LHC By-Laws
BYLAWS
Last Modified: April 2008 (revisions are underway for june 2009 update to reflect new organizational structure)
ARTICLE I. TITLE AND PURPOSE
A. Title
1. This organization shall be named Leafs Hockey Club.
B. Purpose
1. The purpose of this organization is to organize and operate a quality youth hockey program Northwest
Suburbs and the surrounding communities; and
2. To operate a non-profit corporation that seeks to exercise and safeguard the rights of its members.
ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP
A. Eligibility
1. Any person shall be considered eligible for membership who has one or more children or legal
dependents enrolled to participate in the Leafs Hockey Club., Mite through Midget Programs.
2. Any qualified person without an enrolled dependent who volunteers and is appointed to carry out specific
club functions shall be considered members.
3. Membership in the Leafs Hockey Club. shall be offered to all natural persons who meet the requirements
of Paragraph A above, under the same terms and conditions regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex,
age or national origin.
B. Term of Membership
1. Membership in the Leafs Hockey Club. shall be for a period of one (1) year beginning 9/1 and ending
8/31 and renewed on an annual basis.
C. Termination of Membership
1. Any member who fails to meet the financial requirements of the organization within the time specified
shall be issued a written notice of such delinquency. If after fifteen (15) days, said member is still in
arrears, their membership shall automatically terminate. The member and their child or legal dependent
shall not be permitted to participate in the activities of the organization after said time, and until such time
as all financial obligations are paid in full.
2. Any member who submits a written resignation to the organization shall be automatically terminated
from membership effective upon receipt of said resignation. Any child of legal dependent of said
member shall no longer be permitted to participate in the activities of the organization after the effective
date.
3. Any member may be suspended or expelled for actions not considered to be in the best interest of the
organization, provided written charges are filed by a member of the Board of Directors (a copy of which
is mailed to person or persons so charged) and after a hearing is held at a later meeting of the Board for
which due notice (of at least 30 days but no more than 60 days) is given to the member so charged. Such
member will be afforded the opportunity to attend the meeting and will be given a reasonable amount of
time to present evidence and answer the charges. The Board of Directors will then vote on the member’s
continued status and may only suspend or expel member with majority approval of the Board of Directors.
4. Any member who has resigned or been expelled may be eligible of reinstatement provided that they meet
all the requirements for membership and obtain the approval by a majority of the Board of Directors
within a reasonable amount of time after reapplication.
D. Meetings
1. An annual membership meeting shall be held in the month of April of each year on the last Tuesday of
the month or as otherwise designated for the purpose of electing a Board of Directors.
2. A special meeting may be called by the President or five (5) members of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. Board Composition/Term of Office
1. The Board of Directors shall be comprised of nine (9) persons. Each member shall be elected to serve a
two (2) year term in office.
2. For the initial expansion of the board to nine persons, one (1) member shall be elected to fulfill the
remainder of a one (1) year term ending at the next regular election in March and one(1) member shall be
elected to fulfill the remainder of a two (2) year term ending at the following regular election
B. Term Limitations
1. Members shall be limited to serving on the Board of Directors for not more than two (2) consecutive
terms in office. Any member, who serves more than 14 months of another Board Member’s unexpired
term, shall for the purposes of this paragraph, be considered to have served that term. A member can
become eligible to serve again after one (1) year absence.
C. Eligibility to Hold Office
1. Any person who is a member in good standing with AHAI and the Leafs Hockey Club. organization at
the time of their applications shall be eligible to seek and hold office as a member of the Board of
Directors.
D. Election Procedures
1. The Secretary of the Board of Directors or other designated Board Member shall serve as the Election
Committee Chairman. Two (2) other members of the organization shall be appointed by the Board of
Directors to serve on the Election Committee.
2. Candidates wishing to fill a position on the Board of Directors must submit a resume of qualifications and
a petition in writing containing the signatures of no less than fifteen (15) members of the organization.
3. Candidates without one or more children or legal dependents enrolled in the organization must submit a
petition in writing containing no less than thirty (30) members of the organization.
4. Such petition must be submitted to the Election Committee prior to the date established by the Board for
the next election. Said deadline date will be published at least thirty (30) days in advance to the general
membership by posting a notice in a conspicuous public place in the organization’s public home ice
arena.
5. The Board of Directors shall conduct elections in March of each year by a secret ballot administered by
the Election Committee. Terms of office will begin at the beginning of May each year.
6. The top vote getting candidate shall be certified as elected by the Board of Directors, by the Election
Committee. In the event that there is a tie, there shall be a run-off election by the Board of Directors.
7. The elected candidates will work side by side with their replacement for 1 month prior to the beginning of their term in May.
8. Not withstanding the election procedures above, the petition requirement is waived in the initial election of the Board under these by-laws.
E. Recall of Board Members
1. Any member of the Board of Directors may be recalled and removed from the office for cause, in accordance with the procedures set forth below.
2. A petition seeking the recall of any member of the Board of Directors may be brought by either twothirds
(2/3) of the membership of the organization or another member of the Board of Directors. Such
petition must be in writing and field with the President of the Board of Directors (or in the case of a
petition seeking recall of the President, with the Vice President) requesting the recall of any Board
Member. A copy of the petition must be provided to the Board Member whose recall is being requested.
3. Upon receipt of a recall petition, the President (or Vice President) within thirty (30) days of the filing,
must call a meeting of the Board of Directors to consider the recall petition. The person whose recall is
being requested will be given a reasonable amount of time to answer the petition, after which a vote will
be conducted.
4. Recall shall require a unanimous approval of all members of the Board of Directors, except the individual
whose removal is being voted upon.
5. A member of the Board who has been recalled shall immediately be divested of all authority and rights
commensurate with that office when the results of the recall ballot are certified by the officer
administering the recall ballot.
F. Vacancies on the Board of Directors
1. When a member of the Board of Directors resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration date
of their term of office, the vacancy will be filled by election or appointment based on the time of the
occurrence. The first year is by election, the second year is by Board appointment, at which time the
Board will vote on new officers.
2. Board members elected under the provisions of this paragraph shall serve for the duration of the term.
G. Meeting of the Board of Directors
1. The Board of Directors will meet at a location to be selected by the President and within twenty (20)
Miles of the organization’s home ice arena.
2. Said meeting of the Board of Directors will be conducted at a time convenient to the membership and
may not be held on a Federal Holiday. The Board shall set the time and place of their next meeting,
which shall be posted in a conspicuous public place in the organization’s home ice arena at least one (1)
week prior to the meeting date.
3. The meetings of the Board of Directors shall be open to all members who wish to observe the
proceedings. Other persons may only attend with the approval of a majority of the Board.
H. Quorum
1. A quorum shall consist of seven (7) of the nine (9) Board Members.
2. No resolution adopted at any Board meeting shall be binding or valid unless passed by a majority of the
members of the Board.
I. Voting
1. Unless otherwise provided for herein, once a quorum is present, a minimum of five (5) votes is required
to approve any action of the Board.
J. Duties and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
1. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to conduct the business of the organization including , but not limited to, the following:
a. to establish committees and appoint a chairman;
b. to approve the purchase or sale of assets;
c. to approve all acts of indebtedness;
d. to approve all real estate transaction;
e. to approve all binding commitments and contracts for services provided to the organization or any of its members;
f. to approve all budgets
g. to engage any person or party in employment
h. to approve operating policies
i. to elect and remove its officers
j. to keep minutes and records of its meetings; and
k. To conduct other business as it deems necessary and proper.
2. Any duty not specifically delegated to another part of this organization shall be retained by the Board of Directors.
K. Conflict of Interest
1. No member of the Board of Directors shall participate in the discussion or vote on any matter in which
they have a material financial interest in the outcome of the issue. Additionally, no member of the Board
of Directors shall participate in the discussions or vote on any other matter in which they have a conflict
of interest. Members shall declare any known potential conflicts which shall be resolved by the Board.
L. Bonding of Officers of the Board of Directors
1. The President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary of this organization may be bonded in an amount as determined by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD
A. The elected officers of the Board of Directors are President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Ice Scheduler.
B. Officers of the Board shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a two (2) year term commencing on the date of election to that office.
C. Nominations of officers of the Board of Directors may be made by any Board member. The officer elections will be conducted at the first regular meeting of the newly constituted Board. After completion of the nominating process, the Board shall then elect one person for each office.
D. Recall of Officers
1. Any officer of the Board of Directors may be recalled and removed from office for cause, in accordance
with the procedures set forth below.
2. A motion seeking the recall of any officer of the Board of Directors may be brought by any member of
the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.
3. Whenever a recall motion is made, the President (or Vice President, if the motion seeks to remove the
President) must call for a vote of the Board of Directors. The person whose recall is being requested will
be given a reasonable amount of time to respond to the motion, after which the Board will conduct a vote.
4. Recall shall require a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors excluding the Director being recalled.
5. An officer of the Board who has been recalled shall immediately be divested of all authority and rights commensurate with that office when the results of the recall ballot are certified by the officer administering the recall ballot.
E. Vacancies in Office
1. When an officer of the Board of Directors resigns or is removed from office prior to the expiration date of their term, the vacant office will be filled by election.
2. Such election shall be conducted as provided in this Article no later than the next regular meeting of the Board.
3. Board members elected under the provisions of this paragraph will serve for the duration of the unexpired term.
ARTICLE V. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. President
1. It shall be the duty of the President to:
a. Preside over meetings of the Board of Directors and the membership;
b. Conduct the business of the organization;
c. Administer the policies of the Board and the organization;
2. Serve as an ex-officio member of each committee;
B. Vice President
1. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to:
a. Assume the authority and responsibilities of the President in his/her absence;
b. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the President, the Board of Directors, or themembership.
C. Treasurer
1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to :
a. Collect fees;
b. Administer to the organization’s operating fund;
c. Keep a full and complete record of all income and expenditures;
d. Make disbursements out of the organization’s funds;
e. Prepare and submit a current report of the income and expenses of the organization for each boardmeeting
f. Make available to the membership a copy of the organization’s financial report;
g. Prepare and submit and annual report for the annual membership meeting detailing the income and expenses of the board, its officers and the organization;
h. Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President and Vice President; and
i. Complete and file any other financial reports required by law or the Board of Directors
D. Secretary
1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to :
a. Record, preserve and make available for inspection by any member the minutes of all meetings of the board and the membership;
b. Promptly distribute copies of the minutes according to the procedures established by the Board;
c. Distribute all notices necessary to conduct the business of the organization;
d. Maintain correspondence;
e. Serve as Chairman of the Election Committee;
f. Administer the election process;
g. Assume the duties of the President in the absence of the President, Vice President and Treasurer; and
h. Perform other duties as assigned by the Board and required by law.
E. Ice Scheduler
1. It shall be the duty of the Ice Scheduler to :
a. Schedule and communicate ice times for all levels of hockey within the club to Coaches and Managers..
b. Communicate all open ice to Coaches and Manager
c. Oversee all Ice Trades between teams
f. Four (4) members whose Title and description of duties will be determined by the new Board of Directors after each election. These duties may include 1 or more of the permanent committees listed in Article VII. The Title and definition of duties for each of the four members will be published by the next regular board meeting after each election. The Board may choose to modify the duties of these members during the year in which case the new Titles and definition of duties will be published before the next regular board meeting.
ARTICLE VI. ORGANIZATION FUNDS
A. Funds collected by the Leafs Hockey Club. shall be used only to accomplish the purpose and objectives of the
organization as defined in the Bylaws.
B. Operating Funds
1. The Treasurer shall establish an Operating Account and shall prudently manage and invest all moneys of the organization.
2. All moneys received shall be held for the benefit of the organization with a federally insured depository.
C. Disbursements
1. Any disbursement from the Operating Account shall be done pursuant to the policies of the Board of Directors
D. Financial Review
1. shall prepare a written report on the financial condition of the organization.
2. This report shall be presented by the Treasurer to the Board of Directors at their next meeting.
3. A copy of this report will be made available for inspection by each member of the organization.
4. The organization’s financial records shall be reviewed annually by a Certified Public Accountant.
ARTICLE VII. COMMITTEES
A. The following permanent committees will be created:
1. Registrar whose purpose is to oversee the registration of all Coaches and Players for the Leafs Hockey Club.
2. EQUIPMENT whose purpose is to oversee the distribution and use of organization-owned equipment.
3. FUNDRAISING whose purpose is to raise funds to supplement the program fees and provide for improvements, when directed to do so by the Board.
4. TOURNAMENT whose purpose is to establish and administer hockey tournaments.
5. ELECTION whose purpose is to administer all of the
6. RULES AND ETHICS whose purpose is to investigate and determine the validity of complaints and alleged violations.
7. PUBLISHING whose purpose is to publish a newsletter on a regular basis.
8. REGISTRATION whose purpose is to oversee sign-up and registration of all members.
9. PROMOTIONAL WEAR whose purpose is to oversee the buying and selling of items promoting the organization.
10. UNIFORMS whose purpose is to purchase and distribute uniforms for the organization.
11. PICTURES whose purpose is to schedule and administer picture day.
12. COACHING COORDINATORS whose purpose is to oversee coaches chosen by the organization.
13. MANAGER COORDINATORS whose purpose is to oversee team managers and assist with fund raising and tournaments.
14. AWARDS NIGHT whose purpose is to organize and oversee the annual Awards Night presentation.
15. SPRING COORDINATOR whose purpose is to oversee, organize and development of the Spring hockey program.
16. League Representative whose purpose is to oversee all Leagues that the Leafs Hockey Club participatesin (Central States Hockey League, Northern Illinois Hockey League and Northwest Hockey League).
17. Director of Marketing whose purpose is to oversee all marketing and fundraising opportunities for the club.
B. A member of the Board of Directors may, at their discretion, serve as the committee chairman.
C. Each committee will make regular reports on its activities to the Board. The Board may designate a different number of members as it sees fit.
D. The Board of Directors will appoint the members of each committee, who will serve for a period of one(1) year.
E. The Board of Directors may, at their discretion, create additional committees to further the purposes of the
organization.
ARTICLE VIII. LEGISLATIVE OR POLITICAL ACTIVITIES
A. The Leafs Hockey Club. shall not participate in the political activities of or support any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE IX. DISSOLUTION OF THE ORGANIZATION
A. Upon the dissolution of the Leafs Hockey Club., the Board of Directors shall, after making provisions for payment of all of the liabilities of the organization, dispose of the assets of the organization to such organization incorporated pursuant to Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Revenue Code) as determined by the Board of Directors. Any assets not disposed of by the Board of Directors shall be disposed of as determined by the Court of Common Pleas in the County in which the principle office of the organization is located at the time of dissolution.
ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS
A. No part of these Bylaws shall be repealed, altered, suspended, or amended except upon the approval of seven (7) of nine (9) members of the Board of Directors.
ATTACHMENT A
TO THE ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF THE
CRYSTAL LAKE HOCKEY CLUB, INC
.
3(b) Effective November 1, 2006.
Fifth:
A. To promote, train, teach and develop the sport of organized youth hockey and to associate with other ice hockey associations, to organize and promote competitive team play;
B. To promote, train, teach and develop the sport of figure skating to youths; to associate with other figure skating associations; to organize and promote competition among figure skaters; and to affiliate with other figure skating organizations;
C. To develop the physical, mental, emotional well-being of the youth who participate in programs developed by the corporation including the development of personal character traits of aggressiveness, self-esteem, self discipline, perseverance, respect for authority, cooperative relationships with others and sportsmanship;
D. To teach the sports of hockey and figure skating to adults; and
E. To do any and all acts desirable in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes. Said corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, education and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Sixth: No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Fifth hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Seventh: Upon the dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501 © (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.
