SGSL By-Laws

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be known as the Seekonk Girls Softball League, Inc. and such organization may be referred to simply as the “S.G.S.L.”. The name of this League may not be used in any manner unless expressed or written permission is given by the Executive Board.

A. No team or individuals associated with the League will be allowed to use “S.G.S.L.” or “Seekonk Girls Softball League” on jackets, sweatshirts, hats, plaques, trophies, etc. unless authorized by the Executive Board.

 

ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this organization is to teach young girls the fundamentals of the game of softball and to promote honesty, loyalty and the ideals of good sportsmanship, and to above all, have fun.

 

ARTICLE III – GOVERNMENT/EXECUTIVE BOARD

A. The government of the S.G.S.L. will be led by the Executive Board.

B. A CORI check must be completed by all adult participants in the organization, including board members and coaches.

C. The Executive Board shall consist of eleven (11) Members nominated and elected annually by a majority vote of board members of the League. 

1. At minimum, the Executive Board shall meet once per month, on a day agreed upon by the Board. To conduct business, a quorum of at least Sixty percent (60%) of the Members of the Executive Board must be present at the Board Meeting.

2. Special Board Meetings may be called by the President at any time to attend to League business.

3. Board members may be removed with cause at any time by the vote of the majority of the Executive Board.  Any Executive Board member who is absent for three consecutive Board meetings may be removed from the Board by a majority vote. 

D. The Officers of the League shall be voted annually by the Members of the Executive Board and shall consist of the following:

President

  • The President shall set the agenda and preside over all meetings.
  • Represent and speak on behalf of the league and manage the league relationship with the Town of Seekonk and other towns as needed.
  • Appoint all committees and enforce all By-Laws.
  • Be responsible for annual renewal of insurance for the league.
  • Carry out other such duties as requested by the board.

Vice-President 

  • Assumes all responsibilities of the President in the event of his/her inability to carry on in that capacity.
  • Assist the President in managing the day-to-day operations of the league.
  • May also serve on the Executive Board in another capacity, such as Facilities Manager or Fundraising Director.

Secretary 

  • Responsible for recording detailed minutes of all meetings.
  • Maintain historical records for the league, including tax returns and other financial records.

Treasurer

  • Receive, manage and distribute all funds as needed on behalf of the league.
  • Provide a detailed report to the Executive Board at least quarterly that lists all income and expenses as well as outstanding bills and accounts receivable.

Travel Coordinator

  • Manage the travel program, including uniform purchases, tournament scheduling, and coach appointment.
  • Mentor new coaches to the program to help foster consistency and the highest standards throughout the travel program.
  • Run tryouts and help evaluate players and form teams.
  • Maintain records of player payments and report to the board any delinquencies and/or hardships.

Recreation Coordinator

  • Manage the spring recreational program as well as fall ball.
  • Watch over player evaluations and the divisions of players into teams.
  • Mentor all coaches in the recreational program to help assure that skills are being taught to players and that players are having fun.  
  • Shall create a subcommittee of volunteers for the recreational season consisting of one person to oversee each division. 

Facilities Manager

  • Responsible for making sure that fields are in a playable state prior to league games.
  • Keep an inventory of all league equipment and bring to the league’s attention any needed purchases throughout the year.

Clinics and Special Events Manager

  • Shall be responsible for organizing and running player development clinics throughout the year.
  • In charge of any special events such as opening day and recreational league playoffs.
  • Has the ability to solicit volunteers to help with any of these events.

Fundraising Director

  • Responsible for all league fundraising activities, including sponsorships, outfield banners and special events.
  • All fundraising activities for the league must be approved by the Fundraising Director and the Executive Board.

Concessions Manager

  • Responsible for stocking and resupplying the concessions stand throughout the year.
  • Oversees the staffing and training of all volunteers.
  • Responsible for keeping books and records of sales and expenses and providing that information to the Executive Board.
  • Shall coordinate cash deposits from concession stand sales to the league bank account.

Social Media Manager

  • Shall manage league social media accounts, including the publishing of information and photos through these channels.  

F. The Executive Board shall have the ability to create additional roles and positions as need be.  

G. Election of the Executive Board shall be performed at the May meeting. The term of the Executive Board Shall be for one year.

H. If an Executive Member resigns or is terminated before his/her full term has been completed, a special election will be held at the next monthly General Meeting to fill the vacancy. 

I. A Member must present for at least 75% of the meetings to be considered having attended that month’s meeting.

J. Any volunteer who commits to this League is expected to uphold all By-Laws. A copy of the By-Laws will be available upon request. A CORI check must be completed annually by all volunteers.

K. The Executive Board shall be able to remove any coach who is deemed detrimental to the League with a majority vote.

L. At least once a year, the president shall solicit volunteers to fill board vacancies or as needed.

 

ARTICLE IV – AMENDMENTS

A. This Charter or any section thereof may be amended or repealed by a vote of 3/4ths of the Executive Board present at any meeting.

1. All amendments shall be submitted in writing to the Secretary and all Voting Members at the regular meeting.

2. Any amendments submitted for change at the meeting in writing, by a Member, may be adjusted by a vote of 3/4ths of Voting Members present after the discussion of such proposed amendment, change or addition.

 

ARTICLE V – FINANCES

A. ALL League-related expenses MUST be submitted to the League Treasurer and reviewed by the Executive Board prior to payment. ALL major purchases MUST be pre-approved by the Executive Board. For the purpose of this section, “major purchases” shall be defined as those in the excess of $250.00.

B. The Players and League Members will be expected to help in raising funds for the League expenses. The type of fundraisers will be determined by the Voting Members. All fundraisers will be presented to the League in writing.

C. The Treasurer shall collect/disburse all League income/expenses, upon review and approval by the Executive Board.

D. A monthly report must be given on the concession stand during the season. This should be given by the Treasurer or Concession Stand Manager.

 

ARTICLE VI – RECREATIONAL LEAGUE

A. Any girl who meets the age requirements will be allowed to play in this League.

1. The Major Division Players will be made up of girls in the 6th-9thgrades.

2. The Minor Division Players will be made up of girls in the 3rd-5thgrades.

3. The Juniors Division Players will all be from the 2ndgrade.

4. The Instructional Division Players will be made up of girls from kindergarten and first grades. The Recreation Coordinator is permitted to admit younger players on a case-by-case basis.  

B. The Executive Board is hereby empowered to amend age brackets and player placement depending upon enrollment and player skill in any particular season.

C. Rules shall be voted on by the Executive Board. The League will generally follow the rules of the USA Softball except as modified or specified below:

1. The home team shall occupy the dugout located on the third base side of the playing field.

2. No player should sit out more than 2 innings per 6 inning game during the recreational season without sufficient reason. 

3. All Players should wear a complete uniform as provided by the League.

4. Upon request by a Head Coach, only the President or his/her designee may cancel a game before the starting time. After the designated starting time, only the umpire shall have the authority to cancel a game. 

5. A continuous batting order will be used in all divisions.

6. Rules may be amended by the Executive Board from time to time.

7. The Junior Division shall follow the 8u rules, the Minor Division shall follow the 10u rules, and the Majors shall follow the 14u rules set by USA Softball except where modified by the Executive Board.

8. All players should be given the opportunity to play in both infield and outfield positions.

 

ARTICLE VII – TRAVEL TEAMS

A. Selection of head coaches for the travel program shall be the responsibility of the Travel Coordinator, to be approved by the Executive Board.

B. The Travel Coordinator shall organize and run tryouts for all travel teams on behalf of the league.  

C. Teams shall be selected by a subcommittee made up of the Travel Coordinator, the approved head coach, and one other person appointed by the President. 

D. Travel coaches can be removed or changed at any time by a vote of the Executive Board.

E. The Travel Coordinator is responsible for monitoring the development of all travel teams and make recommendations to the Executive Board if deficiencies are noticed. 

F. The Fee structure for travel teams shall be set by the Travel Coordinator and approved by the Executive Board. Finances for the individual teams shall be managed by the Treasurer.

 

ARTICLE VIII – SPORTSMANSHIP/CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Good Sportsmanship shall be a priority of the League.  All coaches shall instill the elements of good sportsmanship into the Players of his/her team. After each game each team shall shake hands to congratulate each other on a well-played game. Unsportsmanlike conduct to include but not be limited to making disparaging remarks to the opposing Team/Player(s), not shaking hands after the game, throwing or misusing League equipment or other similar type behavior will not be tolerated. A one game suspension may result for any occurrence, with subsequent occurrences resulting in more severe penalties as determined by the Executive Board.

B. No foul language will be allowed. Any Head Coach/Assistant Coach/Player using foul language directed toward Umpires, Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Players and/or Fans, should be reported to the Umpire and will receive as a 1st Offense: An automatic ejection from the game by the Umpire and will be reported to the Board for further review. 2nd Offense: An automatic one-week suspension from the League. 3rd Offense: The person ejected must then appear before the Executive Board which will by vote:

1. Determine the number of games or length of time for suspension which must exceed one season; or

2. Assess a suspension for the remainder of the season.

C. No combative physical contact will be allowed between Head Coaches/Assistant Coaches/Players. With Head Coaches/Assistant Coaches, Umpires or Players. Any such person will be immediately ejected from the game/field.

1. The person ejected must appear before the Executive Board which will vote to:

a. Reinstatement;
b. Determine a number of games for suspension;
c. Assess a one season suspension; or
d. Suspend indefinitely.

D. Special care should be taken when dealing with children. Verbal abuse in the form of harassment or derogatory comments aimed at belittling children will not be tolerated. A one game suspension may result for any occurrence, with subsequent offenses resulting in a stiffer penalty, as may be determined by the Executive Board.

E. Coaches shall be aware that judgment calls on the part of an Umpire shall not be questioned.

F. A Coach or Assistant Coach who fails to adhere to these By-Laws may be brought before the Executive Board and disciplined. Such offending Coach may be subjected to suspension or placed on probation for up to three (3) years by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Additionally, the Executive Board may, on its own motion or upon the advice of one-half of the Head Coaches in a particular Division, recommend and request the dismissal of a Coach who clearly and consistently fails to adhere to these By-Laws. Such offending Coach may be banned from the League and participation therein for a reasonable time to be determined by the Executive Board, taking into account the severity of the transgression. This action can only be accomplished after a special Executive Board Meeting where the offending party shall have the opportunity to be heard before final action is taken. 

G. There will be no use of tobacco or vaping products allowed in any dugout or field of play.

H. No alcohol shall be consumer by players, coaches, or other adults during game play.

 

ARTICLE IX – CONTINGENCIES

A. In the event that an unforeseen contingency arises which is not otherwise covered within the scope of these By-Laws, the Executive Board is hereby authorized to formulate policy and make decisions pertaining thereto consistent with these By-Laws.

 

COMMON SENSE SHALL PREVAIL