments; (8) to prepare and submit for Board approval a budget for the current fiscal year by the regular December meeting of the Board; (9) to undertake the necessary action to obtain any license or other legal permission necessary to conduct the business of the League’s activities; (10) to conduct negotiations and obtain approval of the Board for the annual insurance coverage for the League; and, (11) to analyze the financial position of the League in relation to the yearly budget and promptly report any major deviations to the Board. The Treasurer’s signature shall be one of those authorized for the disbursement of League funds.

10. Player Representative: It shall be the duties of the Player Representative (1) to be responsible for all player transactions, including try-outs organized by the Tryout Coordinator; (2) to conduct the Placement Meeting and the Player Drafts; (3) to supervise and administer the selection of all-star players as prescribed herein; and (4) to discuss feedback, either positive or negative, from any Player Member or Regular Member. The Player Representative is an ex-officio member of the Discipline Committee.

11. Tryout Coordinator: As an assistant to the Player Representative, the Tryout Coordinator shall work with the Fields Director and Equipment Director to schedule tryout dates with necessary equipment on the appropriate fields. The Coordinator shall publish the scheduled times (via coordination with the Registrar and Webmaster) in the League registration material and on the League website. The Tryout Coordinator shall schedule volunteers to conduct the Tryouts. The Coordinator shall work with the Registrar and Division Directors to schedule any make-up tryouts. All tryouts shall include “walk-up” League registration, assignment of tryout times, and evaluation of baseball skills.

12. Registrar: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Registrar shall be: (1) to conduct and supervise all player registration, including mail-in registration, in-person registration, website registration, registration at tryouts and late registrations; (2) to provide the Tryout Coordinator and Player Representative with tryout and placement data; (3) to provide the Yearbook Editor with team rosters for the annual Yearbook; (4) to provide the Board with such other registration data as to assist in the operation of the League; and, (5) to participate in the marketing of the League to prospective Player Members.

13. Division Directors: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Operations, the duties of each Division Director shall be: (1) recruit, train, direct and mentor coaches; (2) to recommend for approval of the Board the coaches of their respective divisions; (3) to organize and schedule all activities and games of their respective divisions; (4) to distribute a written schedule showing starting times, dates and home teams for regular season play, (5) to act as liaison between their respective divisions and the Board, including acting as a central point of the information flow; (6) to instruct coaches in the rules of the game, conduct on the field, and in League policies; and, (7). to mediate issues, disputes, etc. involving any combination of parents, umpires, coaches, and League officials. The Division Director for any division initiating a conduct violation hearing shall serve on that Discipline Committee, when it is convened by the Vice President-Operations.

14. Umpire Director: Within the Executive Team responsible to the President, the duty of the Umpire Director shall be to retain, organize, instruct, schedule and be responsible for the conduct of the League’s umpires on the playing field. In addition, the Umpire Director shall be responsible for keeping track of the attendance of umpires at their scheduled games, and then forwarding the appropriate request for payment to the Treasurer. The Umpire Director shall serve on the Discipline Committee.

15. Director of Sponsors & Public Relations: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Director of Sponsors & Public Relations shall be: (1) to institute and complete fund raising from sponsors; and, (2) to create publicity for the sponsors and all League activities and accomplishments. The Director of Sponsors & Public Relations along with the Registrar and Vice President-Administration are also responsible for marketing the League to prospective Player Members.

16. Merchant Sponsor Coordinator: The Merchant Sponsor Coordinator shall serve as an assistant to the Director of Sponsors & Public Relations and the duties of office shall be: (1) proactively solicit merchant sponsors for the League, including sales follow-up with those entities regarding their contributions to the League; (2) be responsible for merchant sponsor billings, tracking payment schedules, receipt of payments and delivery of all goods owed to sponsors (such as appreciation plaques, ads in yearbook, field banners, and website listings); and, (3) be responsible for receipt of goods and services from merchant sponsors in lieu of cash payments.

17. Fields Director: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Operations, the duties of the Fields Director shall be: (1) to obtain the use of the fields from local school districts and cities as appropriate; (2) to plan and supervise field improvements; and, (3) to organize and supervise the on-going maintenance of the fields during the playing season.

18. Uniform Director: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Uniform Director shall be: (1) to acquire and distribute uniforms to all teams; (2) to work with the Division Directors and the coaches to ensure that all uniforms are returned at the end of the season; (3) to provide for the storage of all uniforms and League merchandise; and, (4) to design, purchase and resell League apparel.

19. Equipment Director: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Equipment Director shall be: (1) to acquire and distribute playing equipment to all teams; (2) to acquire, distribute and restock as needed the first aid equipment in the field sheds; (3) to work with the Division Directors and the coaches to ensure that all playing equipment is returned at the end of the season; and (4) to provide for the appropriate storage of all League equipment in provided facilities.

20. Club Team/Tournament Director: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Operations, the duties of the Club Team/Tournament Director shall be: (1) to investigate, recommend to the respective Division Directors and register tournament teams in Memorial Day invitational tournaments; (2) to advise and coordinate with the Division Directors on in-house tournaments; (3) to register and coordinate teams for play in PONY Baseball sanctioned post-season tournaments; (4) to otherwise coordinate all League involvement with tournaments; (5) to be directly involved with the appropriate Division Director(s) and Player Representative on the selection of Club Team coaches; (6) to coordinate and schedule an additional Club Team tryout, if necessary, with the appropriate Division Director and Club Team coach(es) following the regular divisional tryout and prior to the selection of club team rosters; (7) to be directly involved with the appropriate Division Director and Player Representative on the formation and selection of Club Team rosters; (8) to coordinate field usage and practice schedules for the League’s Club and All Star teams with the appropriate Division Director; and; and (9) act as liaison between the Registrar and Club Team coaches to monitor fee collection(s).

21. Rosita Tournament Coordinator: The Rosita Tournament Coordinator shall serve as an assistant to the Pony Division Director and the duties of Office shall be to act as the official host and point person for the annual hosting by the League of sectional or regional PONY Baseball tournaments at Rosita Field. The duties of office of the Rosita Tournament Coordinator shall include: (1) creating a Committee with the Pony Division Director to plan and organize the operations of sectional and/or regional PONY Baseball tournaments held at Rosita Field. The Committee shall meet monthly from February to July of each season; (2) arranging volunteers to staff the gate, snack bar, scorer’s table and field maintenance teams that support the operations for the sectional or regional PONY Baseball tournaments; (3) coordination and purchasing of the supplies necessary to hold such tournament games; (4) coordinate with the Treasurer on a financial reporting system to track and account for expenses and revenues associated with such tournaments; (5) delivery of all cash and revenue from such tournament operations to the Treasurer; and (6) arrange for the cleanup and return of all equipment borrowed or leased by the League to support the tournament’s operations.

22. Training Director: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Operations, the duties of the Training Director shall be: (1) to organize programs through which coaches can enhance their coaching skills; (2) to organize League-sponsored skill-development activities in critical areas for players; and (3) to develop a set of printed and/or website-based training materials for coaches at all age levels.

23. Yearbook Editor: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Yearbook Editor shall be to edit, assemble and publish the annual Yearbook.

24. Webmaster: Within the sphere of responsibility of the Vice President-Administration, the duties of the Webmaster shall be: (1) maintain the League website, including provisions for hosting the website; (2) maintain an internet registration capability for the League; (3) develop and maintain a League email system; and (4) develop and maintain an electronic document archive system for League business and League records.

25. Member Emeritus: At any regular meeting of the Board to be then voted upon at the next regular meeting, the President may nominate any past member of the Board of Directors for a single-year term as a Member Emeritus. A Member Emeritus, once elected, shall serve in any capacity at the direction of the President. There may be no more than five (5) Members Emeritus at any one time. A Member Emeritus may vote on any issue before the Board. A Member Emeritus shall not be authorized to disburse League funds.

Article 6 — Committee Operations

The Board is to operate with a number of standing committees. These committees shall provide a forum for the detailed discussion of issues before the League. These committees shall be the primary source, but not the only source, of motions and other business brought before the Board. Committee meetings shall be published with sufficient notice to encourage participation by all committee members and other interested Directors. All committee meetings shall be open to all Regular Members and Player Members, except for the proceedings of the Discipline Committee. Committee vacancies shall be filled by the same procedure used for Board vacancies. Committee meeting frequency, times and places shall be set by the respective chairs. The notations below are the current expectations.

1. Executive Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: This committee shall: (1) recommend the jurisdiction of the League, such as the purpose of the League and League boundaries; (2) recommend policies regarding players served by the League, such as age, abilities, play of game (but not rules); (3) recommend allocation of financial resources (but not budgeting); (4) recommend specific Board candidates; (5) address matters of community relations; and (6) develop policies and practices that foster transferring knowledge and skills within the League to succeeding generations of volunteers, both Directors and coaches.
   • Members: President (chair), Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Administration, Treasurer, Secretary, Registrar, and one member-at-large appointed by the President.
   • Frequency of Meetings: This committee shall meet every two to three months as needed.

2. Finance Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: This committee shall (1) review the budget and make recommendations to the Board; (2) review all proposals for material expenditures outside the budget; (3) oversee all fundraising events; and (4) review and approve (or disapprove) all pay rates for umpiring, field maintenance, field improvement, and any other paid function to be submitted to the Board for approval.
   • Members: This committee shall consist of three voting members (1) the Vice President-Administration (chair); (2) the Director of Sponsors; and (3) a Director selected at large. The at-large Director shall be selected at the same time as are all other Directors (typically June for the following season). The Treasurer shall serve as a non-voting member of this committee.
   • Frequency of Meetings: This Committee shall meet a minimum of once each calendar quarter. It is expected this Committee will also meet monthly during the period of September through January.

3. Audit Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: This committee shall: (1) review financial performance under the approved budget; (2) review all disbursements and bank records; (3) review and approve (or reverse) all disbursements to Board Members and their families; (4) review insurance coverage; (5) review the annual tax return; and (6) review annual 1099/1096 filings.
   • Members: This committee shall consist of three voting members: (1) the Vice-President of Administration (chair); (2) the Director of Sponsors; and (3) a Director selected at large. The at-large Director shall be selected at the same time as are all other Directors (typically June for the following season). The Treasurer shall serve as a non-voting member of this committee. At the direction of the President, this committee may be incorporated into the Finance Committee or separated from the Finance Committee to address specific issues.
   • Frequency of Meetings: This Committee shall meet a minimum of once each calendar quarter. It is expected this Committee will also meet monthly during the period of September through January.

4. Operations Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: This committee shall be responsible for all business of League operations, including scheduling, rules, drafts, tryouts, playoffs and field assignments. This responsibility includes both current issues before the League and improvements or advanced planning.
   • Members: Vice President of Operations (chair), Player Representative, Tryout Coordinator, Registrar, the Division Directors (all), the Assistant Division Directors (if any), the Chief of Umpires, and the Equipment Director.
   • Frequency of Meetings: Meetings shall be monthly, October through May, and at other times as needed.

5. Field Planning and Improvements Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: This committee shall (1) physically review the condition of all fields; (2) plan and make recommendations for upgrades to the fields; (3) coordinate all field works, including Boy Scouts Eagle Projects; (4) work with the cities of Los Altos, Mountain View and Cupertino and the Los Altos School District, Mountain View-Whisman School District, Los Altos – Mountain View High School District and the Cupertino School District for any approvals or improvements within their respective jurisdictions; (5) one or more of the committee members shall participate with jurisdictional field user meetings, i.e. Los Altos School District and the City of Mountain View twice-annual meetings; and (6) work in cooperation with the many sponsors who make in-kind and financial commitments to the League.
   • Members: Fields Director (chair), the Vice President of Operations, the Mustang II Director, the Bronco Director, the Pony Director, and at least one member-at-large chosen by the President.
   • Frequency of Meetings: This committee shall meet at least every other month from October through April.

6. Registration Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: This committee shall (1) make recommendations regarding the eligibility of groups of players (as contrasted to the eligibility of a single Player Member); (2) develop and implement marketing policies to reach prospective players and their families as approved by the Board; (3) develop the registration materials, (4) develop the registration calendar; (5) develop, collect, summarize, and disseminate end-of-season evaluations to be completed by the Regular Members; (6) develop the tryout calendar and plan the tryouts; and (7) recommend to the Board play up and play down policies.
   • Members: Registrar (chair), Player Representative, Tryout Coordinator, Secretary and a minimum of two members-at-large as appointed by the President.
   • Frequency of Meetings: Monthly from August through April.

7. Discipline Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: The purpose of the Discipline Committee shall be as specified in Article 9.
   • Members: The Discipline Committee shall consist of the individuals specified in Article 9.
   • Frequency of Meetings: Meetings of the Discipline Committee shall be held whenever called by the Chair and attended by at least a quorum of the Discipline Committee as specified in Article 9.

8. Protest Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: The purpose of the Protest Committee shall be to review all complaints submitted in writing from any protesting coach concerning the play of a game with regard to the rules of the game.
   • Members: The Protest Committee shall consist of the Division Director of the level of play submitting the complaint (Chair), the Umpire Director and the Player Representative.
   • Frequency of Meetings: As needed only.

9. All-Star Coach Selection Committee –
   • Purpose & Jurisdiction: The purpose of the All-Star Coach Selection Committee shall be to select all coaches and assistant coaches from those proposed to coach an all-star team representing the League at any tournament.
   • Members: The All-Star Coach Selection Committee shall consist of the Division Director of the level of play choosing All Star Coaches (Chair), the Umpire Director and the Player Representative. The Committee shall solicit input and recommendations from other members of the Board, as needed.
   • Frequency of Meetings: This committee shall meet only as needed to pick or confirm the selection of All Star coaches.

Article 7 — Financial and Accounting

1. The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the League and it shall place all income in a common League treasury, directing the expenditures of the same in such manner as will give no individual team an advantage over any other team.

2. All checks drawn on League accounts of $200 or more require the signature of two (2) authorized members of the Board. One signature shall be that of the Treasurer or League President whenever practical. Disbursements of less than $200 can be made with only one signature of an authorized member of the Board.

3. Neither the Board of Directors nor any member of the League shall be permitted to solicit funds in the name of Los Altos-Mountain View PONY Baseball unless the funds are placed in the League Treasury in a prompt manner. The Board of Directors shall not permit the distribution of League funds for any reasons other than to conduct League activities.

4. No board member or other member of the League shall receive any salary or other compensation from the League for services rendered. Meeting facilities normally used by the Board of Directors, annual recognition awards, discounts for participation of member’s children in regular League play, or a modest annual banquet shall not be considered compensation to the participants.

5. The fiscal year of the League shall begin the first day of October and end the last day of September.

6. On the dissolution or winding up of the League, its assets remaining after payment of, or provision for payment of, all debts and liabilities of this association, shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, association or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and which has established its tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Article 8 — Meetings

1. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held monthly for the months of September through June at times and places to be approved by the Board of Directors at least one meeting in advance. All regular Board of Directors meetings shall be open to the regular membership. Members of the Board of Directors are encouraged to attend all meetings of the Board of Directors.

2. Any member of the Board of Directors, with the approval of at least two (2) other members, may call a special meeting of the Board of Directors. At least two (2) days notice must be given to the members of the Board of Directors.

3. All matters of policy, rule and constitution shall be decided by a majority vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors, except as otherwise indicated herein. A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum at a meeting.

4. The most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where the same conflicts with this Constitution or the PONY Baseball rules and regulations.

Article 9 – Discipline Committee

1. Prior to the start of each season, the President shall designate the following Directors as participants and members of the League’s “Discipline Committee” (hereinafter the “Committee”) and charge them with the task of reviewing and implementing disciplinary action on any reported violations of the League’s published “Code(s) of Conduct” and/or the “PONY Baseball Rules & Regulations.” The composition of the Committee for any reported conduct violation shall be selected and appointed as follows: (i) the Vice President-Operations; (ii) the Player Representative; (iii) the Umpire Director; (iv) the Division Director for the level of play subject to review; and (v) a Board Member at large chosen by the President or the President sitting pro se. The Vice President-Operations shall serve as the Chairman of the Committee.

2. The Committee shall make every effort to convene a quorum (“Review Board”) within forty-eight (48) hours of any reported conduct violation. Written reports of such conduct violation are advised, but not required. The Committee may solicit testimony and advise from any sources it chooses, but actual disciplinary decisions shall be based only upon the majority vote of the members of the Review Board. The deliberations and decisions of the Committee and Review Board shall be reported to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board subsequent to any reported conduct violation.

3. Persons subject to review by the Committee shall be informed of the Committee’s review of their conduct and shall be told that they have the right to appear before the Committee to explain their conduct before any discipline is imposed by the League. In the event that such person is under the age of 18 years, that person’s parents shall be provided with the notice set forth herein and they shall be asked to appear with their child if a hearing is requested. The onus for requesting a hearing before the Committee shall rest with the party subject to review. If such party does not request the opportunity to explain their conduct to the Committee, the Committee may proceed with its deliberations and render its decision based upon the facts before it.

4. The Committee may craft a penalty for any violation that it believes is warranted under the circumstances. The available actions include, but are not limited to:
   1. Warning -- The offending person is to be advised in writing of the nature of the offense and advised that further repetition of the offense shall result in a more severe penalty; or
   2. Suspension -- The offending person is to be advised in writing that he or she has been suspended from all League activity for a specific number of games or days; or
   3. Dismissal -- The offending person is to be advised in writing that he or she has been dismissed from their position as a Coach, from further League activities, and/or from their position on the Board for the remainder of the current season; or
   4. Barred -- The offending person is to be advised in writing that he or she has been barred from present and future participation in the League either permanently or for a specific number of years.
   5. All Star Eligibility — Any coach ejected from a game(s) may be declared ineligible to coach any of the League’s All Star or Tournament teams for the season in which the conduct violation occurred.

5. The Review Board, in its sole discretion, may decide if the circumstances of the conduct violation require punitive action. In meting out any discipline to a person accused of a conduct violation, the Review Board shall consider, but is not obligated to adopt, the following League preferred minimum penalties:
   1. Any person ejected from a game shall be ineligible to return to the field for the next regularly scheduled game of their team.
   2. Any person ejected twice in one season from a game shall be barred from further play that season or in the discretion of the Committee may be barred from the League for an appropriate period of time under the circumstances.

6. In the event that a person ejected from a game by the umpires requests a hearing before the Review Board, then the minimum preferred penalty set forth herein shall be delayed until the conclusion of the Review Board’s deliberations and the rendering of its decision. If no hearing has been requested, and the Review Board has elected not to convene for deliberations before the next regularly scheduled game for the person ejected, then the League’s minimum preferred penalty shall be implemented immediately and the Review Board will determine if addition disciplinary action, if any, is warranted under the circumstances.

Article 10 — Coaches

1. The Division Directors of their respective divisions, with the approval of the Board of Directors, will appoint team Head Coaches (hereinafter “Head Coach(es)”). The Division Directors are responsible for the actions of the Head Coaches on the field.

2. Head Coach responsibilities include: (1) organization and proper conduct of players and assistant coaches (hereinafter “Assistant Coach{es}”) assigned to his/her team while participating in League activities; (2) proper care and accountability of League equipment entrusted to him/her; and (3) setting an excellent example of good sportsmanship, leadership and fair play. Prior to each game, the home team shall be responsible for field preparation. (Note, in some Divisions, both teams are responsible for field preparation.) After each game, each team shall be responsible for field care and the cleaning of the respective dug-outs and spectator areas. The home team shall ensure that all field equipment used during the game is inventoried and put away and that all storage areas are locked.

3. Assistant Coaches are the second in command and are responsible to the Head Coach of the team.

4. All candidates for Head or Assistant Coaches shall submit such information as requested by the Board and are subject to background investigations to the degree deemed necessary by the Board.
   

Article 11 — Player Selection Draft

1. The objective of the player selection draft is to make teams within the Mustang, Bronco, and Pony Divisions as equal as possible at the beginning of the season. Shetland and Pinto divisions are exempt from these draft provisions. The Colt Division is conditionally exempt (see below).

2. The Board shall appoint a Draft Committee of the Player Representative, the Vice President of Operations, and the respective Division Director to develop, modify and implement the draft procedures to ensure this objective is met. The President may fill the position of any one Draft Committee member not present at the time the business of the Draft Committee is called to order.

3. All returning players and new players within a division shall be required to participate in tryouts and the draft at the discretion of the Draft Committee.

4. For each division, the Draft Committee shall schedule a draft after that division’s tryouts are completed. All of the Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches shall be invited to attend the draft. The Player Representative shall chair all player selection drafts. Should the Player Representative not be available, then the President shall chair such draft(s). The remainder of the Draft Committee and the Registrar shall be present at all player selection drafts.

5. All coaches must draft his/her son or daughter in whatever round is determined by their placement in the hypothetical round of their draft score as determined by the Player Representative. At the discretion of the Draft Committee, each coach may choose no more than one Assistant Coach prior to the draft and his/her son or daughter shall be drafted in the round determined by their placement in the hypothetical round of their draft score as determined by the Player Representative. These players are known as “Placed Players.” At no time shall a team have more than two Placed Players, unless the Head Coach or Assistant Coach has two or more offspring players in the same division. All such sibling players are considered Placed Players. There are no restrictions on adding Assistant Coaches who do not bring Placed Players. The Draft Committee may separate and reassign Head Coaches and/or their preferred Assistant Coaches if the Placed Players dominate in a particular talent, such as catching or pitching.

6. Drafting order shall be determined by the lowest cumulative score of all chosen players at the beginning of each round of the Draft. The lowest ranking team based on a total of cumulative Player Members tryout scores already chosen by that team shall have the next draft choice.

7. It shall be considered unethical and subject to possible discipline as provided for in the Code of Conduct should any Head Coach or Assistant Coach at any time prior to or during the draft make arrangements or offers with any other Head or Assistant Coaches to place one or more players on any team other than the Placed Players.

8. Any individual, including a returning player, registering after the draft shall be assigned to a team by the Draft Committee.

9. Upon request, and prior to the draft, brothers and/or sisters shall be eligible to be placed on the same team. Upon the draft of one such player, the sibling shall also be drafted, filling whatever round is determined by their placement in the hypothetical round of their draft score as determined by the Player Representative.

10. All player trades are subject to approval by the Draft Committee, who shall decide such issues in their sole discretion. Trades can only be discussed and consummated after the Draft for that division has been completed, but before the Draft has been officially adjourned by the Draft Committee. All trades made after the Draft has been officially adjourned are prohibited.

11. The Colt Division shall be invitation-only teaming. In other words, no draft shall apply. The Draft Committee may alter this method at its sole discretion.

Article 12 — Tournaments

1. It is the policy of the League to field a representative team of all-star players from each division for competition in tournament play.

2. Uniforms, equipment, tournament and all other reasonable expenses shall be provided by the League. The Board shall determine what, if any, fee shall be charged to players participating in League sanctioned All-Star Tournaments on a year-by-year basis. All income, if any, received from All-Star tournament activities shall be deposited into the League Treasury.

3. The objective of all-star selection is to field the best possible team, subject to the rules of the League and the rules of PONY Baseball.

4. All-Star coach selection shall be made by the All-Star Coach Selection Committee as set forth in detail in Article 6(I).

Article 13 — Club Teams

1. Offering: The League shall offer a club team program (“Club Team{s}”) to any or all divisions within the League as shall be determined by the Operations Committee and approved by the Board on an annual basis. Issues not discussed within this Article must be addressed in the same manner as they are addressed in the regular season operations of the League.

2. General Concept: The Club Team concept is to offer those who wish to make the commitment in extra time and cost a substantially more intense baseball experience. Club Team members – players and coaches – will be expected to put forth considerable additional effort beyond that for a typical regular season team. Participants will be rewarded with more frequent playing opportunities under more challenging circumstances with more intensive coaching and training. Participation on a Club Team shall be strictly voluntary. However, once registered and drafted, Club Team players and their coaches will be expected to fulfill their seasonal obligation.

3. Code of Conduct: Club Teams shall report to their respective Division Directors and shall in all ways be subject to the Codes of Conduct practiced by the League.

4. Season: The Club Team season will begin in late January or early February and will conclude on Memorial Day. Each Club Team will participate in up to four tournaments during the Club Team season as organized by the Club Team/Tournament Director and the individual Club Team Head Coach(es). Once the regular season is underway Club Teams will confine their weekly play to Sundays or any time during League regular season breaks.

5. Player Eligibility: Club Team players and coaches are required to participate on two teams – a regular season team and a Club Team. A Club Team player must actively participate on a regular season team of the same division as the applied-for Club Team except Mustang-1 players who are "League-age" 8-year olds are eligible to play on Pinto-2 Club teams. It shall be the policy of the League to advise Club Team players that they not concurrently be listed on outside USSSA, SuperSeries or similar program rosters.

6. Player Disqualification: A suspension, resignation, or drop (as determined by the Division Director and Player Rep) from the regular season team shall automatically be a withdrawal from a player’s Club Team. A suspension from the Club Team (not a resignation or drop) shall automatically be a withdrawal from the regular season team. Any Club Team player suspended, resigned or dropped at any time during the Club Team season is not eligible for a refund, prorated or full, of their Club Team or their regular season team fees. A Club Team player who is suspended or dropped may appeal that decision regarding the regular season team status, the Club Team status or both to the Suspension Appeal Committee (see below).

7. Selection of Players: Players who sign up to participate on a Club Team are evaluated during their regular division tryout. An additional evaluation may be held at the discretion of the Club Team Coach after the conclusion of the regular divisional evaluation and prior to the selection of the final Club Team rosters. These evaluations will be scheduled and their format will be determined and run by the Club Team/Tournament Director, Player Representative, appropriate Division Director and Club Team Coach(es). Shortly thereafter, Club Team players are selected from the top tier of tryout candidates in their age bracket by the Club Team/Tournament Director, Player Representative, respective Division Director and the Club team Coach(es).

8. Players Not Selected: Players who are not selected will be refunded their deposit and may choose to be placed on a Club Team wait list. Should an additional player be required by a Club Team, such player shall be selected from the respective wait list with a pro rata payment of the Club Team fee. Players who wish to sign up after Club Teams have been formed may request to be placed on the wait list, at the discretion of the Club Team/Tournament Director, the Player Rep and the Registrar.

9. Preformed Teams Not Permitted: Pre-formed club teams shall not be allowed to be organized within the League.

10. Coach Eligibility: To be eligible to be a Club Team Head Coach or Assistant Coach, the Head Coach or Assistant Coach must actively participate on a regular season team either as a Head Coach or as an Assistant Coach at any level. Selection of the Head Coach of a Club Team will be the responsibility of the Club Team/Tournament Director, Player Representative and respective Division Director. All additional members of the coaching staff shall be selected by the Head Coach and approved by the Club Team/Tournament Director, Player Representative, and respective Division Director.

11. Coach Disqualification: A suspension of a coach, either the Head Coach or an Assistant Coach from the regular season team shall automatically be a suspension from the Club Team and vice versa.

12. Club Team Pitching Limitations: For their Club Team and regular season team combined, pitchers are subject to PONY Baseball pitching rule limitations. Club team players and their coaches shall coordinate with their regular team coaching staff on innings pitched and vice versa.

13. No Requirement for Club Team Play: There shall be no required play rules for any Club Team, no matter what the age division. Play shall be determined solely by the individual Club Team coaching staff in strict accordance with PONY Baseball tournament rules. In other words, a Club Team player may suit up, but not play any innings at the discretion of the Club Team coaching staff.

14. Club Team Advisory Committee: A special Club Team Advisory Committee will address any issue not covered by this description or the governing rules of the League. The members of the Club Team Advisory Committee shall be selected by the Vice President-Operations and shall be approved by the President. There shall be from three to five members of the Club Team Advisory Committee who shall meet on an as-needed basis. Any Director is eligible for this committee, except the Club Team/Tournament Director, Player Representative, or any Division Director.

15. Club Team Suspension Appeal Committee: A player who is suspended or who is dropped may appeal that decision to a committee of the Vice President-Operations, the Chief of Umpires, and one hereto uninvolved board member chosen by the President (but not the President), herein referred to as the Club Team Suspension Appeal Committee.

Article 14 — Rules of Conduct

1. The League shall maintain and publish a “Fan’s/Parent’s Code of Conduct” (hereinafter generally the “Code of Conduct”) for fans and parents attending all League sanctioned activities and/or games. Any reported violation of the Code of Conduct shall be reviewed by the Discipline Committee, which shall decide whether the conduct violation requires punitive action.

2. The League shall maintain and publish a “Player’s Code of Conduct” (hereinafter generally the “Code of Conduct”) for all registered players in the League. Any reported violation of the Code of Conduct shall be reviewed by the Discipline Committee, which shall decide whether the violation requires punitive action.

3. The League shall maintain and publish a “Coach’s Code of Conduct” (hereinafter generally the “Code of Conduct”) for all persons chosen by the Division Directors to serve as team Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or coach working with the Player Members at League sanctioned games. At a time prior to the commencement of the Player Selection Draft for the Mustang, Bronco, Pony, and Colt Divisions each Head Coach and/or Assistant Coach must execute in the presence of the Division Director a copy of the then in force Code of Conduct. Team Head Coaches for all other Divisions of play or any Assistant Coach or coach who becomes a team Head Coach for an All-Star or Tournament Team must execute a copy of the then in force Code of Conduct prior to the first practice for any such team and at a day and time designated by the Division Director. No Head Coach, Assistant Coach, or coach will be allowed to participate in the Player Selection Draft or coach any League sanctioned team unless such requirement is satisfied. Any reported violation of the Code of Conduct shall be reviewed by the Discipline Committee, which shall decide whether the violation requires punitive action.

4. The League shall maintain and publish a “Director/Officer’s Code of Conduct” (hereinafter generally the “Code of Conduct”) for Directors elected to the Board of Directors of the League and/or PONY Baseball sanctioned League Officers. Any reported violation of the Code of Conduct shall be reviewed by the Discipline Committee, which shall decide whether the conduct violation requires punitive action.

5. Any player, head coach, Assistant Coach, coach, spectator or other attendee, who in the umpire’s sole judgment conducts himself/herself in an unsportsmanlike manner or in a manner contrary to the League’s published Codes of Conduct may be ejected from the game, dugout area, stands or spectator area, or the entire ballpark. Any such ejection shall be reported to the Umpire Director and the Division Director for Division in which the incident occurred at the conclusion of the game. The Division Director affected shall further report the ejection to the Discipline Committee for further review and action.

6. Failure of any person ejected from the game to leave the area requested by the umpire shall constitute grounds for declaring a forfeiture of the game. In the sole discretion and judgment of the umpire, a forfeiture of the game may be declared by the umpire prior to the completion of the game for the failure of any person to obey his directives after being ejected.

Article 15 — Safety

1. All batters, including the on-deck batter and base runners, must wear protective head gear. Protective head gear must be worn by Player Members when acting as base coaches.

2. All catchers must wear protective gear including chest protector, cup, helmet, shin guards, and face mask with throat protector attached. When catchers are warming up pitchers and are in the crouch position, the catcher must wear a face mask.

3. Loose equipment, which are items not in immediate use, shall be kept out of play behind the fence or in the dugout.

4. Specific rules for each playing field may be prepared by the Division Directors and shall be approved by the Board of Directors. In addition, the umpire at home plate may define a rule when, in the umpire’s judgment and with concern for safety, the umpire believes the rule modification is warranted. The umpire shall inform both Head Coaches of the rule at the time of its definition. There shall be no conflict between these rules and the official rules and regulations issued by PONY Baseball.

5. All fields shall have a complete first aid kit on site for all practices and games. It is the responsibility of the Head Coaches to ensure that these first aid kits are in good order. Deficiencies must be reported to the Field, Equipment, or Division Director immediately.

6. Medical release forms for each player shall be in the possession of the attending coach on the field at all times.

Article 16 — Rules of Play

1. Copies of the rules, as prescribed by PONY Baseball shall be issued each season to each team’s Head Coach as soon as availability permits.

2. The Official Playing Rules and Regulations issued by PONY Baseball shall be binding on the League, except as noted herein.

3. Special league rules may be adopted by the Board of Directors at any meeting. Such special league rules may be any rule that does not jeopardize the charter from PONY Baseball, is in the interest of the safety of Player Members, or is compliance with a governmental restriction.

Articles 17 — General

1. Copies of this League Constitution shall be posted on the League’s website or distributed to any Regular Member upon request.

2. This League Constitution or any section hereof may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the quorum of the Board of Directors, providing written notice of such proposed changes are sent to each member of the Board of Directors at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed change shall be submitted to a vote or sufficient copies are provided at the prior regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors.

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Updated: 2/10/2005.
This document is available electronically from John D. Love, 650/948-8370 or BuickGuy2-Pony@yahoo.com.
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