BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I. NAME

Section 1. The name of the organization shall be legally known as the LYNNFIELD YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Section 2. It shall also be known as the LYHA.

ARTICLE II. AFFILIATIONS

Section 1. This organization shall be, and is hereby governed by the rules of USA HOCKEY and MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY.

Section 2. In the event of the dissolution of the "Lynnfield Youth Hockey Association", any remaining funds will be donated to the Lynnfield Public School System and the Lynnfield Public Library.

Section 3. Eligibility to participate in the "Lynnfield Youth Hockey Association" is not determined by sex, race, creed, or color. The Lynnfield Youth Hockey Association" does not discriminate against any person based upon sex, race, creed, or color.

Section 4. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the corporation is organized exclusively for one or more of the purposes as specified in Sec. 501 (C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and shall not carry on any activities not permitted be carried on by a corporation exempt from the Federal income tax under IRC Sec. 501to (C) (3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

Section 5. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee, director, officer, of the corporation, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the corporation), and no member, trustee, director, officer of the corporation or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution of the corporation.

Section 6. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, except as otherwise provided by IRC Sec. 501 (h) or participating in, or intervening in (including the publication or distribution of the statements), any political campaign on behalf of candidates for public office.

Section 7. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the corporation shall, after necessary expenses thereof, be distributed to another organization exempt under IRC Sec. 501 (C) (3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent federal government, or state, or local government for a public purpose.

ARTICLE III. PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be:

1. To teach the art of skating to all participating in the program.
2. To instruct participating youth in the fundamental skills of ice hockey.
3. To instill the necessary attitudes for team spirit and sportsmanship through success and cooperative effort.
4. To foster safety, fairness, and fun.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall consist of:

1. The parents or legal guardians of those participants in the LYHA program. For purposes of these By-laws, each family with one or more participants in the LYHA program shall have one vote at the annual membership meeting.
2. Any officer without a child in the LYHA program must be accepted by the general membership at the annual meeting.

ARTICLE V. GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The fiscal year of LYHA shall end each year on July 31^st.

Section 2. The elected governing body of the program shall be known as the "Board of Directors" and shall consist of the following officers:

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Immediate Past President
4. Secretary
5. Treasurer

FUNCTIONAL OFFICERS

1. Ice Director
2. Coaching Director
3. Publicity Director
4. Equipment Manager
5. Clinic Director
6. Team / Parent Coordinator
7. Director of Fund Raising
8. Registrar
9. Director of Girls Hockey 

Section 2. All "Officers" shall be elected for a term of one year.

Section 3. All Officers shall have the responsibility to conduct and attend the Board of Directors meetings with full voting rights on all issues and matters that are decided upon at said meetings.

Section 4. A "quorum" of at least seven (7) Officers must be present at any Board meeting for valid voting to take place.

Section 5. All elected officers shall be determined by a vote of the majority (greatest number of votes) of the eligible vote, of the program membership present and voting.

Section 6. A vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled, for the remainder of the year, by an election held among the remaining members of the Board at a meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section 7. In the event that the total number of Executive and Functional Officers serving on the Board shall at any time be an even number, the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, elect one additional "at large" Director to serve for the remainder of the year as set forth in Section 6 above.

ARTICLE VI. AMENDMENTS

Section 1. The by-laws may be amended by a majority vote (greatest number of votes) of the members present at any general membership meeting, provided written notice of the proposed action has been given to each member ten days prior to the time action is to be taken.

Section 2. Amendments may be proposed in writing by any member to the Board of Directors, who shall notify the membership in accordance with Section 1.

ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall determine all fees and assessments.

Section 2. The Board of Directors shall set, at the start of each season, rules regarding payments and payment schedules, and shall see that every member receives a copy of those rules.

Section 3. In the event that a player is to be suspended for non-payment, that player shall be notified at least seven (7) days prior to suspension by the President or Treasurer, in writing.

Section 4. The President shall notify the Coaching Director of all pending suspensions, as soon as possible.

Section 5. Only the President or Treasurer may authorize suspensions of players for financial matters.

Section 6. No program funds shall be used by anyone without the Board of Directors approval.

Section 7. No special dues schedules or rates shall be set without authorization of the Board of Directors.

Section 8. All finances and financial matters shall be under the control of the Board of Directors.

Section 9. The President, Treasurer or Secretary shall be the only endorsees authorized to disperse LYHA funds. All funds are to be dispersed by check and require the signature of the Treasurer

ARTICLE VIII. ELECTIONS

Section 1. Election of officers shall be at the "Annual Membership Meeting".

Section 2. Prior to the election of officers, at the "Annual Membership Meeting", a report shall be given by the President and the Treasurer. The Treasurer's report will reflect the financial condition of the program to the date of the meeting and will have been previously audited.

Section 3. Voting will be by individual ballot and no member shall cast more than one vote. Proxies or votes in absentia will not be recognized. The right to vote shall be provided to each parent/guardian of minor players, coaches, and any other volunteers in the program in the process for nomination and election of Directors.  More than one adult member of each family shall be eligible for nomination and election to the Board of Directors.

Section 4. Candidates shall be nominated from the floor during the annual membership meeting. Acceptance or refusal of candidacy may be made by absentee letter.

Section 5. Officers shall take office at the end of the program season.

Section 6. The first Board of Directors meeting, after the annual membership meeting, shall constitute a "transition" meeting attended by all board officers; incoming, outgoing, and incumbent. The purpose of this meeting will be to insure a smooth transition in those areas where there is a change in officers.

Section 7. Candidates for office shall be members of the Program as defined in ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP, except as modified in section 3 above.

ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS

Section 1. "General Membership Meetings" and Board of Directors Meetings may be called by the President or a majority of the Board of Directors.

Section 2. Board of Directors meetings shall be scheduled at least once a month during the regular hockey season and shall be open to the membership.

Section 3. The agenda of the General Membership Meetings will be set by the President or a majority of the Board of Directors.  Additional agenda items may be proposed by any voting member in attendance at the meeting.

Section 4. An "Annual Membership Meeting", for the purpose of electing officers, shall be held each year in the spring toward the end of, or immediately following, the regular hockey season.

Section 5. Notice of the Annual Membership Meeting and General Membership

Notice of the meetings shall be published in local newspapers at least one week prior to said meetings.

ARTICLE X. OUTSIDE REPRESENTATION

The President shall be the official representative of LYHA in all areas which come under their jurisdiction. However, the President may appoint another Board member to represent LYHA.

ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES

Section 1. The Board of Directors shall determine the committees deemed proper and necessary to fulfill the object and purpose of the program.

Section 2. All committee chairpersons shall be appointed by the President.

Section 3. The President and/or Vice-President shall be ex-officio members of all committees.

Section 4. Committees, as needed, shall be made up of volunteers.

Section 5. Special committees may be appointed by the President, as needed.

ARTICLE XII. AUTHORITY TO BIND

No member of this program shall contract for or enter into any agreement, or otherwise obligate this program, financially or otherwise, without proper authorization from the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIII. RULES OF ORDER

The rules contained in "Robert's Rules of Order" (Newly Revised) shall govern this organization in all cases to which they are applicable, and where they are not inconsistent with the by-laws of the organization.

ARTICLE XIV. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

Any officer or director may be removed from office as a result of failure to fulfill the duties of said office, or for conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Program. Said removal must follow the following procedures:

1. A petition stating the charge shall be filed with the President and signed by two-thirds of the Board of Directors.
2. The Secretary shall notify, in writing, each Board member ten (10) days before the question will be placed on a meeting agenda.
3. Said officer or director shall be given written notice of the charge at least ten (10) days before the question will be placed on a meeting agenda.
4. The petitioners shall present their case first; said officer or director shall be heard second; and the vote taken third. A two- thirds vote of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to remove said officer or director from office.
5. Should said officer or director be the President, the Vice- President shall preside over the removal proceedings. No removal proceedings shall be based upon the same evidence, more than once.

ARTICLE XV. DUTIES OF BOARD MEMBERS

Section 1. PRESIDENT

1. Shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the LYHA.
2. Shall act as Administrative Representative at all outside activities concerning the Program, or shall designate a Board member to represent LYHA in such matters.
3. Shall be responsible for appointing and charging all committees and appointing committee chairpersons, acting for or on behalf of LYHA, with the approval of the Board of Directors.
4. Schedule season's activities relative to administrative functions.
5. Ensure that funds are available.

Section 2. VICE-PRESIDENT

1. Shall act as President when the President is unavailable.
2. Shall perform those duties assigned to him/ her by the President.

Section 3. IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

1. Shall be a general advisor to the President and the Board
2. Shall perform those duties assigned to him/her by the President

Section 4. SECRETARY

1. Shall keep permanent records of the business meetings of the organization and of events of importance.
2. Shall be in charge of all correspondence.
3. Shall keep current a general membership list.
4. Shall provide a copy of the current By-Laws at all meetings.
5. Shall issue notices of meetings unless this duty is specifically delegated by the President to another Director.
6. All records of the Secretary shall remain the property of the organization.

Section 5. TREASURER

1. Shall keep current detailed financial records.
2. Shall keep the Board of Directors up to date on all financial matters affecting the running of the program.
3. Shall outline the financial status at all LYHA general meetings.
4. Shall only dispense funds in accordance with By-laws and other rules pertaining to expenditure of LYHA funds.
5. Shall prepare an audited report, for LYHA "Annual Membership Meeting", for presentation to the Program membership.
6. Shall be responsible for obtaining and retaining tax exempt status and filing of appropriate reports with the State and Federal agencies.
7. Shall collect all tuition and annual fees.

Section 6. ICE DIRECTOR

1. Shall be responsible for procuring and scheduling all "ice time" for LYHA.
2. Shall, with the advice and approval of the President, select an Assistant Ice Director to assist with the procurement and scheduling of ice time .The Assistant Ice Director shall be an ex officio member of the Board of Directors

Section 7. DIRECTOR OF FUND RAISING

1. Shall schedule all Program's fund raising activities.
2. Shall chair, or otherwise coordinate, all fund raising activities.
3. Responsible for assembling volunteers for all fund raising activities.

Section 8. REGISTRAR

1. Shall be responsible for registering all members.
2. Shall submit all IMRs.
3. Shall submit all required rosters on a timely basis.
4. Shall maintain current and accurate records of all registration activities.
5. Shall ensure all statutory requirements are met.
6. Shall ensure that all Massachusetts Hockey's By-Laws, Rules and Regulations,and Policies and Procedures, including but not limited to, those regarding the prevention of Physical and Sexual Abuse, are followed and shall ensure that all fees as established by USA Hockey and MassHockey and as set out in the most current published Fee Schedules are paid.

Section 10. COACHING DIRECTOR

1. Subject to the procedures adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors for player and coach selection, shall be responsible for all coach related responsibilities and activities.
2. Shall ensure that all coaches are properly patched for their level.
3. Shall assume the lead role in organizing and conducting the annual team selection process
4. Shall, subject to the approval of the Board, make recommendations as to player assignments and coaching assignments in accordance with the assignment and selection processes adopted from time to time by the Board.
5. Shall monitor and take prompt appropriate action, as necessary, on all matters relating to coaching complaints, or any other similar coaching difficulties.
6. Shall regularly report to the Board on the competitive status and general playing conditions on all of the organization's teams.

Section 11. PUBLICITY DIRECTOR

1. Shall be responsible for preparing, maintaining files on , and releasing to the appropriate media outlets news and updates about LYHA all, contents of which are subject to review by the Board of Directors.
2. Shall be responsible for the organization's Internet web site or such other vehicles as shall be used for internal and external communications, including the authority for setting standards for their use and the authority to delegate certain of these responsibilities.

Section 12. EQUIPMENT MANAGER

1. Shall be responsible for all LYHA hockey related equipment.
2. Shall obtain approval by a majority of the Board of Directors for all equipment purchases over $250.00.
3. Shall be responsible for the reporting of the accountability and distribution of equipment.

Section 13. CLINIC DIRECTOR

1. Shall be responsible for running all aspects of the CLINIC Program for LYHA, i.e. Learn to Skate, Fun and Skills and "Whack - a - Puck" programs
2. Will recruit and select competent Clinic instructors
3. Shall regularly report to the Board on the competitive status and general playing conditions on all clinic programs.
4. Shall ensure that all participants are properly equipped (e.g. helmets, skates, etc.)

Section 14. TEAM / PARENT COORDINATOR

1. Shall coordinate team activities with the team parents.
2. Shall serve as a liaison between the Board, coaches and parents.

ARTICLE XVI. GENERAL RULES

Section 1. Complaints, problems or suggestions should be brought to the attention of the Board member responsible for that area.

1. Regarding suspension for financial matters, contact the President or Treasurer.
2. Regarding fund raising or payments on raffles, etc. contact the Director of Fund Raising or the President.
3. Regarding scheduling of ice or out-of-town activities, contact the Ice Director.
4. Regarding coaching or team player matters, contact the Coaching Director.
5. Regarding Publicity, contact the Publicity Director.
6. General program information, contact the President.

Section 2. If a member feels that they did not get a satisfactory response to their inquiry, complaint, or suggestion after contacting one of the Board members, they may request to be heard by the board of directors by writing to the President and stating their inquiry, complaint or suggestion. The President shall then schedule for that member to be heard at the next Board meeting.

Section 3. Any Board member who receives a written inquiry, complaint, or suggestion shall present it to the President, and the President shall, in the exercise of his discretion, determine how best to resolve the matter and bring it to an appropriate conclusion.

Section 4. After an inquiry, complaint, or suggestion has been heard by the Board, and if it is found to be of merit, any action taken shall be by approval by the vote of the Board.

If the matter is found to be without merit, or if the Board votes to table or dismiss the issue, the petitioner shall be notified of the outcome, in writing, by the President.

Section 5. LYHA voting Board members be made up of no less than 20% of those individuals who have children actually skating in the program.

ARTICLE XVII. SELECTION OF COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES AND TEAM MANAGERS

Section 1.

1. All prospective coaches must apply for a coaching position to the Coaching Director, using an official LYHA application form, which has been approved by the "Board of Directors".
2. All coaches must be appropriately patched according to the MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY guidelines. Coaches must attend a coaching clinic appropriate to their level.
3. All team Head Coaches must be able to adequately demonstrate skating skills to instruct their players on ice during functions.
4. All applicants must be given every opportunity to participate in coaching. If there is more than one applicant for a particular team, the applicants not selected may be given the option to coach a different team or at a different level if there is another coaching slot open.
5. A coach may select his/her own assistant coach only if there is a position open without an available applicant, with the approval of the Board of Directors.
6. The Coaching Director may decide that a certain applicant lacks the proper coaching credentials or attitude to fill a coaching or assistant coaching position. In such cases he must present his reasons for rejecting an applicant to the President for final approval.

Section 2. If there are no qualified applicants to coach any particular team, it shall be the responsibility of the Coaching Director to assign a coach for that team, and where circumstances require, the Coaching Director, with the approval of the Board, may retain for a fee a person to take on the role as coach.

Section 3. All teams must have at least one assistant coach.  If a team loses their assistant coaches to the point that there aren't any assistant coaches on the team then it shall be the responsibility of the team coach to select an assistant of his/her choice.  If a coach does not select an assistant within seven (7) days of being without one, then the Coaching Director will assign one.

Section 4. Team coaches shall ask for a volunteer to be the Team Manager. Each team must have a Team Manager. If there are no volunteers for Team Manager, the Coach or Assistant Coach will assume those duties.

Section 5. The Team Manager shall be responsible for distributing all schedules, newsletters, notices and other materials to the team players, and the collection of monies, when applicable, with the exception of ice payments. The purpose of this position is to relieve the Coach so that he/she may concentrate on coaching the team and will not have to worry about all of the team players receiving any of the above information.

Section 6. The first Assistant Coach or delegate will act as the Coach in the Coach's absence.

ARTICLE XVIII. COACH'S RULES

Section 1.

1. All players shall receive equitable ice time in all practices, games, and scrimmages, except that in the final 2 minutes of a game, the coach shall have discretion to deviate from this requirement.
2. No coach will use physical force, abusive language, or publicly chastise any player as a means of discipline.  The Coaching Director shall be responsible to monitor the coaches' behavior and report violations to the Board, which can relieve a coach of his/her responsibilities if the Board determines that to be in the best interests of all affected individuals.

Section 2. The team coach shall ensure that his/her team has:

1. Assistant Coach(es)
2. Team Manager
3. First Aid Kit
4. All proper and necessary equipment.

Section 3. Coaches may publish team rules that are non-conflicting with USA HOCKEY or LYHA rules with regard to:

1. Discipline
2. Practice time
3. Parents meeting

Section 4. The Team Manager is responsible for informing the Publicity Director and the Coaching Director of all game results, if requested.

ARTICLE XIX. GENERAL ARTICLE

Any circumstance, rule or regulation not covered herein, shall fall under the jurisdiction of the Board of Directors.

We, the undersigned, representing at least a quorum of the Executive Officers of the Board of Directors of the Lynnfield Youth

Hockey Association, Inc. do hereby attest that the by-laws contained within this document, are the latest revision of the Lynnfield

Youth Hockey Association By-laws, as voted by the general membership of the Association on________________2000..

These By-laws shall supersede all other by-laws established before this date, and shall be the governing by-laws of the Lynnfield

Youth Hockey Association until such time as the general membership of this organization shall elect to alter or amend them.