Bylaws of the Sand Dragons Football Club

ARTICLE 1: ORIGINATION & MISSION

The Sand Dragons Football Club (herein known as the "SDFC" or "the Club") was founded on November 30th, 2001 & formed by and for an informal association of people for pleasure, recreation and other non-profitable purposes. It was formed to provide an organized venue for participation in adult soccer. The club will foster and promote amateur soccer, sportsmanship, community involvement and competition among adults and youth in the Phoenix Metro area.

ARTICLE 2: PURPOSE

The information contained herein is expressly for the purpose of governance of the SDFC. Whereas it's members' desire a higher level of organization than previously offered, the regular members & board members shall accept these rules of governance, or Bylaws. The rules contained herein are in no way to replace or supercede any rule or law of any other organization or entity where that rule is a condition of participation. Whereas SDFC and its members participate in various leagues and tournaments, the rules and laws of each league and tournament shall be in effect. Any conflict between any SDFC rule and any league or tournament rule or law shall default to the favor of the league or tournament, as it is normally a condition of participation. Any league or tournament rule or law that should be identified as unreasonable should be brought to the attention of the SDFC Board for formal action with the other organization.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP & TEAMS

Section 1: General

The SDFC will accept all requests for membership that are consistent within the spirit of the organization's Mission and Bylaws. Sportsmanship, physical ability, skill, personal values, ethics and personality will all be considered prior to any offer of membership. The SDFC does not discriminate on race, religion, age or gender. However, the club and the teams it fields may be restricted from participation by league or tournament rules.

Section 2: Rosters & Team Leadership

2.1: Although all members may partake of Club activities and benefit from its membership, there may be instances when individuals are not placed on a team for league or tournament play because of a lack of available roster space or other reason. No player is guaranteed playing time or a spot on a team roster. However, it is the intent of SDFC to provide for each player in good standing a team to play with.

2.2: Each team shall enjoy its own team leadership which may consist of a single person, or several people. Such team leadership shall have the sole responsibility of picking its team's roster for the given season. Each team's leadership may choose players as they see fit as long as such decisions are in line with the league or tournament directives as far as eligibility's are concerned.

2.3: The Board of Directors will approve by vote who the team leadership will be for each team the SDFC sponsors. The Board of Directors will consider the opinions of the past and current players of each team when making this decision.

Section 3: Club Team Expansion & Removal.

The Board of Directors may consider and approve the formation new teams to relieve over crowded rosters or to create an additional competitive team. New teams will only be approved by the Board of Directors if it is determined such a team would be viable and sustainable. The Board of Directors may also remove a team from participation if a lack of available players justifies such an action.

Section 4: Qualifications.

4.1: SDFC shall have one class of members. Membership shall be open to all persons who are either (a) members of the teams sponsored by the SDFC, or (b) approved for membership by a majority of the Board of Directors.

4.2: In order to become a member of a team sponsored by the SDFC, a person must pay the SDFC initiation fee as set by the Board of Directors. Other members must also pay SDFC initiation fees as set by the Board of Directors.

4.3: A person's membership shall terminate if that person no longer qualifies for membership under this section 4.

4.4: All members must complete and sign an SDFC Code of Conduct and Release. This document serves only to protect the club, its Board, its members and provide for requirements of municipalities where SDFC holds practices and friendlies. Signatures and Payment are required prior to acceptance into SDFC and prior to being placed on a roster.

4.5: In order to remain a member of a team sponsored by the SDFC, a person must pay the SDFC annual membership fee as set by the Board of Directors. Other members must also pay the SDFC annual membership fees as set by the Board of Directors to remain a member of the SDFC.

4.6: All eligible members should vote on all issues presented by the President or Board of Directors or in any electoral events. Written notice of abstention of voting rights must be made by the member in the event that the member does not wish to render a vote. Members may also proxy their vote as long as the proxy is in writing and presented to the Board of Directors in a timely manner.

Section 5: Rights of Members.

Members shall have the right to vote, if and when eligible, for the directors of the SDFC, vote for their team board representative, attend Club activities & attend any meetings of the Board of Directors.

Section 6: Representation

Members are not to directly contact any league the SDFC sponsors a team within for any reason without permission of the Board of Directors.

Section 7: Player Eligibility

7.1: A player cannot be registered into the Club or any of its teams until all required paperwork is completed. Only the Membership Committee or Membership Chairman, Team Leadership or member of the Board of Directors may admit members into SDFC.

7.2: As a matter of ethical conduct and maintaining the credibility and good standing of The SDFC in respect of League rules and Inter Club relationships, under no circumstances will The SDFC field a player that is not properly registered. Failure to do so may result in the reprimand of the player and may require a change of the team's leadership.

7.3: In addition, players that have been suspended by the league will serve their suspension prior to returning to the field of play and pay any outstanding fines or penalty fees. Lastly, any individual that has been expelled by the league will remain ineligible for membership in SDFC, unless there were extraordinary or unfair circumstances. Such a matter would fall under the review of the Board of Directors where a determination would be made.

Section 8: Player Evaluation

Standard operating procedures require all new players to participate in at least one practice before joining SDFC. This requirement is in place to insure the player is correctly placed based on overall fit within a team which may include the evaluation of skill level, team requirements and age limitations. Only SDFC Members may play in league matches or tournaments.

Section 9: Player Movement within the SDFC

9.1: During the Season: Any member may request a transfer within the club at any time during a season, league rules permitting. The request must be made first to the team leadership of the effected teams for discussion and assessment to identify potential resolution and correct placement. The request must be founded, have the approval of the effected team's leadership and then be presented to the Board of Directors for review. Transfer shall require a majority vote by the Board in favor of the transfer. If the transfer is approved and at the request of the player, said player will pay any transfer fees required by the league.

9.2: Between Seasons/Prior to the Start of the Season: Any member may request a tryout or a roster spot on any team desired by the member. It is the team's leadership's responsibility and sole authority to decide whether or not to accept the requesting member. Ultimately it is the decision of each player as to where that player would like to play as long as the team's leadership is in agreement.

ARTICLE 4: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Qualifications.

Any member of the SDFC can hold any office in the Board of Directors as long as that member has the equivalent of at least 2 seasons membership and is in good standing with SDFC.

Section 2: Number.

2.1: The Board of Directors shall consist of no less than 5 (five) members who shall be collectively known as the Board of Directors. Three elected officers, which include President, Vice President and Treasurer.

2.2: The other members of the board will consist of one member from each team that the SDFC sponsors and shall be selected by that team's members at the beginning of each season to represent, among other things, the interests of that particular team within the SDFC.

2.3: This team representative to the Board shall remain on the board for the duration of the season and until the start of the following season in order to maintain continuity within the Board of Directors.

2.4: The Board of Directors with a unanimous vote will appoint Team Representatives for new expansion teams sponsored by the SDFC.

Section 3: Powers.

The Board of Directors shall enforce the rules and laws of the organization identified in these Bylaws and shall act not out of self-interest but in the best interest of all members and shall ensure longevity of the organization. It is the duty of each member of the Board to administer the business and operations of the organization for the good of the SDFC. It is the responsibility of all the Board Members to represent SDFC before any league, tournament board or any other governing body.

Section 4: Meetings.

4.1: The Board of Directors shall meet at such times, as they shall mutually agree.

4.2: The President of the SDFC shall preside at the meetings, or in his absence the Vice President shall preside.

4.3: The President shall present an agenda for each meeting or in his absence the Vice President shall present an agenda for the meeting.

4.4: The Vice President shall record the minutes of each meeting or in his absence any other member of the Board of Directors can record the minutes for the meeting.

4.5: After the members of the Board of Directors agree on the minutes as written, said agenda and minutes shall be published on a blind web page within the SDFC Website for all members to view at their convenience.

4.6: Minutes from meetings must be approved prior to the commencement of the next meeting.

4.7: All agendas and minutes will be archived for continuity and history.

4.8: Any member of the SDFC shall be entitled to attend any meeting of the Board of Directors.

4.9: A 10-day notice of meetings must be observed unless all the members can agree to an earlier date.

Section 5: Voting.

5.1: Each Director shall have one vote. Decisions shall require a majority vote of the directors present at the meeting at which a vote is taken. For example, if even numbers of directors are present a decision requires one vote more than one-half of the present directors.

5.2: If there is a tie in any vote the President is empowered to either break a tie and render decision or open the topic up to a vote of the entire membership, which shall require a majority vote of the eligible membership for a decision.

Section 6: Quorum.

A quorum shall consist of a majority of the existing Board of Directors. In the event there is an even number of directors the quorum shall be one more than one-half of the total number of directors.

Section 7: Compensation.

Directors shall serve without compensation, except that they shall be allowed reimbursement for expenses incurred in the furtherance of business of the SDFC, upon the approval of the Board of Directors. If a director agrees to expend funds without first obtaining the approval of the Board of Directors, he shall be deemed to have done so at his own risk, such that he, rather than the SDFC, shall be required to pay for the goods or services if he thereafter is not able to obtain the approval of the Board of Directors.

Section 8: Committees.

The Board of Directors may create any committees it deems necessary or advisable to carry out the business of the SDFC. The President may, with the approval of a majority of the board, appoint Directors or Chairmen to committees such as Membership, Fundraising, Website, International Tour & Tournament, National Tour & Tournament or any other committee that is desirable. Such Committee Chairmen will carry out its business for the SDFC under the same guidelines of sections 1, 3, & 7 of Article 4.

Section 9: Elections.

9.1: The Board of Directors shall be elected for terms corresponding with the calendar year, with elections to be held on a date to be fixed by the Board of Directors during January of each calendar year for the upcoming calendar year.

9.2: Each member of the SDFC with the equivalent of 2-season's membership shall be entitled to a number of votes equal to the number of directors being elected in any given election, with no cumulative voting permitted.

9.3: The elected term shall begin no later than January 31st at which time the transition to a newly elected governing body shall commence.

9.4: The Vice President shall administer and oversee any elections of the SDFC Officers for the organization. The remaining incumbent Board Members shall aid Vice President as necessary. The Vice President shall have the responsibility of recording, posting and announcing the final tally. Upon completion of the election process, the current President shall install members to their newly elected position.

9.5: All elections shall take place in a simple and timely manner. Officers will be elected based on the simple majority of the votes cast. If there are more than two nominees for an office or there is a lack of a simple majority, an immediate run-off election shall take place.

9.6: All votes shall be cast on an official ballot form to be developed and provided by the Board of Directors during the election process. Ballots shall be available at practice and on the Website The completed ballots may be returned at training sessions or via e-mail so long as the Vice President receives them before the end of the voting period.

9.7: Each team sponsored by the SDFC shall elect a Team Representative at or near the beginning of each season by simple vote within the team. Only team members may nominate or vote for the Team Representative of that team. Voting procedures are the same, with a simple majority required and an immediate run-off if required. All team members may vote for the Team Representative regardless of length of membership in the SDFC.

Section 10: Vacancies.

10.1: Should any Board Member not be able to complete the term of office the Board of Directors shall be filled by a vote of a majority of the remaining Directors, even though less than a quorum.

10.2: This vote shall take place within one month to replace the open position(s).

Section 11: Actions Without Meetings.

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if the President including a majority of the members of the Board of Directors consent to that action.

Section 12: Removal of Directors.

A director may be removed at any time and for any reason by either (a) a majority vote of the members, or (b) a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors other than the director in question.

ARTICLE 5: OFFICERS

Section 1: Positions.

1.1: There shall be a President, Vice President, & Treasurer.

1.2: The Board of Directors may create other positions at its discretion.

Section 2: Election.

All officers shall be members of the Board of Directors, and shall be chosen by a vote of the Membership with an annual vote. All members of the SDFC with the equivalent of two seasons with the SDFC shall be eligible to become officers. Officers shall serve for the entire term for which they are serving as Directors.

Section 3: President and Vice-President.

The President and Vice-President shall aid in the enforcement of the rules and laws of the organization identified in these Bylaws and shall ensure the longevity of the organization. It is the duty of both the President and Vice-president to aid in the administration of the business and operations of the organization for the good of the SDFC.

Section 4: Treasurer

4.1: It is recognized that the position of Treasurer has singular importance to the operation of the SDFC. The primary duty of the Treasurer is to manage the financial interests of the organization.

4.2: The Treasurer shall maintain a bank account(s) in good standings, effect ethical banking practices, properly manage finances, track and record all transactions (paper or computer accounting), maintain proper historical records and receipts, administer fees and dues leading the collections process.

4.3: It is the responsibility of the Treasurer to provide regular financial status reports to the President and the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall also provide Ad Hoc reports upon the request of the President or Board of Directors. Such reports shall be made available to The Board of Directors within 10 days of the request, or other such reasonable time.

4.4: All fundraising activities shall have separate accounting as to determine the exact funds spent and raised.

4.5: Any fundraising by groups or teams within the SDFC shall also have such separate and accurate accounting.

4.6: It is also the duty of the Treasurer to pay the bills, invoices, tournament fees, league fees, and reimbursements approved by the Board of Directors in a timely manner.

ARTICLE 6: AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS.

Section 1: Ongoing Charter

1.1: The Bylaws are to be considered an evolving Charter, and will require revision as the organization matures.

1.2: All motions to modify or add to these bylaws shall be considered only in writing to the Board of Directors.

1.3: Such revisions may take place during normal or special meetings where there is a quorum.

1.4: Any member in good standing may submit an amendment for consideration. However, only Officers or Team Representatives can introduce a proposed amendment to the floor for deliberation and decision.

1.5: Voting on any proposed amendment may take place at any time convenient after the written submission to the Board.

1.6: All introduced amendments must be voted upon within 90 days of its initial introduction by the proposing Board Member.

Section 2: Amendment by Members.

New bylaws may be adopted, and existing bylaws may be modified or repealed, by a vote of a majority of the members of the SDFC.

Section 3: Amendment by the Board of Directors.

New bylaws may be adopted, and existing bylaws may be modified or repealed, by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.

Section 4: Tracking

Changes to these Bylaws shall be posted on the SDFC Web site by normal practice so as to track changes over time. Bylaws will have the last amended date added to its title for tracking and archival purposes.

ARTICLE 7: FINAL SEPARATION & DISBURSEMENT

Should the Sand Dragons Football Club ever find itself in a position to consider disbanding, the current Board of Directors and Representative Members shall vote on the motion to disband. Only an Officer or Team Representative may submit a motion to disband. A 2/3 vote in favor shall automatically require a vote from all SDFC members in good standing (general membership). A 2/3 vote in favor of disbanding shall mark the beginning of Final Separation and Disbursement. Club property shall be sold or donated to charitable organizations. Any money collected for club property that is sold shall be deposited into the club account to pay any charges against the club. After 90 days any remaining funds will be donated to a youth soccer program in Arizona. The Board of Directors will identify which youth program. All uniforms will become the property of the player last wearing it unless there is an offer to purchase the kits to form a team. Any fair and reasonable price will be accepted for club property or uniforms up for sale.

ARTICLE 8: INCEPTION OF BYLAWS

Ratification and Implementation of these SDFC Bylaws have been carried out under Executive Order of the 1st Member Elected President of the Sand Dragons Football Club in behalf of the current membership on this day September 21, 2003.

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The material in this document is registered with the Library of Congress Copyright Office and protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America and international conventions, and is the exclusive property of the Sand Dragons Football Club® or any licensee. All rights reserved. Sand Dragons F.C.© 2003. The SDFC does have an attorney of record and will prosecute to the fullest extend the law provides.