505 South 69^th Street Intersections of 69^th Street and Ruskin Lane Upper Darby, Pennsylvania 19050 (610) 284-7401

www.Greater69thStreetWildcats.org

BY – LAWS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2007

Anthony Jackson, Esquire -Founder
Carl Graham, Sr. – President
Kevin Bell – Vice President
John Jaudon – Athletic Director
Nija Pringle – Secretary
Thomas Fontaine – League Representative

A Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference Affiliate Member

www.eteamz.com/BertBell

ARTICLE I

Organization Name

The name of the organization will be the Greater 69^th Street Wildcats Athletic Association, Inc. as approved by the Internal Revenue Service on January 19, 2001. In addition to their fictitious name, the organization was also certified as a non-profit, 501c3 organization – capable of receiving local, national and international funds from various sources.

The secondary name will be the Greater 69^th Street Wildcats, also herein stated as “The Wildcats.” The words “TEAM” or “TEAMS” as used from time to time will refer to Football Players and Cheerleaders.

ARTICLE II

Association Address: The principle place of business of the Association is:

505 South 69^th Street Intersections of 69^th Street and Ruskin Lane Upper Darby, PA 19082

ARTICLE III

Purpose

The Greater 69^th Street Wildcats is a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth. Its purpose is to promote the principles for active participation, sportsmanship and scholastic achievement in association with the football and cheerleading programs. The program will be implemented with the emphasis on teaching. The activities will occur in a positive and challenging atmosphere without an undue emphasis on winning. The program will be carried out in accordance with the by-laws and rules of the football conference in which The Greater 69^th Street Wildcats are a voting member. Currently that conference is the Bert Bell Memorial Football Conference.

The Wildcats will field the required varsity football teams mandated by the conference.

The football/cheerleading programs will be conducted under the administration and supervision of the Board of Governors and the respective Head Coaches/Advisors in accordance with the by-laws and rules/regulations of the Wildcats.

ARTICLE IV

General Membership

Section 1: Eligibility

Any young person who is a resident of Upper Darby Township, Cobbs Creek, Yeadon, East Lansdowne, West and Southwest Philadelphia, Overbrook and Lansdowne or in an open territory, or who has acquired a waiver from a conference member is eligible to register for our program. Parents/Guardians of officially enrolled youths are members of the organization. The Coaches/Advisors and individuals sitting on the Board of Governors will also be considered “Members.” All Members must sign the Parents/Guardian, Coaches or Administrators Code of Ethics to finally confirm their Membership (starting in 2003).

Section 2: Hold Harmless Agreement – Indemnification Clause that adheres to all Members

INDEMNIFICATION CLAUSE

1. Each party hereto agrees to indemnify the other and to hold the other harmless against any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, fees (including reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred by the other in any third party claim, suit or proceeding instituted against the other which is inconsistent with any warranty, representation or covenant made by the indemnifying party provided such claim is finally adjudicated or settled with the indemnifying party’s consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). Either party may with-hold any monies due to the indemnifying party under this Agreement to pay the costs of any claim, suit or proceeding until the claim has been finally adjudicated or settled, however, if no claim is commenced within six

(6) months then any monies withheld shall be returned to the indemnifying party.

2. Each party hereto further agrees t indemnify the other if (a) either party shall have committed or shall commit any act or do anything that is or shall be an offense involving moral turpitude under Federal, State or Local laws, or which brings them into public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or ridicule, or which insults or offends the community, and which thereby injures the success of the other or any of the other’s services; and (b) either party shall make any statements in derogation of the other and such statements are made to the general public or become a matter of public knowledge; then at the time of any such act or at anytime within the (10) days after either party learns of such an act, in addition to either party’s other legal and equitable remedies, each party agrees to indemnify the other and hold harmless against any and all claims, damages, costs, expenses, fees (including reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred by either party as either party shall be in accordance with the provisions in section 1 above.

Section 3: Registration

No Child may participate in the program unless one of his or her legal parents/guardians Has signed the Wildcats Code of Ethics. In addition, each child must also sign their copy of the Code of Ethics. No child will be permitted to participate without a registration form filled out and the registration fee paid in full. No child will be permitted to participate without a physician filling out the Wildcats Physical form – or by providing proof of a physical completed in the same year the child registers for our program.

a) Registration fees will be set by the Board of Governors b) The membership year extends from August 1 through July 31^st c) All necessary forms must be received at the time of registration d) All fees must be paid in full prior to participation in any activity e) Throughout this document – the word “TEAM” refers to Football Players and

Cheerleaders

1. Registration Committee Policies and Procedures:

a) All Football and Cheerleaders must have all forms in before they participate as well as money paid in full. (Code of Ethics if they are new, Registration Form, Medical Form, Money)

b) No one gets put on the master registration sheets that will be used for the

coaches to take roll unless they have all of their paper work in c) Take NO CHECKS. NO CREDIT CARDS. Cash or money orders only! d) We will need four to five receipt books that have carbon copies left in the

books. All parents who give money should get a receipt for the amount

they give. e) Parents must pay in FULL, payments can not be broken up. f) At the end of each registration day. The President, Vice President,

Treasurer, Secretary or Athletic Director should be handed the money and must sign off on a sheet that details what is being given to them in money orders and cash. The responsible committee member left when closing registration down must sign off on the transfer as well. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer will keep copies for the records to give a report to the Board when needed –while a copy will go to the Chair of the Finance Committee for their records as well.

g) certified coaches. This is for those individuals who were coaching last year and for those came on board by May, 2004 and are certified to participate as instructors.

h) Keep a copy of both lists on disc (alphabetical master list / and / spread sheet broken down by team – based on the)

i) Please review budget and keep in contact with Head Coaches to let them know where their numbers are. Some kids will be on vacation, and if the advertising hits right – new kids might fill the slots of a kid that has been with the organization for a while. If there is no contact by the Head Coach with you in regards to their numbers – when you reach their budget cap – stop all registrations immediately. You can create a waiting list. Those that want to wait can pay their money and if we don’t have room we will give them their money back.

j) There are no refunds

k) Please weigh in all registered football players and note their summer weight by their names in the block provided when you place them on the list that is broken down by team. Write the weight of the football player on their registration form as well.

l) Do not take filled out registration forms without full payment. Parents/Guardians should keep the form until they bring the FULL payment. Only accept the forms when payment has been tendered in full.

m) A copy of the final numbers for the day should go to the President who will review the numbers – make any necessary changes or present questions to the Registration Committee about the format. The President will share the information with the Vice President and Athletic Director for review. Once their review is done, the entire board will be updated on the numbers as well.

n) Please be fluid in Wildcat language. Know the basic information about the season, fund-raising, parents meeting dates, weight restrictions and more.

o) If you register a child that is 15 or more pounds over their weight restriction, please make sure you inform them that the child may not be able to play due to our liability process and let them know you have to speak to the Head Coach of their team first.

p) MOVE UP RULE – If child is over their weight limit for their age group, the Head Coach of the next weight division, at their discretion, can allow the child to TRY OUT for their team. If the child makes the TRY OUT then he/she will be moved up. If the child does not make the try out then the child will continue to play with the children in their age group. If such action has to be taken, the child will not be eligible to play in an official game until they meet the weight requirements for that age group for that specific week.

Section 4: Meetings

a) The general membership meeting will meet annually at a place within the township, designated by the President during the month of October. Official Board of Governors meeting will be held at a place within the township every fourth Tuesday of the month when necessary.

b) Additional meetings of the general membership and/or Board of Governors may be called at any time by the President or upon the written request of at least 20% of the membership. The President or their designated liaison must give each individual member two week’s notice prior to such meetings taking place.

c) A quorum at any general membership meeting will consist of those members present.

Section 5: Voting

All votes will be decided by the majority of those present at any Executive Board and/or Board of Governors and/or General Membership meetings. The President may not vote during the initial ballot. However, in the event of a tie, the President will and may cast the deciding vote.

ARTICLE V

Board of Governors

Section 1: Purpose/Principles

The Board of Governors will ensure that the general purpose and principles of the Wildcats, as defined in Article III and in the Wildcats Mission Statement located on the 69^th Street Overview and Website, are adhered to. In addition, the Board of Governors will assist and fill in where applicable when elected and appointed administrators are not available or are not able to full-fill their duties as leaders on the Wildcat organization. The Board of Governors is also charged with bringing additional resources to the Wildcat organization to develop and maintain its status as a WORLD CLASS Association. It will be the charge of the Board of Governors to establish a RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE to work directly with the Board to establish contacts with potential players, cheerleaders, coaches and new board members.

Section 2: Board of Governors

The Board of Governors will be elected by the existing Board Members. The Board of Governors will consist of: President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director. The additional members of the Board of Governors will include the Head Coaches of the Varsity Football Teams, as well as the Cheerleading Squads needed to full-fill the Wildcats obligation to the Conference they are participating in. Currently, the additional members of the Board of Governors are: Head Coach of the Flag Football Team, Head Coach of the 80lb Football Team, Head Coach of the 100lb Football Team, Head Coach of the 120lb Football Team, Head Coach of the 145lb Football Team and Head Coach of the Cheerleading Squad. JV Coaches are considered Board Members as well, but their vote falls under the Head Coach of that division. JV Coaches have influence votes ½ vote in weight. JV Coaches should vote with their Head Coach, but if they do not their ½ vote will be respected as is.

Each board member, accept JV Coaches, has one full vote on the Board of Governors. The President will have the authority to appoint a board member to fill any vacancy, with the approval of the majority of the existing members. IN the event a member serves in more than one capacity, He/She will have only ONE vote. If there are two people serving as Co-Chairs for a Committee – that committee only has ONE VOTE.

Section 3: Board Meetings

The Board will meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month and at such other times as deemed necessary by the President. The President, at his/her option, can change the day of the meeting provided 72 hours of advance notice is given to the Board Members. All Board Members must be given a week’s notice, prior to any Board of Governors meeting being convened. Any member who is absent from three consecutive Board Meetings, without just cause, is dismissed.

Section 4: Board Quorum

A quorum of the Board will consist of not less than four (4) members including either the President or Vice President and three other members.

Section 5: Duties of the Board

a) The Board will be responsible for the management of the football and cheerleading affairs, as well as the professional and business interests of the Wildcats, which include the development of a 5 and 10 year strategic plan.

b) The Board will implement the following procedures for investigating specific allegations against coaches, parents/guardians, players or other Board Members with regards to unsportsmanlike conduct or behavior that the Board feels may impede progress in the fulfillment of the Wildcats purposes. Parents Guardians and Fans are subjected to the following process as well.

1) The Athletic Director, through the Head Coaches Committee will investigate all parental complaints about coaches’ activities as well as any observations made by fellow Board Members. After all the facts have been gathered, including statements from the coach in question, they will be presented to the Board. If 75% of the Board agrees that an act has been performed that extends outside the boundaries of our club credo, a written cautionary note will be issued by the Board to the coach.

2) The second time unacceptable behavior is exhibited in the same season, upon 75% of the vote by the entire Board or the quorum, a coach may be asked to resign. If the coach does not resign willingly, the Board has a right to issue a statement to the general body that the coach in question’s title as “coach” has been officially removed from the Wildcat slate and that individual is no longer recognized as a “Coach.”

3) If a complaint is issued against a Board Member, the Board must investigate and report their findings to a Special Committee, which will be formed to rule on the complaint. The Special Committee will consist of two (2) board members, elected by the Board, a coach elected by the coaches and a parent who is not a member of the board and is agreeable to both the Board Members and the Athletic Director. If the Special Committee rules the complaint valid, The Board will issue a cautionary note. The second time unacceptable behavior is exhibited in the same season, upon 75% of the vote by the entire Board, the individual will be asked to resign. If the person does not chose to resign a public statement to the general membership will be issued stating that the individual in question is “no longer a member of the Board of Governors for the Wildcats.”

4) If any flagrant activity (e.g., fighting, crowd riots, alcoholic or criminal activity) is charged against any Coach, Board Member or General Member of the Wildcats, the Board may bypass steps 1-3 above and take whatever action is deemed necessary to correct the situation. This includes, but is not limited to involving officers of the law to support the Board’s corrective measures. If such measures are deemed necessary, any deposit or registration fee or membership dues are automatically forfeited and placed under the non-refundable category.

Team Rules

1) Schoolwork and Homework is paramount. It is important that our athletes place their education first and sports second. Poor grades and incomplete homework and/or poor behavior will result in disciplinary action on the field as well. Although we would like our players and cheerleaders to have good reports from school and from their parents, if the child is not cooperating, the player or cheerleader, at the discretion of the coach can bench the athlete for one or more games along with disciplinary action -depending upon the severity of the action. This does not mean the child misses practice, practice session must still be made, regardless of what punishment is mandated, at home or on the field -it is the practice (without playing in the game) that will jolt the child into making the necessary character adjustment.

2) Practice is important, therefore if an athlete does not attend practice the coaching staff is not required to play them in games or have them cheer at games and/or competition. All excused absences need to be cleared with the players head coach at least a week in advance unless an emergency arises. Once the head coach is informed of the emergency which has to be confirmed by a parent and/or guardian of the participating child, the player will be excused. At all weight levels, excuses have to be confirmed by the parent -but only players are allowed to communicate pending problems to the Head Coach. This is the start of our young children learning the responsibility of facing their coach, educator/teacher, future employer, problems, fears etc...and standing and speaking up for themselves with confidence to address their issue -not allowing mom or dad to speak and do for them what they can do for themselves -but to start taking ownership of their actions and their lives.

3) On the field of play the coaching staffs word is the final word not parents/guardians/family members, or friends. Talking back disrespectfully, use of profanity toward each other or toward coaches, or any other form of disrespect will result in disciplinary action(s).

4) Parents or other Coaches are prohibited from verbally attacking, harassing, or challenging the coaching staffs strategy and authority during practice or games. If they have a need to speak out about a matter on the field, we ask that you pull the coaches aside after practice or games to discuss the matter with the intent to help and not to cause discord. If parents do not handle matters as stated in the prior sentence and the offense continues during practice and games, the organizations officials will ask you to leave the field. If coaches do not handle it through this process then he/she will be asked to leave the field of play and may forfeit their position as a coach within the organization. If you persist even after we asked you to leave the field of play, we will then have the authorities remove you.

5) Players are responsible for there equipment not their parents. If your equipment needs repair, you must tell your coach immediately. For smaller players the mandate is the same. Although players may not be able to wash their uniforms by themselves and keep them clean -they can keep them organized and in a place where nothing is lost, stolen or misplaced.

Do not practice or play with broken or defective equipment because there's greater risk for injury. If you come

to a game or practice without your equipment you will not play in the game that week and disciplinary action will follow.

6) Parents are prohibited from the practice field during practice. You must watch practice from the outskirts of the entire field

unless you become a coach your not allowed on the field. Parents are not allowed to enter the playing field even after the

game has ended, you must wait until the coach brings the team off of the field of play first before you come around the team. In addition, no parent is allowed to take their child from the team until the Coaching Staff is officially done addressing the team. This goes for practices and games.