Wakefield Youth Skating Association
P.O. Box 281
Wakefield, Ma. 01880

"How it all Began"
(from the 1972 WYH Supplement to the Wakefield Daily Item)

Name a boy who ever skated in the town of Wakefield, and you can bet that a man named Charlie Kirk had something to do with that boy.

Charlie Kirk and Donald MacKay started it all back in 1946 with a handful of boys, and it has now grown to over 400 boys, playing hockey on a weekly basis. The boys of Wakefield can thank these dedicated men for starting it all.

The Wakefield Hockey Association as it is know today was organized in 1969 and is presently sponsoring a Midget, two Bantam, two Peewee, three Squirt, and one Sprite team, and the weekly hockey clinic. It is an organization envied by many towns in the Middlesex area. The cost of running a program this size is around $22,000 per year.

Current Bylaws - July 2003 Revision:
Includes sections still to be reviewed and voted on at the September BOD meeting.

By-Law - Subject	By-Law - Subject
Article I - Name	Article VII - Financial Policy
Article II - Objective	Article VIII- Rules
Article III - Government	Article IX Amendments
Article IV - Meetings	Article X Standing Committees  - PROPOSE to Move to POLICY book
Article V - Coaches	Article XI Duties of Officers - PROPOSE to Move to POLICY book
Article VI - Membership	Article XII Duties of Remaining Board Members - PROPOSE to Move to POLICY book

Article I – Name

1. This organization shall be known as the Wakefield Youth Skating Association Inc. and may comprise any amateur hockey club, skating teams, clinics, or classes as may be deemed necessary to obtain the following objectives.

Article II – Objective

1. The objective of the Wakefield Youth Skating Association Inc. shall be to implant firmly in the youth of the community, both boys and girls, the ideals of good sportsmanship, while attaining quality skills for the safe and healthy execution of ice sports.
   
2. The objective will be achieved by providing supervised competition and instruction in games applicable to Ice sports. The supervisors and personnel of the association shall bear in mind that at all times the attainment of good sportsmanship, athletic skills, while increasing the children’s self esteem is more important then winning games.
   

Article III – Government – Revised 11-Aug-03

1. The Board of Directors shall govern the members of the Wakefield Youth Skating Association Inc. The Board of Directors shall consist of a President, Vice President, appointed Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past-President, Coaching Coordinator, appointed District 10 representative, and Directors of the following programs: Instructional Mite, Mite, Squirt, PeeWee, Bantam, Midget, and Clinic (if programs exist at those levels). The Board shall have control of the property and management of the organization. Funds of the organization shall be withdrawn from the bank of banks with which they are on deposit by the signature of the duly elected Treasurer or his alternate as designated by the Board of Directors.
   
2. All members of the Wakefield Youth Skating Association may attend and participate in all regular meetings. Members may also attend, participate and vote at elections during the annual meeting.
   
3. At the annual meeting the membership shall elect Officers of the Board and Board directorships as described in (D).
   
4. All Board positions shall hold a term of 2 years, with voting of individual positions taken place in alternating years. The President, Clinic, Mite, Peewee and Midget positions will be voted on in even years, and the Vice-President, Secretary, Instructional Mite, Squirt, Bantam, and Coaching Coordinator positions will be voted on in odd years. The Treasurer and District 10 Representative will be appointed for 2 year terms in even years.
   
5. The Treasurer and District 10 Representative shall be appointed by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors for a 2-year term within 60 days of the annual meeting. The Treasurer’s and District 10 Representative’s appointed positions will follow the same election schedule as the President.
   
6. The Board shall maintain the voting cycle as defined in "D" by creating 1 year terms in the event of an unbalanced election cycle – more than 7 Board positions being voted at any election.
   
7. The Board of Directors shall determine all policy matters and make such reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this organization. These policy matters will be published in the WYSA Policy and Guidelines book.
   
8. Vacancies on the Board, except for President and Vice President, shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Such vacancies must be advertised two (2) consecutive Thursdays before the next Board meeting so that a formal presentation of applications and nominations may be made before the Board members present at the next announced meeting.
   
9. The appointed Board members shall serve the duration of the term of the individual being replaced.
   
10. The Vice President assumes the duties of the President in the event of the Presidents resignation or other reasons for vacating that office. The Board shall advertise and hold a general election for the President or Vice President’s position within 60 days of either office being vacated. If there are no volunteers, the Board shall appoint a President or Vice-President from within the Board.
    
11. The Definition of and Appointment of Standing Committees, the Duties of the Officers, and the Duties of the remaining Board members, all former Bylaws shall be defined in the WYSA Policy & Guidelines book.

Article IV – Meetings - Revised 11-Aug-03

1. The Board of Directors will have at least 10 meetings per year. Meetings shall be scheduled for the second Monday in a given month, except for the Annual meeting, which will be scheduled for the 3rd Monday in May.
   
2. Notice of the annual meeting, a listing of the election ballots for Officers, and Directors will be mailed to each member no more than 30 days but no less than 15 days prior to the meeting date.
   
3. Agenda’s of each meeting will be made available in advance (call the President or Secretary). To get on the agenda call the President 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
   
4. Minutes of each meeting will be available upon request and posted on the WYSA web page.
   
5. Additional meetings may be called by the President or requested of the President by a minimum of three (3) Members of the Board, or ten (10) members.
   
6. At the Annual meeting the current Secretary, one Director and two non-Board members appointed by the Board in advance of the annual election will conduct a secret ballot election. The four individuals assigned will review, count, and report the results to the current President.
   
7. Mail in votes or proxy votes are not allowed.
   
8. The President will give a detailed annual report at the Annual meeting and the Treasurer will report a preview of year-end finances. A financial report to will be made available upon request.
   
9. A duly constituted meeting of the Board of Directors shall be one at which the majority of the members of the Board of Directors are present.
   
10. A majority vote of those voting members present at such meetings shall govern except when otherwise especially provided by Bylaw or policy.
    
11. Roberts Rules of order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings except where the same conflicts with the Bylaw’s of the association.
    
12. Notice of regular Board of Directors meetings shall be published in the Wakefield Daily Item at least three (3) days prior to such meetings. The membership of the association shall have the right to be present and participate at any Board of Directors meetings. Any member can request to meet with the Board in Executive Session by contacting any member of the Board of Director’s at least 3 days prior to the next meeting.
    

Article V – Coaches - Revised 11-Aug-03

1. The Board of Directors shall advertise in the local paper for submission of applicants for coaching positions.
   
2. The Board or a Committee assigned by the Board will review, interview and recommend final coaching applicants.
   
3. The Board will select by a majority vote the final coaching selections.
   
4. All coaches shall be responsible to the Board of Directors while under the direct supervision of the division Director and Coaching Coordinator in regard to their conduct, coaching ability and, management of their team.
   
5. A Board member may also be a head coach in the Wakefield Youth Skating Association providing that head coaches control no more than 50% of the occupied Board positions.
   
6. Any coach who is accused of any misconduct shall be called before the Board of Directors in a private session to discuss such accusations. Written notice of this meeting will be given to the coach 7 days prior to this meeting. The matter may then be sent to a Disciplinary Committee for action.
   
7. The misconduct or actions of any youth shall be dealt with immediately by the coach directly associated with the incident. The coach shall have the right to suspend the offending parties for the duration of the game, practice, or clinic session and the following game, practice, or clinic session at his /her discretion. If the coach requests additional action, a written report must be submitted to the President for review by a Disciplinary Committee.
   

Article VI – Membership - Revised 11-Aug-03

A Eligibility - Membership in the association is open to all persons

A-1 Membership shall be granted to all Wakefield Youth Skating Association players, coaches, managers, and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of players. All members of this association are strictly volunteer, non-salaried people, not compensated in any way.

A-2 Any person over 18 years of age may be approved for membership by a majority vote of the Board of Directors regardless of residency.

          A-3 A player may be waived into or out of this organization in accordance with
          Massachusetts Hockey Rules and Regulations Article IV - Waiver, Procedure.
          The number of players allowed in to WYSA is subject to Board’s Waiver policy.

B Classes of Membership  There shall be three classes of memberships: Youth, Active and Associate

B-1 Youth: The Youth member may not hold office and may not have voting privileges  

B-2 Active: The Active members shall be any person eighteen (18) years of age or older, who subscribe to the charitable purpose and policies of the Association and are either a parent or guardian of a youth in the program or serve in some official capacity in the organization, such as a coach or a director. In addition, an active member must be current in any and all financial obligations to the Association. Active members may hold office and shall have voting privileges.  

B-3 Associate: The Associate members are those people who with the approval of the Board may participate and contribute to the program. The associate members may hold office and shall have voting privileges.  

C Term of Membership  The term of membership shall be for one (1) year, beginning September 1, or on the date the new member joins the program and ending on August 31^st.

D Obligations of Membership  Members are encouraged to attend all monthly business meetings of the association and to carry out faithfully any obligations, which they may undertake in connection with any particular Association activity.  

E Voting Rights  Only Active and Associate members are allowed to vote. Voting rights of the membership shall be restricted to voting for Bylaw changes, the Annual election, and any other matters brought to the body by the Board of Directors.

Article VII - Financial Policy

1. The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the association. It shall be the permanent policy to place all income in a common association bank account. The Board shall direct the expenditure of said account in such manner as will give no individual, team, or division advantage over the others as to equipment, ice facilities, etc.
   
2. The Treasurer of the association shall receive all income of the association and shall be empowered to sign all checks for payment of bills properly incurred by the Board of Directors.
   
3. Bonding of the Treasurer and assistants (if any) shall be designated by the Board of Directors. The Association shall pay for such bond.
   
4. A purchasing agent shall be responsible for the securing of all bids for purchases as shall be needed by the various teams and shall render all vouchers for payment to the Treasurer of the association.
   
5. No solicitation or contribution of funds to individuals or teams shall be accepted without approval of the Board of Directors.
   
6. The fiscal calendar will end April 30^th.
   

Article VIII Rules – Revised 11-Aug-03

1. The official playing rules and regulations of "USA Hockey" shall be binding on this association where applicable.
   
2. The local playing rules of this association shall be adopted by the Board of Directors.
   Massachusetts Hockey's By-Laws, Rules and Regulation, and Policies and Procedures shall be binding on this association where applicable.
   
3. All persons involved with WYSA in any capacity are subject to discipline per Massachusetts Hockey Bylaw – "ARTICLE XIV - SUSPENSION, EXPULSION, OTHER DISCIPLINE; APPEALS".
   
   

Article IX Amendments – Revised 11-Aug-03

1. These by- laws, or any section, thereof may be amended or repealed by a 2/3 vote of the general membership in attendance, followed by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Director’s in attendance at the June or January Board meeting.. A special notice must be published in the Wakefield Daily Item no more then 14 days or less then 10 days prior to the meeting announcing proposed by-law changes.
   
2. The general membership can propose changes to the by-laws by submitting a petition, signed by fifteen percent (15%) of the members to the Board at any regularly scheduled Board meeting.
   
3. Board members can propose changes to the by-laws by submitting a petition, signed by fifty percent (50%) of the Board members at any regularly scheduled Board meeting.
   Clerical errors, missing punctuation, and spelling errors can be corrected at any regularly scheduled Board
   meeting, following a 2/3 vote of the general membership in attendance, followed by a 2/3 vote of the Board of
   Director’s in attendance. These corrections do not require special notification in the Wakefield Daily Item.
   

Article X Standing Committees– – PROPOSE DELETING ENTIRE BYLAW – MOVE ENTIRE BYLAW INTO WYSA POLICY BOOK TO ALLOW FOR EASIER ADJUSTMENTS

The Board of Directors at their Annual meeting shall appoint the following committees and agents:

A -  Purchasing agents:

A-0 The purchasing agent shall be a member of the Board of Directors appointed the President and approved by the Board of Directors

A-1 It shall be the duty of the purchasing agent to be responsible for all purchases and also have the duty of Procuring bids on all purchases that are necessary to maintain the association. The purchasing agent must always procure 2 bids and submit these bids with his receipt of purchase. The only time the purchasing will need official approval on a purchase is over $300.00 or when the total year to date purchases runs over $600.00

C. The Board of Directors shall be empowered to provide for as many committees as they deem necessary to perform operations consistent with the objectives of the association

Article XI Duties of Officers – PROPOSE DELETING ENTIRE BYLAW – MOVE ENTIRE BYLAW INTO WYSA POLICY BOOK TO ALLOW FOR EASIER ADJUSTMENTS

1. The Officers of the Board are: the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
   
2. The President shall supervise the Association’s affairs and activities, shall make an annual report to the general membership and shall be Chairman of the Board of Directors presiding at all meetings. The President shall appoint an accountant to examine the Association’s financial statement annually.
   
3. The President may participate but may not vote on any standing committee. The President may also appoint a single Board member to participate on the President’s behalf.
   
4. The Vice President shall preside at the Board of Directors meetings in the absence of the President and will also work with the President on such affairs as membership, finances, public relations, publicity and team sponsorships.
   
5. The Secretary shall give notice of all regular and special meetings, shall keep a permanent record of the minutes of such meeting and take care of communications pertaining to the association. The Secretary shall be the custodian of all official records of the association, shall keep attendance and active membership lists.
   
6. The Treasurer shall issue notice of payments and be responsible for the collection thereof, submit notices of sponsors’ payments, keep the books of the organization, disburse funds at the direction of the Board of Directors, and shall report in detail at the Annual meeting and at such other times, as directed, on the financial conditions of the association.
   
7. The Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Directors may appoint assistants to act as the Treasurer of competitive teams and the Treasurer of clinic. These assistant Treasurers shall be responsible for the collection of monies of said programs and turn those collections and reports over to the Treasurer.
   

Article XII - Duties of Remaining Board Members – PROPOSE DELETING ENTIRE BYLAW – MOVE ENTIRE BYLAW INTO WYSA POLICY BOOK TO ALLOW FOR EASIER ADJUSTMENTS

1. The immediate past President shall serve as a member of the Board of Directors. His duties shall include advising the Board on matters concerning policy and administration. He shall enjoy all rights and privileges accorded other members of the Board of Directors
   
2. The Director’s of the Clinic, Instructional Mite, Mite, Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget divisions, along with the Coaching Coordinator shall serve as members of the Board of Directors.
   
3. Each Director shall coordinate tryouts with the Coaching Coordinator and division coaches / evaluators. The Director and Coaching Coordinator shall insure an equal opportunity for each youth to make a team.
   
4. Each Director with the Coaching Coordinator and coaches / evaluators with develop tryout drills and scrimmages that will insure a well-planned tryout for all players. The Director and Coaching Coordinator will review the tryout plan with the Board within four (4) weeks of tryouts
   
5. The Director will have direct supervision over the filling of a spot on all teams within their division once teams are announced. If a vacancy exists after tryouts it is the Director’s responsibility to insure a fair placement. This may include a previous tryout, practice ice, or game play. If game play is to be used the player will be placed for a tryout on the lowest level team. The Director, after review with the Coaching Coordinator and coaches will suggest the player’s placement to the Board of Directors for final approval.
   
6. The Director must report to the president who will inform the Board of the decision on the player’s placement before the player is informed.
   
7. The Director must submit all changes to teams in writing to the Board.