Ratified July 20, 2022 in accordance with existing policies and procedures.

1.1
The name of this organization shall be the Penn-Trafford Soccer Club, LTD.

1.2
The organization may also be known as Penn Trafford Soccer Club, PTSC or simply as the “club”.

1.3
The headquarters of the club shall be located at the fields and facilities at 100 Kuch Lane, Claridge PA, 15623.

2.1
The club shall have the following purpose:

     2.1.1
     Provide a quality and fun soccer experience to the community of Penn-Trafford and the surrounding area.

     2.1.2
     The club provides an avenue for players of all ages and skill levels to learn and play the game of soccer in an organized and
     safe environment.

2.2
The club is a not for profit entity

2.3
Any financial gain made by the club shall be used to further promote the mission and purpose objectives and shall not be used for direct or indirect gain of its members or board, individually or collectively. The board may, using fiscal discretion, engage, hire or contract individuals with skills or training needed to assist in the functioning of the club, providing compensation at prevailing rates of payment. The details of all such arrangements shall be made available to members and any member of the board upon request.

Membership in PTSC shall be determined as follows:

4.1
Membership within PTSC is to be granted and controlled strictly by the Board of Directors of PTSC.  Membership of the family having a child play for a PTSC team is automatic.  Membership only occurs when the child is placed onto a PTSC team.  Signing up and payment of a registration fee does not confer membership status and the enrollee shall have no rights except to contest arbitrary denial of and/or placement onto a team.

4.2
Regardless of the number of children from a single family playing for the club, for the purposes of voting, the family has one (1) vote at the Annual General Meeting.

4.3
Regardless of the number of board members a family may comprise, the family has one (1) vote at the Annual General Meeting.

4.4
The Board may by special action at its discretion confer membership upon any person for the purposes of playing, coaching, Board membership or any other reason.  Such membership shall be approved by simple majority of the Board.  The application for membership shall be read and held over to the following meeting where it shall be voted upon. Special dispensation does not confer voting rights for an upcoming election or majority vote when granted within two months of said election or majority vote.

4.5
The Board can and has the absolute power to revoke or refuse membership upon notice, to any person(s) for any reason including conduct unbecoming to soccer or detrimental to PTSC or its members. The Board action requires a simple majority. Any board member may nominate an individual for a removal vote for conduct unbecoming to soccer or detrimental to PTSC, its mission or its members. The aggrieved individual (s) may request a hearing before the Board or its designated panel.

Membership in PTSC shall not unreasonably be denied by the Board.  The Board shall, by voice vote, unless a question is raised, certify membership of enrollees, prior to the player fee being paid to Pa West for each spring and fall season.

4.6
Those members who are coaches, Board members, or who have contact with any youth player or referee shall follow the requirements as mandated by PA West, PA state law and/or federal law, as applicable, regarding volunteers for positions.

     4.6.1
     Any member receiving discipline from PA WEST or US SOCCER while acting in a capacity representing the club, may face
     sanctions and/or removal in addition to fines/sanctions handed down from PA WEST or US SOCCER by the club. Any member
     of the board without a conflict of interest may nominate said member for supplemental discipline and will be enacted by a
     simple majority vote.

4.7 
Any person who has an Order known as “Protection from Abuse Order” that is either current or has expired and desires a position outlined in 4.6 above must declare the existence of said Order whereupon the Board shall determine the individual request.  This provision is included as PFA Orders are civil in scope and do not appear on criminal background checks unless the Order was violated and criminal contempt proceedings were filed.  Any person who lies or falsifies their application for a position in 4.6 shall be immediately removed from that position. Members holding positions or roles identified in 4.6 shall notify the board immediately of any arrests or convictions relating to abuse of any kind. Failure to notify the board of such events will result in immediate dismissal from coaching, board positions or any other position which has contact with youth players or referees.

4.8
No member shall serve the club in any capacity without providing current child abuse clearances and criminal history. This includes board positions. Should any past incidents of child abuse, violence, inappropriate sexual behavior or miscellaneous criminal behavior be revealed, regardless of time elapsed, the club may reject the member outright for any position within the club or board membership. 

4.9
PTSC shall respect the policies of its governing body with respect to recruitment and team placement for all age groups. In addition, PTSC will not actively recruit members outside of its normally recognized geographic area when players within said geographic area are provided with a team that they can play on. Recruitment violations by coaches or board members may subject the individual(s) to removal from their positions in accordance with 6.1.3.  

[Club precedent has used school district boundaries as the geographic area]

The government of PTSC shall be the Board of Directors.  The Board shall have an Executive Board committee made up of the Director, Assistant Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Immediate past Director and Director of Coaching.  The Board shall be comprised of the executive committee and at least 6 at large board positions with roles and responsibilities to be determined by the then existing Board.

5.1   
The Board shall be elected by majority of membership present at the annual meeting designated by the Board as the election meeting, which must be held in compliance with PA West regulations. All candidates must be known to the entirety of the board no later than two weeks prior to the annual general meeting. No candidates may be added at any point within two weeks of the annual general meeting without notifying the entirety of the board. A candidate cannot be confirmed to the board if this procedure is not followed.

5.2   
The election shall be by secret vote, voice vote, raising of hands or electronic vote as decided by the existing Board.

5.3   
If any position is unopposed, the Director who shall run elections may at their discretion call for a vote on the “slate” of unopposed candidates using the process in 5.2.  In contested positions, candidates may request to give a presentation and will be given an equal amount of time as determined by the board before the meeting.  Open positions can be voted on at any time of the year as necessary.  The board can appoint an interim member of the executive committee.

5.4   
Roberts Rules of Order as amended in this constitution controls meetings of the Board and Board decisions are final.

5.5  
Meetings will be run by the Director in his/her absence, the Assistant Director.  All Board members listed above in Article 5 shall have a vote.  In case of ties, the vote on that particular matter in question shall be deemed tabled and may only be voted upon again after Motion to Represent which shall be decided by simple majority.  A quorum may be called at any time.  A quorum shall be a minimum of seven (7) voting Board members. Unless specifically stated otherwise by the director or assistant director, board meetings may be held virtually using communication tools such as Zoom, Teams, WebEx or other teleconferencing. Voting may be done this way but shall be recorded and documented to ensure accuracy. Voting opportunities shall be included on the agenda ahead of time so that all interested board members may have an opportunity to vote.

5.6
Subject to Section 4.4, An individual must be a member of PTSC in good standing to hold a Board seat.  No individual may become Director without first serving as either an Executive Board member or having held a board position for at least 3 years.  Membership in good standing is membership as set forth in 4 through 4.7 above.

5.7
PTSC shall consult the immediate past director on issues involving changes to the constitution, changes to the stated purpose of the organization, or on questions involving dissolution and/or winding up. The immediate past director shall have 1 vote on such matters.

5.8
Winding up and/or dissolution of PTSC shall follow the format set forth in the PA West constitution and bylaws subject to the following:  After all debts of the organization have been paid, any money left shall be placed in a trust for the boys and girls high school soccer programs with direction by the Board.

5.9
All Board decisions are final.  The Board is to be held harmless and the club shall indemnify the Board Members for any action(s) brought against the Board or its members.  PTSC is to provide Officers and Directors insurance coverage for the Board in the amount of not less than two million dollars (General Aggregate).

5.10
The Board will from time to time enact laws and rules for the good of the game and for the good of PTSC.  These are to be kept in a binder and are specific to the motion or circumstance that caused them to be enacted.  They do not supersede or overrule the Constitution of PTSC.

Board members at large will be assigned duties by the executive committee. Board members assigned to current board roles shall be expected to fulfill the following duties:

Director - Shall run all meetings of the PTSC and attend all meetings of the state or other local groups as may be necessary to meet this organization’s stated purpose. The director is responsible for providing leadership, inspiration and direction for PTSC. The director shall act or delegate authority to the assistant director to coordinate with other board members to ensure that they are fulfilling their obligations to the offices they hold without authority to remove such members with unilateral action. The director is also responsible for providing the means for accomplishing the goals set forth by the board of directors. The director shall be the spokesperson of the club and as such must accurately convey key decisions and information to club members and the public. The Director shall be reimbursed for traveling expenses by the PTSC, which will be subject to Board approval.  The Director will also be responsible for guaranteeing the organization meets all local, state and federal regulations. The director has authority to cancel games and practices at his/her discretion. The director shall be responsible for ensuring that all required association fees are paid and the required insurance(s) are in place. The director has a duty to address and/or nominate members who have violated the PTSC constitution or are not performing key duties for removal regardless of their club affiliation.

President of the Board of Trustees - Serves on the board in an advisory capacity as a non-voting board member.

Assistant Director- Shall run the PTSC in the director’s absence and will appoint all committees as they become necessary to meet this organization’s stated purpose. Committees shall be open to all interested members of the board and members of the board may serve on more than one committee. For committees that have overlap with responsibilities of other board members (such as coaching or player evaluations), it will be assumed that said board member (for example DoC) will be part of that committee. The assistant director will assume responsibility for ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of the club’s assets. This includes ensuring that the fields are ready to play for practices and weekend games. The assistant director shall have authority in the event of an emergency (water leak, fire, electrical hazard) to authorize spending to remedy the situation. The assistant director has authority to cancel home games and practices at his/her discretion. The assistant director has a duty to address and/or nominate members who have violated the PTSC constitution or are not performing key duties for removal regardless of their club affiliation. The assistant director shall be reimbursed for traveling expenses subject to board approval.

Treasurer- Shall be responsible for establishing control of all monies of the club, which shall be deposited in a recognized bank in the name of the PTSC.  He/she is also responsible for any applicable federal and state tax fillings. The treasurer is given authority in establishing processes and procedures for full transparency of monetary transactions by the club. The treasurer shall report monthly a statement of income and expenses during the board meeting and has ultimate authority on the approval or rejection of expense reports. The treasurer shall keep records of all disbursements of club funds and all income. The treasurer collects all dues, fees, uniform fees, registration fees, and other monies raised by PTSC and keeps records as such. The treasurer shall prepare an annual budget upon information available and present to the board of directors for approval in May of each year. The treasurer may authorize travel expenses to be paid to other members of the board on a case by case basis. The treasurer is obligated to report any suspected financial impropriety to the executive board.

Director of Coaching and Player Development – Responsible for developing and implementing a competitive curriculum for all levels of the club. The DOC should carry at a minimum an E license from US Soccer and stay up to date with changing philosophies of coaching and player safety. The DOC shall be the first point of board contact for coaching complaints and act to ensure that substantiated complaints are brought to the board. The DOC is responsible for the conduct and content presented by all coaches at PTSC and will be involved in any corrective actions needed within coaching ranks. All clinics, skill sessions, academy and other large group trainings must be approved by DOC. The DOC shall ensure that all coaches have met the requirements set forth by PA WEST and US Soccer. The DOC has authority to cancel games and practices at his/her discretion.

Secretary- Shall be responsible for handling all correspondence that will be required to meet this organization’s stated purpose that is not included in the role and responsibilities of the fundraising or publicity positions. The secretary provides notification to the general membership of the AGM and to the board members of all board meetings. The Secretary shall also be responsible for keeping the minutes of all meetings.

Concessions Coordinator- The concessions coordinator is responsible for the creation and maintenance of the “menu” for the PTSC concession stand. This includes but is not limited to pricing and composition. The coordinator has a responsibility to make sure items are stocked properly week to week. The coordinator sets up the hours that the stand will be open and must ensure that there are workers there at those times. Once per season, the concessions coordinator will make a recommendation on compensation for youth workers. The concession coordinator must ensure availability of an adult for closing of each business day and is responsible for making sure youth workers get paid and volunteers get their credit. The concessions coordinator shall also be responsible for ensuring that the trash is collected and the bathrooms are satisfactorily clean.

Equipment Coordinator – The equipment coordinator is responsible for the ordering of uniforms for both in-house and travel teams and the handling of any issues arising from uniforms. The equipment coordinator shall also inventory the state of the goals, nets, balls, pinneys and other equipment and make purchases to ensure that the equipment is appropriate for use and in appropriate supply.

Fundraising & Sponsorship Coordinator – The fundraising and sponsorship coordinator is responsible for the selling / creation and maintenance of sponsorship banners, flyers, signs, etc. The fundraising coordinator should be motivated to increase year over year revenue in order to benefit the plans laid out by the club. The fundraising and sponsorship coordinator has leading responsibility for all events and activities that are intended to increase revenue for the club. This includes but is not limited to Celebrate Soccer Day, lotteries, auctions, jersey sponsorships, etc.

Publicity Coordinator – The publicity coordinator has responsibility in maintaining the PTSC website and social media with up to date information including fundraisers, cancellations, special events, game write-ups, photography and sponsorships. The publicity coordinator is also responsible for sending out the weekly e-blast to club members and the content of such.

Girls Recreational Coordinator – The girls’ recreational coordinator shall form teams for the Club’s girls’ recreational divisions, recruit coaches and parent administrators and ensure that all criminal background checks, concussion training and child protective training has been completed. The girls’ recreational coordinator is responsible for scheduling practices for all submitted teams under their authority at PTSC and ensuring attendance of coaches. The girls’ recreational coordinator is responsible for the timely submission of teams in the PA WEST system. The girls travel coordinator shall be a point of contact in all issues that arise with activated teams during the season.

Boys Recreational Coordinator – The boys’ recreational coordinator shall form teams for the Club’s boys’ recreational divisions, recruit coaches and parent administrators and ensure that all criminal background checks, concussion training and child protective training has been completed. The boys’ recreational coordinator is responsible for scheduling practices for all submitted teams under their authority at PTSC and ensuring attendance of coaches. The boys’ recreational coordinator is responsible for the timely submission of teams in the PA WEST system. The boys travel coordinator shall be a point of contact in all issues that arise with activated teams during the season.

Co-ed Recreational Coordinator – The co-ed recreational coordinator shall form teams for the Club’s co-ed recreational divisions, recruit coaches and parent administrators and ensure that all criminal background checks, concussion training and child protective training has been completed. The co-ed coordinator is responsible for scheduling practices for all submitted teams under their authority at PTSC and ensuring attendance of coaches. The co-ed recreational coordinator is responsible for the timely submission of teams in the PA WEST system. The co-ed travel coordinator shall be a point of contact in all issues that arise with activated teams during the season.

Recreational Referee Coordinator – The recreational referee coordinator is responsible for the payment AND scheduling of referees for all recreational (i.e. non-travel) games played at PTSC and its authorized and insured satellite locations. The recreational referee coordinator shall make a recommendation to the board with respect to payment that will be effective for both the fall and spring seasons. The recreational referee coordinator appoints the center referee as well as the assistant referees based on ability, performance and experience. The recreational referee coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all referees meet the requirements of PA WEST and that appropriate training has been completed. The recreational referee coordinator shall be a point of contact for all situations involving abuse of officials or other disrespectful treatment.

Travel Referee Coordinator – The travel referee coordinator is responsible for the payment AND scheduling of referees for all travel division games played at PTSC and its authorized and insured satellite locations. The travel referee coordinator shall make a recommendation to the board with respect to payment that will be effective for both the fall and spring seasons. The travel referee coordinator appoints the center referee as well as the assistant referees based on ability, performance and experience. The travel referee coordinator is responsible for ensuring that all referees meet the requirements of PA WEST and that appropriate training has been completed. The travel referee coordinator shall be a point of contact for all situations involving abuse of officials or other disrespectful treatment.

Girls Travel Coordinator – Responsible for scheduling tryouts and coordinating evaluators for girls’ travel teams. Charged with ensuring the integrity of the tryout process and using collected data to form teams. The girls travel coordinator shall also recruit coaches and parent administrators and ensure that all criminal background checks, concussion training and child protective training has been completed. The travel coordinator is responsible for scheduling practices for all activated teams under their authority at PTSC. The travel coordinator, along with the DOC is responsible for ensuring that all head coaches obtain the appropriate licenses for the division of soccer they are coaching. Lastly, the girls travel coordinator is responsible for the timely activation of teams in the PA WEST system and communicating any payments required to the treasurer. The girls travel coordinator shall be a point of contact in all issues that arise with activated teams during the season.

Boys Travel Coordinator – Responsible for scheduling tryouts and coordinating evaluators for boys’ travel teams. Charged with ensuring the integrity of the tryout process and using collected data to form teams. The boys travel coordinator shall also recruit coaches and parent administrators and ensure that all criminal background checks, concussion training and child protective training has been completed. The travel coordinator is responsible for scheduling practices for all activated teams under their authority at PTSC. The travel coordinator, along with the DOC is responsible for ensuring that all head coaches obtain the appropriate licenses for the division of soccer they are coaching. Lastly, the boys travel coordinator is responsible for the timely activation of teams in the PA WEST system and communicating any payments required to the treasurer. The boys travel coordinator shall be a point of contact in all issues that arise with activated teams during the season.

Adult Coordinator – The adult coordinator is responsible for the timely activation of teams in the PA WEST system and communicating any payments required to the treasurer. The adult coordinator shall identify times and locations for practices as requested.

The term of each board position will be one (1) year period.  Members at Large- Shall be elected at the annual meeting as per Article 5.  Their term of office will be one (1) year.  They will be responsible for all organization and operation of leagues and/or age groups as they have to so that they can meet this organization’s stated purpose.

In addition to the above responsibilities, board members are expected to attend fundraising events and other activities run by the club throughout the year that benefit the club and/or its members. In return for free or reduced fees for board members’ children to play soccer, these events shall be considered mandatory. Excusal from such obligations is at the discretion of the club director. Consistent failure to meet these obligations may result in dismissal per 6.1.3 or inability to qualify for board benefits.

6.1.   Removal of Officers and Members

No member of the board of directors shall be removed from office for arbitrary reasons but may be removed under the following conditions:

6.1.1  Removal of Director

The director may be removed from office under the following conditions:

·       The director is no longer able to perform the duties expected of the position

·       The director is absent from three or more meetings of the board without satisfactory reasoning

·       The director no longer lives within the borders of the PTSC operating area

·       The director is discovered to have an undischarged bankruptcy

·       The director has been found guilty of harassment or violence in club capacity

·       The director has failed to properly account for monies or other properties belonging to the club

·       The director is found guilty of any crime, regardless of whether it affected the club

·       The elected board is showing documented disregard to the constitution to the detriment of multiple club members.

·       A significant and relevant conflict of interest is discovered that was not reported.

6.1.2  Removal of Assistant Director

The assistant director may be removed from office pursuant to 6.1.1.

6.1.3 Removal process for all board positions and members of the club

Any member nominated for removal must be notified in writing and attend a special hearing in person.

Only board members may nominate a member or another board member for removal.
Members may be removed from office or their position within the club for good and sufficient cause by a 2/3 majority vote from board members present at the hearing, provided notice has been given to all members of the board.

Examples of sufficient cause for removing board members may include but are not limited to: a lack of participation in scheduled meetings, a pattern of failure to fulfill duties, abusive behavior or violation of articles within this document related to conduct.

If a director or assistant director is removed from office, the board of directors may vote to elect a successor for the remainder of the current term.

The executive board may vote with a simple majority to immediately suspend membership of an individual pending the disciplinary hearing in circumstances in which the physical or emotional well-being of another individual is at risk.

6.2    Conflicts of Interest

All voting board members must disclose conflicts of interest prior to voting. Failure to disclose conflict(s) of interest prior to a vote or awarding of business is an ethical violation that can trigger a removal proceeding. This is also grounds for a board member to request a new vote which shall be binding.

All decisions concerning the operation of PTSC shall and will be handled by and is strictly within the power of the Board. The Board shall not be bound or liable to pay for any item purchased without authorization of the Board.

8.1   Monthly Board Meetings

The board of directors is expected to meet monthly during the year and document the meeting with an agenda and meeting minutes.

8.2   Annual General Meeting

The annual general meeting of all members will be held in accordance with Article 5.1.  At this time the Treasurer will give the annual report and the new members and officers will be elected.

The agenda for the annual general meeting is as follows:

1.      Election of Officers

2.      Treasurer’s Financial report

3.      Director (state of the club)

4.      Assistant director (progress against stated goals)

Players who meet the age requirements as set forth by PA West and PTSC, and who meet the membership requirement as set forth under Article 4 will be eligible to play as approved by the Board. PTSC reserves the right to explore alternate program placements than those requested at the time of registration in the interest of fairness and safety.

The colors of this organization will be green and gold. It shall be understood that black and/or white accompanying kit components will be acceptable in accordance with the constitution. No team shall modify or personalize kits without written board approval. No team may use the official kit for unsanctioned activities.

The seasonal (fiscal) year of this organization shall begin on July 1 and end on June 30 of the following calendar year.  The constitution and by-laws hereafter adopted and the rules and regulations, shall be in effect during the entire twelve (12) months of the seasonal year.  PTSC is and will remain a non-profit organization and the club will not enter into a transaction that will cause a tax liability.

The PTSC shall distribute its income in such a manner so as not to become subject to the tax on undistributed income imposed by section 4942 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 USC 4942) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent tax law.

The Board of Directors shall be responsible for all financial decisions, as they may be required, so that they may meet the stated purpose of this organization.

Constitutional amendment proposals must be made and seconded and are to be approved for a final vote by a 2/3 plus 1 vote of the entire Board. The entire board must register a vote unless a previously disclosed conflict of interest would make them ineligible. The proposed amendment is to be read and carried over until the next meeting at which time the Board will vote after a Motion to close discussion has been made, seconded and approved by a simple majority of the Board present.  Votes to repeal and pass regular bills in due course, shall be made, seconded and passed up or down by majority vote.

[In accordance with 5.7, the immediate past director must be consulted before the amendment proposal is made and the immediate past director must cast a vote.]

The Board shall carry all insurance for the PTSC fields, buildings and grounds as well as coverage for the players, Board and staff if applicable.

In the event of dissolution, any assets accumulated would be distributed by the Board under the provisions of Article 5.8.

Coaches will adhere to licensing standards as dictated by PA West.  For licensing above USSF National E, the license fees will be reimbursed as a credit over four sessions or two years. In the event that a coach has no children remaining in the club before this time expires, remaining credits can be distributed via check at the discretion of the treasurer.

The Board may from time to time in its discretion allow various advertising to be placed around the fields of PTSC so long as a fee is paid (to be determined at the discretion of the Board).  PTSC will not permit political signs, campaigning or solicitation to take place at the PTSC fields.  No team shall have as a sponsor a political candidate. PTSC shall remain neutral with regard to political issues, controversial topics and the like. No signage or advertising will be permitted relating to such topics. It is understood that advertising and signage rules apply both physically and virtually. In the spirit of remaining agnostic to classic teams and outside academies, if the club advertises the events and/or tryouts of one classic team, they shall not refuse or omit advertisements of other classic teams or academies.

PTSC facilities shall not be used for any outside purpose unless approval is received from the Board.  This outside usage is specifically to include outside sales of items, handout of materials, and solicitation. No member of the club may use the facilities for personal financial gain. Appropriate rental fees and other expenses must be charged by the club. This applies to coaching clinics, camps, etc. Appropriate fees may be determined by benchmarking the rental fees of (2) other similar facilities to outside organizations and documenting. The board may exchange field time to classic or academy teams in exchange for steep discounts and/or free training for its members. In the case of large events or camps, PTSC may be entitled to a percentage of registration or entrance fees in addition to rental fees where appropriate. In such cases, the board shall request payment at market rates by polling (2) other sources and documenting. A simple majority vote from the board may be used for exceptions and documented. It is understood that there may situations where members could benefit from negotiations on terms not directly involving financial compensation to the club.

Any prior rule, regulation or policy that is not referenced herein shall remain the law of PTSC unless and until the Board is called upon to decide the effect of the former with the current at which time the Board may in its discretion repeal the former in favor of the current.

23.1   
This Harassment Policy shall apply to all employees, directors, officers, volunteers, coaches, game officials, administrators, players, members and registrants of the Club.

23.2    
Harassment is defined as any comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading or offensive. It includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment. It is understood harassment may occur virtually on any number of social media applications.

23.3   
Incidents of harassment will be investigated by the executive committee of PTSC. Egregious violations of policy will result in nomination for immediate removal. The first incident of a non-egregious incident of harassment will result in a written warning. For egregious incidents, any member may be suspended for a period of time depending on the nature of the allegations and findings. PTSC reserves the right to suspend individuals prior to the conclusion of the aforementioned investigation. Subsequent incidents of non-egregious harassment will result in nomination for immediate removal. The policy spelled out in 6.1.3 will be followed for removal hearings. PTSC reserves the right to immediately remove members in any role for incidents of harassment between adults and minor children.

24.1  Definition of Family Members

For the purpose of this policy, a family member is defined as spouse, partner, parents, step-parents, siblings, step-siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, grandchildren, or cousins. In-laws (or partner's family) are also considered family. Other non-family relationships can be considered on a case-by-case basis.

24.2 Nepotism Policy

No family members shall:

· Solely determine soccer or soccer employment outcomes that will disproportionately benefit a family member at the expense of other members. For instance, final decisions on player rankings, personnel (coaching of their child’s team), paid hours, team cuts, scholarships, etc. Nor shall family members participate in any disciplinary or reward decision that directly affects an individual family member.

·       Be exempt from the policies described herein due to family member status of board member.

·       Receive special dispensation above other deserving club members such as hours worked, team positioning, opportunities, etc.

All coaches and members within the organization are expected to make decisions in the best interest of ALL children under their care. This policy shall be enforced when hiring contractors or determining the outcome of competing bids. When dealing with outside firms, either as vendors, clients, or service providers, these same guidelines shall apply. Failure to act in a consistent and fair manner with respect to this policy is grounds for a hearing.