Constitution

SECTION I: NAME & STRUCTURE, COLOURS, OBJECTIVES AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Article 1: Name and Structure

a) The organization shall be known as the Rexdale Soccer Club (hereafter referred to as the RSC)

b) The Rexdale Soccer Club shall be affiliated with the officially recognized District Soccer organization – The Toronto Soccer Association (TSA) – and all such parent organizations that have jurisdictions to regulate and promote organized soccer in Ontario and Canada. Including the:

i. Ontario Soccer Association (OSA); and

ii. Canadian Soccer Association (CSA)

c) The RSC shall be a not-for-profit organization in accordance with provincial legislation and regulations of the Government of Ontario.

Article 2: League Colours

The Official League colours shall be Royal Blue and White.

Article 3: Aims and Objectives

a) To support and maintain the principles of the Laws of the Game as established by FIFA, CSA, and OSA except as provided herein.

b) To provide amateur sport and recreation for its members and the community at large, by organizing and governing soccer teams, leagues and tournaments on the recreational and competitive level in the general geographic are outlined in Article 4.

c) To promote and, in general, further the development of the game of soccer.

d) To foster the spirit of healthy competition, good sportsmanship, and fair play.

Article 4: Geographic Area

The promotion and development of the Rexdale Soccer Club program will take place in the approximate area bounded by Highway 401 (South), Weston Road (East), Steeles Avenue (North) and Highway 427 (West) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

SECTION II: HEAD OFFICE, MEMBERSHIP AND GENERAL MEETINGS

Article 5: Head Office

The Head Office of the RSC shall be in the City of Toronto, in the Province of Ontario, in the geographic are outlined in Article 4 at such a place as determined by the Executive Council of the RSC (see Article 10).

Article 6: General Membership

a) Executive Officers, Directors, approved team officials, house league division convenors and one adult representative (age 18 and over) per registered player shall be deemed members of the RSC.

b) Membership in the RSC shall be in effect until the close of new business at the AGM. Continuous membership applies only to Executive Officers, Directors in their positions, and on-going approved team officials.

c) Each member in good standing shall be entitled to one vote on questions arising at any Special or General Meeting of the members. At all meetings of the members, voting shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members, present in person, except where otherwise specified by law or this Constitution.

d) Members must present proof of active membership with either the original copy of the registration form and/or team official form.

e) No votes will be allowed by proxy.

Article 7: Quorum of Members

A Quorum of Members for the transaction of business at any special meeting or general meeting shall consist of not less than twenty (20) members present in person. In the event less than twenty members are present; the meeting will proceed upon a majority vote to do so of the members present. Once the meeting is adjourned meeting minutes will be accepted and released despite quorum of attendance.

Article 8: Annual General Meeting

a) The Annual General Meeting of the members of the organization shall be held at such place, within Rexdale and on a date determined by the Executive Officers, but no later than November 15th of every year. Notice of the meeting shall be forwarded to each member no less than three weeks in advance of the meeting.

b) Voting will be a show of hands unless a secret ballot is required. Decisions will be reached by a simple majority of members present and entitled to vote, unless stated otherwise in specific articles of this Corporation.

c) The Annual General Meeting will consist of a report from the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

d) A member must be in good standing with the club for a minimum of 3 years in order to be elected as a Director.

e) Nominations for positions must be made by members and forwarded to the Executive Council 30 days before the Annual General Meeting.

Article 9: Special General Meeting

A Special General Meeting of the Members may be called by the Executive Council from time to time, and must be called by the Secretary upon written request of 25% of the members of the RSC. Notice of such meetings shall be posted on the official RSC website.

SECTION III: EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND DIRECTORS

Article 10: Executive Council

a) Affairs of the Organization shall be managed by an Executive Council.

b) The Executive Council shall consist of the following four Executive Officers only:

President
Vice-President
Treasurer, and
Secretary
c) Members of the Executive Council are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Organization. All members of the Executive Council must be bondable. Member of the Executive Council must have served as Directors of the RSC before being nominated to the Executive Council.

d) If an Executive Officer fails to attend more than three consecutive Executive meetings without notification to the Secretary, or shows gross incompetence in the execution of his/her responsibilities, the individual may be dismissed from their position on the Executive Council. (see Article 15)

e) Members of the RSL may remove an Executive Officer by a two-thirds vote of the total general membership at a Special Meeting or Annual General Meeting provided that notice of the intention to pass such a motion has been given in advance of the meeting. The meeting must be made public in Accordance with Article 9.

Article 11: Executive Council Meetings

The Executive Council shall meet a minimum of six times a year, and at least once every thirty days during the playing schedule.

Article 12: Quorum and Voting

a) A Quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Executive Council shall be a simple majority.

b) Questions arising at a meeting of the Executive Council shall be decided by a majority vote. In the case of a tied vote, the Chair, and in his/her absence, the Vice-Chair, acting as Chair, may cast the deciding vote.

Article 13: Directors

a) The Directors shall include the following:

Director, Public Relations/Sponsorship
Director, Coaching
Director, Referees
Director, Tournaments/Fields
Director, Senior Teams
b) Directors will be elected by the general membership for two-year terms at Annual General Meetings held in odd-numbered years.

c) If a director shows gross incompetence in the execution of his/her responsibilities, the Executive Council may remove a Director by a majority vote of the Executive Council at a meeting of the Council provided that notice of the intention to pass such a motion has been given in advance of the meeting.

Article 14: Remuneration

No remuneration shall be given to any Executive Council member or Director for acting as such.

Article 15: Vacancies

The Executive Council shall fill vacancies on the Executive Council or the Board of Directors in-between Annual General Meetings. [see Article 10 (d)]

SECTION IV: Officers of the Executive Council and Their Duties

Article 16: President
The President:

a) Shall preside at all meetings of the members of the RSC and at all meetings of the Executive Council;

b) Shall sign all documents that need his/her signature;

c) Shall be responsible for representing the RSC in all activities and meetings with external organizations, including:

i. All meetings of the District Soccer Association that the RSC is associated with, and will provide a report of these meetings to the Executive Council.

ii. All meetings pertaining to competitive teams in which the RSC is involved, and will provide a report of these meetings to the Executive Council.

iii. Obtaining permits and the allocation of playing fields and gymnasiums;

iv. Working with the OSA, other such bodies and the appropriate Directors in developing and co-coordinating training clinics in coaching, refereeing and other activities geared to the development of soccer in the geographic area in which the Organization operates;

v. Chairing the organizing committee for all competitive team tournaments run by the Organization; and

vi. Receiving and collecting all information on tournaments and disburse this information to the appropriate coaches. He/She will approve and execute all applications in consultation with the Executive Council

d) Shall have special powers assigned to him/her by the Annual General Meeting and this Constitution and By-Laws.

Article 17: Vice-President
The Vice-President

a) Shall assist the President, and during the absence of the President, assume all duties and powers of the President;

b) Shall be responsible for the daily operations of the corporation, including:

i. With the assistance of the Executive Council, purchasing, controlling and maintaining inventory and records of all equipment owned by the RSC for the coaching, teaching, refereeing, and playing of the game of soccer;

ii. Drawing up the recreational league schedule and proper procedures for the League Cup and Play-Off Competition run by the RSC;

iii. The authority, after consultation and approval of the Executive Council, to replace coaches and/or convenors of the House League when deemed necessary;

iv. During the playing season, holding meetings at least once a month with all coaches and field convenors and one other Executive Council member and report at the next regular Board Meeting;

v. Be a member of the Standing Committee on Technical Operations; and

vi. Chair the activities of the Grievance and Disciplinary Committee of the RSC.

Article 18: Treasurer
The Treasurer

a) Shall keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements of the Organization in proper books of accounts;

b) Shall deposit all monies or other valuable effects to the credit of the Organization in such bank or banks as may, from time to time, be designated by the Executive Council;

c) Shall disburse the funds of the Organization under the direction of the Executive Council, taking proper receipts, and shall give an account of all financial transactions and of the financial position of the Organization at regular meetings of the Executive Council. The President, Vice-President, and Treasurer will have cheque-signing authority. Two signatures are required on all cheques. One signature must be the from one of the Executive Council;

d) Shall arrange a year-end audit of the financial records if it is requested by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.

Article 19: Secretary

a) Shall attend all meetings of the Organization and record facts and minutes of the proceedings;

b) Shall give notice of meetings to members of the RSC and members of the Board, and shall keep a record of names, addresses and telephone numbers of all members.

c) Shall be responsible for all OSA registrations and ensuring that the League copy of the OSA registration forms and filed with the League.

SECTION V: DIRECTORS AND THEIR DUTIES

Article 20: Director, Public Relations/Sponsorships

Under the direction of the Executive Council, the Director, Public Relations/Sponsorships

a) Shall be responsible for all publicity regarding the RSC. In so doing he/she shall represent the RSC in the best possible image. He/She shall also be responsible for maintaining good relations with the sponsors of the teams, municipal and provincial governments, and other bodies and organizations as deemed necessary by the Executive Council;

b) Shall encourage the media to report on events involving the RSC, by supplying information such as game results, tournaments, etc.;

c) Shall be responsible for securing of sponsors for the RSC.

d) Shall be responsible for developing and coordinating fundraising activities for the RSL, such as dances, raffles, tournament concessions etc.

Article 21: Director, Coaching

The Director, Coaching, shall be an OSA certified coach, or at least be involved in activities leading to such certification.

Under the direction of the Executive Council, the Director, Coaching

a) Shall run managers and coaches seminars for competitive and recreational team officials, and in general be responsible for the upgrading of coaching skills and abilities, laws of the game, and rules and regulations fo all governing bodies of soccer – Toronto Soccer Association, Ontario Soccer Association, Ontario Cup Rules, Canadian Soccer Association and F.I.F.A.;

b) Shall be responsible for receiving applications for positions of coaches and managers of competitive teams and coaches and convenors in the House League and to present these applications to the Executive Council;

c) Shall provide direction and assistance to all coaches, competitive team managers and field convenors;

d) Shall keep all coaches and team officials informed of the wishes, discussions and policies of the Executive Council;

e) Shall report all incidents detrimental to the objects and by-laws of the RSC and the game of soccer, as well as the coaching inabilities of any coach to the Executive Council, so that appropriate action may be taken;

f) Shall determine and set in motion the technical operations policies of the RSC, as far as the game of soccer is concerned; and

g) Shall call and chair meetings of the Standing Committee on Technical Operations.

Article 22: Director, Referees

Under the direction of the Executive Council, the Director, Referees

a) Shall organize and assign properly certified referees when needed for games involving teams of the RSC. These will include recreational and competitive teams, cup or tournament games;

b) Shall assist in developing referees clinics and in promoting conferences; seminars or other teaching sessions that benefit referees;

c) Shall keep in contact with all official Referee Associations.

Article 23: Director, Tournaments/Fields

Under the direction of the Executive Council, the Director, Tournaments/Fields

a) Shall liaise with the appropriate government agencies to ensure that all fields as required by the RSC have been secured.

b) Shall organize and host an annual tournament for the RSC competitive teams.

c) Shall organize the house league tournament.

Article 24: Director, Senior Teams

Under the direction of the Executive Council, the Director, Senior Teams

a) Shall liaise with the appropriate governing organizations, establish and maintain a process to provide an opportunity for graduation youth teams and/or individual players to continue playing soccer at the senior level;

b) Shall be responsible for receiving applications for senior teams affiliated with the RSC and to present these applications to the Executive Council; and

c) Shall keep all senior team coaches and officials informed of the wishes, discussion, and policies of the Executive Council.

Article 25: Special Directors

The Executive Council may, from time to time, appoint members of the RSC to perform special duties, as defined by the Executive Council.

SECTION VI: POWER AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Article 26: General Responsibility

The Executive Council:

a) Shall ensure the Organization operates in a manner that is consistent with the aims and objectives stated in the Constitution and By-Laws;

b) Shall legislate rules and regulations that will facilitate the achievement of the aims and objectives stated in the Constitution and By-Laws

c) May make such miscellaneous rights and responsibilities as may be deemed necessary for the efficient administration of the playing structure within the geographic area and as may be required to protect the rights and freedom of all members.

Article 27: Financial Responsibility and Accountability

a) The Executive Council shall set registration and other fees in accordance with the financial requirements of the RSC. Such fees can only be used to defray the costs of League operations.

b) The Executive Council shall establish a budget for the operation of the League that shall not be permitted to project a deficit. The budget must be approved by the Executive Council.

c) A financial statement representing the end of the fiscal year must be presented at the Annual General Meeting.

d) The Executive Council has the right to levy monetary fines against any member of the RSC where it is deemed necessary to maintain a high degree of control over the game of soccer.

Article 28: Record Keeping

The Executive Council shall ensure that all necessary books and records of the RSC, as demanded by law and by the Constitution and By-Laws, are regularly and properly kept (e.g. correspondence log, receipt and disbursement journals, minutes of all meetings, and whatever records are required by auditors). All records will be kept in the office at all times.

Article 29: Contracts

Routine documents, such as deeds, transfers, licenses etc…shall be signed by the signing authorities. Formal contracts shall be signed by the signing authorities under seal. In all cases, the President must be one of the signing authorities.

Article 30: Health and Liability

To arrange for appropriate insurance to protect the RSC and its members against health and liability claims.

Article 31: Appointments to Vacant Positions

Replacements for any member of the Executive Council or the Directors who, for whatever reason, can no longer perform his/her duties as a member of the RSC must be appointed within three weeks. Such appointments shall require a simple majority of the Executive Council present at a duly constituted meeting.

Article 32: Discipline

To discipline or refer to the proper disciplinary authorities any members of the Executive Council, appointed Directors, coaches, assistant coaches, managers, field convenors referees or any other member of the Corporation whose behaviour is determined to be detrimental to the achievement of the aims and objectives of the RSC.

Article 33: Committees

a) The Executive Council shall appoint Standing Committees and ad-hoc committees as deemed necessary.

b) There shall always be at least two (2) Standing Committees:

i. The Grievance and Disciplinary Committee; and

ii. The Committee on Technical Operations.

c) The Grievance and Disciplinary Committee shall, in accordance with OSA policies and procedures:

i. Be made up of at least three members, one of whom shall be the Vice-President who shall be the chair of this Committee;

ii. Investigate all grievances arising out of the operation of the RSC, and dispense discipline according to the statutes, by-laws, rules and regulations of the Organization, and where these do not cover the case in question, the statutes, by-laws, rules and regulations of the appropriate governing body, such as the TSA, OSA, Ontario Cup provisions, CSA and FIFA shall be enforced.

In accordance with Article 17, the Vice-President shall:

iii. Set dates and chair the meetings of this committee;

iv. Shall have the power to call before the committee, coaches, convenors, referees, players and/or spectators involved in disputes and altercations;

v. Shall enforce the decisions of the committee and suspend or caution any persons or team found in contravention of this Constitution and By-Laws, the laws of the game of soccer and the OSA guidelines and procedures;

vi. Shall convey the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee, in writing, to the disciplined party within forty-eight hours of making the decision, and shall notify the Executive Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

iv. Shall have the power to call before the committee, coaches, convenors, referees, players and/or spectators involved in disputes and altercations;

d) The committee on Technical Operations:

i. Shall be called into session and chaired by the Director, Coaching, who shall report on the activities of this Committee to the Executive Council;

ii. Shall be made up of the following:

Vice-President
Director, Coaching
Director, Referees
Director, Senior Teams
All House League Field Convenors; and
Other such persons as established by the Executive Council

SECTION VII: MISCELLANEOUS

Article 34: Fiscal Year

The Fiscal Year of the RSC shall be September 30th of each calendar year unless otherwise designated by the Executive Council and with the approval of authorized federal agencies.

Article 35: Constitutional Amendments

a) Amendments to this Constitution must be submitted to the Executive Council for consideration at least 90 days prior to the date of a meeting at which amendments to this Constitution are considered.

b) Amendments to the Constitution submitted to the Executive Council must be considered and voted upon at least 45 days prior to the date of a meeting at which amendments to this Constitution are considered.

c) For the purposes of Constitutional amendments, all members of the Executive Council will be entitled to 1 vote.

d) To be considered for approval at the Annual General Meeting, constitutional amendments require the approval of 75% (3 of the 4 members) of the Executive Council.

e) The Constitution may then be amended by a two-thirds vote of all members at a duly called meeting of the members of the RSC. Notice of a meeting, at which amendments to this Constitution are to be considered, shall have been received at least 21 days prior to the date of such a meeting and embody the proposed amendment.

f) All proposed constitutional amendments will be disclosed at the AGM.