BY-LAWS OF THE FREEDOM SOCCER CLUB

Article I

Name

The name of the organization is "Freedom Soccer Club."

(Freedom Soccer Club is affiliated with the Freedom Area Recreation Council in cooperation with Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks).

Article II

Mission

The Freedom Soccer Club (FSC) strives to offer committed players the opportunity to compete at a high level of play, and to prepare players technically and tactically for high school competition and beyond.

Develop FSC through a sense of “unity” among the member teams.

Maximize each player's soccer skills through a positive and comprehensive instructional program;

Emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and commitment to a higher level of play;

Provide each player the opportunity to fully understand and enjoy the game of soccer, to develop friendships, and to experience the pride and satisfaction of being part of a successful program.

To make the game fun and instill the importance of a strong work ethic in each player.

To emphasize player development while fielding the most competitive teams possible.

Identify, recruit and maintain quality coaches.

Article III

Organization

FSC Board shall be comprised of member teams in various age/gender groups. An Executive Board shall govern FSC. Elected officers comprise the Executive Board. A team may have more than one member on the Board, but only one member from each team will be permitted to vote.

A Board member should be a parent of a current player within FSC and may hold more than one position.

The Executive Board members shall be nominated during the month of November and shall be elected by a vote of the existing Board members before the first meeting in December. Their term in office shall extend from December 1st to November 30^th of the following year.

Article IV

The Executive Board shall be comprised of the following:

President

The President shall preside at all club meetings, appoints and relieves all coordinators/committee chairperson with the approval of the Board and will serve as a member of all club committees. The President (or designee) will represent FSC at USYSA, MSYSA, FARC, Freedom Optimist Soccer and other soccer related meetings, conventions and workshops.

Vice President

The Vice President shall serve as a director of coaches. The responsibilities include recruiting and evaluating new coach applications, orientation of new coaches and evaluation, and ongoing development of existing coaches. The Vice President shall act in the absence of the President and will coordinate special projects.

Treasurer:

The Treasurer keeps the financial records of the Club, pays all bills, collects all Club fees due from the teams, develops control over expenditures, and reconciles and reports the Club’s cash position at every FSC meeting.

Secretary:

The Secretary keeps the minutes of the Executive and Board meetings and distributes the same to all Board members. The Secretary shall serve to develop ongoing public awareness of the Club through a Board approved media campaign.

Any one of these officers may also serve as a team representative.

Article V

Executive Board Responsibilities

The Executive Board shall guide and preserve the image of FSC by its authority to approve various actions of the member teams and to impose sanctions on teams and individuals that fail to comply with the by-laws.

The Executive Board will facilitate the coordination of teams, equipment, fields, publicity, and registration.

The Executive Board shall:

Emphasize proper ethics and recruitment rules are followed in player selection.

Emphasize fairness in player selection during try-outs.

Foster intra club and inter-team cooperation to the benefit of the players and the Club.

Support a high level of soccer competition.

The Executive Board shall serve as the final point of appeal and intercession in disputes between players, parents, and coaches of the member teams in matters that affect the image of FSC.

If an Executive Board member fails to perform his/her responsibilities or violates FSC policies, the Board may vote to impose sanctions as listed in the Violations Section of the by-laws.

Article VI

Meetings & Voting Rights

Board Meetings:

The Board shall meet on an as-needed basis to address matters concerning the operations of the organization. All Board members must attend the meetings or send a substitute from their team. Coaches, parents, and players have an open invitation to attend. It is the responsibility of all Board members to distribute pertinent meeting and MSYSA-related information to their respective teams in a timely fashion.

All decisions concerning the operation of FSC shall be determined by a majority vote of the Board members (or substitutes) eligible and present at the time of the voting. The President shall make the determination that the Board members are sufficiently informed and there is adequate representation to call a vote. In the event of a tie vote, the President shall make the final decision.

Article VII

Finances

To facilitate coordination between teams, each team is required to provide its own treasurer who shall work closely with and be accountable to the FSC Treasurer.

Each team treasurer will provide the FSC President with a financial report for the previous fall season no later than the February Board meeting.

Dues:

Teams will not be assessed dues. However, each team must pay its share of all incurred Club-related expenses (e.g., MSYSA team/club fees, field maintenance, paint, and equipment costs) as determined by the Board. In addition, each team must provide adequate participation in FSC operations and fund-raising efforts, when necessary, as determined by the Board. Participation will be gauged by the amount of time volunteered and other factors.

FSC reserves the right to assess dues in the event of a shortfall or other unforeseen expenditures.

Individual teams shall be responsible for the payment of any league-specific or MSYSA fees. Failure by a team to pay dues or any extra fees, if needed, on time or to adequately participate in FSC operations shall be treated as a violation and will be ruled upon by the Board.

Club Accounts:

All team monies will be distributed from individual team accounts. In addition, a single FSC account shall be maintained. In this case, the President and the Treasurer will have authority to make disbursements. These disbursements must be reported at the subsequent Board Meeting.

Article VIII

Teams

Each team is required to have representation at each FSC Board meeting.
Representation can be a head, assistant coach, team manager or a parent of a rostered player. Each team may utilize just two proxies per calendar year. Failure to meet this attendance requirement will result in a $ 100.00 fine per occurance and is payable prior to the next scheduled meeting. Unacceptable attendance may also jeopardize a team's ability to acess practice fields and other FSC resources. Reasonable exceptions must be brought before the executive committee prior to a meeting.

The number of teams within a specific age group shall be restricted to no more than two, (FSC reserves the right to expand the number of teams within an age group when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the Club and the development of existing teams within the age group). When two teams per age group exist, the teams shall be tiered with a “Premier” team to compete at the highest level. A “Classic” tiered team may be asked to support the Premier team.

Age groups that transition from 8v8 to11v11 need to develop additional players as their rosters are increased to accommodate the change in format. The year preceding the transition from short sided to 11v11 format can expand the number of teams for an age group from a Premiere and Classic to one Premiere team and two Classic teams provided that

There is enough quality players to roster another team
A qualified candidate has been identified to take on coaching responsibilities.

Each team is required to submit to the club an MSYSA approve roster that will include players, a head and assistant coach(s), and a team parent.

The Board must approve all teams and head coaches. Before the voting, the Board must review the credentials of the coaches, the caliber of the team, the age group of the team, and the availability of playing fields. In emergency situations, the President shall have the authority to admit a new team.

Dismissing a team:

The Board reserves the right to discontinue a team in any age bracket due to the availability of quality players and/or qualified coaches and team conduct that is detrimental to the image of FSC.

If a team withdraws or is dismissed from FSC, the team may no longer compete under the FSC name. Affected leagues will be notified of the team's withdrawal or dismissal from the Club.

Article IX

Players

Selection:

FSC will hold open tryouts annually (efforts will be made to hold tryouts at the end of the spring season to avoid player selection conflicts). All coaches must make a conscientious effort to select the best possible players available within their own age group. FSC will prescribe a player selection process but the final decision relative to players remains with the head coach. The coach of the Premier team will have first choice of players. It is important that coaches within a particular age group cooperate and understand the role of each team within the overall workings of FSC. At the conclusion of the tryouts, coaches at each age group will extend invitations to selected players to participate on a determined tier (Premier/Classic). Players have the option to accept or decline the invitation as presented.

It is the intent of FSC to maximize the development of every player. In support of this objective, FSC believes that players are best developed by playing at the age within the U-8 - U14 age divisions. However, players with "exceptional talent" (defined below) may be permitted to participate in an older age division. Other exceptions to "playing up" may be considered on an individual basis, subject to Executive Board approval. No player within the U-8-U14 age division may "play-up" more than one age division. Players are permitted to "play-up" within the U15-U19 age division. Any player wishing to "play-up" within the U8-U14 age division must:

a.) Indicate a desire to “play up” on the registration form;
b.) Must participate in an equal number of tryouts at each
age division (not less than one at each age division); and
c.) Must obtain final approval of the Executive Board

“Exceptional talent”, as used herein, is intended to recognize players whose skills and abilities are unique and so advanced that, to require them to remain at their age division, it would adversely impact on the players’ continued skills development. It is important to recognize that no Classic tiered player, as determined by the coaches at the time of tryouts, will qualify as “exceptionally talented”. Conversely, the top ranked Premier tiered players, as determined by the coaches at the time of tryouts, are not automatically deemed to meet the designation of “exceptionally talented”. Use of the “exceptional talent” designation should be rare. No more than two (2) players per team shall be so designated. The “exceptional talent” designation shall be re-assessed annually at Fall tryouts.

Exception: In the event a player who participates at tryouts at their age division is cut from all teams at their age, this player may “play up” on a Classic tiered team, subject to Executive Board approval, but only if they attend a minimum of one tryout at the older age division, and only in those instances when there is a need for additional players to allow the formation of the Classic tiered team.

Those players at the U-11 age group and above who "played up" during the Fall season of 2005 shall hereafter be grandfathered to continue playing at this age level. Grandfathering of these players is contingent on said players completing the try-out process as outlined in the club by-laws, and being offered a position on a team.

Coaches must follow the rules for player recruitment and ethics as set forth by the league in which the member team participates. In addition, any team playing under the FSC name, or being formed for FSC play, ACTING THROUGH ITS COACHES, TEAM OFFICIALS, PARENTS, AND PLAYERS, which ATTEMPTS TO INDUCE ANY PLAYER – listed on a valid roster of another MSYSA team – TO LEAVE HIS/HER TEAM SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE RECRUITED THAT PLAYER.” This will be treated as a violation and the Executive Board is empowered to impose sanctions listed in article XVIII.

All coaches must strive to select players from the South Carroll/Freedom area as much as possible. The Freedom Soccer Club was established to serve the needs of players within the Freedom District. Teams are required to maintain a number of local players on their current rosters to remain within the Freedom Soccer Club. A local player is defined as a player living within a 12-mile radius of Eldersburg Elementary School or has played at least one season in the Freedom Optimist Recreational Soccer League. A non-local player is considered to be a player not meeting the condition of a local player. The following table indicates the maximum number of non-local players to be listed on a roster at any one time.

AGE CLASSIC TEAMS PREMIER TEAMS

U10 and younger 2 3

U11 and U12 3 4

U13 and U14 3 5

U15 and older 10* 10*

*-or 50% percent of the roster if only 16 players are rostered. This is the byproduct of FSC utilizing area (Local) High School coaches to coach at these age(s) and the imposing Maryland Public School Athletic Association (MPSSAA) rules limiting the number of Local High School Players that can be coached by their High School Coach. Please note that every effort should be made to utilize players within the 12 mile radius with the understanding that we have 3 high schools within that 12 mile radius and as long as NO team has more than 8 players rostered from any given high school; we would be compliant with the intent of the MSYSA rules.

Ages:

The age group for each team is based on birth dates and ranges from August 1st to July 31st of the following year. These age ranges comply with MSYSA and USYSA guidelines and may be amended as these associations amend their birth date ranges.

IIf a team intentionally fields players older than their designated age group or fraudulently enters any tournament or league, the Executive Board will impose sanctions or dismiss the coach from FSC.

Registration:

The FSC registration process for the fall season begins in May. This affords each age/gender group adequate time to announce try-out dates and prepare all required paperwork. The proper registration of all players is the responsibility of the teams, but will be controlled and coordinated by FSC. All registration forms must be turned in to the FSC President or Secretary for entry into the FSC database. Each team will arrange for the acquisition of the necessary player pictures, cards, completed rosters, and any other paperwork as required by the respective leagues or FSC President.

Try-outs and completed rosters for the fall season shall be completed no later than July 1^st for under

for the U14 and under age divisions.

The Board will provide assistance and coordinate this effort to ensure that State recognition of FSC is preserved.

Each team must provide the President a copy of its league-approved roster.. The Board must always be immediately advised of any changes to the roster.

Article X

Coaches

Candidates for open coaching positions must submit an application to the Board. The Board will appoint coaches based on their qualifications, experience, and past performance. A qualified coach shall have a USSF, MYSF, or FIFA license or two years of coaching experience. Coaches will be expected to further their licensing and training to the level and skill of the age/gender group they are coaching. All Premier level teams shall have at least one coach with a minimum: Class “E’ license or equivalent at the U-11 level and below, and a Class “ D” license or equivalent at the U-12 level and above.

Consideration for any waiver will be given by the board for coaches with resumes including playing at the collegiate level or above and or proven coaching experience.

The head coach makes the final decision concerning his/her assistant coaches and players.

The head coach shall be responsible for controlling the actions of players, parents, and assistant coaches. The head coach should adequately address unsportsmanlike conduct and other offenses. Otherwise, FSC reserves the right to intercede.

The Board reserves the right to dismiss a coach for conduct that is detrimental to the image of FSC.

Article XI

Leagues

Every team is required to play in at least one outdoor league. Teams are encouraged to participate in the highest level of USSF/USYSA/ MSYSA affiliated leagues. Teams may participate in more than one league but may not compete with another FSC team in the same age/gender group tier of that league.

The Board must be notified of the league in which the team intends to play. This is to assure proper coordination of field availability. League registration, application fees, referee fees, meeting attendance, and the team shall handle all paperwork. Before each season, all member teams must turn in Field Usage Forms to the President. These forms will be subsequently turned in the appropriate community field coordinator.

Article XII

Tournaments

Every team is encouraged play in a minimum of two outdoor tournaments per year. Each team is encouraged to compete in the highest level of USSF/ USYSA/ MSYSA affiliated tournaments. Tournament participation will be coordinated by the Board, travel permits, fees, liability/medical release statements, and other functions will be handled by the individual team.

Article XIII

Publicity

FSC will periodically publish articles/information relative to the Club, however each team is encouraged to write articles on its own and submit game or tournament results to local newspapers.

Article XIV

Equipment and Fields

Uniforms:

FSC uniforms are the property of the club and are to be leased by the teams through the Club, Uniforms, aside from gender specific differences will be consistent throughout the Club and shall be determined by the Board. Warm-ups and other accessories are the property of the team and must be consistent, aside from gender specific differences, throughout the Club. Uniform suppliers will be determined by the Board to ensure consistency. FSC will negotiate discounts and establish arrangements by which each team may lease new and replacement uniforms directly from the club.

The Board reserves the right to waive the uniform, warm-ups, accessories conformity in recognition of existing teams that may not need new uniforms, warm-ups and accessories. All new teams and any existing team that require new outfitting must conform to the uniform requirements

The colors red, white, and navy blue shall be part of the uniform.

Sponsor patches or logos will NOT be located on any part of the uniform jersey without approval of the Board.

Banners:

Team banners are not required. The Board reserves the right to reject any FSC member team banner that may be deemed to be inappropriate.

Equipment and fields:

If a team loses or damages any equipment or field facility through its negligence or disruptive behavior, FSC has the right to assess the team any cost not covered by insurance for the replacement or repair of the item.

Patches:

The FSC logo is depicted on the front page of the by-laws and is red, white, blue, and black in color. The Board will negotiate discounts and make arrangements by which each team may purchase patches bearing this logo directly from a supplier.

Field Maintenance:

Upon request, member teams are required to provide volunteers for field preparation activities for each home game. In addition, each team will provide volunteers to perform regularly scheduled field maintenance during the season. The proper playing conditions and field set-up, as set forth by the rules and regulations of each league, is the responsibility of each team hosting the game.

Article XV

Sponsors/Fundraising

Individual teams are strongly encouraged to seek independent sponsorships for financial assistance and to pursue fund-raising activities. While some fund-raising activities may be required to benefit FSC, member teams should organize their own fund-raising efforts. Note: To avoid inundating the local business community and creating conflicts between teams, any sponsorship or fund-raising effort should be coordinated within FSC.

Article XVI

Freedom Invitational Soccer Tournament

FSC sponsors the Annual Freedom Invitational Tournament. The tournament is a major source of income and good preparation for the fall season. All eligible FSC teams are required to participate in the tournament. All teams will provide volunteers to the Tournament Committee, volunteers are expected to to attend all meetings and cooperate fully with the Tournament Committee.

Article XVII

Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is one of the primary lessons being taught to the players and is important to the image of FSC. Teams and individuals can be penalized for the failure of players, coaches, and parents to maintain the proper demeanor before, during, and after games and practices.

Article XVIII

Violations

Situations in which parents or relatives, players, and coaches fail to comply with the by-laws of FSC or whose behavior discredits FSC will be investigated and ruled upon by the Board. The Board is empowered to impose the following sanctions or take other actions as deemed appropriate:

Suspension of voting rights.

Forfeiture of rebates.

Suspension from coaching or playing in FSC.

Removal of member from the Board.

Dismissal of a player or coach from FSC.

Article XIX

Amendments

The Board must approve amendments to the by-laws. There must be adequate discussion and explanation of the proposed changes prior to any vote.

Certification/Acceptance

The Freedom Soccer Club (FSC) will adhere to the rules and regulations of the MSYSA. The aforementioned by-laws have been ratified and adopted by the Freedom Soccer Club, as of NOV 23, 2005. We, the undersigned, certify that this is a true and correct copy of the Freedom Soccer Club's by-laws.

President: Mark Smith

Vice President: Mark Arriola

Treasurer: Gretchen Willis

Secretary: Chris Wittle