MASA PLAY UP POLICY
DEFINITION OF PLAYING UP
A child is “playing up" when he/she plays on a team in an older age group.
MASA IN-HOUSE PLAY UP POLICY
Except in special circumstances, MASA discourages In-House players from "playing up" in an older age group. Players who wish to play up will only be allowed to do so under the following circumstances:
- The player is entering his/her final Spring season in their assigned age group;
- The parent has sent a written request to MASA’s In-House Coordinator;
- The coach of the player (not the parent) completes the MASA Play-Up Evaluation Form;
- The MASA Director of Coaching/Player Development approves the request to play up; and
- The MASA Board approves the request to play up.
Factors to be considered by the MASA Director of Coaching/Player Development and the MASA Board as to whether a player should play up include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Whether the health, safety, well-being and development of the player will be helped or hindered by playing up or remaining at the current age group;
- Whether the health, safety, well-being and development of the player’s teammates will be helped or hindered by playing up or remaining at the current age group; and
- Whether the health, safety, well-being and development of opposing players will be helped or hindered by playing up or remaining at the current age group.
MASA TRAVEL PLAY UP POLICY
MASA does not permit Travel players to play up, nor does it allow In-House players to play up on Travel teams.* It is also MASA policy that players are not eligible to tryout** or play for a MASA Travel team until completion of the Spring season of that player’s true U9 season (as determined by the USYSA/PA West age groupings) regardless of whether that player has played up in the past..
EXCEPTIONS: The rare exceptions to the above MASA Travel Play Up Policy are as follows: (1) there are not enough players in an age group to field a team and the team would be disbanded otherwise; (2) a player enters the MASA program at an age too old for the U10 program; and/or (3) other exceptional circumstances as determined by the MASA Director of Coaching/Player Development and the MASA Board in their sole discretion.
* Note: A true U10 player may play both In House and Travel (if selected) during that player’s true U10 season. However said player would not be playing up, but simply playing both In House and Travel during that player’s true U10 season.
** Tryouts for the following Fall season technically may take place before completion of the preceding Spring season, which shall not be a bar to a true U9 player trying out for a Fall U10 Travel team.
MASA PLAY DOWN POLICY
DEFINITION OF PLAYING DOWN
A child is “playing down" when he/she plays on a team in a younger age group.
MASA IN-HOUSE PLAY DOWN POLICY
PA West, and therefore MASA, does not permit children to "play down".
MASA TRAVEL PLAY DOWN POLICY
PA West, and therefore MASA, does not permit children to "play down".
NO PET POLICY
All pets, with the exception of those providing service to the handicapped, are prohibited from being on District or Municipal fields during any MASA commissioned activity. This includes, but is not limited to practices, games, clinics, tournaments, special events, etc. If you are found in violation of this policy, a MASA representative will kindly ask that you leave the premises, and return without your pet. Failure to do so will result in the suspension of your child/children from the MASA program for a period of time determined appropriate by the MASA Board of Directors. Please understand that this policy is ensuring that our organization continues to provide a safe and healthy environment for our children. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and continued dedication to the Murrysville Area Soccer Association.
CONCUSSION POLICY
The participation (which includes but is not limited to playing, watching, coaching and/or officiating) in any game, scrimmage, practice, clinic, training session and/or other soccer-related activity (collectively “Soccer Activities”) involves inherent risks of injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or possible concussions. By participating and/or allowing your child to participate in Soccer Activities, you/your child acknowledge and knowingly assume full responsibility for these risks of injury.
Ultimately, any decision as to whether you/your child shall participate in and/or resume participation in any Soccer Activities is left to the discretion of you/your child, not MASA.
However, if a coach or referee removes you/your child from Soccer Activities because, following trauma to the head, you/your child has/have exhibited signs, symptoms and/or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, and/or balance problems), MASA, in its sole and unreviewable discretion, reserves the right, but undertakes no duty, to prevent you/your child from returning to participation in any Soccer Activities unless and until you/your child is cleared to do so in writing by a licensed physician of medicine or osteopathic medicine who is authorized to diagnose and treat concussions.
It is the sole and exclusive responsibility of you/your child to seek appropriate medical attention for any injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or possible concussions, whether or not said injury occurs prior to, during and/or after Soccer Activities.
By enacting this policy, MASA in no way undertakes, and specifically disclaims, any duty to recognize, investigate, treat, diagnose, prevent and/or manage any injury, including but not limited to concussions and/or possible concussions.
REFUND POLICY
Registration fee(s) are non-refundable with the exception of injury or moving out of the area.
REGISTRATION WAIVER
I, the parent of the registrant, a minor, agree that I and the registrant will abide by the rules of the MASA, its affiliated organizations and sponsors. Recognizing the possibility of physical injury associated with soccer and in consideration for the MASA accepting the registrant for its soccer programs and activities (the "Programs"), I hereby release, discharge, and/or otherwise indemnify the MASA, its affiliated organizations and sponsors, their employees and associated personnel, including the owners of fields and facilities utilized for the Programs, against any claim by or on behalf of the registrant as a result of the registrant's participation in the programs and/or being transported to or from the games, which transportation I hereby authorize.
I certify that the named candidate is in good health and has no impairment or physical condition which would endanger his/her well being by participating in MASA activities.
I understand that MASA provides no medical or dental insurance for players, and I fully assume financial responsibility for such care. As the parent or legal guardian of the above named player, I hereby give my consent for emergency medical care prescribed by a duly licensed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Dentistry. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve life, limb, or well-being of my dependent.
I will furnish a copy of a certificate of birth, if necessary, for the above named candidate which I understand will not be returned.
I understand that MASA is a volunteer-run organization and that I as the parent MUST volunteer at least two hours for each session registered. I also understand that when positions are full, MASA may make an alternate assignment.
I understand that the registration fee is non-refundable for any reason.
PHOTO RELEASE: I give permission for MASA to take photos of the above mentioned player for publicity purposes. I understand that said photos may be published in local newspapers, publications, etc. Parents who do not consent to the photo release portion of this waiver should send a note in writing to the Registrar.
FIELD SAFETY REMINDERS
Parking - Please park in the parking lot only.
Pets - All pets, with the exception of those providing service to the handicapped, are prohibited from being on District or Municipal fields during any MASA commissioned activity.
Alcohol - Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on Municipal property which includes MCP.
Jewelry - NO JEWELRY IS ALLOWED TO BE WORN during soccer games. This is a safety and liability issue.
Thunder and Lightening - The PaWest/MASA rule is to seek shelter and wait 30 minutes after thunder or lightning. No playing until 30 minutes after lightening was last seen OR 30 minutes after thunder was last heard. If you can hear the thunder, you are within reach of lightening. Players and families should be directed to their cars to wait. Do not take time to take down goals, because handling metal increases a person's risk of being struck by lightening. Everyone hates a delay, but the kids' safety comes first. Thanks for all your help and cooperation!
MASA By-Laws
Murrysville Area Soccer Association
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
As adopted on April 10, 2025
Murrysville Area Soccer Association
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
As adopted on April 10, 2025
ARTICLE I NAME AND CORPORATION SEAL
The name of this Corporation is:
MURRYSVILLE AREA SOCCER ASSOCIATION
(herein after referred to as MASA or Corporation). The Corporate Seal of this Corporation shall be circular in form with the corporate name and the words "A Nonprofit Corporation, Seal, 1990, Pennsylvania" thereon.
ARTICLE II OFFICE
The principal office of the Corporation shall be located at the residence of the President of the Corporation, or at such location as may from time to time be designated by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors (as defined below).
ARTICLE III PURPOSES
The purposes for which the Corporation is formed are:
1. To promote the development of soccer as a means of healthful recreation and physical fitness;
2. To maintain rules and establish and maintain high standards of amateurism and good sportsmanship;
3. To encourage, sanction and conduct soccer competition open to athletes without regard to race, sex, creed, color or national origin and under the best conditions possible so as to effectively promote the game of soccer with the general public; and,
4. To generally encourage through soccer the development of health, character and responsible citizenship.
5. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Constitution and By-Laws, the Corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (26 USC 501 (c) (3)) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal Tax Law.
The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article III hereof. No
substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Constitution and By-Laws, the Corporation shall not carry on any activities that would be in violation of the rules or permitted activities for organizations exempt from Federal Income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 (c) (2) of the Internal Revenue code of 1954 (or corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).
ARTICLE IV AFFILIATION
MASA shall be an affiliate of the Pennsylvania West Soccer Association (hereinafter known as the PA. West) which is a State Association of the United States Soccer Federation (hereinafter known as the USSF or Federation). MASA shall abide by the articles, bylaws, policies and requirements of PA. West and the USSF.
ARTICLE V GOVERNMENT
MASA shall be governed by its Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations, as established from time to time. MASA shall retain its own autonomy, but will adhere to the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of the PA West in all matters pertaining to intra-district, inter-district, inter-state, regional, national and international competition.
ARTICLE VI TERRITORY
The territory in which the operations of MASA will principally be conducted is Delmont, Export and Murrysville, Pennsylvania.
ARTICLE VII MEMBERSHIP
Membership in MASA shall be open to amateur soccer players resident within the territory of MASA as defined in Article VI of the Constitution and By-Laws. Any player applying for membership shall do so in accordance with the procedures defined herein. Each family having players who are accepted for membership and otherwise in good standing shall be entitled to voting rights at the annual or special meetings of the membership of MASA as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.
The acceptance of membership obligates the member to comply with the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-laws, and Rules and Regulations of MASA. Penalties for violation thereof shall be taken as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE VIII FEES
Members shall pay a registration fee and volunteer fee to MASA that shall be assessed on a seasonal basis and shall be defined as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE IX SEASONAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR
The Seasonal Year of MASA shall begin on August 1 and end on July 31 of the following calendar year. The Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations shall be in effect during the entire twelve (12) months of the Seasonal Year.
MASA shall distribute its income for each Fiscal Year, which shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of the same calendar year, at such time and in such manner so as not to become subject to the tax on undistributed income imposed by Section 4942 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 USX 4942) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal Tax Law.
The MASA shall not:
1. Engage in act of self-dealing as defined in Section 4941 (d), Internal Revenue Code of 1954;
2. Retain any excess business holdings as defined in Section 4943 (d), Internal Revenue Code of 1954; or
3. Make any investments in such a manner as to subject it to tax under Section 4944, Internal Revenue code 1954, or any corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal Tax Law.
ARTICLE X BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The government of MASA, with the authority set out in the Articles of Incorporation and in the Constitution and By-Laws, shall be vested in a governing body known hereafter as the Board of Directors or the Board.
The Board shall delegate certain affairs and responsibilities to committees as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.
The composition of the Board shall be as follows:
1. Eleven (11) officers elected (Elected Officers) at the Annual Meeting:
President
VP of Player & Coach Development
VP of Field Operations
VP of Communications
VP of In-House U6/U8 Boys
VP of In-House U6/U8 Girls
VP of In-House U10/U12
VP of Travel Boys
VP of Travel Girls
Treasurer
Secretary
2. The following Directors are appointed by the nine (11) Elected Officers. Such appointees must receive at least five (6) of the nine (11) Elected Officers votes.
Referee Assignor Director
Risk Management Director
3. Up to five (5) members at large may be appointed by a vote of the majority of elected officers.
4. The immediate past President of MASA, provided he/she is resident within the territory as defined in Article VI of the Constitution and By-Laws, shall become a Member-at Large.
5. Board members may fill multiple board seats if approved by the board.
All Elected Officers and Member(s)-At-Large have one (1) vote each.
The duties and responsibilities of the Board members both individually and collectively shall be as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws.
All decisions of the Board are final unless appealed to a special meeting of the membership of MASA and overruled or modified by the special meeting.
A simple majority of Elected Officers and occupied Member-At-Large positions attending regular Board meetings shall constitute a quorum for purposes of conducting official business of the Corporation. A simple majority of those Elected Officers and Member(s)-At-Large in attendance at such meetings is required to ratify any resolution properly proposed at such meetings.
Any vacancies occurring on the Board during the Seasonal Year shall be filled by appointment by a two-thirds majority of the Elected Officers and occupied Member-At-Large positions present and voting. Such new Board members arising from vacancies shall continue in office until the next Annual Meeting.
Any member of the Board may be removed from office and relieved of all duties by a majority vote of Elected Officers and occupied Member-At-Large positions (excluding the member subject to such removal procedures).
ARTICLE XI MEETINGS OF THE MEMBERSHIP
There shall be at least one general meetings of the membership during each Seasonal Year. This meeting shall be designated as the Annual Meeting.
The Annual Meeting shall be called by the President, with the concurrence of the Board, in January of each Seasonal Year, or at such other time as may be required by PA. West and/or the USSF.
With respect to any meeting of the MASA membership, public notification to all members in good standing shall be provided not less than fifteen (15) days in advance of the scheduled date. Such notification shall include an agenda and, if applicable, a recommended slate of candidates for elective offices.
The order of business at the Annual Meeting shall be as follows:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Statement of Voting Rights
4. Reading of the Minutes of the last Annual Meeting
5. Acceptance of those minutes
6. Policy changes since the last Annual Meeting
7. Reports, as applicable, of the Elected Officers and Directors
8. Unfinished Business
9. Proposals for Amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 10. Election of Officers
11. New Business
12. Adjournment
Officers elected at the Annual Meeting shall take office at the beginning of the following Seasonal Year, or earlier, as determined by the existing Board.
Special meetings of the membership may be called by the President, with the concurrence of the Board, or whenever the President is requested to do so, in writing, by at least 30 MASA members in good standing. When the President is so requested to call a special meeting, such meeting shall be held within forty-five (45) days of the request. For all such special meetings, the standards of notice and voting shall be as for the Annual Meeting.
ARTICLE XII COLORS, UNIFORMS, AND EQUIPMENT
The representative colors for this Corporation are navy and white, and navy and gold. All MASA teams shall wear the uniform style and colors chosen and/or approved by the Board of Directors. The Board must approve any team garments worn by MASA teams.
All members are expected to have their own soccer ball for practices. MASA reserves the right, but owes no duty, to supply first time players with a ball.
All players are required to have their own shin guards and shall wear them for all games and practices. In addition, no jewelry of any kind is allowed to be worn during games and practices. These two measures are intended for the safety of the players and will be enforced by the coaches.
Any player may purchase a MASA T-shirt from MASA at a price designated and approved by the MASA Board or from any agent from the MASA Board. Players on Travel teams will be required to pay for their uniform, consisting of shirts (home and away), shorts and socks.
ARTICLE XIII MEMBERSHIP
Any individual interested in the purposes of the Corporation is eligible for individual membership. The member players must be amateurs and at least four (4) years of age and not older than 19 years of age. Appropriate age group designation will be determined by the U.S. Soccer and/or PA West guidelines.
All applicants shall submit the following information to the online registration system: The name, address, telephone number and birth date of the individual desiring membership, as well as the name, address, telephone number, and email address (if available) of a legal parent or guardian. MASA will also require agreement with the limits of liability stated on the registration system, verified via checkmark of a legal parent or guardian. MASA will not provide this personal information to any organization without the permission of the player’s parent or guardian, except as required by those affiliated organizations for registration or for purposes of communication with the Franklin Regional Soccer Boosters.
All MASA applications and fees must be received by the Corporation during the specified registration periods. The registration periods will be scheduled for the fall and spring seasons at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The minutes of the applicable meeting(s) of the Board shall reflect the registration periods so that no ambiguity exists.
Any individual desiring membership who moved into the MASA territory after the start of either season may apply for membership provided room exists on the applicable age group team and he/she meets the age eligibility requirement and submits proof of birth.
ARTICLE XIV MEMBERSHIP VOTING RIGHTS
Each family having MASA members in good standing during the current Seasonal Year has voting rights at the Annual Meeting. The number of votes applicable to each family is equal to the number of registered MASA members in the family. A parent or legal guardian from the family must be present at the Annual Meeting in order to cast the appropriate number of votes for any matters requiring such action. In addition, each Board member and official head coach has one vote.
ARTICLE XV FEES
The MASA will collect a registration fee from each individual member and a volunteer fee from each family. The fees are due and payable upon member registration. The amount of the registration fee and volunteer fee will be designated and approved by the Board prior to the registration period. The volunteer fee will be credited back to the members account or refunded upon request if the volunteer requirements established by MASA are met during the season for which the member is registered.
The MASA may assess a registration fee on those players being registered for PA. West sponsored competitions (and requiring full formal registration).
ARTICLE XVI AUDIT
An audit or review of the MASA accounting books shall be conducted no later than six (6) months following the end of the fiscal year. The Board shall appoint a designated qualified 3rd party to conduct the audit or review and to present a report in writing to the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE XVII THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AUTHORITY, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Directors shall be responsible for, and have the final authority except as otherwise provided, for:
1. Enforcing and interpreting the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of this Corporation.
2. Defining and establishing all Rules and Regulations for this Corporation. 3. The creation of standing committees such as the Budget Committee and the Membership Committee (as defined below).
4. Approval of all competitions.
5. Establishing an approved budget for the succeeding Fiscal Year, and stipulating all fees levied on the membership for the succeeding Seasonal Year.
6. Review and approval of all actions of the standing committees.
7. Recommending of potential officers for the Annual Meeting.
8. Establishing temporary Rules and Regulations for specific cases not provided for elsewhere, but which are deemed necessary by the Board to carry out the objectives of this Corporation.
9. Review of the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of this Corporation to ensure consistency with the provisions of affiliate organizations, to remedy inequities or inconsistencies, and to recommend to any special or Annual Meeting of the membership desirable changes to the Articles of Incorporation and the Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE XVIII TERMS OF OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
The Elected Officers will be the officers of the Corporation. Each Elected Officer, Director, and Member(s)-At-Large shall serve a two (2) year term.
All Elected Officers shall serve until their successors are elected,and may succeed himself/herself for additional terms.
ARTICLE XIX ELECTED OFFICER, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
President
The President shall be the chief executive officer. He or she shall preside at all meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors. He or she shall appoint all committee chairmen and committee members whose appointments are not otherwise provided for in the Articles of Incorporation or the Constitution and By-Laws. He or she shall be responsible for the overall operation of the Corporation and the delegation of responsibilities to the members of the Board and through them to get others involved in the operation for the Corporation. The President may act on behalf of the Board when he or she deems it necessary, subject to later ratification by the Board as appropriate. The President shall jointly approve with the Treasurer all expenditures of the corporation that are greater than $300.00 in value. The President, or his appointed designee, shall represent MASA to PA West, attending all required PA West meetings, and actively participating in PA West operations. The President shall also chair the Board’s Risk Management Committee, as defined below.
In the event of the President’s inability to exercise all of the powers of the President due to his or her absence, resignation, incapacity or death, the Vice President – Soccer Operations and Program Development will serve as President on an interim basis until the next Annual Meeting or a general meeting is called to elect a successor.
Vice President – Player and Coach Development
The Vice President – Soccer Operations and Program Development shall have a suitable background and experience level for the position as determined by the Elected Board and be responsible for overall operation and development of the MASA soccer program, including:
1. Implementation of Training Programs, Curriculums, and licensing for Coaches. 2. Arrangement and/or approval of clinics for Coaches and Players
3. Communication of rules and policies of MASA to all coaches (Travel and In House)
4. Recommendation of policies and procedures with respect to soccer operations
5. With the assistance of the Travel and In House Directors, conducting a process to collect player and coach evaluations at the end of each Season
Vice President – Travel Program
The Vice President – Travel Program shall be responsible for the overall operation of the Travel Program, including:
1. Arrangement and implementation of player evaluations by tryouts or other methods approved by the Vice President – Soccer Operations.
2. Arranging for, and approval of coaches, assistant coaches, and team managers for each travel team.
3. With the assistance of the Vice President – Soccer Operations, communicating and implementing MASA Rules and Regulations
4. Providing oversight to the Travel Registrar
5. Resolution of all issues with respect to MASA Travel teams.
6. Reporting of injuries to the Vice President – Soccer Operations
Vice President – In House Program
The Vice President – In House Program shall be responsible for the overall operation of the In House Program, including:
1. Recruiting age group coordinators to administer the In House age groups in advance of the Season
2. Assessing, and arranging as appropriate, participation of in-house play with other neighboring communities’ teams (aka “Eagles Program”)
3. Assisting the age group coordinators in the identification of and approval of in house coaches and assistant coaches
4. With the assistance of the Vice President – Soccer Operations, communicating and implementing MASA Rules and Regulations
5. Providing oversight to the In House Registrar
6. Resolution of all issues with respect to MASA In House Teams
Secretary
The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping an accurate record of all meetings of the Board, special meeting of the membership, the Annual Meeting, and for distribution of all minutes to members of the Board and membership as shall be required. The Secretary shall handle all correspondence, all insurance claims, give notice of all meetings, publish all advertisements, distribute MASA materials to appropriate schools and maintain the files of this Corporation.
The Secretary shall maintain the records of Board Meetings and other Corporation business documents for a period of at least 5 Years
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep detailed, accurate, and legible accounts of all financial transactions of the Corporation and such accounts shall be produced by the Treasurer on demand by the Board and during the annual Audit or review. The Treasurer shall collect all debts and fees owed to the
MASA, shall give a receipt for all such collections, and shall deposit all such collections in a recognized bank account in the name of the Murrysville Area Soccer Association. The Treasurer shall pay by check all bills or other obligations of the MASA. All expenditures in excess of $300.00 must be jointly approved by the President. The Treasurer shall report on the financial status of the MASA at all meetings of the Board and shall report in writing at all Board meetings and the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall also chair the Budget Committee, as defined below. In addition, the Treasurer shall ensure the appropriate tax filings are completed annually and filed on time.
He/she shall assist in the development of annual budgets for the Corporation. Members-at-Large
The Members-at-Large shall assume the duties and responsibilities of any vacancy in the group of appointed Board members if such a vacancy occurs during the Seasonal Year.
ARTICLE XX APPOINTED DIRECTORS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Referee Assignor
The Referee Assignor shall be responsible for ensuring that all MASA referees enforce the rules of soccer and conduct themselves within the guidelines, rules, and regulations established by MASA and the PA West. He/she is responsible for establishing the schedule of referees for all league play requiring MASA referees. He/she will also be responsible for promoting the position of referee and developing expertise in the referees at an appropriate pace.
The Referee Assignor Director shall:
1. Maintain accurate record of referee assignments to ensure proper fee disbursement. 2. Coordinate with the Treasurer to ensure prompt distribution of owed referee fees after each play session.
3. Evaluate the referee pay schedule periodically against those of neighboring communities and recommend appropriate fee changes to the Board for approval.
4. Notify Referees of upcoming opportunities for recertification.
5. Ensure (and assist as necessary) Referees comply with PA West reporting requirements for player injuries and misconduct.
6. Evaluate and respond to referee complaints by coaches and clubs.
7. Maintain PA West Referee Assignor qualification.
VP of Communications
The VP of Communications shall be responsible for advertising, promotions, and general communications with the MASA and Murrysville communities.
Risk Management Director
The President of MASA, or an Elected Officer or Director appointed by the President, shall serve as Risk Management Director. The Risk Management Director shall administer MASA’s risk management program, as defined below.
Player and Coach Development Assistant Director
The Player and Coach Development Assistant Director will work with the Director of Coach and Player Development to identify and implement specific actions to support coach and player development within the U6 and U8 age groups.
ARTICLE XXI STANDING COMMITTEES
The Budget Committee shall be designated as a Standing Committee for the duration of the Fiscal Year. Its function shall be advisory to the Board of Directors.
The Budget Committee shall consistent of the Treasurer, as Chairperson, as well as the President and any other Elected Officer as determined by the President. The function of the Budget Committee will be:
1. To review income and expenditure patterns for the current Fiscal Year 2. To develop recommendations for a long-term financial plan and a proposed budget for the succeeding Fiscal Year
3. To develop recommendations for fee structures on members which will meet the financial requirements of MASA for the succeeding Seasonal Year.
ARTICLE XXII DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Section 22.01 - The Board shall have the right and authority to suspend, expel, or otherwise discipline any individuals (player, coach, manager, assistant, and referee). The Board also has the right and authority to refuse an application for membership in MASA.
The right and authority of the Board to take such actions shall apply where any individual of MASA has violated the Articles of Incorporation, Constitution and By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of MASA. Such action may be based either upon an original complaint or upon the Board's own action.
Section 22.02 - Hearing and Appeals
MASA recognizes the rights of its members to have a fair hearing regarding any matter of MASA discipline; the club also recognizes the right of its members to make a request to appeal any decision made by MASA pertaining to them directly.
Section 22.03 - Disciplinary Matters
All disciplinary hearings shall be held using the following procedures: All hearings shall be heard by the Executive Committee with the approval of the Board. The accused shall be notified in
writing as to the date, time, location and reason for the hearing. The notice shall also include any witnesses who shall testify against the accused. The notice shall be sent by certified mail and postmarked no less than 14 days prior to the scheduled date. The accused shall have the right to present evidence in defense, use the help of counsel, and confront their accuser(s). The decision of the Executive Committee shall be mailed by certified mail within 10 days of the hearing date. The decision should include all evidence considered and the reasoning for the decision.
Appeal of disciplinary hearings shall be held using the following procedures: Appeals of disciplinary matters shall be made in writing by certified mail to the Board within ten (10) days upon receipt of the findings of the Executive Committee. The entire Board shall make a determination as to whether to grant the requested appeal. If the request for the appeal is granted the entire Board shall hear such appeals of disciplinary hearing decisions. The Board must schedule the appeal hearing within 30 days of receipt of the appeal. The appeal hearing must afford all parties involved the same privileges as outlined in the disciplinary hearings section of this item. The appeal hearing will not be held to reexamine the evidence, but to insure that the hearing examined all evidence presented and was conducted according to procedure as set forth in the above paragraph. The findings of the appeal hearing shall be mailed by certified mail within 10 days of the hearing date. The decision should include all evidence considered and the reasoning for the decision. All decisions of the Board will be final.
Section 22.04 – Non-disciplinary Matters
Appeals of non-disciplinary decisions will be heard using the following procedures: A hearing shall be heard by the Executive Committee, acting with the authority of the Board. The appeal must be made in writing by certified mail to the Board. The letter should include the reason for the appeal and any evidence believed to be relevant to issue at hand. A hearing shall be scheduled within 30 days of receipt of the appeal; issues that are subject to a deadline must be dealt with prior to the deadline. The appeal hearing must allow all parties to present evidence on their behalf and requires that both parties provide the other with a list of witnesses and evidence to be presented against them. The finding of the appeal hearing shall be mailed by certified mail within ten (10) days of the hearing date. The decision should include all evidence considered and the reasoning for the decision. All decisions of the Executive Committee, acting with the authority of the Board, will be final.
ARTICLE XXIII
Risk Management
MASA recognizes the need for a comprehensive risk management program to protect the club and its members. The Risk Management Committee oversees the organizations risk management policies, as well as continues the development and improvement of the club’s risk management program.
a) All coaches, Board members, and any other volunteer working with children must comply with the risk management guidelines as mandated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and/or PA West. Complying with the risk management guidelines can include, but is not limited to, completing and providing satisfactory documentation of (1) State Police Criminal Record Check, (2) PA Child Abuse History Clearance, (3) FBI Criminal Background Check, and/or (4) Act 153 Volunteer Affidavit. Failure to supply these documents shall disqualify the coach,Board member, or volunteer. These documents will be submitted to PA West or any other governing body that requires the appropriate documentation.
1. Individuals who possess all required clearances shall be cleared to work by the club, subject to the provisions of XXIII a)2 below. Individuals who do not possess all required clearances are not permitted to serve as coaches, board members or volunteers working with children.
2. If credible information is brought before the Board indicating that an individual who possesses all required clearances may be unsuitable to coach, volunteer or serve as a Board member the individual shall be subject to review by the Risk Management Committee. The Risk Management Committee in consultation with PA West will determine status. All decisions of the Risk Management Committee made in consultation with PA West will be final unless the Board agrees to a request for an appeal utilizing the appeals process outlined above.
b) All coaches, volunteers and employees must have at least one adult with them at all times when working with children.
c) MASA will use the following safety standards for all games and practices: 1. All goals shall be anchored at all times when in use. Goals shall be properly stored and secured when not in use. Coaches caught in violation of this process shall be subject to disciplinary action.
2. The field shall be checked for debris and uneven playing surface. Debris shall be cleared before use. Playing surface issues shall be reported to the Field Director and activity moved away from the dangerous area.
3. The area surrounding the field shall also be checked for potential hazards. 4. Coaches shall monitor the weather. At the first sighting of lightning or rumble of thunder, all children should be moved to a safe place indoors or to vehicles. Resumption of activities may occur 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or sound of thunder.
5. Players will be required to wear shin guards for all games and practices and will be prohibited from wearing any jewelry or metal cleats.
6. Coaches will support PA West guidelines (and referee enforcement of these) for game delays in the event of thunder and/or lightning.
d) See Article XVI
ARTICLE XXIV LIMITATION OF PERSONAL LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS; INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OTHER AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES
Section 24.01 - Limitation of Personal Liability of Directors
A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable for monetary damages as such for any action taken, or any failure to take any action, unless:
(a) The director has breached or failed to perform the duties of his or her office as defined in Section 23.02 below; and
(b) The breach or failure to perform constitutes self dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to (a) the responsibility of liability of a director pursuant to any criminal statute; or (b) the liability of a director for the payment of taxes pursuant to local, state or federal law.
Section 24.02 - Standard of Care and Justifiable Reliance
(a) A director of the corporation shall stand in a fiduciary relationship to the Corporation and shall perform his or her duties as a director, including his or her duties as a member of any committee of the Board upon which he or she may serve, in good faith, in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation, and with such care, including reasonable,inquiry, skill and diligence, as a person of ordinary prudence would use under similar circumstances. In performing his or her duties, a director shall be entitled to rely in good faith on information, opinion, reports or statements, including financial statements and other financial data, in each case prepared or presented by any of the following:
(i) One or more officers or employees of the corporation whom the director reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in the matters presented;
(ii) Counsel, public accountants or other persons as to matters that the director reasonably believes to be within the professional or expert competence of such person; (iii) A committee of the Board upon which he or she does not serve, duly designated in accordance with law, as to matters within its designated authority, which committee the director reasonably believes to merit confidence.
(b) In discharging the duties of their respective positions, the Board, committees of the Board, and individual director may, in considering the best interests of the corporation, consider the effects of any action upon employees, upon persons with whom the corporation has business and other relations and upon communities which the offices or other establishments of or related to the Corporation are located, and all other pertinent factors. The consideration of those factors shall not constitute a violation of subsection (a) of this Section.
(c) Absent breach of fiduciary duty, lack of good faith or self-dealing, actions taken as director or any failure to take any action shall be presumed to be in the best interests of the Corporation.
Section 24.03 - Indemnification in Third Party Proceedings
The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a representative of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a representative of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonable incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in an manner reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not of itself create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful.
Section 24.04 - Indemnification in Derivative Action
The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a representative of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a representative of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonable incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonable believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his or her duty to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and
reasonable entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Common Pleas or such other court shall deem proper.
Section 24.05 - Mandatory Indemnification
Notwithstanding any contrary provision of the Articles of these By-Laws, to the extent that a representative of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in either Section 23.03 or Section 23.04 above, he or she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonable incurred by him or her in connection therewith.
Section 24.06 - Determination of Entitlement to Indemnification
Unless ordered by a court, any indemnification under Section 23.03 or 23.04 above shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon determination that indemnification of the representative is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in such paragraph. Such determination shall be made:
(a) by the Board by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding; or
(b) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable, a majority vote of a quorum of disinterested directors so directs by independent legal counsel in a written opinion.
Section 24.07 - Advancing Expenses
Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the Board in a specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the representative to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately by determined that he is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in Sections 23.01 through 23.03 above.
Section 24.08 - Indemnification of Former Representatives
Each such indemnity may continue as to a person who has ceased to be a representative the Corporation and may inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such person.
Section 24.09 - Insurance
The Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any capacity or arising out of such person's status as such, whether or not the Corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify such person against such liability.
Section 24.10 - Reliance of Provisions
Each person who shall act as an authorized representative of the Corporation shall be deemed to be doing so in reliance upon the rights and indemnification provided by this Article.
ARTICLE XXV DISSOLUTION OF THE CORPORATION
Upon the dissolution of the MASA, the Board shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all of the liabilities, dispose of all assets of the MASA exclusively for the purposes stated in Article III of the Constitution and By-Laws in such manner, or to such organization, or organizations, constituted and conducted exclusively for like purposes as shall at that time qualify as exempt under Section 501 (c) and/or Section 501 (c) (3), Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or any corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal Tax Law, as the Board of Directors may determine.
ARTICLE XXVI AMENDMENT, REPEAL OR SUSPENSION OF THE BY-LAWS
The Constitution and By-Laws may be amended, repealed, or suspended, in whole or in part, by a two-thirds vote of the membership in good standing at the Annual Meeting. Proposals for amendment or repeal of the Constitution and By-Laws must be made in writing and be submitted to the Secretary so as to allow thirty days notice to all members prior to consideration of such proposals at the Annual Meeting or special meeting.