The purpose of North Colonie Youth Baseball is to provide the opportunity for children, ages 5 through 18, to participate in amateur baseball and to advance the ideals of Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, and the American Amateur Baseball Congress.

The Association shall provide a sound, experienced and permanent organization dedicated to the goal of promoting the spirit of honesty, integrity, fair play and sportsmanship among young persons, and the public at large. Furthermore, NCYBA wishes to provide our youth the best possible facilities, equipment, education, and training. It is the desire of NCYBA to set the standards other organizations will follow.

The membership of the association consists of the following leagues/divisions, but may be changed from time to time as it is deemed appropriate.

A. Minor League-  Ages 5-8  Not affiliated

Rookie, Minor, Junior Divisions

B. Major League - Ages 9 - 12 years old  Affiliation: Little League Baseball. Inc.

Intermediate & Major Divisions

C. Babe Ruth League  Ages 13 - 15 years old  Affiliation: Babe Ruth Baseball, Inc. & American Amateur Baseball Congress.

Prep Division Age 13

Babe Ruth Babe Ruth Division 14 & 15 years olds

D. Sr. League Ages 16 - 18 years old   Affiliation: American Amateur Baseball Congress.

Mickey Mantle 16 and under

Sr. Babe Ruth 16 -18 Year Olds

Connie Mack 18 and under

2. Each league may have officers to assist the Board of Directors with the operation of the Association. The appointment of those officers will be at the discretion of League Presidents, with the approval of the Board of Directors. Player Agents for each league shall be elected along with the Association Board of Directors.

3. Membership in the association is open to all, regardless of sex, race, or religion. References in this document to he or his, are made strictly for brevity and in all cases males and females are each equally encouraged to fill all roles and positions.

There shall be an annual meeting of the Association at which time the election of the Board of Directors for the forthcoming year shall take place where the nominating committee shall present a slate of officers for consideration and voting. The annual meeting shall be scheduled by the Commissioner and held no later than November 1st. Any person wishing to be a candidate for a Board position must notify the Commission in writing a minimum of 14 days prior to the election. Persons failing to do so will not be eligible to seek office. A person’s ignorance of the election date shall NOT be grounds for waiver of this requirement.

There shall be a regular meeting of the Board of Directors each month of the year. The annual meeting shall be considered the regular meeting for the month in which it is held. Operating Board meetings shall be held on a regular basis as well throughout the year.

There shall be other Special Meetings at those times that the Commissioner may specify. A majority of members may also request that the Commissioner call a Special Meeting, and may themselves, call a meeting if the Commissioner takes no action on the request within a reasonable time of receiving it, either orally or in writing.

A quorum at any Association meeting shall consist of the presence of at least two-thirds of the total number of members and officers entitled to vote.

Each member of the Board of Directors who is in attendance at a meeting shall be entitled to one vote at such meeting. A board member may not hold more than one Board of Director position and no member shall be entitled to more than one vote.

Unless otherwise provided by the Constitution and By Laws, a majority vote of the quorum shall be sufficient to pass on items of business and to elect officers of the Association. Votes taken on motions before the Association shall be recorded by roll call or closed ballot, at the discretion of the Commissioner, of members and officers entitled to vote, unless otherwise specified in these Articles.

A Board of Director, after 2 consecutive unexcused absences, shall be warned that he is in danger of not fulfilling his responsibility to the Board. If after this warning, he fails to attend the next scheduled meeting the Commissioner shall request that the Board of Directors remove that Officer from their position.

The rules contained in Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the Association unless they are inconsistent with the Association's Constitution and By-Laws.

The government of the Association shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The Board shall be comprised of the Commissioner, Executive Vice President, Presidents of the Senior League, Babe Ruth, Little and Minor Leagues, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Presidents of Babe Ruth, Little and Minor Leagues, Trustee (s), and Commissioner Ex Officio. All members of the Board, except Commissioner, shall be elected by a majority of those managers, coaches and Board of Director members from the previous season in attendance at the annual meeting to serve immediately following their election and shall serve until the next annual meeting. Although not members of the Board of Directors, Player Agents for Babe Ruth, Major and Minor Leagues shall also be elected. Contested elections shall be conducted by secret ballot. The Board of Directors shall have the power to conduct all business of the association.

Position Eligibility: Little League, Babe Ruth & Sr. Division Presidents are eligible to serve in these capacities if they have previously served as a member of the Board of Directors for a minimum of one full year within the previous 5 years.

The Commissioner shall be elected by the members of the Board of Directors with a 3/4ths affirmative vote of the entire board of directors, with the voting number requirement rounding to the next highest number. The Commissioner’s term shall be one year beginning on January 1^st and ending on December 31^st. If the Commissioner’s position were vacated, a new election will be held within 30 days to elect a replacement.

Each League shall form an Operating Board to assist in the operation of their respective leagues. The members of the league operating board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Player Agent, Equipment and Field Manager, and each of the league’s team managers. Operating board meetings shall be scheduled and held on a regular basis throughout the year by the respective presidents.

Each member of the Operating Board who is in attendance at a meeting shall be entitled to one vote. Within each league, no operating board member may hold more than one position and no member shall be entitled to more than one vote. Individuals may hold positions on more than one league operating board, but at no time, may any single individual be entitled to more than one vote on any issue.

The day-to-day operation of each league shall be vested in the respective Operating Boards and they shall meet as needed to discuss and decide on all matters concerning the day-to-day operations. They may not act in any manner inconsistent with the policies and procedures set forth by the Board of Directors or the Constitution and By-Laws of the Association. They shall make recommendations to the Board of Directors on all other matters.

No individual will be allowed to serve as Manager on more than one team, but may serve in the capacity of Coach on another team. Coaches may serve as a coach on multiple teams, but must be present "on the field" for a majority of each team’s games and practices for which he is designated as a coach. Failure to do so is grounds for immediate removal as a coach.

It is the intention of the association to have Independent Managers and Coaches for competitive teams. As such, no individual may serve as Manager or Coach for any Babe Ruth All Star, the Mickey Mantle, Sr. Babe Ruth or Connie teams, when a relation is also a player. Where due diligence has ensued and no independent person is willing to serve in these capacities, the Board of Directors may waive this rule and approve persons not independent with a 2/3^rds affirmative vote (rounding to the next highest number).

Any Board of Director, League Officer, Ladies Auxiliary member, manager, or coach may be removed from their position or disciplined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors for just cause. This individual is entitled to receive a written explanation within a reasonable period of time. In addition, this individual has the right to a prompt hearing on the subject before the Board of Directors.

Past Commissioners may serve in the Association as Commissioner Ex-Officio.

The Ladies Auxiliary, which operates the Concession Stands, shall be required to meet all financial, purchasing, and applicable operating polices as set forth in this document. The Commissioner and Executive Vice President shall serve as the liaisons with the officers of the Auxiliary. The officers of the Ladies Auxiliary shall be elected independently on an annual basis.

The Commissioner shall have executive supervision over all matters of the Association. He shall be responsible for all administrative functions of the association, including but not limited to field assignments, game schedules, securing insurances and permits. He shall be a mentor to league presidents and others as needed. He shall attend affiliation meetings such as Little League and Babe Ruth District meetings and shall preside at all Board of Directors meetings. He shall report on the activities of the association at each meeting. He shall appoint members of committees, delegates, and such miscellaneous officers that are not otherwise provided for, with the approval of the Board of Directors. He shall be responsible for the submission of instruments required by law, and shall sign all contracts in the name of the Association. He will ensure that all books and records are properly maintained and that they are transferred to the proper custodian upon any change in officers. He will schedule a meeting of the Board of Directors and fill, by appointment, all vacant offices as stipulated. The Commissioner shall certify all cash disbursements to be made or issued on behalf of the association. He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming Commissioner in order to ensure a smooth transition and may at his discretion, continue to serve as a board of director as Commissioner ex-officio.

The Executive Vice President will assist the Commissioner in operating the association and act on behalf of the Commissioner when the Commissioner is unavailable. He will act as the association’s purchasing agent and be responsible for any of the business operations of the association as assigned to him by the Commissioner. He shall be responsible for all billing and communication with all association sponsors and coordinate all fundraising efforts of the association. He shall act as a liaison between the community and the association. The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming Executive Vice President in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The President of Babe Ruth shall have overall responsibility for the 14 & 15 Year Old and the Prep Divisions. He will assist the Commissioner in operating the association. He shall assign Prep and 14/15 year old managers with the approval of the Board of Directors, and assign an Officer of the Day. He will ensure that players are properly assigned to teams, that game schedules are prepared, and oversee the daily operation of the Babe Ruth League. He shall insure that all rules, policies, and procedures are adhered to and will take immediate, swift and fair action whenever necessary. He shall schedule and preside over regular operating board meetings. The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming President of Babe Ruth in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The President of Senior League shall have overall responsibility for the Connie Mack, Mickey Mantle and the Sr. Babe Ruth teams. He will assist the Commissioner in operating the association. He shall assign managers with the approval of the Board of Directors, and assign an Officer of the Day. He will ensure that players are properly assigned to teams, that game schedules are prepared, and oversee the daily operation of all Senior Division activities. He shall insure that all rules, policies, and procedures are adhered to and will take immediate, swift and fair action whenever necessary. The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming President in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The President of Little League shall have overall responsibility for the Major and Intermediate Divisions with oversight of the Minor League. He will assist the Commissioner in operating the Association. He shall assign team managers, with the approval of the Board of Directors, and assign an Officer of the Day. He will ensure that players are properly assigned to teams, that game schedules are prepared, and oversee the daily operation of the division. He shall insure that all rules, policies, and procedures are adhered to and will take immediate, swift and fair action whenever necessary. He shall schedule and preside over regular operating board meetings The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming President in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The President of Minor League shall have overall responsibility for the Junior, Minor and Rookie Divisions. He will assist the Commissioner in operating the Association and will work closely with the major league president to insure alignment and consistency in the overall Little League program. He shall assign team managers, with the approval of the Board of Directors, and assign an Officer of the Day. He will ensure that players are properly assigned to teams, that game schedules are prepared, and oversee the daily operation of the division. He shall insure that all rules, policies, and procedures are adhered to and will take immediate, swift and fair action whenever necessary. He shall schedule and preside over regular operating board meetings The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming President of the division in order to ensure a smooth transition

The Secretary shall keep complete and accurate minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors. He will maintain a current list of members and officers, carry on all correspondence of the Association as delegated to him by the Commissioner or Board of Directors, and shall render notice of all meetings as specified. He shall notify all persons of their selection as officers, directors, or members of committees. The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will deliver to the association a complete record of all activities that ensued during his term and shall aid the incoming Secretary in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the safeguarding of the corporation’s funds and for maintaining accurate financial records. He shall deposit all moneys received by him with a reliable banking company in the name of North Colonie Youth Baseball. He shall render a financial report at each regular meeting. He shall make disbursements only upon proper vouchers certified by the Commissioner and approved by the Board of Directors. He shall sign checks, and at the end of his term he shall deliver to his successor all books, moneys, and other property assets of the corporation then in his possession. He shall oversee the duties of the Asst. Treasurer. The Board of Directors may require the Treasurer to give such security as it may direct for the faithful performance of his duties. The Commissioner or the Board of Directors may assign other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office, he will arrange for an audit of all activities undertaken during his tenure and will aid the incoming Treasurer in order to ensure a smooth transition.

The Vice President of Babe Ruth shall be responsible for the upkeep of all playing fields by working with the league field manager and will ensure that all necessary playing equipment is available and meets safety standards by working with the league equipment manager. They are responsible for assuring that advertising signs are maintained and properly displayed on the outfield fences. He will assist the Commissioner in operating the Association and assist the Presidents of the Senior and Babe Ruth Leagues. The Commissioner or President may assign other duties as are deemed necessary and proper. At the conclusion of his term in office he will aid the incoming vice president to ensure a smooth transition.

The Vice Presidents of Little League (Major & Minor) shall be responsible for the upkeep of all playing fields by working with the league field manager and will ensure that all necessary playing equipment is available and meets safety standards by working with the league equipment manager. They are responsible for assuring that advertising signs are maintained and properly displayed on the outfield fences. They will assist the Commissioner and their Presidents in operating the Association and their leagues. The Commissioner or President may assign them other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of their terms in office they will aid the incoming vice presidents to ensure a smooth transition.

The Trustees (2) shall be a person or persons with a strong interest and experience in North Colonie Youth Baseball who are willing to invest their time and energy into advancement of the purposes and objectives of the Association. While not required, it is thought that a trustee will have served the association at all levels prior to accepting this role. If the nominating committee does not feel that there are persons who fit this description, they may leave one or both trustee positions vacant. The Commissioner or Board of Directors may assign them other duties, as they deem necessary and proper. At the conclusion of their terms in office they will aid the incoming trustees to assure a smooth transition.

Article VII Duties of the members of the Operating Boards

League Equipment Managers shall be responsible for maintaining all equipment and uniforms in satisfactory condition and replace those items that are in such condition as to be unsafe or unusable. They will maintain a log of all equipment and uniforms showing to whom these items have been assigned and will take steps to insure the timely recovery of all league property at the conclusion of the season. They shall inform their Vice President of any new equipment and uniforms that are needed. The Commissioner or Board of Directors may assign other duties as are deemed necessary and proper. At the conclusion of their terms in office they will aid the incoming Equipment Managers in order to ensure a smooth transition.

League Field Managers shall have overall responsibility for all playing fields. They shall insure that all fields are maintained at the highest possible standards to minimize or eliminate any an all threats to injury. They will regularly schedule work parties and will organize workers to properly maintain the fields. They will insure that all equipment needed to maintain the fields is in proper working order and is properly cleaned and maintained. They shall inform their Vice President of any needs to maintain the playing fields. At the conclusion of the season, they will oversee the proper closing of the fields. The Commissioner, Board of Directors, or President may assign other duties as are deemed necessary and proper. At the conclusion of their terms in office they will aid the incoming Field Managers in order to ensure a smooth transition.

League Player Agents shall coordinate tryouts and drafts for their divisions and will provide all prospective players adequate notice of all events. They will be responsible for scheduling games for each division and ensure that umpires are scheduled for the division games. They will also be responsible for rescheduling games that are postponed due to rain or other extenuating reasons and ensure that umpires are scheduled for these games. All rescheduled games will be placed in the first available time slot regardless of personal preferences. In addition, they will maintain current rosters of all teams ensuring that players are properly assigned to rosters in accordance with the Association, Little League, and Babe Ruth League standards. The Commissioner or Board of Directors, or Presidents may assign other duties as are deemed necessary and proper. At the conclusion of their terms in office they will aid the incoming Little League Player Agents in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Team Managers shall insure that all local and national rules, regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to at all times. He shall notify the league Player Agent of any players that withdraw from the team. The manager shall insure that constant and accurate communication of league information is passed along to all parents and guardians. He shall organize team parents to assist in the operation of the concession stand for each of the team’s games and shall assist in planning and supervision at all league events. Each manager shall take care to insure that all players are treated fairly, equally, and with respect. Prior to allowing any player to use the fields or any of the facilities, he shall perform a thorough inspection to insure complete safety of the players. Whenever a safety concern exists, he shall take immediate corrective action prior to allowing players in the area. He shall report any and all safety concerns that can not be corrected to the league President or Officer of the Day immediately. Managers will attend and take an active role in all league operating board meetings and will serve as Officer of the Day when assigned. Failure to fulfill these duties on a regular and continuing basis may be cause for removal of the manager by the President, Commissioner, or Board of Directors.

The fiscal year for the Association shall be January 1 through December 31^st

The Association will develop a budget for the upcoming year no later than the December monthly meeting. Expenditures will not exceed revenues.

The Association will ensure that an audit of the previous fiscal year's financial records is conducted by March 31^st.

All non-budgeted expenditures shall require prior approval from the Board of Directors, including all purchases in excess of approved budgeted amounts.

Any contracts extending beyond the term of the current Board of Directors will require a two-thirds vote of approval.

Checks for all payments in excess of $1,000 will require that the signatures of both the Commissioner and the Treasurer.

Bids will be procured, whenever possible, for items needed by the Association. The item will be purchased from the lowest qualified bidder. The conditions of the bid and assessment of bidder qualifications will be determined by the Board of Directors.

Article IX Committees

The Nominating Committee will nominate a slate of candidates for election to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee will be the Commissioner, and a minimum of two other current members of the Board of Directors.

The Protest Committee shall consist of the Commissioner, the League President, its Player Agent and a Player Agent from another league. Any persons that have personal involvement in the protest or its outcome may not serve. In such cases, the Executive Vice President, a Player Agent, or President from a disassociated league, will be assigned by the Commissioner. All protests must been rendered by the team manager to the umpires and the opposing team manager verbally at the time of the occurrence of a disputed decision. In addition, the protest must be orally within 24 hours and in written form within 72 hours. A fee of $10.00 shall accompany each protest filed, returnable if the protest is upheld by a majority vote of three members.

The Constitution and By Laws Revision Committee, as appointed by the Commissioner, shall consist of three members to review, for the purpose of revising, the Constitution and By Laws as required. This committee shall be appointed at least once every 3 years. The revision must be approved by a three-fourths vote of the Board of Directors.

The Little League Player Review Committee, as appointed by the League President, shall consist of 3 outgoing major managers when a written request is made to advance a 10 years old player into the major division. The request must be submitted prior to the completion of the first half of the player’s 9 years old regular season schedule. The committee will evaluate the abilities of the player throughout the second half of his 9 years old regular season and will make a confidential recommendation to the Board of Directors at the conclusion of the season. If approved by the board, the player will automatically hold a position on the 10 years old All Star team.

The Senior League Player Evaluation Committee shall consist of the Commissioner, Sr. League President, and either the Babe Ruth President, the Connie Mack manager or the Mickey Mantle manager; whoever has direct interest in the outcome. No person may serve on this committee if the player under evaluation affects a team that he personally or his relation has involvement with. The committee may seek recommendations from previous coaches if desired. A unanimous affirmative vote of the committee is required to advance a player in the senior division. Any Babe Ruth age player approved to advance into this league will automatically hold a position on the 15 years old All Star team. The following criteria for advancement in the Senior League shall be followed: (1) the advanced team’s manager must make an independent request. (2) In the opinion of the evaluation committee, the player has demonstrated that he possesses skills and ability to successfully compete at the proposed level. (3) A commitment from the team's manager that there is an anticipated starting position available for the player. No player shall be advanced to fill a part time or reserve role.

The Hall of Fame Committee, formed in 1999, shall consist of an equal number of current and past Directors not to exceed 6 in number that will elect past players and volunteers for recognition of special achievement and effort and whose efforts and achievements served to advance and enhance the ideals of North Colonie Youth Baseball Association. The Hall of Fame Committee will maintain an independent set of rules, regulations and by laws from this document.

Article X Assets

All assets of the Association including the Articles of Incorporation, shall be deemed property of North Colonie Youth Baseball Inc., under the supervision of the Board of Directors.

North Colonie Youth Baseball Inc. may voluntarily dissolve at any time by action taken by a vote of at least three-fourths of the Board of Directors in accordance with the law. All assets dissolved in accordance with the wishes of the Board of Directors after all legal requirements have been met.

This Constitution and By Laws shall become effective immediately upon ratification by at least a three-fourths vote of the whole number of the Board of Directors gathered at an Association meeting.

The articles of this Constitution and By Laws shall supersede all previous official acts of the Association, which are hereby repealed and declared null and void.

This Constitution and By Laws may be amended by a three-fourths vote of the whole number of the Board of Directors at any annual meeting. The amendment must first be proposed at an association meeting a minimum of twenty-one days prior to the annual meeting. At least, a fourteen days advance notice must be given to the Commissioner and all members, that such amendment will be considered at the annual meeting.

The Association shall adhere to the official rules and regulations of Babe Ruth Baseball, Inc., Little League Baseball, Inc., American Amateur Baseball Congress, and any and all local rules and regulations approved by the Board of Directors and shall abide by those rules and regulations.