WHITBY RINGETTE ASSOCIATION

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1

NAME

(1) The association shall be known as the Whitby Ringette Association,                                       hereinafter to be referred to as the WRA.

ARTICLE 2

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

(1) To promote, administer and develop the recreational sport of ringette.

(2) To teach fair play and sportsmanship with emphasis on the enhancement of
good character and citizenship.

(3) To provide entertainment and fun for the participants.

(4) To provide competition for all players desiring to participate in the sport of
ringette, giving due consideration to their individual capabilities and
interests.

(5) To exercise the supervision and direction over its members, including the
players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.

(6) To ensure that all members have the opportunity of presenting and having
their views heard.

(7) To provide support and opportunity to players, coaches, officials and
administrator to improve their skills.

(8) To actively promote, adhere to and support the objectives and policies of the
provincial and national associations for ringette.

ARTICLE 3

MEMBERSHIP

(1) Membership in the WRA shall be open to all residents who reside within the
boundaries of the Corporation of the Town of Whitby. If a ringette
association does not exist in an area where prospective members are located,
such people may join this association.

(2) To be eligible for membership, an individual must be 18 years or older who is:
(a) a player or a parent or guardian of a player who is registered and
playing with the WRA in the current year OR
(b) an Executive member, a Coach, Assistant Coach, Manager or Trainer
registered with the WRA during the current year.

ARTICLE 4

EXECUTIVE

(1) The Executive of the WRA shall consist of the following officers: President,
1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, plus the
following directors: Past President, Registrar, Referee-In-Chief, Coaching and
Player Development Director, Publicity and Sponsors Director, Fund Raising
Director, Equipment Manager, Ice Scheduling Manager, Tournament Director
and Bingo Director.

(2) An officer must be eighteen (18) or more years of age and a member of the
association.

(3) The officers and directors of the WRA shall attend all Executive meetings.

ARTICLE 5

WRA EXECUTIVE - POWERS AND DUTIES

(1) The Executive shall have control of the affairs of the WRA and shall have the
power to amend or alter the regulations of the WRA.

(2) The Executive shall appoint both Standing and Ad Hoc committees and shall
determine their terms of reference providing these be within the aims and
objectives of the Constitution and not contrary to the Constitution.

(3) The Executive shall hold regular monthly meetings between September and
March inclusive in each year, and such additional meetings as they may deem
necessary.

(4) The presence of one half of its members plus one shall constitute a quorum
for meetings of the Executive, which quorum shall include two of the
following: President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary,
Treasurer, Registrar, Referee-In-Chief.


(5) Vacancies on the Executive, however caused, may, so long as a quorum
remains, be filled by the Executive from among the qualified members of the
WRA if they shall see fit to do so. Otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled at
the next Annual General Meeting of members. If there is not a quorum, the
remaining Executive shall call a meeting of members to fill the vacancy.

ARTICLE 6

DIRECTOR AND OFFICERS DUTIES

(1) President

(a) Shall preside at all Executive meetings.
(b) Shall prepare an agenda for each Executive meeting.
(c) Shall exercise the power and authority of the WRA Executive in cases
of emergency but subject to ratification by the entire Executive at the
next Executive meeting.
(d) Shall be the official spokesperson for the WRA.
(e) Shall be charged with the general management and supervision of the
affairs and operations of the WRA.
(f) Shall be an ex-official member of all Standing and Ad-Hoc committees.
(g) May co-sign cheques signed by the Treasurer.
(h) Shall not vote except in the case of a tie, when he/she shall cast the
deciding vote.
(i) Shall ensure that all officers and directors perform their duties.

(2) First Vice President

(a) Shall perform the duties of the President in the latter's absence or at
his/her request, and shall then have all the rights and powers of the
President.
(b) When acting as Chairperson, shall not vote except when such vote is
needed to break a tie.
(c) Shall assist President in performing his/her duties.
(d) May hold the position of Chairperson of an Ad Hoc or Standing
committee.
(e) Shall convene the Representative Teams and attend the league
meetings pertinent to those teams.
(f) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(3) Second Vice President

(a) Shall perform the duties of the President or First Vice President in the
latter's absence or at their request.
(b) When acting as Chairperson, shall not vote except when such vote is
needed to break a tie.
(c) Shall assist the President in performing his/her duties.
(d) May hold the position of Chairperson of an Ad Hoc or Standing
Committee.
(e) Shall convene the House League Teams and attend the league
meetings pertinent to those teams.
(f) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(4) Secretary

(a) Shall issue notices of all meetings.
(b) Shall maintain records of proceedings and meetings.
(c) Shall ensure that all correspondence is attended to and shall keep an
accurate record of all the business transactions of the officers and
directors.
(d) Shall have custody of all documents and records pertaining to the
affairs of the WRA.
(e) Shall be the official liaison between the WRA and the Ontario Ringette
Association, and shall be responsible to ensure that all ORA
correspondence is brought before the WRA Executive.
(f) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.
(g) May co-sign cheques signed by the Treasurer.

(5) Treasurer

(a) Shall pay all accounts by cheque, signed by two of the President,
Secretary or Treasurer.
(b) Shall keep complete and accurate records of accounts in which shall be
recorded all receipts and disbursements of the WRA and report same
at each regular meeting and at the Annual General Meethng.

(6) Past President

(a) Shall carry out any duties assigned by the President, and shall act as an
advisor to the Executive.
(b) Shall be a full voting member of the Executive.
(7) Registrar
(a) Shall be responsible for making all necessary arrangements of
registrations, which shall be held each year in the month of September.
(b) Shall instruct each person participating in the registration program on
the appropriate procedure to be followed.
(c) Shall ensure all required forms are available.
(d) Shall be the sole keeper of the waiting lists for each age group and
shall be the one authorized to place a player on this list into the House
League.
(e) Shall keep a register of all players in the WR. and shall register all
WRA players with the Ontario Ringette Association and Ringette
Canada.
(f) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.
(8) Referee-In-Chief
(a) Shall be in charge of making up all referee schedules.
(b) Shall be responsible for all referees in WRA, including the
advancement of their skill levels.
(c) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.
(9) Coaching and Player Development Director
(a) Shall act on behalf of the players and coaches complaints or protests in
all divisions.
(b) Shall represent every player in all matters pertaining to suspension or
expulsions.
(c) Shall be responsible to coordinate the player and coaches clinics and
other player and coaching development programs available to WRA
from ORA.
(d) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(10) Publicity and Sponsors Director

(a) Shall be responsible for all promotion dealing with WRA (press
releases, advertising and so on).
(b) Shall obtain sponsors for all teams in the WRA.
(c) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(11) Fund Raising Director

(a) Shall be responsible for all fund raising and social activities.
(b) Shall obtain approval from the Executive before proceeding with any
activity.
(c) Shall supply the Executive with a financial report of any and all
monies received.
(d) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(12) Equipment Manager

(a) Shall be responsible for all equipment of the WRA.
(b) Shall be responsible for equipment education of coaches, players and
parents.
(c) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(13) Ice Scheduling Manager

(a) Shall attend all meetings of the Corporation of the Town of Whitby
concerning ice scheduling and report back to the Executive.
(b) Shall make sure all teams are allotted ice time on an equal basis for
both games and practices.
(c) Shall arrange ice time for postponed or revised games.
(d) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(14) Tournament Director

(a) Shall convene and coordinate the annual tournament.
(b) Shall collect fees and pay all costs incurred.
(c) Shall ensure all coaches are notified of all incoming tournament
invitations.
(d) Shall perform other duties as may be assigned.

(15) Bingo Director
(a) Shall be responsible for Bingo fundraising.

ARTICLE 7

ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

(1) The elected officers and directors of the WRA shall be the President, 1st Vice
President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, Referee-In-
Chief, Coaching and Player Development Director, Publicity and Sponsors
Director, Fund Raising Director, Equipment Manager, Ice Scheduling
Manager, Tournament Director and Bingo Director. Persons nominated for
President shall have served on the WRA Executive for at least one year within
the previous three years.

(2) Six weeks prior to the WRA Annual General Meeting, the Executive shall
appoint, from among the members, a Nominating Committee of three who
will be responsible for putting forth a slate of names of those interested in
running for each of the elected positions. The nominating committee will
present the list of names for consideration at the Annual General Meeting of
the WRA.

(3) Those willing to run for office shall indicate this to the nominating committee
in writing.

(4) Officers and directors shall be elected to serve a term of two years with
positions alternating on opposite years (odd year, even year).

(5) No proxy vote shall be recognized.

ARTICLE 8

STANDING COMMITTEES

(1) The WRA Standing Committees shall be:

(a) The Appeals Committee
(b) The Division Committee

(2) The Appeals Committee:

To hear all appeals from Division Committee decisions. A quorum of the
WRA officers shall constitute the Appeal Committee.

(3) The Division Committee

(a) A committee shall be constituted to administer and manage each of the
following WRA divisions as required:
(i) House League Teams
(ii) Representative Teams

(b) the executive of each Division Committee shall consists of a minimum
of Convenor and Assistant Convenor. The Convenor for each Division
Committee shall be the Vice President for that division.

(c) Each Division Committee executive:
(i) Shall administer and manage their respective divisions in
accordance with WRA rules and regulations.
(ii) Shall hear and determine all protests and appeals within their
division.
(iii) May suspend or expel a team or player for:
(a) notorious and continued foul play or offensive language
directed at any person, individually or collectively, on
the ice, in the dressing room, or anywhere in an arena or
at any meeting or gathering in the interest of Ringette;
(b) neglecting to pay assessments; or
(c) any persistent infringement of the laws of the game or
the rules of the WRA.
(d) May suspend or expel any team or member of a team refusing to
accept and obey the ruling of the Division Committee.
(e) May re-admit any team or member of a team under suspension,
subject to the approval of the WRA.
(f) Shall have the power to suspend or discipline any coach, trainer,
manager, player or other official connected with a team playing in
their division.
(g) Shall determine all questions arising from emergencies not provided
for in this Constitution or in the WRA rules and regulations. Twenty four
(24) hours notice of the hour and place appointed for the
consideration of such questions shall be given by the division
committee to each player or team concerned.
(h) Shall have control over the affairs of their division and may make
recommendations to alter the rules and regulations of the WRA.
(i) May make special rulings in any series or playoffs of their division,
subject to the approval of the WRA.
(j) Shall ensure that every coach, assistant coach and trainer has received
and read a copy of this Constitution and Bylaws of the WRA.
(k) May exchange players from one team to another with a report to the
Executive, prior to December 15 of any playing season.

(4) Operation of the Committees
(a) If a chairperson of a committee is not present at a committee meeting,
the members present shall elect a chairperson for the meeting.
(b) A committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper.
(c) Decisions on questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by
the majority of votes of the members present, and in the case of an
equality of vote, the chairperson shall cast the deciding vote, but
otherwise the chairperson shall not vote.
(d) Minutes of proceedings, which record decisions of committees
exercising powers delegated by the Executive, shall be tabled at the
following regular monthly meeting of the WRA Executive.
(e) Report of committees to be included in the agenda of the regular
monthly meeting of the WRA Executive shall be forwarded to the
Secretary of the W.R.A. at least five days before the meeting.

ARTICLE 9

WRA MEETINGS, VOTING, QUORUM

(1) All meetings shall be at the call of the President. If for any reason a meeting
has not been called by the President within two weeks after being requested
by five (5) members of the Executive, a meeting may be called under the
chairperson of a Vice President, which meeting shall be legal and
constitutional.

(2) The Annual General Meeting shall be held at such place, on such a date, and
at such an hour as the WRA Executive shall determine each year, provided
always that such Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the 15th
of May. At least seven days notice of the meeting shall be given to all
members in good standing.

(3) The order of business at the Annual General Meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order
(b) Adoption of minutes of previous Annual General Meeting and any
general meetings held since the previous AGM
(c) Business arising from the minutes
(d) President's Report
(e) Treasurer's Report
(f) Registrar's Report
(g) Committee Reports
(h) Constitution and Bylaws amendments
(i) Election of Executive for the following year
(j) New Business
(k) Adjournment

(4) Notices of motions and any amendments to the WRA Constitution and
Bylaws must be in the hands of the Secretary not later than 21 days prior to
the Annual General Meeting.

(5) Voting

(a) All members in good standing shall be entitled to one vote.
(b) No proxy vote shall be recognized.
(c) Every question at any meeting of the members shall be decided by a
majority of votes with the exception of amendments to the
Constitution and Bylaws, which shall require two thirds of the votes.
In case of a tie, the chairperson shall cast the tie breaking vote.
(d) No member of the Executive shall vote, or take part in discussion
leading to a vote, on a motion which he/she has a direct personal
interest.

(6) Quorum

The presence of six (6) members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum of
any meeting of members.

ARTICLE 10

AMENDMENTS TO WRA CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

(1) The Constitution and Bylaws of the WRA shall not be amended except at a
general meeting by two thirds vote of the members present. Notice of the
proposed amendment(s) shall be given to the Secretary in writing at least
twenty one (21) days prior to the general meeting and he/she shall provide
copies of the proposed revision to all those entitled to vote at such a meeting.
(2) The WRA Executive may, by a two thirds majority vote, adopt, amend, revise,
or repeal any WRA rule or regulation, provided notice of motion has been
made at the previous monthly meeting, provided, however, that any
executive meeting be held, the notice herein required may be waived by a
majority vote and providing such is not in contravention of this Constitution
and Bylaws.

(3) Any change in the WRA rules and regulations by the WRA Executive shall be
subject to approval at the next Annual General Meeting. Should this Annual
General Meeting not approve the amendment, this shall not invalidate the
action taken by Executive under the interim amendment.

WHITBY RINGETTE ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1

FEES

(1) The WRA Executive shall recommend an annual fee structure.

ARTICLE 2

PROTESTS, APPEALS, DEFAULTS

(1) Protests:
(a) All protests must be filed with the Division Convenor within twentyfour
(24) hours after the game. The party against whom the protest is
made shall be notified by the Division Convenor.
(b) Upon receipt of an official protest, the Division Convenor shall
immediately arrange a hearing of the protest within four (4) days, at
which time all those concerned shall be given an opportunity to
present their evidence and be advised of the Division Committee's
decision.

(2) All appeals from Division Committee decisions must be filed with the
Secretary of the WRA within four (4) days.

ARTICLE 3

SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS

(1) All player or official suspensions exercised by a Division Committee shall be
upheld automatically by the WRA Executive but shall be subject to appeal
under Bylaw Article 2.2.

(2) An official under suspension shall not travel with his team, enter their
dressing room, or carry on any of the duties of his position, during the full
term of his suspension.

ARTICLE 4

RESIDENCE RULES

(1) New players who reside outside the boundaries of the Corporation of the
Town of Whitby will be accommodated only if sufficient ice is available.
Therefore, registration priority is as follows:
(a) old members
(b) new members within boundaries
(c) new members outside boundaries.
(2) No player shall be allowed to play House League or Representative Ringette
unless the player is a member in good standing of the WRA.

ARTICLE 5

REFEREES

(1) Shall attend a referee clinic held by the Referee-In-Chief. All referees must
attend at least one clinic in order to referee a game.
(2) Shall relay any complaint pertaining to a player, spectator, coach, or referee to
the Referee-In-Chief, who will advise the Division Convenor and/or the
Coaching and Player Development Director.
(3) Shall be responsible for the control of any game he/she is refereeing as
outlined in the ORA Official Handbook and the official rules.

ARTICLE 6

COACHES

(1) Shall attend at least one (1) approved O.R.A. coaches program held by the
ORA in order to coach a team.

(2) Shall conduct herself/himself and her/his team as per W.R.A. and ORA
philosophy. Failure to do so may result in suspension or dismissal.

(3) Shall play every player as equally as possible.

(4) Shall relay any complaint pertaining to a player, spectator, coach or referee to
the convenor of that division and/or the Coaching and Player Development
Director.

(5) Shall report any discipline problems she/he may have with the team or any
member of the team to the attention of the Division Convenor and to the
Executive.

(6) A woman must be a part of the coaching staff of each team.

ARTICLE 7

CLOTHING POLICY

Whitby Ringette Association colours are royal and yellow. We currently have
black in our off-ice clothing because there is not a lot of choice in royal clothing.

(1) On-Ice Uniforms
(a) Jerseys are supplied by the Association. We use the St. Louis Blues
jerseys.

(b) All AA and A teams are required to wear ringette pants. Ringette
pants are highly recommended for all teams. We realize that the cost
of a girdle and the custom Mosspro pants is high, but they will last the
players for a few years. Teams that are getting Ringette pants should
order the custom pants as approved by the Executive.

(c) Hockey pants and socks can be worn by B and C teams. If a team is
ordering socks, they must have the approved Whitby socks (current St.
Louis socks).

(d) Player name bars on jerseys are not allowed.

(e) For Captains and Assistant Captains, the C’s and A’s are to be the type
that are not glued on. At the end of the season, they are to be removed
before returning the jerseys.

(f) Team jerseys must not be kept by the players. Designate a parent(s)
who will look after the team set – wash inside out in cold water and
hang to dry. The coach must sign for the jerseys when they are picked
up.

(2) Off-Ice Clothing
(a) We currently offer many choices – winter jackets, windsuit jackets and
pants, polar fleece jackets and vests, sweatshirts, t-shirts and more.
The main colours for the off-ice clothing are royal and black.
(b) Teams can choose any article of clothing as long as it is the approved
colours. Each team will be responsible for ordering and paying for
their off-ice clothing.

ARTICLE 8

MISCELLANEOUS

Words importing the singular number shall include the plural, and vice
versa, and references to persons shall include association, corporations, and other
entities recognized by the WRA.