Club bylaws template

Article IClub name and purpose

Club Name (hereinafter referred to as "the Club") is organized as a nonprofit youth soccer club in City, State. The purpose of the Club is to:

• Promote the physical, mental, and social development of youth through the sport of soccer.
• Provide a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for players of all backgrounds and skill levels.
• Develop soccer skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, and a love of the game.
• Operate in compliance with all applicable laws and the rules of the state soccer association and the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer).

The Club shall not be organized for profit. No part of the net earnings shall benefit any private individual.

Article IIMembership

Membership in the Club shall be open to youth players ages X through X residing in Area/City/County. Membership is contingent upon:

• Completion of the official registration form.
• Payment of all applicable registration fees.
• Submission of all required documents, including medical waivers, emergency contact forms, and any forms required by the state association.

The Club does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, or economic status. The Club is committed to making soccer accessible to all children. The Club will offer financial assistance or scholarships when possible.

Membership may be revoked by the Board of Directors for violation of the Club's Code of Conduct, non-payment of fees, or other just cause, subject to the disciplinary procedures outlined in Article VIII.

Article IIIGovernance

The Club shall be governed by a Board of Directors consisting of no fewer than X and no more than X members. The Board shall include the following officers:

• President: Presides over all meetings, serves as the primary spokesperson, and oversees Club operations.
• Vice President: Assists the President and presides in the President's absence.
• Treasurer: Manages all financial records, prepares budgets, and presents financial reports.
• Secretary: Records minutes of all meetings, maintains official documents, and handles correspondence.

Board members are elected by a majority vote of the membership at the annual meeting and serve two-year staggered terms. No board member shall serve more than three consecutive terms in the same position. Board members serve on a volunteer basis and receive no compensation.

The Board may appoint additional committee chairs (Fundraising, Equipment, Fields, etc.) as needed. Committee chairs report to the Board but are not voting members unless also elected to the Board.

Article IVMeetings

An annual meeting of the general membership shall be held in Month each year at a time and place determined by the Board. Written or electronic notice shall be provided at least 21 days in advance. The Board of Directors shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings as needed.

Special meetings may be called by the President, by a majority vote of the Board, or by written petition of at least 25% of the general membership. At least 7 days' notice is required for special meetings.

A quorum of 50% plus one of the Board members is required to conduct official business. Decisions are made by simple majority vote unless otherwise specified in these bylaws. Board members may participate via telephone or video conference and such participation constitutes presence.

Article VFinances

The fiscal year of the Club shall run from Start Date to End Date. The Board shall approve an annual budget prior to the start of each fiscal year.

Registration fees and any special assessments must be approved by the Board of Directors. Fee schedules will be published at least 30 days before registration opens. The Club will offer financial assistance and scholarships when feasible.

The Treasurer shall maintain accurate and complete financial records using generally accepted accounting practices. A financial report shall be presented at each Board meeting and at the annual meeting. All expenditures over $Amount require prior Board approval. The President and Treasurer shall be authorized signatories on all Club bank accounts.

An annual financial review shall be conducted by a committee of at least two non-officer members appointed by the Board, or by an independent accountant if the Club's annual revenue exceeds $Amount.

Article VICoaching staff

All coaches and assistant coaches must:

• Complete a background check through the Club's approved provider prior to the start of each season.
• Hold valid coaching certifications as required by the state soccer association.
• Complete SafeSport or equivalent abuse prevention training.
• Obtain at least a U.S. Soccer Grassroots or equivalent coaching license within their first year of coaching with the Club.

The Club will provide access to coaching education opportunities. The Club will cover the cost of initial licensing. Head coaches are appointed by the Board or its designated committee. Coaches serve at the discretion of the Board and may be removed for cause at any time.

Coaches are expected to prioritize player development and equal playing time over winning, particularly at younger age groups (U6-U10). Coaches shall communicate regularly with parents regarding player progress, schedules, and expectations.

Article VIIPlayer and parent code of conduct

All players, parents, guardians, and spectators are expected to:

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times, both on and off the field.
• Respect referees, coaches, opponents, and fellow players.
• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude during practices and games.
• Refrain from abusive, profane, or threatening language.
• Follow the instructions of coaches and Club officials.

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate disciplinary action:

• Physical aggression toward any player, coach, referee, or spectator.
• Verbal abuse or intimidation of referees.
• Bullying, hazing, or harassment of any kind.
• Unauthorized coaching from the sidelines during games.
• Consumption of alcohol or use of tobacco products at Club events.

All players and at least one parent/guardian must sign the Club's Code of Conduct form prior to the start of each season.

Article VIIIDisciplinary procedures

Violations of the Code of Conduct or these Bylaws will be addressed through the following progressive process:

1. First Offense, Verbal Warning: The coach or Club official will address the behavior directly and document the incident in the Club's records.
2. Second Offense, Written Warning: A formal written warning will be issued, and the individual may be suspended from one game or practice.
3. Third Offense, Suspension or Expulsion: The individual will be suspended from all Club activities pending a Board review. The Board will determine the appropriate action, which may include permanent expulsion.

Severe violations (physical violence, threats, or illegal activity) may result in immediate suspension regardless of prior history.

Any member subject to disciplinary action has the right to appeal the decision to the full Board within 14 calendar days. The Board will hear the appeal at its next regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose. The decision of the Board on appeal is final.

Article IXSafety and medical

The safety of players is the Club's highest priority. The Club will:

• Maintain a fully stocked first aid kit at every practice and game.
• Require at least one coach per team to hold a valid CPR/First Aid certification.
• Document all injuries using the Club's incident report form and notify parents/guardians immediately.
• Follow a strict concussion protocol: any player showing signs of a concussion will be immediately removed from play and may not return until cleared in writing by a licensed medical professional.
• Cancel or modify activities during severe weather conditions, including lightning, extreme heat, or poor air quality.
• Ensure all fields are inspected for hazards before each use.

Parents are responsible for providing accurate medical information and emergency contacts on the registration form and for updating this information if it changes during the season.

Article XAmendments

These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting, provided that:

• The proposed amendment has been distributed in writing to all Board members at least 14 days prior to the vote.
• The proposed amendment has been made available to the general membership for review and comment at least 7 days prior to the vote.

Amendments affecting membership fees, the Code of Conduct, or governance structure must be communicated to the full membership within 7 days of adoption. Amendments take effect immediately upon adoption unless otherwise specified.

Article XIDissolution

The Club may be dissolved by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors followed by a majority vote of the general membership at a meeting called specifically for that purpose.

Upon dissolution of the Club, all remaining assets after payment of all debts and obligations shall be distributed to one or more tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that serve youth in the local community, as determined by a majority vote of the Board.

No part of the Club's assets shall be distributed to, or benefit, any individual member, officer, or director of the Club.