Macdonald Wildfire Ringette

Macdonald Ringette Association – Constitution & By-Laws

By-law #1 – Constitution
Article A – Name
The organization shall be known as Macdonald Ringette Association and hereafter may be referred to as “Macdonald RIngette”, “Macdonald” or as “the Association”.

Article 2 – Boundaries
Macdonald Ringette is located within the Provincial District of “Central Region”. The area included is the entire RM of Macdonald plus the portion of the RM of Cartier located East of PR248 and south of PTH #1.

Article 3 – Mission
The purpose of our organization is to provide for all players of our area, the opportunity to participate in ringette in an environment that encourages fun, friendship, sportsmanship and competition.

Article 4 – Aims and Objectives
The objectives of our association shall be:
1) to foster, promote and encourage ringette in our area with emphasis on development of good citizenship and sportsmanship,
2) to provide every registrant with an opportunity to play on an organized team following MRA policy,
3) to enter teams in league play at their appropriate levels and to determine representatives for MRA Provincial Competitions,
4) to provide a wholesome and rewarding experience to those participating in the sport of ringette, encouraging development of the highest standards and skills among players, coaches and officials.
5) by agreement with MRA to operate all ringette in our area and to decide and adjust any and all matters that may be in dispute.

Article 5 – Administration
1) Executive Members
The executive of the association shall consist of
a) four (4) town conveners,
b) four (4) directors
c) past president (if applicable)
d) WRL representative
e) AA ringette representative
2) Terms of Office
Terms of the executive members shall be as follows:
a) Town conveners shall be appointed from their local communities (La Salle/Domain, Oak Bluff, Brunkild/Sanford and Starbuck)
b) Directors shall be elected for a two year term by the general membership at the annual meeting. Elections will be held each year for half of the directors positions, except in the first year two directors will serve one year terms. The four (4) directors shall be defined as the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer
c) The position of past president will be a one year term, however the position will be vacant if the immediate past president remains a member of the board in any other position
d) The WRL rep shall be elected for a two year term by the general membership at the annual meeting
e) The AA ringette representative shall be elected for a two year term by the general membership at the annual meeting.
3) Structure
The members of the executive shall be elected at the annual meeting following this schedule:
1) The President and Treasurer and WRL representative elections will be held on even years.
2) The Vice President and Secretary and AA ringette representative elections shall be held on odd years
3) The AA ringette reprentative elections are to be held to correspond with the AA board term.
If an executive position becomes vacant prior to the scheduled election, an election shall be held at the next annual meeting with an assignment of one (1) year only. Any member of the executive can hold one of the following portfolio posititons: representatives in Publicity, Games and Tournaments, Coaching, Officiating, Player Development and any other relevant portfolios identified by the MRA and/or the association

Each member of the executive (including president) shall have one vote. No individual may cast more than one vote. A simple majority of the votes cast will prevail. In the event of a tie vote, the matter shall be put down to the end of the agenda for further discussion and if necessary held over to a subsequent executive (or at executive discretion a special) meeting.

A quorum for executive meetings shall be one-half of its members

Article 6 – Powers and Duties of the Executive
The Executive shall have the power to oversee the affairs of the Association to conduct it’s business, and to authorize all expenditures and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, its powers shall include:
1. to exercise al the powers and duties of the MRA as they pertain to ringette in our area,
2. to represent the membership at league and MRA levels as necessary,
3. to pass all rules and working policies required for administration of the Association,
4. to appoint committees as may be required to carry on business in our area,
5. to fill by appointment any vacancies which may occur in directors terms and ratify such at the next annual meeting
6. to register with the MRA all clubs and players from our area and enter teams in leagues,
7. to resolve all matters arising from situations which are not otherwise specifically provided for.

Article 7 – Finance
1. Fiscal year
The fiscal year shall be from April 1 to March 31
2. Signing Officers
The signing authority of the Association shall be any two of: President, Treasurer and one other Executive member as designated by the board
3.Audit
There is to be an “unofficial audit” of the financial records of the Association undertaken each time a new treasurer assumes the office but at least every 2 years.
4.Fees
Fees are to be established by the Executive on an annual basis prior to registration

Article 8 – Remuneration
1.Unless authorized at an executive meeting of the Association Board, no member of the executive shall receive any remuneration for his/her services
2. Reasonable expenses shall be reimbursed to the person incurring same upon authorization of the executive.

Article 9 – Nominations
Prior to the Annual Meeting, the four Town Conveners shall act as the Nominating Committee providing a slate of willing candidates. Other nominations will be accepted from the floor of the Annual Meeting.

Article 10 – Annual and Special Meetings
1. The annual meeting of the Association shall be held at the call of the Executive but no later than April 30 of each year. Special meetings of the Association may be held at the call of the President or as directed by the Executive. Notice of the annual meetings shall be given 14 days prior to the meeting date, special meetings 5 days prior to the meeting date
2. At annual meetings and special meetings, the quorum shall consist of the number of persons present. A simple majority of votes cast will prevail. In the event of a tie vote, the President shall not cast a second tie-breaking ballot. The matter shall be put down to the end of the agenda for further discussion; a further special meeting could be called later to deal with the controversial matter only.
3. At annual meetings and special meetings each member shall have one vote.
Membership includes:
a) parents or guardians of all players as well as those player 18 years and over registered for any teams under it’s jurisdiction
b) coaches, managers and team officials of all teams under its jurisdiction
c) all executive members

Article 11 – Amendment of the Constitution
This constitution may be amended at the Annual Meeting of the Association by a ⅔ majority of those present and voting.
Any and all proposed amendments to the Constitution must be submitted in writing at least 21 days prior to the date of the annual meeting and must be stated on the notice of annual meeting.

Article 12 – For the Protection of Directors
No Executive Member of the Association shall be liable for the acts, neglects or default of any other director or officer or employee or for any loss, damage or expense happening to the Association except by or through their own willful act of default.

Article 13 – Dissolution
In the event of dissolution or wind up of the Association, any assets shall be distributed equally among the Member Communities in Macdonald Ringette Association.