2024
GREATER KEENE MEN’S SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION
***PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION AVAILABLE UNDER "HANDOUTS" TAB***
2024 changes are highlighted
ARTICLE 1 – NAME
The name of this association shall be GREATER KEENE MEN’S SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION. (Also known as the G.K.M.S.A. or GKMSA).
ARTICLE 2 – OBJECTIVE
Sec. 1 - The objective of this association shall be to assist in and promote recreational softball for those males who may wish to participate in or become spectators in the Greater Keene area.
ARTICLE 3 – MEMBERSHIPS
Sec. 1 - The signing of a team roster accompanied by payment of league dues shall place players/coaches in membership of this association until new rosters are one year hence. ONE sponsor shall be a non-paying member of the association by being listed on the roster; the sponsor will have one vote. Umpires may become members of the association by paying the association a $10.00 membership fee. This membership fee must be paid by July 1st. Any non-playing former or current board member of the league must pay $75.00 to become a member by July 1st. This membership is valid for the current season.
Sec. 1a. - Any full paying members of this association shall be eligible for election to the following offices: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, or league representative as long as they have paid their dues by July 1st. Non-playing former Executive Board members and former League Representatives may pay the current membership fee to become eligible up until July 1st.
Sec. 2 - The Team Entry Fee (incl. $100 Binder fee due by Binder Night) shall be $1450.00 and must be paid by the Packet night. This fee includes 10 players’ fees. Anything more than the 10 players will be an additional $75 per player. It is recommended that the sponsor pays $700 and then $75 per player but it is up to the team how they want to divide the team entry fee. If any team has not paid total fees by Packet Night, they may not be permitted into the GKMSA. *See also Bylaw Art. 2, Sec. 3
Sec. 3 - Player’s Membership Fees must be paid for each roster signed
Sec. 4 - The Executive Board shall be paid in the following manner:
· The President, Vice President(s), Treasurer(s), Secretary, and Umpire-In-Chief will receive an amount determined by multiplying the total number of teams in the GKMSA League by $40.00.
· The resulting total figure for each Executive Board member will then be divided in half, with one half being paid on April 1st and the remaining half being paid on October 1st.
Sec. 4a - Non-paid League Representatives shall be paid $10.00 for each meeting attended April through March. This will be paid in April and the annual fall meeting.
Sec. 5 - Membership shall cease:
1. By written resignation
2. By suspension of the association for:
a. Use of profane language
b. Unsportsmanlike conduct
c. An attack upon fellow player or umpire prior to, during, or immediately after a game
d. Any conduct deemed unnecessary by the Arbitration Board.
Sec. 6- The umpire’s rate of pay will be $50.00 per game. If only 1 umpire shows up for a scheduled game, said umpire will be paid 1 1/2 the usual umpire game fee rate.
Sec. 7 - Out of town teams that wish to supply a home field will be subject to approval by the Executive Board.
ARTICLE 4 – OFFICERS
Sec. 1- The officers of this association shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Umpire-in-Chief, and league Reps
Sec. 2- Any member wanting to run for an officer position needs to contact a league board member by July 31st. An exception will be made if there is a vacant position.
Sec. 3- Any member of this association either on probation or suspension shall not be eligible for election to any league office; including League Representative.
Sec. 4- The Executive board votes to invoke a background check if necessary, paid for by member.
Sec. 5- Each paid member of the association shall have one vote for the elections of officers; we strongly encourage each team to cast at least two votes. Members may cast absentee votes by handing in to an Executive Board member, a letter in a sealed envelope prior to the elections.All votes must be received by an Executive Board member by the last pitch of the last regular season game for the entire league.
ARTICLE 5 – DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
Sec. 1- The President shall preside at all meetings, or, in his absence, the Vice President(s) shall preside. The President’s duties and responsibilities are:
a. Supervise the functions of the elected officers of and league representatives.
b. Oversee all fund-raising for the association, including all tournaments sponsored by the association.
c. Call meetings of the Board of Directors, as needed.
d. Oversee the operations of the association
e. Responsibility for the cancellation of games due to rain, etc.
ADDITION: The President has the authority to determine cancellations based on field conditions until 5:00PM on game nights. The decision is up to the umpire’s and board member on duty discretion after 5:00PM.
Sec. 2- The Secretary shall keep written records of all transactions and all necessary correspondence of the association, and will maintain the scores and standings of the league, as well as maintaining all aspects of the website of the league (www.leaguelineup.com/keenenhsoftball) including Meeting Minutes.
Sec. 3- The Treasurer(s) shall receive and dispense the money of this association and maintain written accounts. Pay all invoices when presented, with the approval of the Executive Board. The Treasurer(s) is allowed to sign checks with Executive Board approval;the Executive Board will review, and approve all outgoing checks. The Treasurer(s) must handle all finances of roster add-ons and drops. The Treasurer(s) must provide a monthly financial report by the end of the first week of each month.
Sec. 4 - The Umpire-in-Chief is responsible for the following duties:
a. Holding preseason umpire sessions for both new and veteran umpires.
b. Scheduling of umpires for all GKMSA games and making sure that there are no scheduling conflicts.
c. Giving written proof of umpires schedule when forwarding payroll.
d. Payroll must be submitted to the Treasurer three (3) days prior to need.
e. Making sure umpires are properly trained and dressed.
f. Making sure umpires are informed of all GKMSA By-laws, Constitutional regulations, and Code of Conduct for the regular season as well as the playoffs. The UIC shall also monitor the in-game performance of the umpires.
g. Making sure that umpire removal of players or managers is given in writing to another Executive Board member within twenty-four (24) hours.
h. Holding one mandatory USA umpire clinic for all umpires to be held before the start of the season.
i. Supply a list verifying current USA certification for ALL umpires used in GKMSA games. The UIC shall also provide proof that all umpires have completed their test and obtained USA certification.
Sec. 5- The Vice President assists the Executive Board. The Vice President is responsible for making the season schedule. The Vice President is also responsible for the rescheduling of all make-up games.
Sec. 6- The Recreation Representative is an advisor to the Executive Board.
Sec. 7- Should an Executive Board member resign, if they do not fulfill his duties or is decided to be detrimental to the league and is released by a majority vote of the Board of Directors; the highest remaining position of power will hold a meeting with the Executive Boardto elect a new member who will fulfill those duties for the remainder of the term. The resigning member shall forfeit the first half of their pay if they resign prior to April 1st. The resigning member will forfeit the second half of their pay if they resign prior to Annual Fall Meeting.
Sec. 8 - Any member of this association may request a meeting of the Executive Board. This request must be in writing and delivered to an Executive Board member and acted on within a seven (7) day period from the date of said letter.
ARTICLE 6 – VOTING
Sec. 1 - All association members shall have the right to vote on the following:
1. The election of Officers.
EXCEPTION: U.I.C. is determined by the umpires and approved by the Executive Board. If the selection is disapproved the umpires must hold another vote.
2. The league board will pick all League Representatives.
Sec. 2 - A majority vote of the Board of Directors shall pass judgment on:
1. Constitutional or bylaw changes.
2. Rule changes pertinent only to the association.
3. Fees of the association as recommended by the Executive Board.
4. Umpires fees.
5. Type of ball and bats used.
6. The filling of a vacancy caused by the resignation of a League Representative. A vacancy in the Executive Board will be decided by the remaining Executive Board members. (See Article 5, Sec. 7 above).
7. The filling of a position on the Board of Directors because of lack of candidates due to the election.
8. The divisional set-up and team placement.
9. Player’s fees.
Sec. 3 - The Executive Board shall study, discuss, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on all items contained within Article 6, Section2.
Sec. 4 - All motions adopted shall be by majority vote of those present.
Sec. 5 - All election voting will be done by paper ballot. All other voting will be left to the President’s discretion whether via text, email or otherwise.
Sec. 6 - President shall ONLY vote to break all tied votes.
ARTICLE 7 – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sec. 1 - The Board of Directors shall consist of the following members, each having one vote:
-Officers of the association
-League Representatives
-Umpire Representative
ARTICLE 8 – EXECUTIVE BOARD
Sec. 1 - There shall be an Executive Board of this association consisting of a minimum of five members; the minimum of five officers and league reps. The Recreation Representative shall be a non-voting advisor to the Executive Board.
Sec. 2 - The Executive Board shall hold meetings whenever the President deems them necessary.
Sec. 3 - The duties of The Executive Board shall be to formulate plans and objectives and to advise and assist the President in carrying out the functions of his duties.
Sec. 4 - The Executive Board’s specific duties shall include:
1. Scheduling
2. Scoreboard operations
3. Review association transactions
4. Enforce association constitution and by-laws
5. Oversee elections
6. Determine number and type of tournaments to be sponsored by the association
7. Each league tournament shall have a Tournament Director and Umpire-in-Chief.
8. The Tournament Director has the right to refuse any and all entries into league-sponsored tournaments.
ARTICLE 9 – MEETINGS
Sec. 1 - The annual fall meeting of this association shall be held sometime in September each year following the conclusion of the playoffs. The meeting will be held for the election of the Executive Board.
Sec. 2 - The President, or any Executive Board member may call a meeting of the Board of Directors or Executive Board whenever deemed necessary. He shall announce the meeting by publication or telephone at least three (3) days prior to such meeting date.
Sec. 3- League Representatives will be chosen by the new elected board.
Constitution revised and approved by the GKMSA Board of Directors on 12/16/2023
