Grey / Bruce Special Hockey Foundation

Constitution & By-Laws

Constitution

Article I – Name

This organization shall be known as the Grey/Bruce Special Hockey Foundation, hereinafter referred to as GBSH. In the event that this organization shall become incorporated, the name will not change. Therefore, the constitution for all intents and purposes shall remain Status Quo.

Article II – Objectives

The objectives of GBSH are:

1. To promote, govern and improve hockey for the developmentally challenged in Grey and Bruce Counties and the surrounding area as a member of Special Hockey International
2. To foster among its members and supporters a general sense of community spirit and good sportsmanship, on and off the ice,
3. To maintain and increase interest in the game of hockey.
4. To have and exercise a general care, supervision and direction over the playing interests of its players, and
5. To ensure our players are having fun while they are learning to play this great game.

Article III – Amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws

The Constitution and By-Laws shall not be amended except at an annual meeting and notice of proposed amendments shall be given to the Secretary four (4) weeks prior to the date of the annual meeting. The Secretary shall henceforth notify the Executive Committee of the proposed changes. Copies of all proposed amendments shall be made available to all members of GBSH, two (2) weeks prior to date of the Annual Meeting. An amendment to the Constitution shall be made only by a majority of the members present and voting at the Annual Meeting.

Article IV – The Association shall consist of:

(a)

1. 1. 1. All players who comply with the requirements of this Constitution, By-Laws and regulation
      2. Elected Officials
      3. Appointed Officials

All of the above are to be in good standing. (No outstanding fees.)

(b)       Membership Definitions:

1. 1. Players – All registered players for the current season.
   2. Elected Officials – Shall consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and three (3) Directors. These will be known as the Executive Committee for GBSH for the current season.
   3. Appointed Officials – Coaches, Managers and Trainers shall be designated as Appointed Officials for the current season.

Executive Committee

• • The Executive shall consist of the President,  Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and three (3) Directors
  • Any member in good standing may submit their name for election to the Executive. Members of the Association will vote the person/s onto the Executive, once the Executive is elected, those elected will vote on designated positions within the board.
  • No nomination will be accepted for President who has not served on the Executive Committee prior to his/her nomination.
  • The Executive shall be elected by majority at the Annual Meeting.
  • The Executive shall be responsible for the business and administration of the Association.
  • The signing officers for the Association shall be any 2 authorized board members
  • All resignations from the Executive shall be in writing and will not take effect until the next Executive or Annual Meeting
  • All members must stand for re-election every two (2) years.
  • Executive members who miss three (3) consecutive meetings, without valid reason, will be removed from the executive.

President

• • Has the power to sign as a officer for the Association.
  • Presides over all meetings and acts as its official representative.
  • Exercises the powers of the Executive in case of emergency.
  • Suspend team officials or players subject to ratification at the next Executive or specially called meeting.
  • Sit on all committees as an ex officio voting member.
  • Responsible for all dealings with the Hanover Recreation Board.
  • Responsible for all dealings with the Canadian Special Hockey Association.
  • Responsible for all dealings with Hockey Canada.
  • Responsible for all dealings with Special Hockey International.
  • Table any recommendations of the Executive Committee where he/she deems a cooling off period is needed before final passage.

Vice President

• • In the absence of the President or in the event of his/her inability to act, shall have and exercise all the powers of the President.
  • Shall have final approval of all coaches, managers and trainers.
  • Authority to dismiss coaches, managers and trainers deemed incompetent subject to ratification at next Executive or specially called meeting.
  • Shall oversee registration procedures.
  • Be responsible for scheduling of games
  • Has the power to sign as an officer of the Association.

Treasurer

• • Shall keep a record of all monies received and disbursed, shall deposit all monies in the Bank and shall ensure all major disbursements are made by cheque.
  • Shall keep a float of $100.00 cash to pay small accounts. Persons receiving payments shall sign for them.
  • Shall present at all Executive meetings a written monthly financial statement.
  • Shall present at each annual meeting a report of the year’s operations and a complete financial statement.
  • Shall serve on purchasing committee.
  • Shall serve on budget committee.
  • Has the power to sign as an officer for the Association.

Secretary

• • Shall perform all general secretarial duties and attend all meetings designated by the President.
  • Shall publish notice of Annual Meeting four (4) weeks before the meeting. The notice will include a list of all nominees for vacant positions on the Executive.
  • Shall work in close co-operation with the Vice President regarding player registration.
  • Be responsible for all trophies and other awards as designated and/or entrusted by the Association.
  • Has the power to sign as an officer of the Association.

Directors

• • Will carry out various duties as required such as:
    • Web Master, Equipment Manager, Team Liaison and Fund Raising.
  • Will have power to sign as an officer of the Association

Standing Committees

• Fund Raising Committee: A Director will be appointed to oversee all fund raising done on behalf of GBSH. The Director can recruit whomever and as many people as he/she feels is necessary to have a successful committee.
• Nomination Committee: The President shall appoint three (3) members of the Executive Committee to prepare a list of candidates for any elected positions which need to be filled because of resignations or the 2-year time limit. The list must be submitted four (4) weeks prior to the Annual Meeting.

Meetings

• • A minimum of one General Meeting per hockey season shall be called by the Executive for all members of GBSH.
  • Anyone wishing to speak at the General Meeting must submit a request in writing stating what they wish to discuss at least two (2) weeks prior to the meeting.
  • Executive meetings will be held on a monthly basis throughout the playing season.
  • A quorum for the Executive meeting will consist of a majority of members.
  • There must be a quorum at the Executive meeting in order to have a vote.
  • The Annual Meeting will be held each year in the month of May. Any vacancies on the Executive will be voted on at the Annual Meeting.

Voting

• • Every family/household will be entitled to one (1) vote per issue at the Annual Meeting. Exceptions will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
  • Elected and Appointed Officials will also be entitled to a vote provided they are not exercising the family/household vote.
  • There will be no proxy votes.
  • No person shall have more than one vote.
  • All players and members must be in good standing.

Registration

• • First year players will pay a discounted registration fee of $150.00
  • All players must be properly registered before participating on a GBSH team. The coach and manager shall assume responsibility for the eligibility of their players.
  • Players shall register at the appointed time and location.
  • No player will be allowed to participate in any GBSH function until registration is paid in full or a payment agreement form has been completed.
  • Payments will be due on the first Sunday of each month starting in September and must be completed by January of each season. If a payment is missed, the player will not be allowed to participate in any event until payment is received.

Protective Equipment

• • All players including goalkeepers in GBSH, shall wear CSA approved mouth guards, helmets and face masks during all games, practices and warm up sessions
  • It is the responsibility of the player and/or his/her parents or guardians to provide all necessary equipment for the protection of the player during practices and games.

Suspensions

• • The President shall have the power to suspend or discipline any coach, manager, trainer or other official under the jurisdiction of GBSH.
  • Any player or team official who is suspended shall not participate in any practices or games.

Coaching Staff

• • All head coaches must be certified for the current season.
  • All trainers must be certified for the current season.
  • All staff who with to participate either on the ice, the bench or in the dressing room must have a current police check.

Personal Conduct

• • All players and officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner that shows favourably on GBSH.
  • Individuals who are responsible for damage to property may be suspended and assessed with the cost of repairs.
  • All tobacco products are prohibited anywhere inside the arena.
  • The use of non-medicinal drugs by team officials or players prior to or during official functions of GBSH is prohibited.
  • No player or staff shall consume alcohol at least six (6) hours prior to participating in any on-ice activities. Players and staff may consume alcohol at Grey/Bruce Special Hockey events providing they conduct themselves in a manner that will not be seen as inappropriate by the public.

Injuries

• • Team officials shall be responsible to see that injured players receive medical attention. In the case of serious injury, a report in writing shall be forwarded to the President immediately.

Team Pictures / Trophies

• • GBSH will provide every player with a team and individual picture each year.
  • GBSH will provide trophies to players at the end of their first season, fifth season and every five (5) years after.
  • GBSH will provide plaques for volunteers who do not have players on the team at the end of their first year, fifth year and every five (5) years after.

Insurance

• • Adequate insurance shall be applied for and in place prior to commencement of each