Jupiter Senior Softball Association

 

JUPITER SENIOR SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION, INC.

BY-LAWS

Revised March 2023

MISSION STATEMENT: The Jupiter Senior Softball Association, open to players 55 and older, provides a recreational and competitive atmosphere based on the principles of sportsmanship, camaraderie and safety.

 

   SECTION I ASSOCIATION ORGANIZATION

 

1.1 DEFINITIONS It is noted that where the terms "Association" or "JSSA" are used in these By-laws, they reference the Jupiter Senior Softball Association, Inc. The purpose of this document is to state the Association's organization, objectives, rules and administrative functions.

Membership is open to any person residing full or part time in Florida who is 54 years of age or older, registers and pays appropriate dues anytime after August 31st of a calendar year. He becomes eligible to play immediately and is considered fully paid through December 31st of the following year.

 

Active members are defined as those who have paid all necessary registration fees and have signed the JSSA Registration/Liability form, the Code of Conduct and any Town of Jupiter Liability Release forms.

 

1.2 BOARD COMPOSITION AND VOTING There shall be a maximum of twelve Association Directors known collectively as the JSSA Board; three Executive Directors and three, 3-member Division Committee Directors representing their respective Red, White and Blue Divisions. The positions of Commissioner, Vice Commissioner and Secretary will be elected from the Executive Directors by a majority vote of all Directors according to the following allotment:

Each Executive Director is allotted one full vote.

Each Division Committee is collectively allotted two-thirds of a full vote.

Should an Executive Director decline any of the three positions, the Board may appoint any other Director to serve in that capacity. However, such an occurrence would not change any Director's status or terms of his vote. 

Utilizing the voting allotment described above, a simple majority vote of the Directors will decide all JSSA issues. The lone exception involves any amendment to the By-laws, a matter that requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Directors as set forth above.

 

1.3  ELECTIONS AND TERMS Board elections will be held annually each February to replace expiring 2 year term director positions. All Director terms will be for 2 years and begin on April 1 and expire on March 31. To promote continuity,  Board member terms will be staggered to ensure that at least one Executive Director and one Director from each Division Committee will not be up for re-election in any given year.  

a) Executive Directors will be elected by a majority vote of the entire Association membership and may come from any of the three Divisions.  Division Directors will be elected by majority vote of the members from their respective Division.

 

b) Should a Divisional Board Member(s) resign, the remaining member(s) of that Division will propose a replacement to the Executive Board, who will then certify the appointment by a simple majority vote. Should an Executive Board Member(s) resign, the remaining Executive Member(s) will agree on a replacement. All JSSA members are eligible for consideration to be selected as replacements.

 

1.4 QUORUM AND VOTING All JSSA Board meetings require a minimum of four members, two of whom must be Executive Directors along with at least one Division Director from two different Divisions. The same configuration must be present for any vote of the Board. Attendance may be counted either by physical or electronic presence at the discretion of the Commissioner.

 

1.5 UNIFORM LEAGUE AND DIVISION RULES The Board shall formulate a set of Uniform rules that govern play in all Divisions. Additionally, the Division Directors will establish sets of rules specific to the needs of their Division members. These Division rules are to be enforced during the winter season and must be approved by the Board prior to publication and implementation.

 

SECTION II DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

2.1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

The Executive Directors are as a group responsible for the overall well being of the Association. Among these duties is the appointment of capable Board members to hold the positions below:

Commissioner

1. Presides over all JSSA Board meetings

2. Oversees all functions of the Association

3. Calls meetings as required and sets meeting agendas with input from all Board members

4. Oversees administration of Association By-laws, Uniform and Division Rules along with Code of Conduct procedures

Vice Commissioner

1. Assumes the duties of Commissioner in his absence

2. Oversees all Association committees

3. Oversees the Association Umpire Program

Secretary 

The Secretary shall be appointed by the Board of Directors if he is not an Executive Board member

1. Records, publishes and maintains minutes of the Board's meetings   

2. Maintains master member lists and team rosters

3. Maintains records and publishes game scores and team standings 

4. Oversees communications to Association members

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall be appointed by the Board of Directors if he is not an Executive Board member.

1. Receives and deposits all income

2. Pays bills as approved by the Board of Directors

3. Prepares and reports income and expense statements for Board meetings

 

2.2 DIVISION COMMITTEE DIRECTORS

Each Division Committee, with oversight by the Executive Directors, will be responsible for:

1. Overseeing all daily activities of its Division, to include organizing 

    pick up games along with maintaining all equipment  and equipment boxes

2. Supervision of games, including appointing player-umpires

3. Scheduling when necessary

4. Appointing team managers

5. Formulating Division rules for the winter season

6. Enforcement of the JSSA Code of Conduct

7. Promoting a positive playing environment at all times

 

SECTION III AMENDMENTS

 

3.1 BY-LAWS An amendment to the By-laws may be presented to the Association Directors by any active member. A motion to amend must be made by an Association Director and seconded by another Director. A two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Directors is required for approval.

 

3.2 RULES A rules change follows the same procedure as a By-laws amendment. The only difference is a simple majority of the Board's vote is sufficient to effect the change.

 

SECTION IV CENSURE AND IMPEACHMENT

 

4.1 Any member in good standing may register a recommendation in writing to censure or impeach an Association Director. The written recommendation must include the name of the Director; the specific By-laws, Code of Conduct, Uniform or Division Playing Rules involved; and a description of the infraction. The recommendation must also be signed by at least three Association Directors. The recommendation can be presented to any Association Director. If the Directors find merit to the accusation, the involved Director will an have opportunity to respond. 

If the Association Directors' vote is in favor of either censure or impeachment, the Board's decision will be presented to the entire active membership for a vote. A simple majority will carry the recommendation.

If Censure - Loss of voting power and participation in JSSA Association Directors' meetings for a period of time as determined by the Association Directors.

If Impeachment - Loss of elected position as an Association Director. The Board to determine if expulsion from JSSA is warranted.

 

SECTION V ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS' AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

5.1 Association Directors' meetings will be scheduled for the second Monday of each month at a location authorized by the Commissioner. Scheduled meetings may be cancelled when it is determined by the commissioner that a meeting is not necessary. 

 

5.2 Ad Hoc Committee meetings will be held at the request of the Board of Directors, its members also appointed by the Board. All committee reports and recommendations will be made to the Board for review and potential action.

 

5.3 A Special Meeting may be called anytime by the Commissioner at the request of a Board member. The quorum rule listed in Section I, 1.4 applies.

SECTION VI WINTER SEASON DIVISIONS, TEAMS, MANAGERS AND PLAYERS 

 

6.1 The Board of Directors will determine the number of teams for each Division during the winter season based on the overall number of active roster players available. The Board will also oversee selection of the team managers. Every effort will be made to conduct Division drafts in an equitable fashion to enhance fairness of competition during this season.

 

6.2 A player considered for or drafted by a higher ranked Division in which he feels uncomfortable shall have the right to request a lower Division assignment. If the situation cannot be resolved between Division Committee Board members, the Executive Board will make the final determination.

 

6.3 Team Manager responsibilities:
Team Managers will be selected by their respective Division Directors.and shall: 

1. Participate with the Division Directors in player assessment and selection process

2. Communicate all league information to the team members

3. Possess full knowledge of all pertinent Uniform League and Division rules

4. Fulfill all in-game functions; to include making lineups, supervising team   

     member conduct, identifying pre-game special circumstances to the  

     umpire and opposing manager, maintaining proper civility when 

     discussing potential rule violations with the umpire 

5. Winning manager to report game score to the Association Secretary no 

     later than 6 p.m. of game day. Such notification to also include any unusual 

      events such as rainouts or forfeits 

 

6.4  Player responsibilities:

1. Remain current with fees and all necessary Town and JSSA regulations

2.  Abide by all SS-USA, Uniform League and Divisional rules in force

3. From entrance to and departure from the parking lot, demonstrate the 

     highest degree of sportsmanship and cooperation with all JSSA and Town 

     of Jupiter personnel

4. Advise the Team Manager as early as possible when unable to attend a game