The organization shall be known as the Riverside-Bradford Baseball League (hereinafter referred to as R-B)

Section 1:

R-B teaches good sportsmanship and the fundamentals of hitting, bunting, fielding, and stealing, while building a positive self-image in a healthy competitive environment. This is the foundation upon which the league is built.

Section 2:

To achieve this objective R-B will provide a supervised program under the revised rules of Little League Baseball. All Directors, Officers, and Members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance. R-B shall operate exclusively as a non-profit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball games. No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual.

Section 1:

R-B accepts boys and girls from throughout Haverhill. (Exceptions can be made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.) We believe that meeting new friends from different parts of the community is an important part of growing up, Whenever possible, we honor requests to keep friends on the same team, including the major division.

Age is generally the determining factor of a player's placement. We do, however realize that players and families may occasionally have circumstances which may warrant an exception to the league guidelines.

Section 2:

PARTICIPANTS, MEMBERS, and GUARDIANS/PARENTS

Participants are defined as the actual players in the league as outlined in the divisional breakout in Article III, Section 1.

The appointed directors of the Riverside-Bradford Baseball league hold membership and are defined as Members. These Members are accountable and responsible for the operation and shall strive to insure that the Objectives, as spelled out in Article II of this document are met.

Guardians/parents have the responsibility to determine if the league is meeting the objectives for the participants. If at such a time, the guardians/parents determine that the Members are failing in meeting the objectives, they may, by a petition of 40% of the total of those guardian/parents that signed permission slips for the participants, request a full vote of all guardian/parents to seek election of a new set of Members. The current President of the league must ensure that this vote takes place within 90 days of the petition filing and certification. The new set of Members will take over the running of the league operations immediately. A parent's term is from the first pitch of the season until the first pitch of the following year's season - approximately 1 year.

Section 3:

SUSPENSION or TERMINATION.  Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors.

1. The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting, shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any Member when the conduct of such a person is considered detrimental to the best interests of R-B. The Member shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges. Members are expected to attend all board meetings and if they are not present they are expected to be able to provide an excuse to the President for their absence. Excessive absences are due cause for membership termination. 

2. The Board of Directors shall, in the case of a Player problem, give notice to the manager of the team of which the player is a member. Said manager shall appear, in the capacity of an advisor, with the player before a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player's rights to future participation. 

3. The Board of Directors shall, in the case of a Manager/Coach problem, give written notice to the Manager/Coach and his/her respective league commissioner to appear before an appointed committee for a hearing. This committee shall be appointed by the League President and shall have no less than 5 Members. This committee shall file a report within 7 days to the BOD, which shall take the appropriate action necessary to handle the situation at hand. 

Riverside Bradford Baseball desires that no child be prevented from participation in our baseball program based solely on the inability to pay player registration fees due to financial hardship. Upon request of a Board member, parent or legal guardian of an eligible youth, the RB Board of Directors will review on a personal and confidential basis, a Scholarship waiver and/or reduction of registration fees based on the hardship.  On an annual basis, the Board of Directors will establish a limit as to the number of hardship cases based on funding.  These approved hardship cases will be issued a Scholarship paid by RB Baseball.  By March 25th of each year, registration will close.  A player has paid in full or a Scholarship has been granted by this date.  Payment in full or Scholarship for Summer Baseball/Districts will be finalized by May 15th of each year.

Section 1:

ANNUAL MEETING. Each fall season the league shall hold an annual meeting to elect its officers. Members of the current year will vote for the following year's new Members. From the Members, officers shall be elected.

Section 2:

NOTICE OF MEETINGS. The time and place of the meeting shall be announced to the membership by mail, telephone, and/or local newspaper(s). At this time, any interested parties shall indicate interest in becoming a Member by responding to the appropriate party as indicated in the meeting notice.

Section 3:

SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Members may be called by 3 Members of the Board of Directors or by the Secretary or President at their discretion. When called, special meetings shall focus on their specified subject(s) only. No business other than that specified in the notice of the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting of the Members.

Section 4:

QUORUM. A minimum of one third (1/3) of the Members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a Quorum for the transaction of business. No absentee ballots are permitted. However, a person may accept a nomination without being present.

Section 5:

RULES OF ORDER. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where same conflicts with the Constitution of By-Laws of R-B.

Section 1:

BOARD AND NUMBER. The management of the property and affairs of R-B shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall be not less than six (6) nor more than twenty one (21).

The Directors shall upon election immediately enter upon the performance of their duties shall continue in office until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Section 2:

REQUIRED MEMBERS. The Board membership shall include the Officers, including the Player Agent.

Section 3:

ANNUAL ELECTION AND TERM OF OFFICE. The Membership Committee shall make recommendations for the Board of Directors for elections. This recommendation will include the names of those that the committee is suggesting for membership and also a recommendation of the number of members required to best support the operation of the league. The number of member positions must comply with the requirements of these by-laws.

The membership committee recommendation will be mailed out to all members at a minimum of two weeks prior to the election of new members. The membership committee will also post a call for nominations from the community at-large. The membership committee will receive notification of intent to run for a membership position prior to September 1 from both existing members and those seeking new positions.

The annual election shall take place during the October meeting of the members. Those present at the annual meeting may make any additional recommendations and/or objections to the membership committee's slate. Any person seeking to run for a position may also have up to two minutes to make a statement of his/her intentions in running for a board seat. If a nominee chooses, they may also elect to answer any questions from the voting members after their statement; they should notify the President of their approval/disapproval of fielding questions prior to making a statement. The Board will vote on an open ballot, prepared by the membership committee, and will cast votes for members as they see fit. Each member must cast a minimum number of votes equal to 2/3 (two-thirds) of the number of seats being voted on or their ballot will be disqualified. Election as a member will be granted to those receiving the highest number of votes required to fill the number of board seats recommended by the membership committee. In the event of a tie for a board seat, a runoff election of the nominees involved in the tie will be held to decide the seat. The President will decide on all matters that cannot be determined through the voting process. New members are not in place until member elections are complete.

Board Membership is a serious commitment and the expectation of the Members is to perform their duties and functions so as to continually improve the R-B league and uphold the Objective of the League (Article II) at all times.

The League Objective is the responsibility of the members to achieve.

Section 4:

VACANCIES. If any vacancy occurs in the Board of Directors, by death, resignation, or otherwise, it may be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any regular meeting or at any special meeting called for that purpose.

Section 5:

MEETINGS and NOTICE: Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held immediately following the annual election and on such days thereafter as shall be determined by the Board. The President or the Secretary may, whenever they deem it advisable, or the Secretary shall at the request in writing of three (3) Directors issue a call for a special meeting of the Board. Notice of each meeting shall be given by the Secretary to each Director either by mail at least three (3) days before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director, or by telephone of telegraphic or personal notice twenty-four (24) hours preceding the meeting.

In the case of special meetings, such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and no matters not so stated may be acted upon at the meeting.

Section 6:

DUTIES AND POWERS. The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such committees as it shall determine appropriate and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate.

The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of R-B as it may deem proper.

The Board shall have the power by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend, or remove any Director or Officer or any Committee Member of R-B in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 2 (a).

The membership shall receive at the annual meeting of the members of R-B a report verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Directors, showing the whole amount of real and personal property owned by R-B, where located, and where and how invested, the amount and nature of the property acquired during the year implied, appropriated or expended during the year immediately preceding such date, and the purposes, objects, or persons to or for which such applications, appropriations, or expenditures have been made; and the names and places of residence of the persons who have been admitted to membership in R-B during such year, which report shall be filed with the records of R-B and an abstract thereof entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the annual meeting.

The Board of Directors may at its discretion by a majority vote as stipulated in Article VI, Section 6, establish any committees as deemed necessary. The following are standing committees. All committees shall be used for planning purposes; all proposals shall be approved by the Members. The President shall appoint committee members and the BOD shall approve.

BASEBALL - This committee will be chaired by the Director of Baseball Operations and has at least five members, of which three are board members. They will create local rules under which each division will play. They will establish the league schedule, conduct clinics and other instructional activities.

TOURNAMENT - This committee will be chaired by the Tournament Director and has at least five members, of which two are board members. They will organize, plan, and conduct any R-B sponsored tournaments. In addition, they will organize and coordinate any R-B teams playing in any post-season tournaments (scheduling, financing, etc.)

FUNDRAISING - This committee will be chaired by the Director of Fundraising and have at least three members, of which two will be board members. They will be responsible for any league fund-raising activities including tag day and spring fling.

UMPIRE - This committee will be chaired by the Director of Umpiring and have at least three members, of which two will be board members. They will recruit, train and supervise all umpires. They will be responsible for the assignment of umpires to games.

ADMINISTRATION - This committee will be chaired by the Director of Administration and include the President, and Vice-Presidents and at least two other members. They will be in charge of all league administrative duties, including insurance and permits. They will conduct league registration.

AUDIT - This committee will be chaired by the Audit Director and have at least two other board members. They will review the financial books at a minimum of once per year.

MEMBERSHIP - This committee will be chaired by the director of Membership and have at least two other board members. They will investigate and recommend those qualified for board membership.

FIELDS - This committee will be chaired by the Field Director and have at least three members, of which two will be board members. They will be responsible for all care, maintenance, and improvements to the playing fields. They will assign fields to teams for practice.

EQUIPMENT - This committee will be chaired by the Equipment Director and have at least three members, of which two will be board members. They will be responsible for the purchase, repair and storage of all supplies, equipment, and uniforms.

Section 1:

ELECTION - Immediately following the annual meeting, the Directors present, provided there be a quorum, shall meet for the purpose of electing Officers and appointing committees for the ensuing year.

Section 2:

OFFICERS - The Officers of R-B shall consist of a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Player Agent or Agents, all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duty elected.

The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, may appoint such other Officers or agents as it may be deemed necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office. Appointed Officers or agents shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board by the membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board.

Section 3:

PRESIDENT - The President shall:

1. Conduct the affairs of R-B and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors 

2. Present a report of the condition of R-B annual meetings. 

3. Communicate to the Board of Directors, such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of R-B. 

4. Be responsible for the conduct of R-B in strict conformity to the policies, principles, rules and regulations of baseball. 

5. Nominate for approval by the Board of Directors, in writing, other Officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of R-B such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the Board.

6. Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to R-B and report thereon to the Board or Executive Committee as circumstances warrant 

7. Prepare and submit with the Treasurer an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof 

8. With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and support proof-of age documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection. 

9. Be an ex-officio member of all committees 

10. Direct all matters to the appropriate committees 

11. Chair all Board meetings 

Section 4

VICE PRESIDENT - In case of the absence or disability of the President and provided he/she is authorized by the President or Board so to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of that office, and shall have such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President.

Section 5

SECRETARY - The Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for recording the activities of R-B and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists, and necessary records. 

2. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board of Directors. 

3. Maintain a list, with the assistance of the Treasurer, of all members, Directors, and Committee Members. Be responsible to give notice of all meetings of R-B, the Board of Directors and Committees. 

4. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose. 

5. Shall conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings and shall be responsible for carrying out all others, votes, and resolutions not otherwise committed. 

6. Notify Members, Directors, Officers, and Committee Members of their election or appointment. 

Section 6

TREASURER - The Treasurer shall:

1. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Tresurer or may be assigned by the board of Directors. 

2. Receive all monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors. 

3. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies securities of R-B, including the Auxiliary, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with the policies established in advance of such actions by the Board of Directors. 

4. Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the annual meeting. 

5. Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President for submission to the Membership and the Board of Directors at the annual meeting. 

6. Maintain a list, with the assistance of the Secretary, of all members, Directors and Committee members. 

Section 7:

PLAYER AGENT - The Player Agent shall:

1. Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof. 

2. Receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in checking residence and age eligibility. 

3. Conduct the player auction, draft, or assignment and all other player transactions or selection meetings. Prior to each year's player assignment, the Player Agent shall announce his/her procedure for the process. This will be done at the regular Board meeting prior to the player selection and shall be documented for the records by the league secretary. 

4. Prepare the Player Agent's list. 

5. Represent and act on behalf of Players at Board of Directors meetings. 

Section 1:

Team Managers and Coaches shall be appointed by the President and be approved by the Board of Directors. Managers shall be responsible for their teams and for their actions on the field.

Section 2:

Umpires shall be appointed annually by the Umpires Committee, with the approval of the Board of Directors, who shall be responsible for their assignments and for their actions on the field.

Section 1

Rules and Regulations. The Official Playing Rules and Regulations are those per the Little League Rule Book as noted in this Constitution and By-Laws as voted by the Board of Directors.

Section 2

Local Rules. The most current edition of the Little League Operating Manual shall/will guide R-B except as limited by the R-B Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 1

The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of R-B and it shall place all income in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of same in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.

Section 2

The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit same for the common treasury of R-B, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of R-B.

Section 3

No Director or Officer of R-B shall receive, directly of indirectly any salary, compensation, or emolument from R-B for services rendered as a Director or Officer.

Section 4

All monies received including Auxiliary funds, shall be deposited to the credit of R-B in a Federally Insured Bank or Institution selected by the Treasurer and all disbursement shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the R-B Treasurer or President or as otherwise directed by the Board of directors.

Section 5

The Fiscal year of R-B shall begin on the first day of January and shall end on the last day of December.

This Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote at any duly organized meeting of the members provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting.