BY-LAWS OF THE LITTLE KNIGHTS FOOTBALL CLUB, INC. 2002
ARTICLE I – ORGANIZATIONAL TITLE Page 2
ARTICLE II – AFFILIATIONPage 2
ARTICLE III – OBJECTIVES Page 2
ARTICLE IV – ELIGIBILITYPage 2
Tykes Page 2
Cheerleaders Page 2-3
Voting Page 3
Juniors Page 3
ARTILCLE V – BOARD MEMBERS Page 3
Board Size Page 3
Board of Directors PowerPage 3
Voting Matters Page 3
Eligibility Page 3
ARTICLE VI – OFFICERS Page 3
ARTICLE VII – ELECTIONSPage 3-4
Election dates and Election Committee Page 3-4
Executive Officer Eligibility Page 4
Order of VotingPage 4
ARTICLE VIII – SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS Page 4
Responsibility of Succession Page 4
Disagreements on Appointments Page 4
ARTICLE IX – DUTIES OF OFFICERS Page 4-6
ARTICLE X – MEETINGS Page 6-7
Meeting Days and Time Page 6
Past President and Chairman Meeting Requirements Page 7
Officers and Directors Meeting Requirements Page 7
Special Meetings Page 7
ARTICLE XI – COMMITTEES Page 7-13
Standing Committees Page 7-8
Duties of the Various Committees Page 8-13
ARTICLE XII – REQUIREMENTS FOR A QUORUM Page 14
ARTICLE XIII – COACHING ELIGIBILITY Page 14-15
Fathers and Head of Household Coaching Page 14
Presenting Coaches and Approval Page 14
Who Coaches Report to for Problems Page 14
Player/Cheerleader removal Page 14
Games not played/forfeiture Page 14
Game Cards and Equipment Page 14
Alcohol/Illegal Substances Page 14-15
Head Coaching Vacancies Page 15
Parents on Practice/Game Field Page 15
ARTICLE XIV – SPENDING LIMITS Page 15
Individual item limits Page 15
Exceeding the budget Page 15
ARTICLE XV – CHEERLEADERS Page 15
Practice Schedule Page 15
Presentation of Coaches and Approval Page 15
Conduct Page 15
ARTICLE XVI – TROPHIES AND AWARDS Page 16
ARTICLE XVII – AMENDING AND/OR CHANGING BY-LAWS Page 16
ARTICLE XVIII – PARENTS CREDIT HOURS Page 16
ARTICLE XIX – CODE OF CONDUCT Page 16-17
BY-LAWS OF THE LITTLE KNIGHTS FOOTBALL CLUB, INC. 2002
ARTICLE I - ORGINIZATIONAL TITLE
The name of this organization shall be The Little Knights Football Club, Inc. Hereinafter referred to as Little Knights. The organization is co-sponsored by the Catholic War Veterans Butz-Jobe Post #370.
ARTICLE II - AFFILIATION
This organization is affiliated with the Tri-County Junior Football Conference, Inc.
ARTICLE III - OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Little Knights are:
A. To offer the opportunity to boys and girls within Belleville and vicinity to participate in any sports activity sponsored by this organization.
B. To promote the best available leadership for these youths, in the role as coaches, referees, committeemen, or in any other leadership role.
C. To promote football and cheerleading in this area, to inspire youth to practice good health, citizenship and character: to bring area youth together through the means of a common interest in sportsmanship, fair play and fellowship. To impart the elements of safety, sanity, intelligent supervision and to keep the welfare of the children first and entirely free of adult lust for glory.
D. To obtain adequate finances to carry out the objectives of the organization and to obtain necessary equipment required to insure maximum safety for all children.
E. To maintain the necessary playing facilities as required to perform the function in item C.
ARTICLE IV - ELIGIBILITY
A. Eligibility is limited to returning players and cheerleaders in good standing. Good standing being all uniforms returned and debts paid. All other new players will be put on a roster for selection according to the needs of the teams with a maximum of thirty-five (35) players per team.
B. INSTRUCTION TYKES DIVISION - Player eligibility - a player must be a minimum of five (5) on or by August 31st and a maximum of age seven (7) on or by August 31st of that year.
C. Cheerleader eligibility will be:
1. Must be a minimum of five (5) years of age and a maximum of fourteen (14) years of age on or by August 31stof the year.
2. Sister of players or daughters of coaches, will have a choice of squad assignments. All others will be placed on squads where openings exist.
D. For the purpose of voting on matters pertaining to the organization, a member of the Little Knights will be defined as follows:
1. All interested parties, coaches, parents and/or legal guardians of players and cheerleaders, either past or present, having attended a minimum of three (3) general membership meetings during a rolling twelve (12) month period, shall have voting rights on matters pertaining to the organization. EXAMPLE: Rolling twelve (12) months would be June 01 to May 02.
E. For safety consideration (due to physical and mental maturity) NO ten (10) year old will be allowed to play in the Junior Division.
ARTICLE V – BOARD MEMBERS
A. The Board of Directors shall be the governing body of the Little Knights and shall be composed of the Executive Officers and a maximum of eighteen (18) directors: nine (9) serving one year terms and nine (9) serving two year terms. In addition, the retiring President, after term of office, will become a member of the Board of Directors for one (1) year. CWV Liaison Representative shall be a member of the Board of Directors.
B. The Board of Directors will have the power to act on behalf of the Little Knights unless otherwise designated herein.
C. All matters voted on and passed by the Board of Directors must be taken before the General Membership for final approval. Exception being matters of urgency that need a resolution prior to the next General Membership Meeting. The Chairman of the Board will determine if the matter is urgent enough not to go back to the General Membership.
D. To be eligible to become a member of the Board of Directors, an individual must have met the requirements to obtain voting rights.
ARTICLE VI - OFFICERS - All Executive Board Members are ex-officio members of all committees.
A. President D. Secretary
B. Vice-president E. Chairman of the Board
C. Treasurer
ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS
At the December membership meeting, all officers will be elected from and by the members and installed at the January meeting. At the general membership meeting in September, a committee of at least three (3) board members, who are not running for office, shall be appointed by the President. At the October general membership meeting, the nominating committee will present a slate of officers for election with names of at least one (1) candidate (two (2) preferred) for each office. Members may nominate other candidates from the floor until the time of election. At the December general membership meeting, nominations for officers will be closed.
1. At the conclusion of the December General Membership meeting, nominations
for officers with the exception of the Chairman of the Board will be closed.
2. At the December Board meeting, the Chairman of the Board will be nominated
and elected form and by the outgoing and incoming Executive Officers and
Board members.
ELIGIBILITY - A minimum of one (1) year of active participation within the last two calendar years on the Board of Directors is required for being eligible to hold a position on the Executive Board.
The Executive Board cannot serve more than two (2) consecutive terms of the same position
A. Order of voting will be:
1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Treasurer
4. Secretary
5. Board of Directors
6. Chairman of the Board
ARTICLE VIII - SUCCESSION OF OFFICERS
In the event that a Director of Executive position is vacated (for subparagraph 2, 3, and 4; eligibility must be met.) or a new position is created during the term of office or prior to the new board taking office, the following rule of succession or placement will apply.
1. Board of Director: A Board of Director’s position will be nominated by the Board of Directors and voted on at the next General Membership meeting.
2. Secretary, Treasurer and Vice-President: The Secretary, Treasurer and/or
Vice-President shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board and President.
3. President: The Vice-President will take over as the new President and finish out the term. Rule #2 will apply upon the Vice-Presidents taking over for the President.
4. Chairman of the Board: A Chairman of the Board shall be appointed by the President.
These rules shall be carried out by the Board members and/or Executive members for the year that change applies. In the event the Chairman of the Board and President fail to agree on the Secretary, Treasurer and/or Vice-President, the placement will be made through a majority vote by the Board of Directors for the year in which it pertains.
ARTICLE IX - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
A. President
1. The President shall preside at all regular meetings of the organization, call and preside at special meetings, appoint various committees and perform duties usually required.
2. The President is an ex-officio member of all committees.
3. The President will co.-sign all checks, unless the President and the Treasurer are
related; then the Vice-President will co.-sign. President or his/her designee with
BOD approval may sign checks.
4. The President will designate a person to file the previous year’s income tax statement by the deadline as stated by the Internal Revenue Service. As well as
AG990IL, Illinois Charitable Organization Annual Report to the Illinois
Attorney General Office by 30 June of the year of his/her presidency, along with appropriate funds.
5. Although the President appoints the committees and committee chairpersons, once he has made these appointments he cannot remove anyone from a committee without board approval (by 2/3 majority) of the rest of the Board of Directors.
6. The President along with the Chairman of the Board will appoint a board member as committee chairperson. The President and Chairman may appoint non-board member as a committee chairman as long as that person served a minimum of five (5) years as a BOD and five (5) years running a committee, with a BOD as their co-chairperson.
7. President and Chairman of the Board will over see all committees.
8. The President will ensure that each committee chairperson submit a written report to the secretary after each committee function or within fifteen (15) days following the function.
B. Vice-President
1. To assist the President in all activities and preside at the meetings in the absence of the President.
C. Secretary
1. To keep minutes of all regular and special meetings of the organization and reports of all committees.
2. Maintain files of records and minutes.
3. File with the Secretary of State by August of the current year a list of new officers.
4. Collect and file records from Chairperson of all committees.
D. Treasurer
1. Shall receive receipts for all moneys.
2. Prepare the annual file statement to be presented at the January meeting.
3. Make all disbursements by check and give a written monthly accounting of funds handled and distribute at the monthly membership meeting. And shall make available the records for quarterly and yearly general audits.
4. The Treasurer shall be bonded.
5. Moneys on hand will not be distributed into any special accounts without Board
approval.
6. File an AG990IL, Illinois Charitable Organization Annual Report to the Illinois Attorney General Office by 30 June of the year of his/her term as treasurer, along with appropriate funds.
E. Chairman of the Board
1. Shall preside at all Board of Directors meetings.
2. Review roll call attendance records at every Board meeting.
3. The President will preside in the absence of the Chairman of the Board.
4. The Chairman of the Board along with the President will appoint a Board member
as a committee chairman. The Chairman of the Board and President may appoint a
non-Board member as a committee chairman as long as that person served a
minimum of five (5) years as a BOD and five (5) years running a committee, with a BOD as their co-chairperson.
5. The Chairman of the Board and President will oversee all committees.
ARTICLE X - MEETINGS
A. The General Membership meeting shall be held the first Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise changed by President as necessary or discretion may decree. The General Membership meeting shall convene at 8:00 P.M. (7:00 P.M. from December through July). Also, this meeting shall be held at the Catholic War Veterans Home on South Illinois Street, Route 159, Belleville, Illinois (December through July), and at the facility deemed as the practice facility (August through November).
B. Board of Directors meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of every month. The Chairman of the Board will notify each member of the date, time and place of said meeting. All Board meetings are open to Board members and past Presidents and Past Chairman only. The meeting will convene at 7:00 P.M. (December thru July), and 8:00 P.M. (August thru November).
1. Past President and Chairman must meet the same attendance requirements as outlined in Article IV, paragraph D, subparagraph 1, to receive voting rights.
C. Officers and Board of Directors who miss more than two consecutive Board or Membership meetings, or a total of four (4) meetings per twelve (12) month period, either Board or Membership, will be subject to review by the Board of Directors, which could result in dismissal and forfeiture of all voting rights. Any Board Member unable to attend any meeting needs to notify an Executive Board Member prior to the meeting.
D. A special meeting can only be called by the President, or by a majority of the Board of Directors.
E. Little Knights meetings will be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, unless an exception is made by the Little Knights.
ARTICLE XI - COMMITTEES
A. It is recommended that the retiring chairperson serve as co-chairperson in an advisory capacity for the coming year to aid the new chairperson.
B. Standing committees shall be as follows:
1. Equipment
2. Registration
3. Insurance
4. Dance
5. Tag Day
6. Mouse Race
7. Awards & Banquet
8. Program Book
9. Field Maintenance
10.Building and Improvements
11.Budget
12.Public Relations
13. Cheerleading Coordinator
14.Field Concession Stand
15. Referees/Raffles to Pay Officials
16. Parades
17. Newsletter
18. Parliamentarian/By-Laws
19. Historian
20.Tri-County
21. Merchandise Sales
22.Team Parents
23. Director of Coaches
24.Pictures
25. Bartenders
26.Audit
27. Gateway
28.Taxes
29. Practice Field Concession
30.Crazy Bowl
31.PilgrimBowl
32.Meat Shoot
33.Golf Tournament
34.Senior Awards
35. Announcers
36.Alumni Day
37. Donations
38.Special Committees
C. Duties
1. Equipment:
a. Solicit for equipment bids.
b. Purchase and maintain durable equipment as needed by the organization to promote safe play.
c. Issue uniforms and equipment only to properly registered players.
d. Accept uniform and equipment as soon as possible after the completion of the season.
2. Registration:
a. Select places and dates.
b. Arrange distribution of registration flyers.
c. Register all children in accordance with Tri-County By-Laws.
d. Distribute raffle tickets.
e. Complete and maintain all registration forms/material.
f. Give a copy of all registration forms to the Historian, Public Relations and team parent chairman.
g. Collect credit hour data.
3. Insurance:
a. Solicit insurance bids.
b. Obtain adequate insurance for the organization.
c. Obtain adequate insurance for children, if not covered by Tri-County.
d. To be in charge of all claims handled by the organization.
e. To maintain an itemized list of coverage.
4. Dance:
a. Make necessary arrangements for dances:
1. Place and date
2. Bank and tickets
3. Beer and soda
4. Prizes and food
5. Advertising
6. Dram Shop Insurance, if necessary
b. Keep a log of all moneys and prizes both received and requested for.
5. Tag Day:
a. Select date.
b. Write proclamation/receive mayors permission.
c. Notify businesses.
d. Arrange children distribution.
e. Provide for parent supervision.
f. Keep a log of all moneys and prizes both received and requested for.
6. Mouse Race:
a. Make necessary arrangements:
1. Place and Date
2. Bank and tickets
3. Refreshments
4. Prizes
5. Dram shop insurance (if needed)
6. Advertising
b. Keep a log of all moneys received and requested for.
7. Awards and Banquet:
a. Shall arrange for adequate facilities for awards presentation (and banquet, if needed)
b. Determine the quantity and quality of the awards for the following:
1. Players
2. Cheerleaders
3. Little Knights Achievement Awards, Commanders and Presidents Awards
4. Arrange for guest speaker
5. Arrange for invocation
6. Keep a log of all moneys received.
8. Program Book:
a. Solicit for advertisement.
b. Arrange for printing of program book.
c. Arrange distribution.
d. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
9. Field Maintenance:
a. Maintain field and equipment throughout the year.
b. Arrange for work crews.
c. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
10. Building and Improvements:
a. Determine if and when building expansion and/or maintenance is required.
b. Arrange workcrews.
c. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
11. Budget:
a. Solicit budget requests from each committee.
b. Review last years resources and expenditures.
c. Determine the amount of money available for, required for and assigned to a
particular purpose.
d. Prepare copies of the budget to be presented to the Board of Directors by the
February meeting and voted on at the March General Membership meeting.
e. Review the expenses each month of all committee with a budget.
f. Any budget increases must be brought to the Chairman of the Budget committee to be presented at the General Membership Meeting for Membership approval.
12. Public Relations:
a. Converse with different people to attract new Little Knights active members.
b. Collect credit hour data and distribute to registration committee.
c. Submit to local media, information about the program involving the Little Knights.
d. Responsible for a phone committee.
13. Cheerleading Coordinator:
a. To schedule and conduct periodic meetings with coaches for discussion of any matters pertaining coaches, uniforms and equipment.
b. Will handle cheerleader uniform handout and returns.
c. Will provide approved coaches.
14. Field Concession Stand:
a. Arrange workers and contents.
b. All receipts will be counted and signed by two members (Board or regular members not of the same household), not including the Treasurer, immediately following the final game of the day.
c. Maintain books.
d. No one under the age of eighteen should handle sales at the window unless approved by the committee chairperson/designate.
e. Receive $300.00 for start-up of the concession stand.
15. Referees/Raffles to Pay Officials:
a. Provide organization with qualified officials, two of whom are IHSA licensed.
c. Written contracts must be signed no later than May 1st.
c. Responsible for selling raffles, purchasing prizes, purchasing tickets.
d. Arrange for workers to sell raffle tickets.
e. Responsible for paying officials at home games.
f. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
16.Parades:
a. Responsible for Little Knights participation in local parades.
17. Newsletter:
a. Publish and distribute a monthly newsletter.
b. Purchase required material.
c. If required, solicit ads.
d. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
18. Parliamentarian/By-Laws:
a. Provide advice on organizational rules during meetings.
b. Make sure that meetings are run under Robert’s Rules of Order guidelines.
c. Interpret By-Laws.
d. Act as Sgt. of Arms.
e. Review By-Laws yearly for possible deletions, additions, or corrections. Changes
are to be presented to the Board no later than the April Board meeting for presentation no later than the May membership meeting. With final approval no later than the June regular membership meeting.
19. Historian:
a. Responsible for maintaining and updating history of the Little Knights Football Club.
b. Present to Board of Directors for approval in December.
c. Maintain and update records of Little Knights membership and achievements.
20. Tri-County:
a. Two primary and two alternate delegates required to represent and vote at Tri- County meetings as delegated by the Little Knights.
b. At least two delegates must represent the Little Knights at each Tri-County meeting.
c. At least two representatives will be a Little Knights Board member.
d. Delegates will submit any proposed Tri-County By-Law changes in writing.
e. A Tri-County representative will be responsible for clocks, cards and scales.
f. A copy of the Tri-County insurance roster will be given to the Historian and Secretary.
g. Responsible for initial weigh-in of another team as directed by Tri-County.
1. Check weigh-in card for accuracy according to Tri-County By-Laws.
h. Maintain scale for true weigh-in at all games.
21. Merchandise Sales:
a. Responsible for the selling of all merchandise marked for and with the Little Knights emblem or markings.
b. Arrange for a new supply of merchandise to be sold.
c. Maintain records for audit.
d. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
22. Team Parents:
a. Select team parent for each team in cooperation with the respective coach.
b. See that the team parents are at the last game of the day for clean-up.
c. Contact team parents when required for various functions.
d. See that team parents assist in practice field concessions stand, and concession
stand at the home field during games.
e. Give a list of phone numbers to Public Relation committee.
23. Director of Coaches:
a. Contact past and interested individuals for coaching positions.
b. Present to the General Membership perspective head coach position recommendations for Membership approval of March General Membership meeting. Assistant coaches will be approved at a later date.
c. Schedule and conduct periodic meetings for the discussion of any matters pertaining to coaches.
d. A committee member must be present and observe all practices, home games, and be accessible.
e. Give a list of coaches phone numbers to Public Relations committee.
24. Pictures:
a. Obtain bids for pictures.
b. Set date for picture taking and collect moneys for pictures on that date.
c. Distribution of pictures.
d. Keep a log of all moneys received.
25. Bartenders:
a. Tend bar before and after meetings.
b. Maintain $30.00 bank for making change.
c. Clean up the bar after meetings.
d. Keep a log of all moneys received.
26.Audit:
a. Receive records from the Treasurer for quarterly general audit (after April 10, July 10, October 10, and January 10). Upon changing of Treasurer during a year, another audit will be held.
b. Arrange for an external audit annually.
27. Gateway:
a. Arrange Dates
b. Arrange workers
c. Arrange for proper credentials for workers.
28.Taxes:
a. The president will designate a person to file the previous years income tax statement by the deadline stated by the Internal Revenue Service. As well as AG990IL, Illinois Charitable Organization Annual Report to the Illinois Attorney General Office by 30 June of the year of his/her presidency, along with appropriate funds.
29.Practice Field Concession:
a. Arrange for workers and contents.
b. One committee member must be present at all times.
c. Maintain books. All receipts must be counted and signed by at least two members (Board or regular members not of the same household), not including the Treasurer, immediately following the last practice of the week.
d. Receive $200.00 start-up of the concession stand.
30. Crazy Bowl:
a. Arrange date, time and place.
b. Get donations for raffles, attendance prizes, lane sponsors and trophies.
c. Arrange for the advertising.
d. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
31. Pilgrim Bowl Games:
a. Arrange for donations (start in February).
b. Solicit teams and fields.
c. Arrange concessions
d. Schedule games by ages and weight.
e. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
f. Turn in final report no later than February Board meeting.
32. Meat Shoot:
a. Sell “Pot Shot” cards.
b. Order meats, targets and shells.
c. Raffles
d. Arrange date, times and location.
e. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
33. Golf Tournament:
a. Arrange date, time and location.
b. Solicit sponsors.
c. Arrange for prizes.
d. Arrange for food and drinks (dram shop insurance, if needed).
34. Senior Awards:
a. Arrange for awards for qualifying recipients.
35. Announcers:
a. Arrange for announcers, chain gang members and spotters at each game.
b. Chain gang members are prohibited from the use and/or consumption of alcohol or
tobacco products while on the playing field.
36. Alumni Day:
a. Arrange date and times.
b. Compile list of names, addresses and phone numbers of alumni.
c. Distribute invitations.
37.Donations:
a. Responsible for raising money and prizes to be placed in the general fund.
b. Keep a log of all moneys and donations both received and requested for.
38. Special Committees:
a. Any added committees appointed during the year by the President and/or Board
of Directors.
ARTICLE XII – REQUIREMENTS FOR A QUORUM
Fifty-one percent of the directors in good standing, with voting rights shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Board meetings of the organization.
A. A minimum of ten members in good standing, with voting rights shall constitute a
quorum for the transactions of business at the General Membership meeting of this
organization.
ARTICLE XIII – COACHING ELIGIBILITY
A. No coach will be the head football coach of their son’s team. No head of household
will be a head football coach of a member of their household. If a head coach must
move to another team or removes himself from coaching because of this rule, the coach will retain his seniority or eligibility held prior to the move.
B. Director of Coaches will present, in person, any coach applicant at a General Membership meeting to be voted on at that meeting.
C. All prospective coaches must personally appear before the General Membership for approval by the General Members.
D. All head coaches and assistant coaches will be voted on by closed ballot.
E. All coaches should keep the Director of Coaches, and/or Cheerleading Coordinator, the President and Chairman informed of major disciplinary problems. Any problems that cannot be handled by the coaching staff of that team should be brought to the attention of the Director of Coaches, and/or Cheerleading Coordinator, the President or the Chairman of the Board. Any coach that feels a player/cheerleader needs to be removed from that team due to disciplinary reasons, that coach must bring the matter to the Director of Coaches and/or Cheerleading Coordinator. The Director of Coaches and/or Cheerleading Coordinator will determine if the matter needs to be taken to the Board of Directors.
1. The Board of Directors may vote to remove a player from that team and/or Little Knights Football with a 2/3 majority vote to remove.
F. Any action resulting in a game not being played must be decided by Tuesday night prior to the scheduled game. The President should be notified so he can notify Tri- County.
G. Head coaches are responsible for making sure their players/cheerleaders’ equipment is turned in promptly after the last practice/game, or when child quits.
H. All Player identification cards for the previous year must be turned into the President or Registration Chairperson no later than December 31 of the current year.
I. All coaches are prohibited from the consumption of alcohol/illegal substances prior to or during practices and games. Non-compliance with this with this By-Law will result in disciplinary action pending Board review. Illegal substances will not be tolerated at any Little Knights function. Possession of illegal substances at a Little Knights function will be grounds for immediate dismissal.
J. Head coaching vacancies will be filled by a nomination from the Director of Coaches and will be based on seniority and pending General Membership approval.
K. No parent or coach will be allowed on the practice or game field with the children without first being approved by the General Membership.
ARTICLE XIV – SPENDING LIMITS
Any individual project or item that will exceed $350.00 in total cost will be let for bids to at least two bidders. The letting of the bids will be the responsibility of the committee in question. Any bid exceeding approved budget will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval and rejection. Exception to the above Article would be the purchase of beer, bands, halls.
A. Any item that exceeds $350 must be approved by the BOD and General
Membership.
B. Committee chairpersons must receive approval by the General Membership to exceed the moneys allotted through that committee’s budget.
ARTICLE XV - CHEERLEADERS
A. Practice: for the first four weeks to begin in accordance with football practice on Monday through Thursday until the scheduled season begins. Thereafter practice will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, upon the discretion of the Head Coaches.
B. Children will wear uniforms as required by the Little Knights at all times during games.
C. Coordinator and Coaches:
1. Coordinator will be appointed by the President and the Chairman of Little Knights.
2. All coaches will be appointed by the Coordinator and approved by the General Membership annually.
3. All cheerleading coaches must be at least 16 years of age on or by August 31st.
D. Conduct:
1. All children will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner becoming to the Little Knights and will adhere to the guidelines as directed by the Coordinator.
ARTICLE XVI – TROPHIES AND AWARDS
All head coaches who receive Tri-County trophies/plaques must return them to the
organization on the night of the banquet. All Tri-county trophies/plaques presented to
Little Knights teams are the property of Little Knights. Any coach refusing to surrender
trophies/plaques will result in disciplinary actions pending Board review. Championship replica trophies/plaques can be given to players/cheerleaders in lieu of the standard trophies/plaques at the banquet.
ARTICLE XVII – AMENDING AND/OR CHANGING BY-LAWS
An amendment and/or change of these By-Laws may be introduced at any Board or General Membership meeting or Special Meeting. No amendment and/or change shall become a By-Law at the same meeting it is introduced, but shall only be voted to be presented at the next General Membership meeting with a simple majority carrying the motion to present the amendment and/or change. A quorum must be presented to bring the proposed amendment and/or change to a vote. Two-thirds present majority is necessary to make the proposed amendment and/or change a By-Law.
ARTICLE XVIII – PARENTS CREDIT HOURS
A. Credit hours are defined as six hours per family associated with a Little Knights
function.
B. $50 fee will be charged per familyif credits hours are not met. Exception to this rule
can be made by the President of the Little Knights, with approval of three additional members of the BOD.
C. Credit hours may only be obtained by; Mothers, Fathers, Legal Guardian(s), Grandparent(s), Aunt(s), Uncle(s) and/or Step Parents
ARTICLE XIX - CODE OF CONDUCT
All Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Board Members, Volunteers, Officials, Players and Parents must conduct themselves in an orderly and professional manner at all times when representing the Little Knights or the image of the organization, or playing, practicing, participating in Little Knight’s events. All Head Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players, parents and assistant coaches. If a violation occurs, the President and the Chairman of the Board will appoint a committee consisting of 3 Board members not involved in the violation to investigate the allegations. After their investigations, the committee will give a recommendation of disciplinary actions to the Board of Directors against the said parties. The disciplinary actions taken will be decided by a majority vote from the Board of Directors. The Board may only vote on the recommendations from the disciplinary committee. Board members will be held accountable for the same offenses as coaches.
The guidelines for the maximum disciplinary actions will be as follows:
Coaches:
Improper striking of a player, cheerleader or individual:
1st offense: Suspended for rest of season or next season.
2nd offense: Ban from any Little Knights activity with a league ban recommendation to
Tri-County.
Vulgar, Offensive Language, Gestures or Threats:
1st offense: Suspended for rest of season or next season.
2nd offense: Ban from coaching with the Little Knights in any capacity.
Head Coach removing a team from a game prior to the end of the game:
1st offense: One game suspension
2nd offense: Suspended for rest of season or next season.
Tampering with materials that determine player/cheerleader’s eligibility:
1st offense: One game suspension
2nd offense: Ban from coaching with the Little Knights in any capacity.
Note: If the Head Coach fails to stop a situation and/or report it to the Director of Coaches, he/she too will be under the same disciplinary actions. A penalty on the field of play pertaining to the above listed infractionsor a formal written complaint must be filed to warrant any action taken. A formal written complaint may also need to be followed up by the individual(s) appearance at a Board meeting.
Any individual whose conduct is deemed offensive, inappropriate, harmful to the development of policies, goals, or any general affront to good citizenship may be withdrawn from any involvement with Little Knights.
Revised 2/16/02