RHODE ISLAND FOOTBALL OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I · NAME
SECTION I
This organization shall be known as the Rhode Island
Football Officials Association.
ARTICLE II · OBJECT
SECTION I
The object of this organization shall be:
A. To unite in the
membership of this organization all fully qualified football officials.
B. To help develop among
all football officials a thorough understanding of the rules of the game as
officially approved.
C. To surround the game of
football with proper safeguards to aid and assist the spirit of sportsmanship,
honesty and fair play; and to foster for friendly discussion of football as it
relates between official, principal, athletic director, coach and player.
D. To cooperate with
Football Commissioners at all levels of football involvement.
ARTICLE
III · MEMBERS
SECTION I.
Membership shall be of four kinds: Active, Inactive, Associate and Honorary/ Retired.
A. Active members shall be those who have complied with the rules set down by this Board.
B. Inactive members shall be those /as defined in Section II B.
C. Retired/Associate members shall be those as defined in Section II D. Honorary shall be elected by 2/3 vote of the membership voting. They shall not vote or hold office, but shall have all other privileges of the Board.
SECTION II.
A. Active working members shall be those who:
1. Has successfully passed the probationary period.
2. Transferred from another board while in good standing with that board.
3. Has attended the required number of meetings.
4. Pays annual dues as stipulated in By-laws Article II, Section 1.
5. Accepts on field game assignments.
6. Member has full voting privileges.
B. Active non-working members shall be those who:
1. Has successfully passed the probationary period.
2. Transferred from another board while in good standing with that board.
3. Has attended the required number of meetings.
4.
Pays annual dues as stipulated in By-laws Article II,
Section 1.
5. Member has full voting privileges.
C. Inactive members shall be those who have complied with all rules laid down by this Board and
1. Has successfully passed the probationary period.
2. Was an Active member the year preceding their request for inactive status.
3. Has requested inactive status in writing to the Secretary.
4. Pays annual membership dues as stipulated in bylaws Article II, Section V.
5. Are not required to attend meetings or take annual written exam.
6. Are not eligible for on field assignments.
7. Has a voice at meetings but no vote.
8. Carried on membership roster as inactive.
9. May request reinstatement to active status by requesting same in writing to the Secretary.
10. Seniority stops at date of inactive status and will resume with reinstatement.
D. Associate members shall be those who:
1. Are not included in either Active or Inactive membership. (Do
not desire to be an active official but desire to be an active member.
2. Are required to comply with all provisions of the constitution including paying the required dues for associate member status and attendance requirements.
3. Have a voice all meetings but no vote.
4. Not required to take annual written examination.
E. Honorary members shall be those who:
1. The Board deems to be worthy of membership because of meritorious contribution to the R.I. Football Officials Association.
2. Have their name presented to the Board by an active member at a meeting preceding the meeting their candidacy is voted upon.
3. Receive 2/3 vote of the membership present and voting for acceptance.
4. Are not required to pay membership dues.
SECTION III
Candidates seeking membership shall:
A. APPLICANT
1. Be
eighteen of age by September 10th of the year of application.
2. Be
physically fit as indicated by a doctor's certificate for an examination given
during the application year. This certificate indicating good health must be
presented by September 10th of the application year.
3.
Apply for membership by September 10th on the approved application form, which
must be accompanied by a copy of candidate's birth certificate.
4.
Pay the required registration fee by September 10th.
5. Have
application approved by the membership (majority vote) at the meeting following
September 10th.
6.Take
the required applicant's examination(s). TO BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE REQUIRED
APPLICANT'S EXAMINATION (S) THE APPLICANT MUST:
a.
Comply with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 above.
b.
Pay the required examination fee.
c.
Attend at least FIVE (5) of the scheduled meetings during the year.
d.
Work at least FIFTEEN (15) contests as an active working or as a member of a
chain crew for a varsity contest. (No more than FIVE (5) or less than THREE (3)
may be chain crew assignments).
e. Submit game reports for field work credit signed by a full board (active or associate) member.
f.
Submit only forms provided by the Board.
h.
Average at least EIGHTY (80) on the game reports to be eligible for the
applicants' exam.
7. Obtain at least a minimum of EIGHTY (80)
on the written examination to be eligible for consideration for probationary
status.
8. Be voted on for probationary status by
the body prior to the banquet meeting.
9. Repeat all the above steps in the event
of failure to be elevated to probationary status. (May request waiver of the
physician's certificate by writing to the Board of Directors prior to the first
meeting.)
10. Shall not be permitted to maintain
applicant status for more that THREE (3) years.
B. PROBATIONER
1.
Successfully pass the applicant's requirements.
2. Be absent from no more than TWO (2) of the
regular meetings during the year.
3. Pay the required
probationer fee by September 10th.
4.
Take the required probationer's examination(s). TO BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE
PROBATIONER'S EXAMINATION (S) THE
PROBATIONER MUST:
a. Comply with 1, 2, 3 above
b. Work at least TEN (10) football games
contests as an active working AND at least THREE (3) contests as a chain crew
official in a varsity contest or Clock Operator.
c. Submit a minimum of THIRTEEN (13) game reports for fieldwork credit on forms provided by the Board.
d.
Submit game reports for field work credit signed by
ACTIVE WORKING members NOT submit game reports for fieldwork credit signed by
the same official more than TWO (2) contests, unless approved by the Board of
Directors.
f. Average a minimum of EIGHTY-FIVE (85) on
the game reports to be eligible for the probationer exam.
g. Pay the required examination fee, if
required.
5. Obtain a minimum mark of NINETY (90)
on the written examination to be eligible for the FIELD REVIEW EFFICIENCY
EXAMINATION.
6. Obtain a minimum grade of
EIGHTY-FIVE (85) on the FIELD REVIEW EFFICIENCY EXAMINATION to be eligible for
consideration for full Board membership.
7. Be voted on for membership by the
body prior to the banquet meeting.
8. Repeat al the above probationary
steps in the event of failure to attain full membership.
C. TRANSFERS
1.
Submit to the Secretary a letter requesting transfer from a recognized board.
2. Be
in good standing with the board he is transferring from at least TWO (2) years.
3.
Have the secretary of his present board send a letter to the secretary of R.I.
Board stating the status of the candidate. The letter to indicate the length of
time on full board status, the position officiated, the date of field review
exam and the rules used by his present organization.
4. Pay a registration fee.
5. Upon acceptance to the R.I. Board, the candidate will pay the full membership dues.
6 .No
transfer may be accepted contrary to rules of membership of this board.
7.
Transfer candidate shall be required to present a doctor's certificate
indicating good health.
8. Transfer candidate must have been field tested by the candidate's previous board. If the candidate was not field tested, the R.I. Board will conduct a field test before acceptance.
SECTION IV
A majority vote of the membership present and voting shall be required to elect all candidates to full membership.
Seniority shall be determined by the cumulative number
of years as an Active member of RIFOA.
ARTICLE IV · OFFICERS
SECTION I
Officers of this Association shall be: President, Vice
President, Secretary and Treasurer.
A. Their duties shall be
those usually pertaining to these offices.
B.
The Secretary shall receive an honorarium of TWO
HUNDRED FIFTY (250) dollars.
C.
The Treasurer shall receive an honorarium of
SEVENTY-FIVE (75) dollars.
D.
The Secretary’s
name shall be added to the bank signature card along with the Treasurer’s name.
SECTION II
A. The officers and any
vacancies in the Board of Directors shall be elected at the annual election
meeting.
B. Any vacancies of elected
officers and Board of Directors occurring after the annual election meeting
will be filled by appointment of the Board of Directors at their next regular
or special meeting called by the President, providing that all members of the
Board of Directors have been notified of the existing vacancy with intention to
fill said vacancy or vacancies.
SECTION III
Board of Directors shall:
A. Be compromised of the
FOUR (4) elected officers; namely, the President, Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer. The Historian (appointed by the President) with non-voting powers.
The immediate Past-President. SIX (6) members voted for alternate TWO (2) year
terms.
B. Arrange for the program
of meetings for the year.
C. Review all the records
of the applicants and probationers.
D. Recommend suspension of
members who fail to comply with the requirements of the organization.
E.
Recommended to the body the reinstatement of members
who have fulfilled the requirements of the constitution.
F.
Meet at least once in January, March, and then May at a
time and place designated by the President, and at any other time on the call
of the President.
G. Appoint members to fill
vacancies in the Board of Directors that occur after the annual election
meeting.
H. Have at least SEVEN (7)
members present to constitute a quorum for the conducting of official business.
I. Have the authority to
assign new (first, second, third year) officials to needed positions for
assignments.
J. Approve expense account
for the President to cover costs incurred in this position.
K. Recommend the
retirement of those officials who continually indicate their inability to carry
out the necessary functions as an active working member.
L. Recommend to the body
the setting of the required and necessary fees.
M. Appoint a
parliamentarian annually.
N.
Certify that a member has been an active working member
for at least the most recent FIVE (5) years before being eligible to be
transferred to the position of Referee.
A first year transferee will not
be eligible to work the position of
Referee. During the second year, the transferee is eligible to be a
Referee if he has had FIVE (5)
years (most recent) experience doing
varsity high school games. The board will waive this requirement in the event
of a
shortage of Referees.
O. Authorize a Board of Directors conference call via telephone where all members participating must hear each other at the same time in order to allow for proper debate. The Majority must approve any proposed action. This call must be documented in minutes, to include when, and who was involved in the conversation.
SECTION IV
Standing Committees
On or before the first
regular meeting the President shall annually appoint the standing committees
and they shall consist of:
A. Rules committees (rule interpreter, written
examinations, field review efficiency examination).
1. Shall consist of the rules
interpretation, and assistants whose duties shall be to review rules changes
and to present same to the body each year.
a. The president shall designate
members to prepare and present meeting review examinations. The interpreter
shall act on all rules questions coming before the body and shall give final
and definitive decisions on all such questions.
2. Written Examination Committee shall
consist of TWO (2) active working members to meet with the applicants and TWO
(2) active working members to meet
with the probationers. They shall review rules and mechanics at each meeting and
shall prepare and present TWO (2) separate examinations for applicants and
probationers. They shall prepare for the Board of Directors a list of
applicants and probationers eligible for the required examinations.
2. Field
Review Efficiency Evaluation Committee shall consist of retired officials when
available. They shall prepare for and select scrimmages and assign probationers
for evaluation. They shall rate probationers according to an established scale
and submit to Evaluation Committee a list of those passing the written
examination who are eligible for
the field review evaluation
B. Liaison Committee
1.
Shall consist of FOUR (4) active
working member s, one referee, one
line judge, one linesman and one umpire.
2 .Be
responsible for meeting with representatives of the Principal's Committee on
Athletics during the season to discuss and remedy any problem, which is
presented.
3. Be
empowered to meet with the Coaches' Association for similar purposes.
C. Awards Committee
1.
Shall consist of SEVEN (7) active working member s.
2.
Shall at the FIRST (1st) meeting in October provide members with the criteria
for the awards.
3.
Solicit nominations for awards to be submitted in writing to the Committee no
later than the FIRST (1st) meeting October.
4.
Shall conduct the election of award recipients at the November meeting.
5.
Shall see to the availability and proper inscription of awards for presentation
by the President or his delegate at the annual banquet.
6.
Shall see that Secretary is given names of recipients to officially notify in
writing indicating his or her selection.
D. Auditing Committee
1.
Shall be composed of THREE (3) members.
2.
Shall not serve on successive terms.
3.
Shall verify accuracy of Treasurer's accounts at least once per year.
4.
Shall complete report prior to January's Board of Director's meeting, for
written presentation to Board of Directors signed by all Auditing Committee
members (unavailability of auditing members signatures members signatures to be
explained in writing at the end of the report).
5. Shall prepare audit other than annual report
to the written request of the President or the Board of Directors, or written
request signed by at least TEN (10) active working member s.
E. Negotiating Committee
1.
Shall consist of FIVE (5) members, the President, Vice President, and THREE (3)
other active working member s.
2.
Shall establish meetings ONE (1) year prior to contract expiration.
3.
Shall attend meetings called by their chairmen.
4.
Shall evaluate contract grievances of previous years.
5.
Shall poll members on items for negotiations.
6.
Shall evaluate membership feedback and report findings to the body.
7.
Shall meet with the Principal's Committee on Athletics to negotiate contract.
8.
Shall report to the Board of Directors monthly on the status of negotiations.
9.
hall present alternatives with possible recommendations to the body for
acceptance or rejection.
F. Banquet Committee
1.
Shall be composed of at least FOUR (4) members.
2.
Shall select banquet site.
3.
Shall select dinner menu.
4.
Shall determine program for the evening.
5.
Shall select Master of Ceremonies.
6.
Shall collect banquet fees.
7.
Shall notify membership of banquet site, date, menu and cost.
8.
Shall submit written financial report of banquet receipts and expenses to the
Treasurer.
9.
Shall turn over all monies received to the Treasurer.
10.Shall
determine that the Treasurer has paid all expenses for evening.
11.
Shall be responsible for publicity prior to and following banquet.
G. Nominating Committee
1.
Shall consist of FIVE (5) members. No more that TWO (2) members shall be on the
Board of Directors.
2.
Shall present report in writing at first meeting in October, setting forth the
names of those recommended to the prescribed offices and the Board of Directors.
3.
Shall select their recommendations from active working member s of the Association.
H. Grievance Committee
1. Shall consist of THREE (3) members, one member must be selected from the Board of Directors and TWO (2) others from the general membership.
2.
Shall be responsible for acting on all written grievances from members, contractual or internal.
3.
Shall report in writing to the Board of Directors indicating grievances
received with recommendation for action or non-action.
4.
Shall, whenever feasible, seek a solution to grievances before submitting
report to Board of Directors.
5.
Shall report back to member submitting grievance and indicating their
recommendation to the Board of Directors.
I. Welfare Committee
1.
Shall consist of FIVE (5) members, representing: Northern R.I., Pawtucket,
Providence, Aquidneck Island, Warwick - Southern R.I.
2.
Shall inform members in their areas and fellow committee members in the event
of illness/death of a Board member or his immediate family.
3.
Shall see that Treasurer is informed so that appropriate steps can be taken.
4.
Shall also be responsible for notification of members in the event of special
recognition or honors bestowed on an Association member.
J.
Assignment Committee.
1. Shall
consist of FIVE(5) active working members, the President, Vice President and
Secretary, and TWO (2) other active
members appointed by the President. One active member shall be appointed to a
THREE (3) year term and the other active member appointed to a TWO (2) year
term.
2.
The Secretary shall forward to the Assignor copies of each member's
availability list from which the Assignor will post all block-outs and prepare
the list of original assignments. A copy of the total games assigned to each
individual member shall be forwarded to the Assignment Committee for their
review and approval.
3.
The
Assignor shall, with the approval of the Board of Directors, take the following
action. Withhold ONE (1) assignment
from any official whose availability is received after June 15th, TWO (2)
assignments from any official whose availability is received after July 15th.
4.
In
the event it becomes necessary for the Assignor to assign an individual whose
availability was not submitted until after August 1st, that official shall be
given a MAXIMUM OF FIVE (5) and will NOT receive consideration for Thanksgiving
Day, Play-off or Super Bowl Assignments.
5.
The
Assignor will count the number of potential assignment slots on the master RIIL
Schedule for the year, exclusive of Thanksgiving. Members who submit availability with less than 2/3 (.667) total
availability shall not be eligible for Thanksgiving, Play-off or Super Bowl
assignments.
6.
The
Assignor shall receive an honorarium of $250 and be reimbursed for expenses
such as postage, telephone and miscellaneous stationary items.
ARTICLE V ·
MEETINGS
SECTION I
The Association shall hold
meetings on the second Thursday in August, the Wednesday just prior to The
Round Robin schedule of contests, and the second and third Thursday in
September, and the first Thursday in October and November.
SECTION II
Special meeting shall be
called by the President or upon written request of TEN (10) active member s. Notices of all special meetings
shall be in the hands of the members at least FIVE (5) days before the meeting.
SECTION III
All members shall be required
to attend at least four meetings: the first and second meetings in September
and the October and November meetings. Failure to comply with this section will
result in suspension for ONE (1) year from the date of suspension. Said
suspension to take effect immediately upon the action of the Board of
Directions at their next subsequent meeting. (Request for exemption to this
section must be made in writing to the Board of Directors for consideration at
their next meeting.)
SECTION IV
The annual rules changes
meeting shall be held at the first regular meeting in September.
SECTION V
Where possible, the annual
banquet shall be held during the first week in December.
SECTION VI
The election of Officers and
Directors shall be held at the regular November meeting.
ARTICLE VI ·
AMENDING CONSTITUTION
SECTION I
The constitution of this
organization may be amended by a TWO-THIRDS (2/3) vote of the membership voting
at any meeting providing a copy of the proposed amendment had been given at a
preceding meeting, or a copy of the proposed amendment placed at the disposal
of all members at least FIVE (5) days prior to the date of next regular meeting
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I ·
CONDUCT OF MEETING
SECTION I
Twenty-five (25) active members shall constitute a quorum for any duly called meeting.
SECTION II
A quorum must be present at
any meeting duly called at which business is to be transacted or a vote take
committing the Association to any proposal or action.
SECTION III
At any meeting for which a
quorum is not present, the program of the evening, at the discretion of the
presiding officer, may be conducted. Attendance will be taken and credit for
attendance at the meeting be given to those present.
ARTICLE II · DUES
SECTION I
The annual membership dues
shall be Fifty (50) dollars to be paid by the deadline for the return of the
availability form which shall be due not later than June 15.
SECTION II
Failure to pay the annual
membership dues on or before June 15 of each year shall result in automatic and
immediate suspension and membership card withheld upon such fact being reported
to the President and the Board of Directions.
A registration fee for
transfer members shall be Ten (10.00) dollars, payable upon application
for transfer. This fee is not refundable under any circumstances and shall be
in addition to the annual membership dues if the transferee is accepted to
membership.
The annual membership dues
for associate members shall be FIFTEEN (15) dollars.
SECTION V
The annual membership dues for inactive member s shall be FIVE (5) dollars, paid annually.
SECTION VI. Clock Operators will pay dues equal to one
half of the on field Board member fee, rounded up to the nearest dollar.
SECTION VII
The Board of Directors may
remove restrictions resulting from failure to pay any fees or dues upon its
recommendation to the membership and its acceptance by a vote of the majority
of the membership voting.
ARTICLE III ·
ELECTIONS
SECTION I
Nominating Committee shall:
A. Not
later that the first meeting in October in each year render its report in
writing setting forth the names of those members recommended to the prescribed
offices and the Board of Directors.
B. Make recommendations
from active working members of the Board
SECTION II
Counter-nominations must:
A. Be
presented to the Secretary, or in his absence, to his duly prescribed designee
not later than TEN (10) minutes after the meeting, during which the election is
to be held, is called to order by the President or other duly designated
presiding officer. Such officer shall determine the propriety of the time
period for this purpose.
B. Be in
writing.
C. Be
signed by at least FIVE (5) active or associate member of the Association.
D. Be
presented by an active or associate member.
E. Be of
active working members of the Association.
ARTICLE IV · PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
SECTION I
A. Robert's
Rule of Order shall be the final authority for the Association on the questions
or issues relating to procedure involving parliamentary law and which are not
covered by the Constitution and By-Laws of this Association.
B. Questions
involving parliamentary laws and procedure shall be answered by the
Parliamentarian.
ARTICLE V · AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS
SECTION I
The By-Laws may be amended by TWO-THIRDS (2/3) vote of
the membership voting at any meeting duly called if a quorum is present,
provided notice of the proposed amendment has been given at the preceding
meeting or a written copy of the proposed amendment has been placed at the
disposal of all members at least five days prior to date of the next meeting.
Leaving a written copy of the proposed amendment with the President shall
constitute "placing at the disposal of" for purpose of this section.
Constitution and by-laws changes are up to date as of
November 10th, 2005. Changes
were passed at a business meeting on November 10, 2005.
Chairman, Bob Benz
Joe Grimshaw
Bill Piva
Peter McGuinness
Jeff King
Charles Lehourities