BYLAWS OF THE

PARADISE PIRANHAS SWIM TEAM, INC.

 

 

ARTICLE I

NAME

 

The name of this organization shall be the PARADISE PIRANHAS SWIM TEAM, INC. (PPST, Inc.)

 

 

ARTICLE II

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

 

The principal place of business and headquarters of the PPST, Inc. shall be Butte County. CA.

 

 

ARITCLE III

PRIMARY PURPOSE

 

The primary purpose of this club will be to develop, promote, and administer a competitive swimming program for the Paradise area that would include the refinement of swimming skills, the enjoyment of participation in a team sport, and the development of sportsmanship.

 

The Paradise Piranhas Swim Team (PPST) is a competitive swimming team organized for the purpose of providing swimmers with the opportunity to reach their finest potential.

 

It is the goal of PPST to develop a nationally recognized USA Swimming program by providing an environment where an age-group swimmer, with the appropriate talent and desire, can develop into a world-class competitor.

 

Being on the Paradise Piranhas Swim Team should be a learning experience for all involved. The formation and philosophy of team spirit and cooperation should be stressed. Growth, progress and the ability to set and strive for personal goals, not only in the sport of swimming, but within the character of the individual, shall be seen as attainable by all participants.

 

The proper1ies and assets of this Corporation are irrevocably dedicated to its tax-exempt purposes. No par1 of the net earnings, proper1ies or assets of the PPST, Inc., on dissolution or otherwise, shall inure to the benefit of any private person or individual, or any member, officer, or director of the PPST, Inc. In the event of liquidation and dissolution, all proper1ies and assets and obligations shall be distributed and paid as described in Ar1icle XIII, provided that the recipient organization is dedicated to the exempt purpose as specified in Internal Revenue Code, Section 501 (c)(3). Notwithstanding any other provisions of these ar1icles, the corporation shall not carry

 

 

 

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on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

 

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERSHIP

 

 

SECTION 1. The members of the Paradise Piranhas Swim Team shall be families of the swimmers and self-sponsored swimmers who are seeking to participate in organized or competitive swimming on the Paradise Piranhas Swim Team. Each family or self-sponsored swimmer shall constitute a single Paradise Piranhas Swim Team member, and shall be represented in Paradise Piranhas Swim Team matters by one parent, legal guardian, or the swimmer.

 

 

SECTION 2. Definitions of terms used in this article and elsewhere in these bylaws are as follows:

 

A.      Families - a group of individual consisting of one or more swimmers and the swimmer's parent(s) or guardian(s).

B.     Swimmer - a swimming member who is an athlete, registered with USA Swimming, and engaged in competitive swimming or in the act of learning competitive swimming skills, participating attached to PPST.

C.     Self-supporting swimmer - a member meeting the definition of "8" above, plus is 18 years or older, and registered with USA Swimming or US Masters Swimming (USMS).

 

 

SECTION 3. Classes of membership.

A.      Voting members - voting members are those parents or guardians of a swimming member, or those eligible as self-supporting swimmers, who is in good standing as defined in Article 4, Section 5B. Each member family or self-supporting swimmer is authorized one (1) vote at PPST general meetings.

B.     Honorary member - a person or entity who is granted honorary membership by the Board can be any individual or group who, in the opinion of the Board, has rendered distinguished service to PPST. Honorary members do not vote.

 

 

SECTION 4. Membership in PPST may be gained by complying with all of the following:

 

A.      Completion of membership application forms.

B.     Signed agreement by parents, guardians or self-supporting swimmers, that they are aware of all obligations and responsibilities relative to fees and participation requirements. Fees shall consist of registration fees, training fees per swimmer,

 

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plus active participation in fund raising activities. Failure to contribute to these

activities shall result in an added assessment to the member as determined by the Board.

D.                 A part-time or non-member who is a USA Swimming or USMS registered swimmer may work out with PPST for a fee determined by the Board. Any additional rules regarding part-time or non-member swimmers shall be determined by the Board, as long as they are in compliance with USA Swimming and USMS rules and regulations.

 

E.                 All swimming participants must be registered with either Sierra Nevada Swimming, Inc., a local swimming committee (LSC) of USA Swimming, or USMS through Pacific Masters Swimming. A card is issued annually, the price set by USA Swimming or USMS. Applications by new members are made through the Membership Committee.

 

F.                  All membership must renew annually, effective September 1st. All applicable fees and requirements will be renewed on an annual basis.

 

G.                 Membership is maintained only as long as all fees and participation requirements are current, and members abide by the Bylaws and such rules, regulations and policies as may be established by the Board of Directors and/or the Head Coach.

 

 

 

SECTION 5. Fees

 

C.                 Fees are to be made out to the Paradise Piranhas Swim Team and sent to the Treasurer by cash, check or money order. The training fees are due as established by the Board.

D.                 Any member failing to pay dues within ten (10) days after the due date shall be notified and the member will not be considered to be in good standing and the swimmer(s) shall be considered inactive. All membership benefits will be reinstated when all fees are paid.

E.                 Membership shall be terminated if fees are not paid for a period of two months. Reinstatement will not be allowed until all back fees are paid in full. All requirements for new members must be met.

F.                  No refunds will be given or partial payments accepted.

G.                 In the event of family financial hardships, arrangements may be made with the

Board of Directors to waive, defer or make alternative arrangements for payment of fees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SECTION 6. Successful running of the PPST is dependent on the participation of each and every swimmer and parent or guardian. The Board of Directors will establish minimum levels of participation annually.

 

 

ARTICLE V

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

SECTION 1. The officers of this club shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. The immediate Past President shall act as an advisor to the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 2. The Board of Directors will consist of the four elected officers of the club and, in addition, will include the six (6) board members at large, who will be elected at the fall general meeting. These board positions will consist of:

A.                  Ways and Means

B.                 Meet Director

C.                 Publicity & Advertising

D.                 Membership

E.                 NV AL Representative

F.                  Swimmer's Representative

 

The individual job descriptions are as follows:

A.         Ways & Means - The person who holds this Board position shall be responsible for the following duties:

1. Attend all Board meetings to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST.

2. Appointment of committees for assist.

3. Chairing the fund raising committee.

4. Chairing the awards banquet.

B.         Meet Director - The person who holds this position shall be carded by Sierra Nevada Swimming, Inc. as a Meet Director and be responsible for the following:

 

1.   Attend all Board meetings to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST.

2.   Organize all meets hosted by the PPST.

3.   Appointment of any committees as needed for assist.

4.   Will organize and coordinate the jobs listed below:

Entries

Clerk of the Course

Programs

 

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Hospitality

Concessions

Advertising and Publicity

Meet "Set Up" and "Clean Up"

Marshals

Desk

Awards

 

C.     Publicity & Advertising - the person who holds this Board position shall be responsible for the following duties:

1.      Attend all Board meetings to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST.

2.      Appointment of a committee to assist as necessary.

3.      Initiate "Thank you" correspondence to all paid advertisers and sponsors.

4.      Ensure that all team meet results, and any other pertinent team information is promptly distributed to all proper media sources.

5.      The organizing of a yearly team photograph, which shall include individual pictures, and be made available to the general membership for purchasing.

6.      Coordination of all of the team's publications, which shall include solicited advertising and sponsorship.

D.     Membership - the person who holds this Board position shall be responsible for the following duties:

1.      Attend all Board meetings to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST. Collection of year1y membership fees and recording Sierra Nevada Swimming/USA Swimming or Pacific Masters Swimming/USMS registration.

2.      Attend all Board meetings to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST.

3.      Compilation and distribution of a team membership list. Updated copies distributed to Board members monthly.

4.      Distribution of PPST handbook to all members of the team.

5.      Formation of a "welcome committee", which will be responsible for contacting all new team members, to insure that they are knowledgeable in the activities of, and their responsibilities to the team.

6.      Organize meetings, as necessary for all new members to explain and/or direct through their first competitive swim meet.

 

 

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E.     NVAL Representative - the person who holds this Board position shall be responsible for the following:

1.      Attend all Board meetings to report on NVAL activities/issues and to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST.

2.      Attend NVAL meetings as representative of PPST.

F.      Swimmer's Representative - the person who holds this Board position will an athlete member of USA Swimming and be at least 13 years old, and will be responsible for the following:

1.      Attend all Board meetings to function as a Board member in coordinating and assisting with the further advancement of PPST.

2.      Relay any swimmer's concerns, needs or problems to the Board.

3.      To bolster team spirit, enthusiasm and moral.

4.      Present any ideas for fun events, parties, Awards Night, etc. for Board approval.

5.      Will organize decorations for Awards Night with the assistance of the Past President.

6.       

SECTION 3. Term of Office.  Officers of the Board of Directors of the team shall hold office for a term of two years, commencing September 1st and ending August 31st, at the end of the second year, with the President and Secretary being elected in even numbered years; and the Vice President and Treasurer being elected in odd numbered years. No officer shall be eligible for the same office for more that two consecutive terms. The At Large members of the Board of Directors shall hold office for a term of one year, commencing September 1st and ending August 31st of the following year. No At Large Board member shall be eligible for the same office for more than two consecutive terms.

 

SECTION 4. Qualifications.

A.      Officers - must have served at least one term as a member of the Board of Directors.

 

B.     Board of Directors- must have been a member of the team in good standing for a period of not less than six months unless special approval is granted by the Board, allowing waiver of such qualification.

 

SECTION 5. Election. The General Membership will nominate a slate of officers or Board

Members in the number required by Section 1 or 2 of this article. Slates for Officers and At Large Board members will be presented every year, as determined by Section 3. The annual election

 

 

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will take place in August by secret ballot, with the results announced at the August awards banquet.

 

SECTION 6. Authority. The Board of Directors shall manage the affairs of this non-profit corporation within the limits of these Bylaws. No other person may collect funds, make contracts, incur expenses, or initiate any actions in the name of this organization without prior approval of the Board of Directors.

 

A.      The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent to enter into any contract in the name of and behalf of PPST.

B.     The Board of Directors shall authorize payment of expenditures, create standing committees as are deemed necessary to carry on the work of PPST and administer all matters pertaining to the employment of the head coach.

C.     The Board of Directors shall prepare the annual budget to be presented and approved by the General membership at the September meeting.

D.     The Board of Directors shall determine the fees and obligations necessary to the maintenance of a swimming program that meets the vision statement with a balanced financial plan.

E.     The Board of Directors may not incur indebtedness for any purpose in the name of the PPST without prior approval of the general membership, at a general membership meeting.

F.      The Board of Directors may authorize each year an audit of the financial records.

 

SECTION 7. Vacancies. When any officer or director fails to adequately perform the duties of his/her office or fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board, the Board may declare his/her office vacant. In the event the office of President becomes vacant; the Vice- President shall assume that office. Other office vacancies and vacancies on the Board shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the remaining directors, and the officer or director shall serve until the next election for that position.

 

SECTION 8. Successor. Each officer and director, upon expiration of his/her term of office, or in

the case of resignation or termination, shall turn over to his/her successor, all reports, books, funds and other material pertaining to his/her office.

 

SECTION 9. Quorum. Six (6) members of the Board of Directors will constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VI

DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

SECTION 1. President. The President shall preside at all membership meetings and meetings of the Board of Directors. He/she shall appoint all standing and special committees, and shall be an

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ex-officio member of those committees, with the right to vote. The President will approve all official documents, call special meetings when necessary and certify all acts of the Board in conjunction with the Secretary.

 

SECTION 2. Vice-President. The Vice-President shall act as aide to the President and, in the absence of the president, shall perform the duties of the President. He/she will be responsible for all property of PPST, according to Article XI; and shall also perform other duties, as may be assigned by the President or the Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 3. Secretary. The Secretary shall record minutes of all membership meetings and

meetings of the Board of Directors. He/she shall conduct team correspondence, except when assigned to committee chairman, and maintain records of all correspondence. He/she shall also issue notice of meetings, certify all acts of the Board in conjunction with the President, and conduct other duties as may assigned by the President or Board of Directors.

 

SECTION 4. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have custody of and be responsible for all funds in whatever place of deposit as designated by the Board of Directors. He/she shall make disbursements as approved by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer and one other officer will sign all disbursements. He/she shall be responsible for the submission of financial statements to the members and the Board of Directors when requested by the President, and for filing tax reports, as required. The team records shall be subject to an annual audit. He/she shall be responsible for issuing timely billings to the membership and for collecting and depositing all fees and monies due the team.

 

SECTION 5. Members of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board of Directors are expected to actively participate in their respective jobs, whether it is as an officer or committee chairman. See Sections 2 and 6 of Article V for additional explanation.

 

ARTICLE VII

DUTIES OF THE HEAD COACH

 

SECTION 1. The Head Coach shall be responsible to the Board of Directors for providing a competitive aquatic program in line with the objectives and purposes of the organization. He/she will select assistant coaches, with approval of the Board, and supervise their activities as related to the team. He/she is responsible for adhering to the "Head Coach's. duties as follows:

A.      Certifications - The Head Coach shall keep current all certifications as requires by USA Swimming and the State of California, and provide a copy of all certifications to the Secretary.

 

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B.     Assistant Coaches:

1.      Recommend hiring, firing and compensation for assistant coaches to the Board.

2.      Assign assistant coaches their duties, which groups they will coach, what meets they are responsible to attend.

3.      Supervise assistant coaches in the performance of their duties.

4.      Handling problems, including complaints, concerning assistant coaches.

5.      Report assistant coaches working hours to treasurer.

6.      Require all assistant coaches to be currently certified as mentioned in Article VII, Section 1-A above.

C.     Swim Meets –

1.      Submit a definite meet schedule as soon as meet dates are available.

2.      Provide meet sheets for all meets.

3.      Oversee the preparations of team entries for all meets.

4.      See that coach or coaches will attend all team-scheduled meets.

D.     Swimmer's Conduct –

1.      Development of rules concerning athlete code of conduct.

E.     Workouts –

1.      Prepare time schedule of workouts and see that all swimmers are notified.

2.      Prepare appropriate workout in the event that the pool is unavailable.

3.      Oversee the coaching of all groups.

4.      Provide replacement coverage should he/she or any assistant coach be unable to coach a group due to illness/vacation, safety permitting.

5.      Supervise the behavior of swimmers while at practice.

6.      Report to the President or Board, any case of serious misconduct; especially those cases of misconduct that the coach feels should result in the suspension of a swimmer from the team.

7.      The Head Coach, or his/her duly appointed representatives, shall make all reasonable efforts to remain at the pool complex after scheduled practices until all swimmers, especially those less than 13 years of age, have left the pool complex or are under supervision of an adult known to the Head Coach.

F.      Meetings –

1.      Attend Board meetings and make a monthly report.

2.      Upon request of Board or President, attend meetings related to the further advancement of PPST, i.e., NVAL, Sierra Nevada Swimming, USA Swimming, Paradise Recreation and Park District, etc.

G.     Fundraising Responsibilities –

 

 

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1.      Work with appropriate committees on a Corporate and/or Service Club Out- Reach Program.

2.      Work with the Ways & Means Committee to provide input and assistance in fundraising endeavors.

3.      Be available to participate within the community, in activities that would benefit the advancement of PPST.

H.     Communications with Parents –

1.      Keep parents informed of meets, workout schedules and general information.

2.      Be available, on an appointment basis, to talk to parents before or after workouts.

3.      Notify parents of new swimmers when they are qualified to compete in meets.

I.         Miscellaneous –

1.      Recommend awards program to the Board.

2.      Will assist membership committee with all membership drives and/or recruitment programs.

3.      Coaches will not perform any service or be involved in any activity that would be in conflict with their duties for PPST; excepting when such activity is in the course of their normal job of their primary employment, without prior approval of the Board.

J.       Compensation