CONSTITUTION

This organization shall be known as the UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION, INC., a non-profit public educational organization incorporated in the State of Florida, hereinafter referred to as “USA” or “the Association.”

02 PURPOSE

The purpose of the association shall be to provide a scheduling body for those clubs wishing to affiliate, to promote the welfare of the youth and adults involved in youth soccer; to promote good sportsmanship for and from all involved in youth soccer; to encourage educational courses, clinics and instruction for the purpose of increasing the knowledge and efficiency of those involved in youth soccer, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion or sex; and, to engage in all other acts it may be legally permitted to do.

03 COLORS

The representative colors of USA shall be red, white and blue.

04 AFFILIATION

This Association shall be affiliated with the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), through the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA). The area represented by USA is located in Region C of FYSA. This Association may also affiliate with other soccer associations upon vote of the Board of Directors.

05 CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS

The Association shall be governed by its Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations except when these provisions are superseded by the governing authority of the USYSA, or the FYSA.

1. a) AUTHORITY: The governing authority of USA Soccer shall be vested with the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee of the Association whose power shall be defined in this Constitution and the By-laws.
2. b) DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS: The Board of Directors shall be comprised of the PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR BOYS, VICE PRESIDENT JUNIOR BOYS, VICE PRESIDENT GIRLS, SECRETARY, TREASURER, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT.
3. c) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors shall be comprised of the PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENTS, SECRETARY, TREASURER, and the immediate Past President. In addition, the President may, but is not required to, appoint more representatives from member Clubs to serve as full voting AT LARGE members of the Executive Committee, subject to ratification by the full Board of Directors.
4. d) DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: All decisions of the Executive Committee shall be binding unless over-ridden by the full Board of Directors at the next meeting of the full Board of Directors following the decision of the Executive Committee. At each Board of Directors’ meeting, the President shall announce all Executive Committee decisions made since the last Board of Directors’ meeting.
5. e) FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: No elected officer, appointed official, committee chairman, special agent, or any other USA representative may obligate funds of the Association for any reason or cause without the approval of the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors. The executive committee will establish per diem reimbursement amounts for all meals, hotel rooms, mileage reimbursements (for use of personal vehicle) and any other travel reimbursement that may be required by a Board member before each seasonal year.

06 MEMBERSHIP

1. a) MEMBERSHIP BY CLUBS: Membership in USA may be by either affiliated club’s or associated club’s membership. All clubs wishing to compete in the USA league must elect to be either affiliated or associated members on or before the date of registration of teams in league play.
2. b) MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURES: The Executive Committee will establish the procedures, rules, and fees required for USA affiliation, to be ratified at any regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors.
3. c) ADHERENCE TO THE RULES: All members and affiliated clubs shall abide by the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations and amendments thereto, as well as those of the USYSA, FYSA, AND ANY OTHER ORGANIZATION with which this Association is affiliated.
4. d) MANDATORY REGISTRATION: All member clubs and clubs that affiliate with USA must register their players, playing in the USA league, with FYSA.

All TEAMS must register with USA through their respective clubs.

07 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting shall occur before the end of June for the purpose of electing officers and to transact any other business which shall come before the meeting, including, but not limited to, the amendment of the Constitution, Bylaws and/or the Rules and Regulations of this Association.

08 VOTING

1. a) CLUB VOTING:

Each affiliated club in good standing shall receive one (1) vote when voting on changes in the Constitution and Bylaws. Only clubs that have affiliated with USA prior to the start of the season shall be eligible to vote at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

1. a) INDIVIDUAL VOTING: Each member of the Executive Committee shall be entitled to one (1) vote. The President may vote only in the case of a tie.
2. b) PROXY: A Club’s Agent of Record may assign his vote by written PROXY, which must be submitted to the Secretary before voting. Such proxy may be good for the year.
3. c) ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE: The newly elected officers will assume office immediately following their election at the Annual General Meeting at which they were elected.
4. d) GOOD STANDING: For purposes of eligibility to vote, good standing shall mean that the Club has i) paid all fees, fines and assessments owed to the Association; ii) maintained the requirements of Section 101(a) of the Bylaws; and iii) has otherwise complied with the Constitution, Bylaws and the Rules and Regulations of the Association.

09 AMENDMENTS

1. a) TIMING: Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of USA will be made at the Annual General Meeting, unless otherwise specified below or in the Bylaws of this Association.
2. b) ADOPTION: An amendment shall be deemed adopted by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the voting membership as defined in the Bylaws that are present and voting.
3. c) PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS: Proposals made by the Executive Committee shall be posted on the USA website at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. Proposals may be submitted by any other member club representative and shall be submitted to the Executive Committee no later than the last meeting prior to the AGM to the Executive Committee meeting for posting on the USA website. When the President determines that an emergency situation exists, he may entertain motions to amend the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association at any time. After ten (10) calendar days, these motions may be voted on at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors.
4. d) RULES AND REGULATIONS: Rules and Regulations may be amended at any regular meeting provided written notice of the proposed amendments have been distributed at the immediately preceding regular meeting or mailed to all members at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the vote will take place.

BYLAWS

101 AFFILIATION PROCEDURES

1. a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFILIATION: A club may be either affiliated or associated one seasonal year upon request, and upon application by and acceptance of any of its teams for scheduling by USA, and compliance with the following;

Payment of all fees;

Documentation of Affiliation with FYSA;

Sufficient number of qualified referees to adequately officiate club games;

Any additional conditions or fees contained in these Bylaws or which the Board of Directors may impose for individual teams and/or clubs as a result of prior violations of the letter or the spirit of the USA Constitution, Bylaws or Rules and Regulations.

Associated membership shall be defined as non-voting members of USA. Clubs electing the Associated Club membership will not be required to attend monthly meetings and will have no voting rights.

1. a) FEES: All USA team fees shall be payable at a time determined by the Executive Committee. Teams/ Clubs may not be eligible for any scheduled competition sanctioned by the Association unless all fees are paid.
2. b) CLUBS HAVING THREE (3) OR FEWER TEAMS: Clubs having three (3) or fewer teams affiliated with FYSA (regardless of the number registered with USA) may be required to post a performance bond in an amount to be determined by the Executive Committee, to insure full compliance with all Rules and Regulations and to insure said teams complete all required matches.
3. c) FIELDS: Clubs must have home fields and goals which comply with the sizes required by FYSA, or, if more restrictive, as set forth by the Executive Committee. USA reserves the right to inspect the home fields of any affiliate and, should a majority of the Executive Committee determine that said field(s) are unplayable or unsafe, require that affiliate to play all of it’s games as “away” games. The decision of the Executive Committee shall be final on this issue. Home fields for all affiliates must be located within FYSA Region C except for specific exemption granted by the board. The Executive Committee may establish central sites at any location in Region C for league play for any Age Group or Division.

102 METHOD OF PAYMENT TO USA

The Executive Committee may establish procedures for payment over the internet or through Got Sport or any other board approved payment procedure. No cash transactions will be accepted.

103 SEASONAL YEAR

For the purpose of administration, the seasonal year for USA operations and activities is defined as commencing July 1 and ending June 30th annually.

104 DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND CONDUCT OF OFFICERS AND APPOINTEES

1. a) PRESIDENT: The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and shall preside at all USA meetings and may vote only in the case of a tie; appoint standing committees and their chair annually; and perform all other responsibilities as directed by the Board of Directors.
2. b) VICE PRESIDENT SENIOR BOYS: The Vice President Senior Boys shall, in the absence of the President, perform all duties of the President; shall act as the Senior Boys director (U-15 thru U-19) and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the President, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors.
3. c) VICE PRESIDENT JUNIOR BOYS: The Vice President Junior Boys shall, in the absence of the President and the Vice President Senior Boys, perform all duties of the President, shall act as the Junior Boys Director (U-9 thru U-14) and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the President, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors.
4. d) VICE PRESIDENT GIRLS: The Vice President Girls shall, in the absence of the President, the Vice President Senior Boys and the Vice President Junior Boys, perform all duties of the President; shall act as the Girls Director and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the President, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors.
5. e) SECRETARY: The Secretary shall supervise and verify the accuracy of all Associations records, correspondence and legal notifications between Association and any outside entities the Executive Committee deemed necessary.
6. f) TREASURER: The Treasurer shall oversee and review records and receipts of all monies received and spent by the association. The Treasurer will ensure that the process of collection, disbursements, accurate record keeping, Statement of Revenue and Expenditures and Statement of Financial Position statements are up to date and accurate so that Executive Director, V.P. Administration and Board of Directors can have an accurate depiction of the financial condition of the organization at every Board of Directors meeting. The Treasurer, Executive Director, V.P. of Administration and the President will form a financial committee which will be responsible for the yearly budget, ensuring that systems are in place to assemble an annual financial report, all state and federal necessary financial filings are executed properly and in a timely manner. This includes but is not limited to; Annual State of Florida corporate renewal forms, Federal income tax filings and any other financial filings as necessary for proper functioning of the organization.
7. g) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: the Executive Director is a paid position, appointed by the Executive Committee. Job duties will include, but are not limited to: Serve as the primary liaison between members and BOD; Oversee all day to day operations of USA league, administrative and competition management; Manage and direct all paid employees; Engage in and oversee negotiations on behalf of the organization concerning sponsorship agreements, partnerships and potential mergers, with the approval of the USA Executive Board of Directors; Executive Director has full authority over operational decision making including red card penalties, inter club disputes regarding forfeits, fines and any other competition related questions; All contractual and financial arrangements made by Executive Director are subject to BOD oversight and review. Any expenditures over $500, must be approved by the USA Executive Board of Directors; 2 year contract which can be renegotiated with board on an annual basis, contract can be voided by either Executive Director resignation or by a super majority vote (2/3 of eligible Board of Directors) requesting E.D resignation for cause.
8. h) VICE PRESIDENT ADMINISTRATION: the Vice President of Administration is a paid position, who reports directly to the Executive Director and is appointed by the Executive Committee on a yearly basis. Remuneration will be set yearly by the executive committee. The Vice President of Administration and Administrative Coordinator will be responsible for all administrative activities USA undertakes. The particular duties include but are not limited to; maintaining accurate electronic records of all meetings, handle business correspondence, provide notice of all meetings as required, maintain files of the Association and post the meeting minutes on the USA website. They shall maintain records and receipts of all monies received by the Association and deposit same in a recognized bank or other financial institution in the name of the Association; they shall assure that all accounts are paid in a timely manner (The President and Treasurer of USA at all times, will have unfettered access to all banking relationships, bank information and all accounting reports). The Vice President of Administration shall oversee and coordinate all Association meetings and special events, programs and projects. They are expected to attend all U.S.A. Board and Executive Committee meetings as a non-voting member. VP of Administration is also responsible for overseeing and coordinating all scheduling of league play, maintaining game results and standings, maintaining records of sanctions and keeping track of all yellow and red cards issued in league play. They are in charge of the efficient and high quality audio and visual transmission of all meetings to all U.S.A. members. In addition, the Vice President of Administration shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to them by the President, the Executive Committee, or the Board of Directors.
9. i) ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR: is a paid position, appointed by the executive committee on a yearly basis. The Administrative Coordinator will work directly with the Vice President of Administration to support all the administrative duties carried out by the Vice President of Administration. The Administrative Coordinator will work directly under, the Vice President of Administration and be supervised by the Executive Director. The Administrative Coordinator works for the Executive Committee and as such, all duties assigned to them by the Administrative Vice President will be subsumed under the auspices of and approval of the Executive Board.
10. j) REFEREE ASSIGNOR/LIAISON: The Referee Assignor/Liaison is a paid position. Alongside admins, host annual assignor meeting; Run monthly assignor meeting via zoom; Build close relationship between league and FSR; Keep record of all on-filed incidents that are reported; Assist in organizing league championship referees; Provide monthly report at BOD meeting.
11. k) RESIGNATION, DEMISE OR REMOVAL: In the event of the resignation, demise, removal or permanent incapacitation of any officer or appointee, the Executive Committee or President, as applicable, shall appoint a replacement to fill the un-expired term.
12. l) ADVERSE CONDUCT: Conduct prejudicial to the best interests of the objectives of the Association, excessive absences from monthly meetings and USA board related activities (Coaches organizational meetings, planning meetings etc) or nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance with regards to official USA duties will be cause for removal of a member of the Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee, provided that such allegations are brought to the Board of Directors and that the member so charged is notified of the allegations in writing, hand delivered or postmarked at least fourteen (14) days in advance of any meeting where such allegations are to be discussed or acted upon. Any member of the Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee who is arrested by law enforcement officials or indicted for commission of any felony, as defined by the laws of Florida, shall be automatically suspended until said charges are resolved or until his term expires and the President shall appoint a temporary replacement for the suspended member.
13. m) VOTING: No member of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee may vote on any disciplinary matter or protest involving any player, coach, team or affiliate involving his home club.
14. n) TERM OF OFFICE: Each elected officer shall hold the office for a term of two years. The President, Vice President Senior Boys and Secretary elected in odd numbered years and the Vice President Junior Boys, Vice President Girls and Treasurer elected in even numbered years. Members appointed to elected Executive Committee Board positions shall serve until the position they were appointed to is scheduled for re-election. All Executive Committee appointments to non-elected positions will serve for one year.

105 REGULAR MEETINGS

1. REGULAR MEETINGS: Regular meetings of USA shall be held at least quarterly and at the discretion of the Executive Committee at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may cancel any quarterly meeting(s) upon notice to the Board of directors. Each Club President, or his or her proxy, shall attend all regular meetings, either in person or via electronic means provided by USA. Each proxy shall be delivered to the Association on a form approved by the Association.
2. ANNUAL MEETING: Annual Meetings shall be as set forth in the Constitution.
3. c) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: The Executive Committee shall meet on a regular basis, whenever the President deems it necessary, or whenever the President is instructed in writing to do so by at least two (2) members of the Executive Committee.
4. d) QUORUM: At all meetings of the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee a Quorum shall be a majority of those entitled to appear and vote.
5. e) RULES OF ORDER: Robert’s Rules of Order shall be the Parliamentary authority for all meetings of the Association unless otherwise agreed to by the membership or required by the USA Constitution, Bylaws or Rules and Regulations.
6. f) MEETING LOCATIONS: Except for occasional special events, all league meetings shall be held online, including the AGM, with meeting login details posted on the USA website.

106 COMMITTEES, CHAIRMANSHIPS AND COORDINATORS

1. a) STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS AND COORDINATORS: The President shall annually appoint the following, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee;

Chairman of the Rules and Regulations Committee

Chairman of the Protests and Appeals Committee

Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee

1. b) COMMITTEES: Whenever the President deems it necessary, or when instructed to do so by the Executive Committee or the Board of Directors, he shall appoint AT LARGE members to a committee and instruct the Chairman to convene the committee as soon as possible to deal with the assigned issue. When the committee has reached a decision on the assigned issue, it will make a recommendation to the Executive Committee and the AT LARGE members will be excused.
2. c) DISCHARGE: Each Standing Committee Chairperson and Coordinator shall be discharged annually at the end of the Annual General Meeting in May. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Coordinators may be re-appointed.

107 PROTESTS AND APPEALS

100. a) PROCEDURE: All protest and appeals shall be filed with the person duly appointed by the Association to receive such appeals and protests, together with a filing fee in the form of a check or money order payable to the Association in the amount of $100. In the event the protest or appeal involves another member, the person filing the appeal shall also serve a copy of the protest to the Club President of the member. In the event the protest or appeal is granted in all or part, the filing fee shall be refunded to the person or member who filed the appeal or protest.
101. b) MATTERS SUBJECT TO APPEAL OR PROTEST: Only matters which relate to the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules of the Association; disciplinary actions imposed in league play, results of competitions sanctioned by the Association, specifically published rules for a competition, the misapplication of the LAWS OF THE GAME or matters relating to the Bylaws and Rules of FYSA shall be subject to Appeal and/or Protest. Judgment calls of the referee are not subject to appeal or protest.
102. c) HEARING AND NOTICE: The Executive Committee of the Association shall hear all protests and appeals. The Association shall provide notice of the time, date and place of the hearing to the person or member that filed the appeal or protest and any other affected member at least five (5) days prior to the hearing. Service on a member shall be made upon the Club President. Any notice may be made by e-mail, facsimile or mail. All hearings shall be conducted informally, unless otherwise required by the Bylaws or Rules of FYSA. All interested parties shall have the right to present evidence prior to any decision by the Executive Committee.
103. d) APPEALS FROM DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Any decisions of the Executive Committee are subject to review by the Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting, but only if an interested party notifies the President of the Association and all other interested parties at least five (5) days prior to such regularly scheduled meeting. Such notice may be made by e-mail, facsimile, or mail.

Any interested party may appeal a decision of the Board of Directors for a decision by the Affiliates at the Annual General Meeting of the Association, but only if an interested party notifies the President of the Association and all other interested parties, at least ten (10) days prior to such annual meeting. Such notice may be made by e-mail, facsimile, or mail.

1. e) APPEALS FROM THE DECISIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION: Only those matters subject to the jurisdiction of the FYSA may be appealed to the FYSA and only to the Bylaws and Rules of the FYSA.
2. f) LIMITATIONS OF CIVIL ACTIONS, COSTS AND ATTORNEY FEES: No member, member of either the Affiliate or Associate, player, parent, official, team, club, referee or other person or entity shall invoke the aid of any court or tribunal without first exhausting all of the available remedies provided herein and by the Bylaws and Rules of the FYSA.

If any such member, member of either the Affiliate or Associate, player, parent, official, team, club, referee or other person or entity (hereinafter referred to as the “Offending Party”) fails to exhaust such available remedies before seeking the aid of any court or tribunal, the Offending Party shall pay the Association its reasonable expenses including attorney fees and compensate any officer or the Association at the rate of $40/hour for the time spent that is reasonably related to such court or tribunal proceeding including travel expenses. The Offending Party may be subject to suspension from the Association and any other discipline as permitted by the Bylaws and Rules of the Association.

108 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES and AUTHORITY:

The Executive Committee shall have the vested responsibility, right and authority to:

Reprimand, suspend, bar completely or otherwise discipline any player, coach, team manager, or assistant coach and/or any affiliated team or club for violations of the USA or FYSA Constitutions, Bylaws, or Rules and Regulations unless the full Board of Directors acts to modify or rescind the disciplinary measures within 45 days of the Executive Committee decision.

The Executive Committee shall have the right to completely bar, suspend or otherwise reprimand or sanction any member club for cause. This could include but not limited to missing excessive league games without credible excuses, excessive or repeated incidents of offensive, unsportsmanlike or violent conduct by coaches, players or spectators associated with that club. Any conduct that the Executive Committee deems to be not in the best interests of the league or youth soccer in general.

Interpret and enforce the USA Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations.

Budget for and administer the FUNDS of the Association.

Adopt TEMPORARY RULES and REGULATIONS for situations not provided for by the Constitution, By-Laws or existing Rules and Regulations; or deemed necessary and desirable in order to serve the best interests and objectives of the Association.

109 DISSOLUTION

Should the UNITED SOCCER ASSOCIATION be dissolved, all assets remaining after payment of all debts shall be transferred to an appropriate organization for the express purpose of developing and promoting amateur youth soccer.