Ryukyu International Soccer Association

CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I – NAME

          SECTION 1. The name of this organization shall be

RYUKYU INTERNATIONAL SOCCER ASSOCIATION

herein after referred to as “RISA”

ARTICLE II – AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1. Upon the approval of the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, this Constitution is hereby established.                    

SECTION 2. The purpose of RISA is to raise the level of soccer (playing, coaching, and refereeing) on the island through clinics, seminars and games.                 

ARTICLE III – BYLAWS AND OTHER REGULATIONS

SECTION 1. Bylaws shall be formulated and upon approval of the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, shall have the same force and effect as if published as part of the Constitution.                     

SECTION 2. RISA shall comply with all DOD, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Bases Japan, Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Orders, Directives and Instructions pertaining to the operation of an independent private organization.

SECTION 3. RISA acknowledges that it is not a government instrumentality and therefore is not entitled to immunities and privileges afforded government agencies and is responsible for taxes and insurances as required by law.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1. Membership of RISA will be on a voluntary basis. Subject to approval of the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, the following personnel are eligible to participate:

a.                General membership shall be extended to any SOFA personnel residing on Okinawa.

b.                Honorary membership shall be extended to any local nationals who wish to participate in our soccer programs/events.

c.                Civilian membership, excluding DOD civilians billeted on the installation shall be limited to not more than one-third of the total membership strength.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SECTION 1. The officers of RISA, elected from the categories of membership, shall be President and Vice President. This group of officers shall be designated as the Board of Directors. Treasurer/Assignor will be nominated by the Board of Director and voted on by the General Membership. The Board of Directors will include three additional persons nominated and elected by popular vote from the General Membership. The above-mentioned group of five shall be designated as the Board of Directors

SECTION 2. Each year, at a regularly scheduled meeting, nominations from the floor shall be invited prior to the election of office. Nominees must give their permission for the election. Officers shall be elected by a secret majority vote of those members present and voting. A simple majority is required. The existing Board of Directors shall not vote unless it is necessary to break a tie.

SECTION 3. An officer of the Club may be removed for cause by a majority written vote of the voting membership.

SECTION 4. The Board of Directors shall have the authority to act on any and all matters concerning RISA excepting those requiring approval of the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler or a vote of RISA membership or as otherwise specifically provided for by the bylaws of RISA. Expenditures of RISA in excess of $1000.00 must be presented to and approved by the Board of Directors (or voted on by membership) before the obligation is incurred.                      

SECTION 5. In the event of a vacancy on the Board, the remaining members of the Board shall appoint a temporary officer to serve until the next regular meeting at which time an election shall be held to fill the vacancy. The candidate shall be nominated from the floor at the time. If a permanent officer is not elected within 60 days after the vacancy occurs, the temporary officer appointed by the Board shall automatically become permanent for the remainder of the unexpired term.

SECTION 6. An officer may resign his/her office by notifying the President in writing.

SECTION 7. Officers are eligible for re-election to the same office. However, no individual shall be eligible for the same office for more than two consecutive terms.

SECTION 8. Duties of the elected officers are as prescribed in the bylaws.  

ARTICLE VI - QUORUMS AND MEETINGS

SECTION 1. The Board of Directors shall meet monthly or more frequently at the call of the President. The quorum for all Board of Director’s meetings shall be at least three members of the Board. The Board members will exercise their powers through a simple majority vote.

SECTION 2. A general membership meeting will be held monthly. A simple majority vote of those members present and voting at the meeting will prevail on all issues brought to a vote with the exception that Constitutional amendments shall be affected as prescribe in the Constitution, Article XI. These meetings will be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month or as close to the end of the month as possible.

SECTION 3. Upon written request of at least 60 percent of RISA’s voting membership, the President shall be required to call a special membership meeting. The President may call a special membership meeting at his/her discretion.

SECTION 4. All members shall be notified, if possible, of the time, place, and subject matter of the special membership meeting and only that business for which the meeting is call shall be transacted.

ARTICLE VII - VOTING

SECTION 1. Only members in good standing shall be allowed to vote on any matter requiring a vote and they shall be entitled to only one vote.

SECTION 2. There shall be voting by absentee or proxy.

SECTION 3. Passage of any resolution shall be a simple majority vote of those voting members present, except when otherwise provided for in the bylaws.

SECTION 4. All proposals at a Board of Directors meeting shall require a simple majority to be passed.              

 ARTICLE VIII – FINANCE

SECTION 1. Initiation fees of all members shall be payable when application are submitted for approval. Each member shall pay monthly dues in an amount to be determined by the Board. Total dues of all members, together with other income, shall be sufficient to cover insurance and other expenses. All members are personally and equally liable if the assets of RISA are insufficient to discharge all liabilities/obligation.

ARTICLE IX – LIABILITY

SECTION 1. Adequate and proper insurance, as provided by USSF, shall be carried at all times to protect the membership from liability. No expense or obligation whatsoever shall be incurred by members of RISA except as incurred and set forth within the bylaws and this constitution.

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION

SECTION 1. Dissolution of RISA shall be upon the initiative of the membership or a decision by the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler to withdraw local authorization to operate aboard the Base.                             

SECTION 2. Upon the liquidation of all indebtedness, residual assets will be disposed of as directed by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 3. Upon disestablishment, the incumbent senior official shall notify the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler, via the Assistant Chief of Staff, MCCS, of impending action with certification that all indebtedness has been liquidated and residual assets disposed of.                     

ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS OR CHANGES

SECTION 1. Amendments or changes to this constitution may be proposed by the Board or Directors or by any member in good standing who submits a written request to the President using the exact wording of the proposed change. Notice of the proposed change of the constitution, using exact wording, shall be given to the membership at least ten days in advance of a business meeting called to consider the change. This notice will be drafted as a proxy vote to allow those members who do not desire to, or cannot attend the meeting to vote.

SECTION 2. Proposed amendments or changes shall be adopted when two-thirds of the voting members, both those at the meeting and those voting by proxy, approve the amendment, and shall become effective upon the approval of the Commanding General, Marine Corps Base, Camp Smedley D. Butler.