2020 Bylaws

PASCO ATHLETIC LEAGUE, INC.

 

ByLaws

 

Updated 08/2020

BY-LAWS OF THE PASCO ATHLETIC LEAGUE, INC.

 

 

ARTICLE 1 - NAME AND DEFINITION:

This organization will be known as the Pasco Athletic League, Inc. (PAL).

 

ARTICLE 2 - OBJECTIVES & MISSION:

The PAL has been formed for the sole purpose of:

  1. Promoting interaction between the Community and the Pasco Athletic League through recreational and educational activities.
  2. Bringing area youth closer together through a common interest in sportsmanship, fellowship, and athletic competition.
  3. Encouraging adults to behave in an exemplary manner when supervising youth and to keep the welfare of the youth foremost and free from any adult compulsion for power and glory.
  4. Promoting "safety first" play by encouraging strict controls over age and equipment, to acquaint boys and girls with the fundamentals required to maintain sound physical, mental, and moral health.
  5. Inspiring youth to practice the ideals of sportsmanship and physical fitness, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, sex, or financial status.

 

ARTICLE 3 - PAL CORPORATE STRUCTURE

  1. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: The Executive Director of the PAL is voted in by the leagues of PAL for a minimum term of three (3) years, with voting occurring at the end of the third year. Should there be no opposition to the sitting director, they will continue for another three year term. At any time the members of the Board of Directors determines that the Executive Director is not performing their duties in a satisfactory manner, they may call for a vote of no confidence.
  2. The Executive Director will have final approval on any policy, procedure, or matter regarding PAL. Once the Executive Director has made a decision, it is final and binding. Any associate member failing to adhere to a PAL policy may be excluded from the PAL until such time as they are in compliance. The Executive Director may remove any Director, Officer or other person as necessary.

 

  1. OFFICERS/EXECUTIVE BOARD
    1. The members of the Executive Board are the Executive Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Football Operations, Director of Cheerleading Operations, Director of Safety Operations, and Director of Registration.
      1. All members of the Executive Board will:
        1. Be appointed by the Executive Director and voted on every two years by the Board of Directors
        2. Be non-partisan and operate in an advisory capacity only;
          1. Attend all executive board meetings. Three (3) or more unexcused absences may result in removal from the Board.
          2. Perform all duties necessary to represent PAL and promote its best interest.
        3. Members of the Executive Board may not serve as a board member, league director, cheerleading coordinator, athletic director or a head coach in a local league.
        4. Executive Board members visiting a local league field for any PAL related events are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism at all times and are subject to stronger scrutiny and discipline by the Executive Director if any misconduct is suspected.
      2. Duties of Board Positions
        1. Executive Director
        2. Fill appointed positions.
          1. Appoint a designee to attend all meetings with the full powers of the Executive Director & Interview process & Identify open positions.
          2. Preside at all meetings;
          3. Present reports as necessary;
            1. Assign responsibilities not specifically listed to a member of the Executive Board;
            2. Set the agenda for all Board meetings; and
              1. Coordinate the Cheer Coordinators subcommittee and report to the PPAL Board.
          4. Director of Football Operations
          5. Preside in the absence of the Executive Director;
          6. Supervise PAL Officials; Ref. Liaison, Supervise Officials
          7. Ensure that all PAL policies are followed at the league level;
            1. Consult with local leagues on the day-to-day activities of football operations;
          8. Director of Cheer Operations
            1. Coordinate the Cheer Coordinators subcommittee and report to the PAL Board;
            2. Ensure that all PAL policies are followed at the league level
              1. Consult with local league on the day-to-day activities of cheer operations;
          9. Treasurer
            1. In the instance of temporary vacancy in the Treasurer position, the Secretary will fill in until a suitable candidate can be found;
              1. The secretary will keep abreast of the current financial procedures on a regular basis as a back up
            2. Keep a record of all accounts and deposit all funds in the bank designated by the Board
            3. Prepare all necessary reports including a monthly report and a yearly report for the annual meeting;
            4. Present all records to a CPA designated by the Board for an annual audit: and
            5. To collect and maintain all leagues monthly financial statements
          10. Secretary
            1. Record and prepare the minutes of all meetings and upload to drop box
            2. Send notice of all meetings; and
            3. Prepare all correspondence or reports for the Board.
              1. Director of Safety Operations
              2. Oversee all aspects of player safety.
                1. Oversees all football and leagues safety training and certifications.
          11. Director of Registration
          12. Verify each player/cheerleader registration file;
          13. Maintain league registrar accounts/login;
          14. Set certification schedule policy
            1. Media Operations (non-voting position)
            2. Over sees any and all PAL advertising
            3. Oversees all social media and website operations.
              1. Assistant Director of Football Operations (non-voting position)
              2. Assist the Director of Football Operations as assigned;
              3. Assist in the supervision of officials;
                1. Ensure all PAL policies are being followed; Consult with local leagues on the day-to-day activities of football operations

 

10. Assistant Director of Cheer Operations (non-voting position)

  1. Assist the Director of Cheer Operations as assigned
  2. Ensure that all PAL policies are followed at the league level
    1. Consult with local league on the day-to-day activities of cheer operations;

11. The Executive Board will:

  1. Manage the property, business, and affairs of PAL
    1. Establish a yearly calendar of events in February of each year
    2. Transact all business in accordance with the policies and guidelines of PAL
    3. BOARD OFDIRECTORS
      1. The Board of Directors will be comprised of the Executive Director, PAL Secretary, PAL Treasurer, PAL Director of Football, PAL Director of Cheer, PAL Director of Safety Operations, PAL Director of Registration, PAL Assistant Director of Cheer, PAL Assistant Director of Football, and all League Directors. Each league director and the previous listed PAL board members will be able to vote, unless listed as “non-voting position”. The Executive Director will vote to break a tie only. Meetings of the Board of Directors are closed except when someone is invited as part of an agenda item.
      2. The agenda is set by the Executive Director.

 

ARTICLE 4 - ORGANIZATION AND MEMBERSHIP: The PAL is a not-for-profit

Corporation formed for charitable purposes under Section 501(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. PAL, Inc. will be comprised of associate members who are independent corporations who draw their membership from a specific geographic area. Local leagues will determine eligibility for membership in their league and will be responsible for the management of their leagues under the authority of PAL.

  1. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:In order to be an associate member of PAL an organization must:
    1. Agree to abide by all PAL By-Laws, rules and regulations;
    2. Be a self-sufficient not-for-profit corporation registered with the State of Florida;
      1. Must have 501(c) 3, Federal and FL State tax exemption certificates;
      2. Submit a Not-for-Profit Corporate Report;
        1. Pay a one-time initiation fee of $1000 within 30 days of joining;
        2. Pay a yearly membership fee, if any as set by the Board;
        3. Be structured with a minimum of Director, Assistant Director, Athletic Director, Cheerleading Coordinator, Secretary, and Treasurer in addition to having an emergency action plan;
  2. BY-LAWS OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:A copy of league by-laws must be submitted to PAL by the May meeting each year. These by-laws must include the following at a minimum:
    1. League name
    2. Membership
    3. Participants
    4. Parents
    5. Volunteers
      1. Meetings
      2. Scheduling
      3. Participation
        1. Election/Selection
        2. What positions are filled by election?
        3. What positions are selected and who decides?
        4. When are the elections held?
        5. Who is eligible to run?
        6. Who is eligible to vote?
        7. List of officers and their responsibilities.
          1. Decision making authority of the board-powers, duties and limits. What are the decisions that must be voted on by the entire membership?
          2. Registration
            1. Fees
            2. Documents needed
            3. Waiting lists
              1. Discipline
              2. Prohibited activities
              3. Penalties - suspension, exclusion, etc.
              4. How a member may be removed from the organization
              5. Who may remove a member?
              6. Protest/Grievance Procedures
                1. Sportsmanship - statement of league objectives
                2. Amendments
                3. How the By-Laws can be amended
                4. Set a By-Law review process
                  1. Committees
                  2. Purpose
                  3. Appointed or elected and by whom
                    1. BOUNDARIES:
                      1. The PAL Board of Directors established area boundaries that become part of these by-laws by reference.
                      2. Any player/cheerleader participating without a waiver when one is needed will be an ineligible participant and subject themselves, the team and the league to disciplinary action.
  3. ORGANIZATION: Leagues will be divided into 4 divisions: Jr. Flyweights, Flyweights, Mighty Mites, Junior Varsity based on age.
  4. INSURANCE: Local league will pay a percentage of the insurance cost yearly within 30 days of the policy selection vote. The percentage of the cost will be determined by the number of participating PAL leagues divided by the total cost of the insurance premium. If a league has not paid their portion of the insurance costs by the due date, they will be removed from the PAL organization.

 

ARTICLE 5 - FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DUTIES: A sound fiscal policy is of the utmost importance to the success of the PAL. Each Board member, specifically the Treasurer, is entrusted to use sound fiscal judgment in managing and accounting of all monies received and expended by the PAL. The following are the very minimum necessary to ensure a sound fiscal management:

  1. PURCHASEAPPROVAL
    1. Purchases under $500.00 may be approved and signed by the Executive Director;
    2. Purchases of $500.00 or more must be approved by the Board of Directors and signed by the Executive Director.
      1. When possible three written bids will be obtained.
      2. FISCAL YEAR: The fiscal year for PAL will be the calendar year.
  2. METHOD OF ACCOUNTING: Generally accepted accounting principles and proper fund accounting will be used to maintain all fiscal records. The cash basis method of accounting will be used on all income and expenditures of the PAL.
  3. ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: An annual (year-end) financial statement prepared by a CPA is required on each league's books and on the PPAL books. The financial statement and copies of the IRS tax return must be provided to the PPAL Treasurer at the JUNE meeting.
  4. MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: An accounting report for each league will be required monthly and is to be presented to the Executive Director or emailed to the PAL Treasurer at or before the monthly BOD meeting. PAL will provide the desired format to league directors and the league director or treasurer may submit the provided form. Either a hard copy or sending a soft copy via email is acceptable, but posting to the DropBox account is preferred. Any league that does not send in their monthly financial report by the above said time frame will be fined $50.00 upon approval of PAL board.

 

ARTICLE 6 - AMENDMENTS AND CHANGES TO BY-LAWS: All Board members

and/or the Executive Board may submit for consideration written documents or changes to these By-Laws. The By-Laws may be amended or changed by the Board of Directors:

 

  1. The By-Laws will be reviewed annually to see if changes are needed.
  2. A majority must approve a discussion of a change in the By-Laws. A 2/3 vote is needed to make a change.
  3. The Executive Director may amend these By-Laws as needed with notice to the Board of Directors of the change. Notice will be sent out within 24 hours by Executive Director.

 

ARTICLE 7 – LOCAL LEAGUES: The local league is responsible for the operation of its own organization including discipline and the investigation of complaints. The decision of a local director may be appealed to the local BOD for a final review. Local decisions will not be reviewed by PAL unless the decision of the local league violates PAL rules or principles. Each local league will not be run in exactly the same manner but they should conform to the mission of PAL and must follow PAL By-Laws. Only when the decision of a local league impacts the running of the PAL will the Board of Directors become involved in a dispute. A local league may not bar any individual from attending a PAL function, i.e., Jamboree. Only the PAL Board and the Executive Director may take any action involving a PAL activity. If a local league disciplines a member and wants the sanction to apply to the entire league, the Director must request the PAL Board of Directors to adopt the penalty.

 

  1. NON-PASCO COUNTY LEAGUES: Leagues interested in joining the PAL that operate outside of the jurisdiction of Pasco County must adhere to the following requirements, upon acceptance into PAL:
    1. Their 501(c)3 business license must be registered in Pasco County.
    2. They must have a Pasco County mailing address.
    3. They must bank with a bank that resides in Pasco County.
    4. They must pay a minimum of $1000 one time set up fee to secure their membership and pay for their first year's insurance.
    5. FINANCES/DEBTS: The individual league is responsible for the financial operation and viability of their league. Any debt or debts leagues incur,including but not limited to equipment debts, concession debts, electricity debts, etc., is the sole responsibility of that league and is NOT the responsibility of PAL.
    6. VOLUNTEERS: All volunteers, aged 16 and older, coming into contact with children (board members, all coaching staff, & team parents) must submit an application and a criminal background check will be conducted. A list of convictions, which could disqualify an individual from volunteering, is provided below. A conviction in one of these categories will disqualify an individual from volunteering absent the showing of extraordinary circumstances. An individual who wants to provide additional information should contact their League Director or the PAL Executive Director.
      1. Background Guidelines — the following guidelines have been set forth by the Pasco Athletic League in cooperation with the desires of the Florida state statutes. If in the process of performing a back ground check on a volunteer any of these guidelines have been broken that volunteer will be considered ineligible to volunteer. *Revised January 2016
        1. No conviction(s) or withheld adjudications ever on charges of:
          1. animal cruelty or violent crimes
          2. crimes against children
          3. crimes of a sexual nature
          4. No felony drug convictions ever.
          5. Any other felony conviction(s) not listed above must have occurred more than 15yrs before the date of application.
          6. Any misdemeanor drug convictions must have occurred more than 10 years before the date of the application
          7. Any other misdemeanor convictions must have occurred more than 5 years before the date of application.
          8. No applications will be accepted by anyone currently on probation from any state or federal agency.
          9. Any falsehood on an application, including omission of requested information, will be grounds for immediate rejection of the applicant. If the falsehood is discovered after a volunteer is initially approved for service that will be grounds for immediate dismissal of the volunteer.
          10. If a volunteer is arrested (not convicted) during the PAL season, the volunteer must notify the PAL executive director within 48 hours of their release from jail. Failure to do so will be grounds for dismissal.
          11. No convictions of moral turpitude going against the mission of PAL
          12. An applicant must list any arrests or convictions where adjudication was withheld or sealed by the court.
          13. PENDING EXPLANATION LETTER: The Pasco Athletic League reserves the right to reject any individual desiring to volunteer in PAL. However, in certain cases the PAL may send a letter to an individual desiring to volunteer requesting a letter of explanation in order to render the final decision on granting that individual volunteer privileges within PAL.
          14. COACHES: No application will be approved until the background check has been completed. No coach may participate until approved.
            1. Head coaches:
              1. Football: must be at least 21 years of age, and assistants at least 18.
              2. Cheer: must be at least 18 years of age, and assistants at least 18.
              3. Coaches will be selected and approved by the local league.
              4. The names of all coaches must be submitted to the PAL Executive Director who will keep a list for review by the BOD upon request.
              5. The PAL BOD may refuse to allow a coach to participate in PAL for previous PAL rule violations.
              6. No team or squad will be left in the control of a person under 18.
              7. Coaches will foster a feeling of respect and trust for figures of authority, particularly law enforcement officers.
              8. Team discipline is the primary responsibility of coaches. The coaches will be a positive role model for their teams.
              9. Coaches will devote equal amounts of time and energy to each member on the team/squad. Coaches should be ever mindful that the goal of the program is not to develop future super stars.
              10. Head coaches will be responsible for the conduct of all assistant coaches and team members.
              11. There will be no tobacco products (This includes E-cigs & regular cigarettes) or alcoholic beverages used by coaches on the playing field, side lines, practice areas or parking lots or where mandatory. Use of such substances can results in expulsion from PAL.

 

ARTICLE 8 - MEETINGS: RULES OF ORDER: "Robert's Revised Rules of Order" will be the parliamentary authority for all matters of procedure not specifically covered by these By-Laws.

  1. ANNUAL MEETINGS
    1. The annual meeting of the PAL will be the January meeting unless changed by a 4/5th vote of the Board of Directors (the PAL executive officers are appointed at the annual meeting every two (2) years.)
    2. League Directors for the next season (year) will be presented for confirmation at the February Board meeting pending background checks.
      1. Leagues will declare their team colors and be approved by a board vote.
      2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETINGS
        1. Regular Meetings: The Executive Board sets the yearly meeting schedule in January. BOD meetings are mandatory. The Executive Director will set time and location of all rescheduled meetings.
        2. Order of Business: Roll call, reading of the PAL Mission Statement, reading of the minutes from the previous meeting, report of the Treasurer, report of the Executive Director, appointment of new members as necessary, old business, new business and adjournment.
        3. Quorum: A simple majority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. If there is less than a quorum, the meeting will be adjourned and a new date set by the Executive Director.
        4. Committees: Special committees may be formed as needed by the Executive Director with Executive Board approval.
        5. Final Disposition of Matters: Once a final vote has been accepted, a matter may not be revisited unless prior approval is granted by a majority vote of the BOD or at the direction of the Executive Director.
        6. Special Meetings: A special meeting may be called as needed by the Executive Director or at the request of three (3) BOD members.
        7. Phone/Email Votes: The PAL Executive Director may conduct a phone or email vote in emergency situations or to vote on a recommendation of the Protest/Grievance Committee, in extreme situations, the Executive Director may make a decision on a situation with the approval of the PAL Board of Directors. The entire BOD will review decisions made in this manner at the next meeting.
        8. MANDATORYMEETINGS
          1. Board of Directors' meetings.
          2. Any other meeting designated as mandatory by the Executive Director.

 

ARTICLE 9 - GENERAL PAL REQUIREMENTS:

  1. PRE-REGISTRATION AND OPEN REGISTRATION:
    1. Pre-registration is limited to those members who were on the official registration card the previous season and their siblings. Preference will be given to returning participants at pre-registration only.
    2. Open registration will be on a first-come first-served basis.Once the rosters are full (35), additional applicants must be listed on the waiting list form and positions filled as they become available.
    3. A copy of the waiting list must be submitted to the Executive Director (fax or e-mail), upon registration cutoff date.
    4. A participant is not registered until the online registration form is completed by a legal guardian & certified by PAL.
    5. OFFICIAL FILES
      1. a.      An official file must be maintained on each participant that contains the following: *Mandatory for certification.
        1. *A copy of a certified birth certificate, hospital certificate or written proof from the school in special circumstances approved by the Board. — uploaded online
          1. *A recent photo (within twelve months). —uploaded online
          2. *A physical within the calendar year approving participation and stamped or signed by the attending physician or nurse practitioner that performed the physical. Must be uploaded to registration site prior to the 1stday of practice. — uploaded online
            1. *A registration form with parental consent. — uploaded online
            2. *School they attend (not eligible if dropped out or graduated).
            3. *Participants must be certified with Physical prior to the first game.
              1. *Online registration must be certified prior to each game.
              2. *Proof of residency i.e., driver's license or Florida ID, utility bill etc. — uploaded online
              3. Additions to the roster: League will add participant to roster, obtain necessary paperwork and present to PAL Executive Director or designee for approval. (Director must certify practice requirements if applicable.)
              4. Rosters are required by Midnight August 31st or fine of $125.00 per team/squad.
              5. The league of any team or squad that uses an ineligible player will be fined $250.00. In addition:
                1. Forfeit all games in which the ineligible player participated.
                2. Be disqualified from further participation in league activities.
                3. PHYSICAL CONDITION
                  1. Participants should be in sound physical condition and are required to maintain that level of conditioning throughout the season.
                  2. Any participant requiring medical attention or treatment must supply a physician's statement indicating approval to return even if the injury did not occur at PAL.
                  3. Concussion Policy: If a concussion is suspected, a member of the coaching staff must; remove the athlete from play, ensure the athlete is evaluated immediately by an appropriate health care professional, inform the athlete's parents/guardians of the possible concussion, allow the athlete to return to play only after an appropriate health care professional clears his or her return.
                  4. Heat Index Policy: PAL will require 10 minute mandatory water breaks when the heat index exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It is at the discretion of the referees, the Executive Director, Director of Football Operations or the Director of Cheer Operations to postpone or suspend any activity to a later time or date.
                    1. Only checked in participants from original game can play when the contest resumes.
                    2. ELIGIBILITY
                      1. Grandfather Clause: Participants in leagues whose boundaries are affected by new leagues becoming PAL members can elect to continue with their original league or join the new league. Participants, who move into the boundaries of another league, may elect to stay with their original league. One (1) year of non-participation will break any grandfather. Decisions made under this provision are final and cannot be changed without express written permission of both leagues  involved and approval by the PAL board of Directors. Written releases will be forwarded to the PAL Executive Director for the permanent file.
                        1. No first time child requesting a waiver can participate in any league activities (in the league they are requesting to be waivered to) until their waiver has been signed by the existing league's director and authorized by the Executive Board.
                        2. Returning players who have been granted a waiver in the previous PAL season will be signed off by the Executive Director prior to the first day of practice and must be accompanied by a copy of last year's roster proving their participation.
                        3. OTHER ACTIVITIES
                          1. Coaches will encourage their team/squad to participate in all PAL functions.
                          2. Participation at special events is mandatory for all PAL teams/squads. A list of special events will be included with the rules for each activity.
                          3. SPORTSMANSHIP
                            1. Participants must conduct themselves in a manner in keeping with the Ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. Their behavior should be a credit to themselves, their families, their local organizations and the PAL. Any actions not in keeping with these ideals should be avoided. Players should treat themselves and others with respect at all times. Any conduct not in keeping with the ideals of PAL will result in penalties up to and including dismissal from the league.
                            2. Each Coach, Parent, Player and Volunteer will be asked to sign a PAL Code of Conduct.
                            3. The Board of Directors may temporarily remove any member, coach or parent for unsportsmanlike conduct (subject to review).
                            4. All announcers at any PAL event must adhere to the PAL Code of Conduct for announcers & sign form prior to any announcing.

 

ARTICLE 10 - DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES:

 

  1. PAL disciplinary rules apply to any PAL sanctioned event such as a PAL game, practice, Cheer-Off, Jamboree and any other event designated by the BOD. A team party or related event are not PAL functions.
  2. Any disciplinary action taken will remain part of a member's file for two years.
    1. Penalties
      1. The penalty imposed will depend on the nature of the infraction, previous disciplinary record, and any other relevant circumstances.
      2. Penalties may range from a letter of reprimand to multi-year suspensions and fines depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Subsequent violations within a two-year period will result in enhanced penalties. Fines will be imposed on leagues not individuals. A league that fails to pay fines within thirty days will lose voting rights.
      3. A list of fines and examples of infractions will be provided with the rules for each activity.
      4. A suspension of two or more games may be appealed to the grievance committee of your local organization.
        1. A league director or the PAL Executive Director may also request a decision be reviewed. The committee will review the incident and recommend a penalty that could be greater than the original one.
        2. Any violations of PAL By-Laws, unsportsmanlike conduct or conduct not in keeping with the PAL mission or spirit of the rules will be subject to any of the above penalties at the discretion of the BOD.
        3. Suspended players must sit on the bench wearing their jerseys during the game or games of their suspension. Suspended coaches may not sit on the bench or coach. Coach may be required to leave the field if it appears he is continuing to run the team or squad while suspended.
        4. The Grievance and Protest Committees will use these guidelines for recommending punishments but may increase penalties.
        5. Local directors are encouraged to use these guidelines in local league proceedings when violations of these By-Laws occur at non-PAL events.

 

ARTICLE 11 - COMPLAINT PROCEDURES: There are two (2) distinct procedures  for filing a complaint with PAL. A protest is generally based on the application or interpretation of a rule by a game or league official. A protest may not be based on a judgment call. A grievance may be based on circumstances that may not violate a rule but are not in keeping with the spirit of the rules or the objectives of PAL. Any failure to cooperate with the committee will result in a dismissal of the appeal with prejudice.

  1. PROTESTS:
    1. PROCEDURES –
      1. Must be submitted to the PAL Executive Director by the local director within seventy-two (72) hours of the infraction or misinterpretation.
      2. The protest must be in writing and, if possible, a particular rule or regulation should be cited and the error explained.
      3. A fifty ($50.00) dollar protest bond must be submitted with the written protest or it will be returned unheard.
      4. When protesting player eligibility, a fifty ($50.00) dollar fee per player must be submitted.
        1. If the protest is upheld the fee will be returned.
        2. PROTEST COMMITTEE - The PAL Executive Director will hear the protest alongside the PAL Board of Directors and make a recommendation. If the protest involves a rule interpretation, the Executive Director may request a written clarification from the head official.
          1. Membership
            1. Executive Director will chair the committee.
            2. Protests will be heard by the PAL Board of Directors.
            3. Hearings
              1. Written and verbal evidence will be considered.
              2. Hearings will not be open to the public.
              3. The committee will require written statements prior to the hearing in order to clarify the issues.
              4. Failure to comply with requests of the committee will result in an adverse decision.
              5. The committee may request the Law Enforcement Liaison to keep order at any hearing.
              6. Decisions or recommendations to the Executive Director will be made by majority vote.
              7. If the protest is upheld, the bond is refunded. Protests must be decided before the next scheduled game.
              8. GRIEVANCE:
                1. PROCEDURES
                  1. A grievance must be submitted to your local PAL organization in writing. If not heard with-in 7 days you may contact the Executive Board.
                    1. The grievance can be submitted to your local league.
                    2. The grievance should outline the situation and provide as much information as possible to facilitate an investigation.
                    3. All grievances unless the grievance is concerning two leagues will be heard by the league it originated from and will follow  the policies and procedures put in place by that league's bylaws for hearing grievances. Each league should have a primary grievance committee and a secondary grievance committee to hear all appeals. If the member presenting the grievance is still unsatisfied after their appeal hearing at the local league level they have the right to appeal to the PAL Board of Director
                    4. The PAL Executive Director will decide whether to have the grievance heard by the entire Board of Directors or to appoint a grievance committee. Additional information may be requested to determine if this is a situation that is appropriate for the grievance process. In some cases, the situation may be resolved without a hearing.
                    5. Committee and hearing procedures will be the same as used for protests.
                    6. DISCIPLINARYPROCEDURES
                      1. A PAL event includes all games where participating as a PAL team, all special events, i.e., Jamboree, and at any other function where members are representing PAL. A team party is not a PAL event.
                      2. Guidelines — Offenses will remain part of a member's disciplinary record for two (2) years from the date of offense.
                        1. First Offense — Letter of Reprimand and/or one game suspension and/or a $50.00 fine.
                          1. Second Offense - Two game suspension and/or

 

$50.00 fine.

  1. Third Offense - One year Suspension from PAL.
  2. All suspensions are from the date of infraction. Fines apply to Adults only.
  3. A suspension of two (2) games or more may be appealed to the Grievance Committee. The Committee will review the incident and recommend a penalty which could be greater than that indicated in the guidelines. Any League Director or the Executive Director may appeal to the Grievance Committee if they believe a particular incident needs to be reviewed.
  4. MISCONDUCTPENALTY
    1. Foul Language Guidelines - one game suspension
    2. Use of Racial Slurs - Ejection from game site and two game suspension
      1. Throwing Equipment Guidelines — one game suspension
      2. Use of Tobacco Products - One year Suspension at Field
      3. Use of Alcohol at Field - One year Suspension
      4. Obscene or Rude Gestures — One game suspension
      5. Encouraging unsportsmanlike conduct - One year Suspension
        1. Ejected by an Official
          1. 1st Offense — One game Suspension

ii. 2nd Offense — One year Suspension

  1. Threatening, Inflammatory or Player — One game Suspension
    1. Abusive gesture or language
      1. Coach (Directed at another person) — One Year Suspension.
      2. Member (Member striking another person) — One Year Suspension.
      3. Player (Fighting at any PPAL function) - One Year Suspension.
        1. Adult — Lifetime Suspension
        2. Coach/Volunteer participating before approved background-

One Year Suspension

  1. Players entering a field to join altercation - One Year Suspension
  2. Coach or member striking another person - Lifetime Suspension
  3. Encouraging dishonesty in PPAL matters - One Year Suspension
  4. Unauthorized person who runs on the field, good or bad - One Year Suspension
    1. Failure to sit a player/coach
      1. 1st Offense — Two Game Suspension
      2. 2nd Offense — One Year Suspension
      3. Administration Violations — Fines:
        1. Rosters
          1. Failure to provide a typewritten hard copy with all previous games $ 125.00
            1. Hard Copy incorrectly filled out. $ 75.00
            2. Failure to provide copies of the roster to both announcer and opposing league $ 50.00
            3. Ethics
              1. Running up score $ 50.00 and head coach suspended for one game.
              2. Practice
                1. Before Season begins $ 125.00 and Head Coach two game suspension
                2. More hours that are permissible $ 125.00 and Head Coach two game suspension
                3. Registration
                  1. All participants must be certified no later than 7 days from the close of rosters. All participants not certified will be ineligible for that season.
                  2. Meetings
                    1. Missing a mandatory meeting $ 50.00 and voting rights suspended unexcused until fine paid.
                    2. Insufficient White Hats $ 50.00
                    3. All Fines
                      1. First Offense set penalty
                      2. Second Offense, and thereafter, set penalty doubles
                      3. Social Media Policy
                        1. If any player, parent, or member creates an email, social networking post, Internet blog post, or any other form of communication that is offensive, suggestively offensive, negative or against the spirit of the Pasco Athletic League toward a team, another member of PAL, or any entity associating with PAL (i.e. Referees) will be subject to the following discipline to be issued at the discretion of the Executive Director:
                          1. Parent/Member 1st offense: Two game suspension for the parent/member.
                          2. Parent/Member 2ndoffense: Year suspension for the parent/member
                            1. Player 1st offense: Two game suspension
                            2. Player 2nd offense: Year suspension
                            3. Any violation of PAL By-Laws, unsportsmanlike conduct or conduct not in keeping with the PAL mission or spirit of the rules will be subject to any of the above penalties at the discretion of the Executive Board.
                            4. The Grievance Committee will use these guidelines for recommending punishments. The committee will not be bound to the letter of the guidelines but may increase the penalties.
                            5. All Directors are encouraged to use these guidelines in local league proceedings when violations of these By-Laws occur at Non-PAL events, i.e. team parties.