ARAGBA - Basketball Bylaws

Bylaws

	Bylaws for Anoka Ramsey Area Girls Basketball Association
1	Mission Statement
1.01	The Anoka Ramsey Area Girls Basketball Association, to be referred to as ARAGBA for the remainder of the document, is a community group of volunteers interested in the promotion of girls' basketball in the Anoka Senior High attendance area.
1.02	The development of a competitive girl’s basketball program as played by the Minnesota State High School League Rules. Participation will focus on camaraderie, sportsmanship and the intense instruction of basketball fundamentals, having fun, while traveling to other communities.
1.03	The sponsorship of girls traveling basketball requires ARAGBA to engage in the business managing and directing several programs that will be approved by the ARAGBA Board of Directors. Establishment and collection of fees for each level of league play, solicitation of business or individual sponsors, and administration of annual tournaments for traveling girls programs are the duties of the ARAGBA Board of Directors. Furthermore, any additional activity deemed appropriate to further the overall development of basketball for the youth of the ARAGBA endorsed programs would be identified and approved by the ARAGBA Board of Directors.
1.04	The ARAGBA is an independent organization and is not part of the Anoka Hennepin School District 11 programs.
2	Organization of the Board of Directors
2.01	The Board of Directors consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Tournament Director, Assistant Tournament Director, Concessions Coordinator, Tryout/Equipment Director, Gym Time Coordinator, and Web Director. Nine (9) Executive positions should be created to assist in voting procedures. All attending coaches and parents from each of the teams are encouraged to attend meetings but would be non-voting members.
2.02	As membership in ARAGBA increases, the Board of Directors may consist of up to 21 voting members.
2.03	If in the event there are not enough members, then any Board member may carry out the responsibilities of more than one office.
3	Duties of Elected Positions
3.01	*President*
3.01.1	The President serves as overseer of all ARAGBA activities.
3.01.2	In the absence of volunteers, the President selects ARAGBA members to serve in various functional roles.
3.01.3	Committee assignments are made by this position.
3.01.4	The President may NOT serve on any other Board without prior approval of the ARAGBA Board.
3.02	*Vice President*
3.02.1	The Vice President will serve as President in the President's absence.
3.02.2	The Vice President will have ultimate responsibility for all advertising and fundraising.
3.02.3	The Vice President will attend parent meetings with the President and assist in conflict resolution.
3.02.4	The Vice President is to enforce Bylaws during the Playing Season.
3.02.5	The Vice-President is responsible to review, monitor and maintain proper insurance coverage
3.03	*Treasurer*
3.03.1	The Treasurer is responsible for ARAGBA finances including payment of all approved expenditures and accounting of income from program registrations, tournaments, sponsors, and other sources.
3.03.2	This position is responsible for all cash needs at registrations, tournament ticket and concession facilities and picture sessions.
3.03.3	No expenditure over $100.00 will be made without prior approval of this position or and at least two board members.
3.03.4	The Treasurer will issue an actual financial statement at the Quarterly Board meetings in April, July, October, and January.
3.03.5	The Treasurer will provide a treasurers report at each and every scheduled board meeting.
3.03.6	The Treasurer is responsible for filing all required state and federal tax forms including but not limited to; income tax returns, annual business filings, annual non-profit renewals and 1099 forms. The Treasurer is also expected to keep informed of changes in filing requirements as they pertain to the ARAGBA organization.
3.04	*Secretary*
3.04.1	The Secretary is responsible for all reporting and record keeping functions of the organization.
3.04.2	The Secretary is responsible for the creation of ARAGBA meeting minutes. Through the distribution of these minutes, this position notifies all Board Members of upcoming meetings and activities.
3.04.3	The Secretary is responsible for all public aspects on the ARAGBA web site and scheduling team pictures.
3.04.4	The Secretary is responsible for posting announcements on the ARAGBA website to announce each of the future board meetings.
3.04.5	The Secretary will supervise the semi-annual audit of the ARAGBA financial records.
3.04.6	The Secretary will identify all ARAGBA schedule requirements through solicitation of all head coaches and, in turn, consolidate and clarify those needs in a formal and organized manner for review and approval, by majority vote, of the Board.
3.05	*Tournament Director*
3.05.1	The Tournament Director will have ultimate responsibility for the Assistant Tournament Director.
3.05.2	This position is responsible for the planning; organizing, staffing, and team representation of all ARAGBA sponsored Traveling Invitational Tournaments.
3.05.3	This position will serve as the ARAGBA point of contact for all potential participants in the tournament. Notification of tournament dates with accompanying invitations will be forwarded by this position to all approved basketball association contacts in the ARAGBA playing region. The invitations are sent in a timely manner to ensure representation of the best teams in the area.
3.05.4	This position is responsible for selection, purchase and awarding of all awards required for the invitational tournament.
3.05.5	Prior to committing to any expenditure, this position will contact the Treasurer to verify funds are available for the purchase contemplated.
3.06	*Assistant Tournament Director*
3.06.1	Referees and trophy needs will be coordinated by the Assistant Tournament Director. Bids for referees and trophies will be brought before the Board for approval prior to entering into any contract for services.
3.06.2	Volunteers for scorekeeping, timekeeping, and statistics will be solicited by this position.
3.06.3	This position will recruit referees, trainers and site coordinators to be used for all invitational tournaments. The referees and trainers will be certified.
3.07	*Concessions Coordinator*
3.07.1	This position is responsible for the solicitation of volunteers for concessions and gate sales at the tournament.
3.07.2	This position is responsible for ordering and arranging the delivery of all food and drinks for all sites' concession areas.
3.07.3	Bids for concession items will be brought before the Board for approval prior to entering into any contract for services or purchasing any food.
3.07.4	This position is responsible for securing any licensing and permits required by the governing health organizations.
3.08	*Tryouts/Equipment Director*
3.08.1	This position is responsible for organizing and conducting registration and for tryout activities.
3.08.2	This position is responsible for soliciting players and organizing tryouts including selecting independent judges for judging the tryouts.
3.08.3	This position is responsible for selection, purchase and storage of all ARAGBA equipment and uniforms.
3.08.4	In carrying out this function, this position will ensure maximum value to this organization by obtaining comparative pricing on (at least) an annual basis. Consideration should be given to ARAGBA sponsors and Anoka suppliers.
3.08.5	Prior to committing to any expenditure, this position will present bids to the Board for approval.
3.08.6	This position is responsible for the collection of all team uniforms and practice jerseys from each coach at the end of each season, unless permission has been given by majority vote from the Board to allow the uniforms to be used in the AAU Spring and Fall leagues. The responsibility for missing uniforms is ultimately on the individual player, and a replacement charge will be assessed by the Equipment Director to be paid into the general fund.
3.09	*Gym Time Coordinator*
3.09.1	The Gym Time Coordinator is responsible for all reporting and record keeping functions of Gym Time.
3.09.2	This position will work directly with all Community Educational Directors at all District #11 Facilities.
3.09.3	This position will provide detailed, team by team schedule of events including practice time and locations as well as tournament / metro league dates. The format should be typed, concise and easily understood. This schedule will be available on the ARAGBA web site.
3.09.4	This position is responsible for securing competitive bids for gym time rental. The bids must be presented before the Board for approval prior to entering into any contract.
3.10	*Web Director*
3.10.1	The Web Director is responsible for all public aspects of the ARAGBA.
3.10.2	The Web Director position is a non-voting position.
4	Meetings
4.01	ARAGBA Board of Directors future meeting dates will be determined by the Board at each meeting, i.e., the date for the following meeting will be determined on a month to month basis.
4.02	A meeting of the ARAGBA Board will be held monthly unless conflicts arise. Advanced notice will be published on the ARAGBA web site as requested by the Secretary.
4.03	Meetings of any identified sub-committee or groups will be held as called by the appointed chairperson.
4.04	There must be a minimum of 50% of the Board Members present before any issue can be voted on. Issues requiring a vote without the minimum number of members present must be tabled until the next meeting or missing members polled by phone or email and witnessed by one other Board Member.
5	Terms of Membership
5.01	New members of the ARAGBA Board are elected by a majority of the members present. Board members remain active by attending meetings, serving on committees and other functions as designated by the Board Officers.
5.02	At the season end Board meeting, there will be elections for all positions on the Board. Incumbent Board members elect the new Board by majority vote. Anyone with a daughter in the ARAGBA program may run for the Board positions.
5.03	Meeting attendance is the key to effective participation in all Board activities. In that regard, after a member has compiled three absences, in the April through March period, the Board will automatically review that member's contribution to ARAGBA activities. By a vote of members present at the meeting following the three absences, the member in question is subject to removal unless 2/3 majorities agrees to revert the absences to zero. In the event of failure, the President will notify the member of his/her status.
5.04	Any member demonstrating consistent reluctance to participate and contribute to the designated board activities will be contacted by an elected Board member to discuss the members' intention of remaining active. Results of this meeting may also generate removal action as outlined in paragraph 5.0.3.
5.05	ARAGBA is a non-profit, volunteer organization that is dependent upon its active members to run a quality program for the youth of the Anoka High School service area.
5.06	Any Board Member demonstrating inappropriate behavior (i.e.: conduct, actions, or verbal discussion of confidential information outside of Board Meetings) will be given one verbal warning from the Board. If the behavior continues the Board will terminate his/her position on the Board by majority vote. He/she would not be allowed back on the Board for 3 years.
5.07	As compensation for the time and expense involved in being on the Board of Directors, each Board member will be allowed one fee waiver for one player for the year that they are active members of the Board of Directors.
6	Election of New Members
6.01	A vacancy on the Board will be filled as soon as possible.
6.02	Candidates for vacant positions will commit to an interest in and support of youth basketball rather than a narrow segment of our program. It is suggested that candidates submit a written statement of expressed interest to the Board for review.
6.03	Nominations of prospective members may be placed before the Board by any member considered in active standing. Nominations will be made a month prior to the prospective member’s attendance so a discussion may be held and preliminary acceptance can be established prior to personally interviewing the candidate.
6.04	Prospective members should be present at a meeting to relate their interest in ARAGBA and answer any appropriate questions by other Board Members.
6.05	Final confirmation of prospective members should take place with the candidate out of the meeting room. New members will be elected by majority vote of the current Board of Directors.
6.06	The candidate will be selected solely on the basis of the potential contribution to youth basketball in our area.
7	Coaches Selection
7.01	The candidates may be male or female. They should be at least 21 years of age. The candidates should have a basic knowledge of the game and possess good administration and management skills.
7.02	Preference will be given to the parent of a player who scores in the top seven (7). However the board will, at their discretion, make the final decision based on qualifications and any other pertinent factors.
7.03	The ARAGBA Board may interview each applicant and must select a coach for each traveling team. Potential coaches will complete a comprehensive application form and agree to a criminal background check submitted to the Board for review, and will be subject to an interview process by the Board. If there are not enough applicants to fill all the open positions, a committee will be required to recruit qualified individuals for those open positions. Any applicant for a coaching position, either head coach or assistant coach, must disclose whether he / she has any history of pedophilia or any criminal record as far as sexual or physical abuse. Coaches are approved for the current season only and must be approved each year to continue in the traveling program. To be considered, a coach does not have to stay with the same team he / she coached in the prior year(s). The Board has the authority to terminate and replace coaches who exhibit inappropriate behavior as determined by the Board. The coach has the right to appeal this decision at a regularly scheduled Board Meeting.
7.04	The head coach may select assistant coaches. They may be male or female. The assistant coach is subjective to ARAGBA Board approval. It is recommended that a head coach have up to 2 assistant's with 1 being the Bookkeeper during games and make that person(s) known to the selection committee.
7.05	If a suitable coach cannot be found among the parents, the Board reserves the right to use any means necessary to secure a suitable coach.
7.06	The Board reserves the right to compensate a non-parent coach. This decision will be disclosed in the minutes of the Board meeting and will serve as public notice of the expenditure.
8	Player Participation in the Traveling League
8.01	*Membership Requirements*
8.01.1	The Traveling League is for players who want to play basketball at a higher competition level.
8.01.2	Participants in the ARAGBA program must be residents of School District #11, live, work, or have a written letter of intention to attend Anoka Senior High School.
8.01.3	Exceptions will be made for potential "non-resident" players requesting admission. A waiver from the "non-residents" traveling association will be required stating that permission is granted to have the player participate in the ARAGBA program. This waiver will not be required if there is no association in the player's service area.
8.01.4	Generally, a participant will play at the grade level in which they are currently enrolled. To be considered for possible "play-up", a player should be recognized as having exceptional talent and one who cannot receive developmental competition at his or her own actual grade level. To address these issues, the following guidelines will be instituted.
8.01.5	No "playing-up" in grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 unless approval is obtained from a minimum of 50% of the ARAGBA Board Member and both "sending" and "receiving" coaches agree to the change. The player so approved cannot return to their actual grade level during the season she has "played-up".
8.01.6	Persons "playing-up" can play on the first team only if there is no second team and less than 10 players on the first team. Persons "playing-up" can play on the second team only if there are less than 10 players. No player from a younger grade can bump an older player from the team.
8.01.7	A player "playing-up" from the 3rd to 4th grade must comply with rules stipulated in 8.01.6.
8.01.8	A player cannot "play-up" if doing so jeopardizes the existence of the team she is leaving.
8.01.9	A player who makes the first team may play down to the second team.
8.02	*Team Selection*
8.02.1	The tryouts are open to all players.
8.02.2	Tryouts are held in the month of September.
8.02.3	Each session consists of skills evaluation including but not limited to the following:
	Shooting
	Lay-ups
	Dribbling
	Passing
	3 on 3
	Quickness
	The Tryout Director is responsible for getting 3 or more individuals to evaluate the above-mentioned skills. The evaluators will not be allowed to evaluate any team that he / she has a child trying out for.
8.02.4	The seven top rated girls are automatically part of the “A” traveling team. The coach of the "A" team then can pick up to three girls to a maximum of 10 players. The girls rated 8th or lower, if not chosen for the "A" team, make up the "B" team up to a maximum of 10 players on the "B" team. If a girl(s) who was a member of an ARAGBA "A" traveling team the prior year misses the tryouts and has a legitimate medical excuse documented by a health care provider, an immediate family crisis, or an unavoidable circumstance, she will be allowed to tryout for the final place(s) on the "A" squad. She will be required to attend up to 3 practices and then the head coach will make the final decision. The same provision would apply to a girl on the "B" traveling team. The "B" head coach would in this case make the final decision. If a girl in 4, 5, 6, or 7 grades is late for her tryout session, she may tryout with the next grade level and her score will be compared with others in her grade level.
8.02.5	Top 7 players at try-outs make up the “A” team The coach of the team must add a minimum of one player and a maximum of three players.
8.02.6	All girls must attend a tryout, regardless if there is 10 or less participating. This will provide an evaluation for those girls on the borderline for sufficient skills to compete. A girl who misses tryouts can join a team with 9 or less players, provided she is accepted by the coach after evaluation at 3 practice sessions.
8.02.7	The Board has final approval on rosters.
8.03	*Playing Time*
8.03.1	At 4th grade level, every girl is guaranteed equal playing time. However, issues such as missed practices, lack of effort, bad attitude, not following instructions, etc. may result in less playing time. This will be a coach's decision.
8.03.2	At the 5th grade level, playing time will be equal in the first half of each game. The coach can determine playing time in the second half of each game based on attitude, effort, participation, skill and attendance in practices. However, issues such as missed practices, lack of effort, bad attitude, not following instructions, etc. may result in less playing time. This will be a coach's decision.
8.03.3	There will be no equal playing time at the 6th, 7th and 8th grade levels. Playing time at this level will be determined by the coach based on attitude, effort, participation, skill and attendance in practices.
8.03.4	The coach must discuss playing time and other issues at a player/parent meeting prior to the first practice. This will explain coach philosophy and provide time to ask questions.
8.03.5	Parent complaints about playing time should be addressed directly to the coach at a discreet location, away from earshot of players, parents, and in a civilized manner. If this meeting(s) fails to satisfy the parent, the Board will accept a written complaint for review and possible action.
8.03.6	Inappropriate behavior by a parent of a team will be given one verbal warning from the Board of Directors. If the parent behavior continues the season will end immediately for that parent and potentially that player if the situation cannot be resolved.
8.03.7	The ARAGBA code of conduct will be handed out and signed by each player's parent prior to participation in any practice. Parents will be expected to adhere to this code of conduct throughout the entire season.
9	Miscellaneous Issues
9.01	Guidelines for "sanctioned" games - the quantity will be reviewed yearly based on cost and ARAGBA budget.
9.02	At the end of the season, parents and players will participate in an evaluation to assist the Board in improving the Association. The board will review the evaluations at the annual season end meeting.
9.03	Solely the Board will decide any issues not covered under these bylaws.
9.04	At least one coach from each team (preferably the head coach) MUST attend a coaches meeting prior to the season.
9.05	At least one parent MUST attend the parent meeting prior to season.
© 2007 Anoka, Ramsey Area Girls Basketball Association