BINGHAMTON GROUP of NORTH-WESTERN
NEW YORK STATE SOCCER REFEREES’ UNIT (BGSR)
CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS
AND
STANDING ORDERS
EFFECTIVE: May 2, 1998
BINGHAMTON GROUP OF NORTH-WESTERN NEW YORK STATE
SOCCER REFEREES’ UNIT
CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
ARTICLE I: NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Binghamton Group of the North-Western New York State Soccer Referees’ Unit, and may be referred to as Binghamton Group Soccer Referees, or BGSR.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of this organization shall be:
1). To advance the understanding and application of the Laws of The Game of soccer.
2). To support the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) in registering and training referees.
3). To support affiliated leagues in assigning referees.
4). To further community participation in all aspects of the game of soccer.
5) To improve the status of member referees.
6) To improve the standards of refereeing.
7) To protect and promote the interests of member referees.
8) To make representations to the governing bodies for the good of the game and the benefit of member referees.
9) To promote a closer relationship between referees and soccer associations and kindred bodies
10) To provide social activities, as desirable, for the membership.
11) To retain in membership those who have given up active refereeing so that their experience may benefit others.
ARTICLE III: LOCATION
The location of the organization shall be that of its President unless otherwise established by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Membership in this organization shall be open to any person interested in the officiating of soccer. All members shall be subject to this Constitution and Bylaws and any Standing Orders established.
The following categories of membership are established:
a. Active
b. Inactive
c. Affiliate
d. Lifetime
ACTIVE MEMBERS SHALL:
a. Be registered officials in accordance with the requirements of USSF.
b. Be registered members of BGSR.
c. Pay the required dues to both the regional USSF organization and BGSR.
d. Attend at least two thirds of the General Membership meetings each year, unless otherwise excused.
e. Have one vote during general membership meetings.
f. Officiate games through the acceptance of assignments from USSF authorized assignors.
INACTIVE MEMBERS SHALL:
a. Be registered officials in accordance with the requirements of the USSF.
b. Be registered members of BGSR.
c. Pay the required dues to both the regional USSF organization and BGSR.
d. Be ineligible to vote.
e. Voluntarily request such status by application to the Membership Committee, or be designated as such by the Executive Board in accordance with the Bylaws and Standing Orders.
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP SHALL:
Be open to all persons interested in the welfare of this organization and soccer. Approval shall be by a majority of the vote by members at a General Membership meeting, and shall not exceed 25% of the active membership. Affiliate members shall have one vote and pay applicable dues.
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP SHALL:
Be open to any member who, after long service to the organization, desires to become inactive. Approval shall be by a majority of the vote by members at a General Membership meeting. Lifetime members shall have no vote at meetings, are not eligible to be an officer or be on the Executive Board, and shall not pay dues.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP SHALL:
Be accorded to persons who have distinguished themselves in the service of soccer. Approval shall be by a majority of votes of members at a General Membership meeting. Honorary members shall not vote, hold office or Executive Board positions, and pay no dues.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE BOARD
A. Executive Board
There shall be an Executive Board which will consist of: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past President, Chapter Assessor, Chapter Assignor, and Chapter Instructor, and four At-Large members, each of whom shall have one vote on any matter placed before the Board.
The District Referee Administrator shall be a non-voting Executive Board member and, as such, may participate in the discussions, actions and activities of the Board.
No person may hold more than one position or seat on the Executive Board at any given time.
1. Executive Board Meetings
The Executive Board shall meet at least quarterly, and may hold its meetings at such times and places as determined by a majority of the Board members. A majority of Board members in office shall constitute a quorum. The Chair or any two Executive Board members may call special meetings of the Executive Board at any time, provided that the purpose of the meeting is specified and announced to all Board members. Such a meeting shall be held within fifteen days of such announcement.
2. Executive Board Responsibilities
The Executive Board shall be empowered by the membership to administer and address all issues brought to their attention for resolution, as well as other matters of interest to BGSR as provided for in these Bylaws. Decisions shall be reported to the membership during regular General Membership Meetings. The Executive Board shall also be responsible for negotiating match fees, reviewing disciplinary actions, approving agreements, and conducting other business necessary to maintain the organization and ensure the welfare and enhancement of soccer, consistent with the organization's stated Purpose.
B. Officers
The officers of the organization shall be: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and shall have the following respective duties and responsibilities:
President - shall
a. act as Chair of the Executive Board and preside over all Executive Board and General Membership meetings.
b. have general supervision over the affairs of the organization, and generally act as its official representative.
Vice President - shall:
a. assist the President in the performance of his/her duties
b. exercise the power of the President in his/her absence.
Secretary - shall:
c. Prepare and maintain full and accurate records of all meetings including both Executive Board and general membership meetings.
h. Maintain a record of meeting attendance.
Treasurer - shall:
C. At-Large Members - shall:
a. Attend and participate in Executive Board meetings.
b. Assist in the operation and organization of BGSR as deemed necessary and required by the Board.
D. Appointment of Chapter Assessor, Chapter Assignor, and Chapter Instructor
The Executive Board shall appoint a Chapter Assessor, Chapter Assignor, and Chapter Instructor, who shall serve on the Executive Board for a term that is concurrent with that of the elected Board members. Such appointments shall be made from amongst those active members who have received USSF certification in the respective titles of assignor, assessor, and instructor. In the event that no such members exist or are available, the assigned title and Board seat shall be left vacant until such time that it can be filled in accordance with this provision.
E. Election of Officers and At- Large Members, and Terms of Office
The President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and At-large members shall be elected biennially at a regular meeting of the General Membership to be held during the month of June immediately prior to the beginning of their term of office. They shall take office the first day of August immediately following the required election, for a term of two years.
In the event that an elected office (other than President) or Board seat is vacated prior to the end of the term of office, the Executive Board shall appoint an active member to complete such term. Should the President vacate his office prior to the end of his term, the Vice President shall succeed him and serve the balance of the President’s term of office.
Officers may serve for no more than two consecutive terms in any particular office.
F. Removal of Executive Board Members, Officers, and Appointed Committee Members
Any officer, Board, or committee member may be removed by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the Executive Board members present at a duly held meeting of the Board, or a two thirds vote of the membership present at a general membership meeting, provided notice stating such purpose has been given in advance of the meeting,
ARTICLE VI: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
Active referees shall attend all regular General Membership meetings, unless otherwise excused. General Membership meetings will be held and conducted as follows:
a. Regular meetings shall consist of one business meeting each month during March, April, May, and June. Additional meetings may be scheduled for the purpose of training. The times and dates will be identified and notice will be sent to all members of this organization at least 30 days in advance of the first such meeting of the year.
b. One quarter of the voting membership shall constitute a quorum at all General Membership meetings and a majority vote shall be used to approve issues, unless otherwise specified in the Bylaws or Standing Orders.
c. Each active and affiliate member shall exercise one vote in ballots taken at the General Membership meetings.
d. The order of business at the General Membership meetings shall be :
2. Reading of minutes from previous meetings
3. Training
4. Report of the Executive Board
5. General news
6. Old business
7. New business
8. Adjournment
e. Other general membership meetings may be called as deemed necessary by the Executive Board or the President.
f. Any action or decision of the Executive Board may be overruled by an affirmative vote of two thirds of the membership present at a regular general membership meeting.
ARTICLE VII: COMMITTEES
A. Standing Committees
In addition to the Executive Board, the following standing committees shall support and administer this organization:
1. Evaluation Committee
The Evaluation Committee shall consist of a minimum of four (4) active members; at least one of who shall be an Executive Board member. The members of the Evaluation Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Board and may include USSF registered assessors. The Executive Board shall appoint the chairperson. This committee will evaluate each active and inactive member for the level of difficulty of matches to which he/she should normally be assigned.
2. Laws Interpretation Committee
The Laws Interpretation Committee shall consist of all BGSR registered instructors. The Chapter Instructor shall serve as its chair. The methods of obtaining interpretations beyond the local level shall conform to the directives of USSF. This committee shall provide official interpretation of the Laws of the Game in the absence of an official interpretation from the regional governing body, USSF, or FIFA.
3. Committee on Arbitration, Grievances and Ethics
The Committee on Arbitration, Grievances and Ethics shall be appointed by the Executive Board and shall be chaired by a member of the Board. This committee shall consider any and all complaints against BGSR and/or its members and recommend action to the Executive Board.
4. Membership Committee
The Membership Committee shall be appointed by the Executive Board and shall be chaired by a member of the Board. This committee shall be responsible for the recruitment of new members, and the recommendation of member status in accordance with the Bylaws and Standing Orders.
B. Other Committees
1. Audit Committee
The Audit Committee shall consist of at least two members elected by the general membership. Members of the Executive Board shall not serve on, or nominate candidates for, this committee. The committee shall conduct an audit of the organization’s finances within two months prior to the general election, and report the results of such audit at the May general membership meeting.
2. Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee shall consist of at least two members appointed by the Executive Board, and shall be responsible for selecting a slate of candidates for each of the organization’s offices. The chairperson of this committee shall be responsible for presenting the committee’s nominees at the appropriate June meeting, and shall preside over the elections.
The Executive Board may establish additional committees for other purposes relevant to the organization. All committees shall operate in accordance with the Bylaws and Standing Orders of BGSR.
Unless otherwise specified in the Constitution and Bylaws, or Standing Orders, committee members shall be appointed with the consent of the Executive Board, and shall serve for a period established by the Board, but which in no case shall extend beyond the term of the current elected Board members.
ARTICLE VIII: PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all motions, votes, and other business actions at all meetings of the General Membership, Executive Board, committee, and other official meetings of BGSR.
ARTICLE IX: MATCH ASSIGNMENTS
The Executive Board may appoint a match assignor(s). The Board shall have the power to negotiate an assignment fee and expense arrangement and enter into a written contractual agreement with the assignor(s) on behalf of the chapter. Assignments shall be made, and accepted in accordance with USSF guidelines and BGSR Bylaws, and Standing Orders.
ARTICLE X: DISCIPLINE, FINES AND PENALTIES
BGSR shall have the power to discipline any member guilty of misconduct, unethical behavior, conduct detrimental to the interests of the organization, or breach of any of these Bylaws or Standing Orders as specified in the Standing Orders on Arbitration, Grievance, and Ethics Procedures. Any member disciplined in any way may file an appeal in accordance with the standing orders on Arbitration, Grievance and Ethics. Appeal beyond this level shall be in accordance with the bylaws of the Northwestern New York State Soccer Referees’ Unit and USSF guidelines. BGSR shall not be liable for any expense incurred by a member who files such an appeal.
ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS OF BYLAWS AND STANDING ORDERS
Changes to the Bylaws may be made at any general membership meeting by a vote of at least two-thirds of the members in attendance; provided that written notice of the proposed change(s) has been presented at a prior regular general membership meeting. Standing Orders, with prior notice, may be issued or modified by a majority vote at a regular general membership meeting.
ARTICLE XII: REPRESENTATION OF ORGANIZATION
No member of this organization shall obligate, or speak, act, commit, or otherwise represent this organization in any manner without the express permission of the Executive Board.
ARTICLE XII: HIERARCY OF BYLAWS
As a member group of the Northwestern New York Soccer Referees’ Association, Binghamton Group Soccer Referees is subject to the Northwestern New York Soccer Referees’ Association jurisdiction and bylaws; and to the directives of the United States Soccer Federation. In the event of any conflict between these bylaws and the bylaws of the Northwestern New York Soccer Referees’ Association or the directives of the Federation, the Bylaws of the higher level authority shall take precedence.
BGSR
STANDING ORDERS
STANDING ORDER I: ASSIGNMENTS
Officiating members shall consist of all Active and Inactive members. Inactive members shall not be assigned games unless required to meet BGSR’s obligations.
The Evaluation Committee will provide the Assignor with its recommendation of the proper level of matches for each member. Matches will be assigned, to the extent possible, in accordance with such recommendations, consistent with all other provisions of the Bylaws and Standing Orders.
A referee shall not officiate in any game of a supported league without assignment from the designated assignor, except in emergencies. Fees must be accepted in all games. Proper attire for all games must be worn to conform to USSF directives and FIFA Laws of the Game. Any referee not complying with these rules shall not be assigned games until, in the opinion of the Evaluation Board, he/she has demonstrated a willingness to fulfill these requirements.
All officiating members shall provide the assignor with any dates on which they will be unable to officiate no later than one month prior to each soccer season. Availability shall be updated as necessary.
The member will confirm all assignments.
If an emergency should prevent a referee from officiating an accepted game, he/she shall immediately inform the assignor, or if unavailable, a member of the Executive Board. When a member is suspended, all games shall be reassigned.
At least two days prior to an assigned match, the referee shall contact his/her assistant referees. If not contacted by one day prior to the match, the assistant referees shall contact the referee, or if unable, the assignor.
STANDING ORDER II: FEES
In any season, the fees for the matches shall be determined by agreement between the Executive Board and the governing body of the supported league.
Applicable dues for members of this organization will be approved by a majority of the members at the June General Membership meeting and are payable to the organization at yearly registration.
The dues include USSF registration and BGSR dues as follows:
1. State - $10.00
2. Referee - $10.00
3. Associate - $10.00
4. Affiliate - $ 2.00
STANDING ORDER III: MATCH FINES AND PENALTIES
If an appointed referee fails to appear at a game, and has no valid reason for doing so, he/she shall, in addition to losing the game fee, be fined the same amount plus $2.00. If this fine is not paid within seven (7) days after notification, the referee shall, at minimum, be suspended from further match assignments until the fine is paid.
STANDING ORDER IV: EVALUATION PROCEDURES
The Evaluation Committee shall evaluate each active and inactive member for the level of difficulty of matches to which he/she will normally be assigned. Such evaluation will be based on, but not limited to the following:
a. Written tests on the knowledge and correct interpretation of the Laws of the Game.
b. Field exercise involving physical fitness.
c. Match control and positioning.
d. Reports submitted by BGSR members, or coaches, on the official’s performance at games.
e. Attendance at membership meetings and training sessions.
The Evaluation Committee shall advise the Assignor(s) of its findings so as to promote proper assignment of officials to matches.
The Evaluation Committee shall maintain accurate and current records regarding its activities and make such records available to the Executive Board on demand. A member is entitled to know his classification, request reclassification, and appeal such classification to the Committee on Arbitration, Grievances and Ethics. Any and all information considered by the Evaluation Committee in making a recommendation or classification regarding any member shall be made available by the Committee to such member upon request.
The final decision on classification of referees shall rest with the North-Western New York State Referee Administrator and with USSF.
STANDING ORDER V - Laws Interpretation
The Laws Interpretation Committee shall be solely responsible for issuing official interpretations of the Laws of the Game on behalf of BGSR.
STANDING ORDER VI - Arbitration, Grievance, and Ethics Procedure
A. PURPOSE
To define a general policy and set of guidelines under which the Binghamton Group Soccer Referees (BGSR) determines whether individual members act within acceptable limits so far as ethical conduct and/or conflict of interest are reflected in their conduct as soccer officials and members of BGSR. Further, the purpose is to take action to discipline members who have acted improperly and outside acceptable limits, as indicated herein, and to provide a means by which members can have their grievances addressed.
B. POLICY
Membership is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who perform capably as referees and as referee evaluators during United States Soccer Federation sanctioned activities. It carries with it an obligation for each individual member to uphold and promote the stated goals and objectives of the Association. Each member shall do nothing to bring the Association into disrepute, or work against its goals and objectives. Any conduct which is considered improper, unethical, detrimental to the best interests of BGSR, unbecoming of a referee, or a conflict of interest shall be subject to discipline by the BGSR.
In no case shall a penalty or discipline be invoked without affording the party accused the opportunity to be heard on the merits and present relevant information.
Furthermore, a member who feels aggrieved by actions of the organization, its officers or Executive Board, or any committee or committee member acting on behalf of BGSR shall have the right to present his grievance as outlined in these Standing Orders.
C. PROCEDURE
Any member or affiliated body of the USSF may file a complaint of unethical, improper, or detrimental conduct, or conflict of interest against any member, registered referee, or BGSR evaluator. All complaints must be made in writing to the President of BGSR. A complaint against the President shall be presented in writing to the Vice-President or to the Chairman of the Committee on Arbitration, Grievance, and Ethics. The officer receiving the complaint shall, within five days, refer the complaint in writing to the Committee through its Chairman. The Committee shall fully investigate the matter to its satisfaction, and then recommend appropriate action to the Executive Board to either dismiss the charge(s) as unsustained, or to invoke the appropriate discipline as prescribed under the “Table of Penalties”. If a charge is made against any member of the Committee or Executive Board, that member shall not participate in investigating the complaint or discussing or deciding any actions to be taken by the Committee with respect to that complaint, except to provide information as deemed appropriate by Committee.
The Committee may temporarily suspend a member against whom a complaint is lodged from active participation in the Association during the investigation of a complaint(s) and until a decision is made by the Executive Board. Any member, while under suspension, may not take part as a referee in any game sanctioned by the USSF and/or its member bodies.
The State Referee Administrator shall take jurisdiction if the Executive Board is unable to come to a decision within thirty days of receiving a complaint, or if the aggrieved party appeals the decision of the committee. A complaint appealed to the State Referee Administrator has further appeal remedies as described in the USSF Official Administrative Handbook.
All decisions regarding discipline must be rendered in writing, and copies mailed within ten days of the decision, to all parties concerned.
D. TABLE OF PENALTIES
When complaints are substantiated, the Executive Board shall take action from among the following:
1. A letter of reprimand.
2. A fine.
3. Suspension from all active participation in the Association for a fixed period of time.
4. Any combination of 1, 2, and 3 above.
5. Dismissal from the Association.
E. GRIEVANCE STEPS
Step # 1
Grievance filed in writing with the Binghamton Group Soccer Referees.
Step #2
Within five (5) days of receipt of the complaint, the grievance shall be referred to the BGSR Committee on Arbitration, Grievance, and Ethics for consideration and action.
Step #3
With respect to a charge of improper conduct against a member, the Committee shall make a recommendation to the Executive Board within twenty (20) days of receipt of the complaint. With respect to all other grievances, the Committee shall render its determination in writing within thirty days of receipt of the grievance.
Step #4
With respect to a charge of improper conduct against a member, the Executive Board shall render its determination in writing to all parties within five days of the Committee's recommendation.
Step #5
Appeal by either the aggrieved party or the penalized party shall be made to the State Referee Administrator within thirty (30) days of receipt of the notice of action from the Committee.
With respect to a charge of improper conduct against a member, failure to follow the procedure outlined in this Standing Order shall result in the dismissal of the complaint.
F. APPEALS PROCEDURE
A member who has received a penalty or suspension under this policy may appeal the decision and penalty, providing:
1. He/she does so within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of the decision.
2. He/she does so in writing with not less than six (6) copies of the appeal
accompanying the appeal.
STANDING ORDER VII - Meeting Attendance
A member who wishes to be excused from a regular general membership meeting may make his request by notifying the President or chair of the Membership Committee in writing in advance of the meeting. The President shall provide the Membership Committee with all such requests for its consideration. Members who cannot attend a meeting because of a conflict with an assigned match shall not be required to file such notice and shall be considered present for such meeting. Prior notification shall similarly not be required for waiver of attendance under reasonable and compelling circumstances as demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Membership Committee.
The Secretary shall inform the Membership Committee of the names of all members who have failed to attend the required number of regular general membership meetings. The Committee shall investigate absences from regular general memberships meetings and recommend to the Executive Board the transfer to inactive status of any member who has failed to attend the required number of meetings or present a reasonable basis for failing to do so. Among those that shall be considered valid shall be personal illness, or other reasonable circumstances which meet the satisfaction of the Committee.
A member shall not be subject to involuntary transfer to inactive membership status under this Standing Order until (s)he has had the opportunity to attend three regular general membership meetings.