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By-Laws

THE NEW YORK SOCCER REFEREE ASSOCIATION

Article I.NAME
Article II.OBJECTIVES
Article III.JURISDICTION
Article IV.SITE OF OPERATION
Article V.POWERS
Article VI.MEMBERSHIP
Article VII.OFFICERS
Article VIII.MEETINGS & QUORUM
Article IX.AMENDMENTS
Article X.DUES
Article I.OFFICERS
Article II.ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Article III.VOTING
Article IV.MEETINGS AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
Article V.COMMITTEES
Article VI.ASSIGNMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REFEREE
Article VII.PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
Article VIII.DUES

 
Article I.    NAME
The organization shall be known as The New York Soccer Referee Association, Inc., which was formerly known as The New York Referees Association.

Article II.    OBJECTIVES
The Association shall provide a structural organization for members and affiliated members within its area of jurisdiction.

Article III.    JURISDICTION
The Association's jurisdiction shall extend from Amsterdam, N.Y. and encompass all of southern New York State including New York City and Long Island.

Article IV.    SITE OF OPERATION
The principal site of operation and headquarters shall be located in New York City.
Article IV Amendment. The Principle Site of Operation and headquarters shall be in the New York City "Area." That way Nassau County, Suffolk County, Yonkers and Westchester is covered in case a meeting has to be moved. This also covers the fact our meetings are now in Nassau County.

Article V.    POWERS
The New York Soccer Referee Association shall be governed by the Eastern New York State Soccer Association within the guidelines set forth by the United States Soccer Federation. The New York Soccer Referee Association shall have the express power to:

  • Make and enforce rules and regulations.
  • Govern itself on a local basis.
  • Elect officers and meet on a regular basis.

Article VI.    MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to anyone wishing to become a referee regardless of sex color or creed.
Article VI Amendment - Member In Good Standing (6/15/01)

  1. Dues must be fully paid or if mailed, postmarked by, no later than December 31st of the membership year. This is not applicable to those members (life) whose dues have been waived.
  2. A member must attend a minimum of 50% of all meetings prior to any special event or election.
  3. The member must not have had his/her membership suspended for any reason within the membership year. This will not apply if a suspended member has a hearing and the suspension is revoked without prejudice.

Article VII.    OFFICERS
The following officers shall constitute the Executive Board, and shall be elected annually:

    President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Sergeant at Arms and (3) three Trustees. In addition, the President Emeritus shall also serve on the Executive Board; but is not elected.

Article VIII.    MEETINGS & QUORUM
A general meeting shall be held each month (except in July and August). Executive Board meetings shall be held at the discretion of the President. A quorum for a general meeting shall be 40% of the membership. A quorum for an Executive Board meeting shall be (5) five.

Article IX.    AMENDMENTS
All amendments shall be voted on during the annual meeting held in June.

Article X.    DUES
In order for a referee to become a member or maintain his membership in good standing he must pay the assigned dues to the Association within the season. Amounts to be collected for dues are to be suggested by the Executive Board and voted upon by the general body as prescribed by Article IX in the Constitution.

 
BY-LAWS

Article I.    OFFICERS
The Executive Board shall be constituted as follows:

    President
    1st Vice President
    2nd Vice President
    Secretary
    Recording Secretary
    Treasurer
    Sergeant at Arms
    (3) Three Trustees
    President Emeritus

The President shall be the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Executive Board. He shall preside at all meetings, supervise the activity of each Board Member, and be the chief representative of this Association in all meetings before the Eastern New York State Soccer Association. He shall advise the Executive Board of all matters pending, summon a special meeting when necessary, and take whatever steps he feels necessary to ensure the integrity of the Association or the welfare of its members. The President shall not serve on the Nominating Committee nor preside at the election of officers.

The 1st Vice President shall assist the President in all matters pertaining to the organization. He shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President. He shall chair the Arbitration Board and report all arbitration decisions during the general meeting. He shall nominate (2) members at large, and not from the Executive Board, to serve on the Arbitration Board. Such nominations will be submitted to the President for Executive Board approval.

The 2nd Vice President shall assist the President in all matters pertaining to the organization. He shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President and the 1st Vice President. He shall chair the Social Committee, reporting to the President and the general body the status of any or all planned activities. He shall, in conjunction with the Trustees, provide assistance to the State Referee Administrator and State Assessors in meeting with individual members to discuss their status and assessment results.

The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence and for all clerical duties of the office. He shall read all correspondence received at each regular meeting, prepare and mail all letters as instructed, and maintain copies of all such correspondence. He shall advise all members of the date and time for each meeting, maintain a roll-call at each meeting, and advise the Board of all members excused. He will provide a yearly updated roster of all active members including addresses and telephone numbers.

The Treasurer shall have the sole responsibility for all finances of the Association. He shall maintain a running record of all income and expenditures, and give a monthly oral report to the general body. All debts shall be paid prior to the annual meeting in June and the books inspected by at least (2) two Trustees. A complete written financial statement shall be presented for approval at the June meeting. Two separate accounts shall be maintained: (1) a checking account, (2) a passbook savings account. Checks drawn to meet general ongoing expenditures shall only require the additional signature of one designated Board member after receiving permission by the President through the Executive Board.

The Recording Secretary shall record the minutes of each meeting. He shall provide those minutes in writing for member perusal at the subsequent meeting. He shall add and/or correct any amendments approved and have the minutes initialed or signed by the presiding officer. A chronological record of all minutes shall be maintained on file. All amendments carried shall be recorded by year and numerical order. An index of all amendments and motions carried shall be maintained.

The Sergeant at Arms shall be responsible for the decorum of the meeting place. He shall ensure that all equipment and accessories are present, and that the seating arrangement is adequate. He shall escort any guest to the table and see that the guest is comfortable.
During any meeting the Sergeant at Arms will ensure that the general conduct within the meeting place is conducive for the progression of the meeting and that the agenda can be concluded in a timely fashion, without undue interruption. Any member whose conduct is disruptive will be asked to desist by the Sergeant at Arms and if said member refuses to comply, and there be no change in the member's conduct, the Sergeant at Arms will then take the appropriate steps to expedite the offender from the room.

The Trustees. There shall be (3) three Trustees. A Trustee shall concern himself with the general welfare of the Association and provide input at the Executive level. In conjunction with the 2nd Vice President each Trustee will provide assistance to the State Referee Administrator and State Assessors in meeting with individual members to discuss their status and assessment results.
The Trustees shall inspect all of the Treasurer's books and financial reports prior to the annual meeting. The Trustees shall also, when called upon by the President, attest to the accuracy of the Treasurer's report.

The President Emeritus also referred to as the Junior Past President, will also serve on the Executive Board. He is the only member automatically assigned to that Board as he does not require election. As the previous President, he will act as a consultant to the Board pertinent to Association matters. He will provide assistance to the President-elect with the information necessary to facilitate the transition into office.

Article II.    ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The election of officers shall take place during the June meeting. All elected officers shall serve a one-year term. At the April meeting, the President shall announce the names of at least (3) three members to serve on the Nominating Committee, one of whom the President shall designate as the Chairman. The Chairman of the Nominating Committee shall subsequently meet with his committee and prepare a slate of officers for election in June.
The names of each candidate slated will appear on the ballot sheet for election. On election night the President will yield the chair to a designated person who will preside over and supervise the election. The election chairman will bring the house in order and ask the Chairman of the Nominating Committee to present the slate of candidates to the floor. Having completed the presentation of the slate, the Election Chairman will open the meeting and ask if there are any nominations from the floor. This he will ask (3) three times. Any nomination from the floor duly seconded will now be added to the ballot sheet. No candidate from the floor may be nominated for more than one position on the ballot.
In order to be elected the candidate must be present or have notified the secretary in writing that he accepts the nomination and is willing to serve. After all nominations from the floor are heard and the ballot sheet reflects such nominations, the election will begin. The Election Chairman shall solicit the assistance of an appropriate number of members to assist in passing out the ballots, securing their return and counting the returns. The Election Chairman shall verify all totals and announce the result. In case of a tie, voting will continue by ballot until the result is conclusive. In the event of a tie, no additional nominations will be entertained.

Article III.    VOTING
In general and in executive meetings a simple majority of those present will carry. Votes will be counted by a show of hands. Votes for, votes against, and those abstaining will be recorded. In voting on any motion the President may cast the deciding vote when the vote is tied. No business may be undertaken in the absence of the necessary quorum, in which case a new meeting shall be called in (14) fourteen days.
Voting for amendments shall take place after the Executive Board has received in writing the request for a new amendment and/or change in the By-Laws, and having been signed by (5) members in good standing. The actual vote will take place at the June meeting. After discussion has been closed on the change, voting will begin. Again it will be by a show of hands and recorded accordingly. As dictated by Article IX of the Constitution, a majority of 75% of those voting will be required to carry each amendment and/or change in the By-Laws.
Voting for election of officers shall be by ballot. In order to vote a member must be held in good standing, that is, not under suspension or probation, and having satisfied all financial obligations to the Association.

Article IV.    MEETINGS AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
A general monthly meeting will be held except in January & February. Members are expected to attend all meetings. Any member who cannot attend a meeting must notify the Secretary in writing and state the reason for the absence. In an emergency, a call to any member of the Executive Board will be accepted. The President, at his discretion, may call for a special general meeting during an emergency. In such cases each member will be notified.
The order of business shall be as follows:

  • Roll Call
  • Minutes of Previous Meeting
  • Communications
  • Treasurers Report
  • Delegates Report
  • State Referee Administrator
  • Referee Assignment Chairman
  • Unfinished Business
  • New Business
  • Good and Welfare
  • Adjournment

Article V.    COMMITTEES
The President shall appoint all standing committees. He may not serve on the Nominating Committee, nor shall he serve as a member of the Arbitration Board. However, on all other committees he shall be considered as ex-offico member. A full status report from each committee chairman shall be given to the President upon request.
The Arbitration Board meets monthly and has jurisdiction in all matters referred. It is chaired by the 1st Vice President. Cases for arbitration may be referred by: the Executive Board, the Referee Administrator, the Referee Assignment Chairman, the Eastern New York State Soccer Association (Senior or Youth).
The Arbitration Board has a dual role, fact finding and judicial. It provides an opportunity for a fellow referee to explain satisfactorily to the Board the substance and relative merit of the complaint. The Board, after hearing the complaint and the evidence, must then reach a conclusion in the best interest of both parties. It may impose a fine, suspend for a specific period, recommend probation, reprimand or acquit. All arbitration decisions relating to the failure to carry out an assignment shall be reported to the State following resolution.
All decisions of the Arbitration Board will be given in writing to the individual. Any referee summoned for a hearing, who does not appear shall be fined $5.00. All fines levied must be paid within (10) ten days of mailing date.
All decisions of the Arbitration Board are final. All decisions however may be appealed in writing to the Executive Board no later than (10) ten days following the date of mailing decisions. Fines must be paid before the Executive Board hears the appeal. Should the Executive Board overturn the decision rendered by the Arbitration Board, and then the monies shall be returned.
The Nominating Committee will be appointed and meet as stated in Article II of the By-Laws of this Association.
The Social Committee shall be chaired by the 2nd Vice President as stated in Article I of the By-Laws of this Association. He shall report to the President and the general body the status of any or all planned activities.
The Negotiating Committee shall convene six months prior to the end of the term of the current contract. The President shall chair it. He will be assisted by members of his choosing and by as many as he requires. Under no circumstances will the President have less than one assistant.
The Negotiating Committee will report their findings to the Executive Board for their approval and in turn will submit in writing the new proposed contract for the general memberships' approval.

Article VI.    ASSIGNMENTS AND INSTRUCTIONS TO THE REFEREE
All members are to be considered available for a given weekend unless he informs the Assignment Chairman in writing of his unavailability for a given weekend at least two (2) weeks prior to the weekend he indicates his unavailability.
A member must accept the game as assigned. He may only refuse a specific game in accordance with the Rules codified in the USSF Laws of the Game. Should a member fail to receive an assignment by Thursday prior to the weekend he indicated his availability, he must contact the Assigning Chairman to ensure that no games go uncovered. Should a member fail to follow the aforementioned procedure, he is subject to a hearing in front of the Arbitration Board.
Instructions for the referee about a specific game assignment are to be followed as stated in his Game Assignment Sheet.
Referees are not to contact the Assignment Chairman concerning the kind of game he wishes to be given. His contact with the Assignment Chairman is to be limited to specific availability only. Any complaints of displeasure about his game assignments must be brought to the attention of the Executive Board in writing so that remedial attention, if required, will be taken.

Article VII.    PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY
The guidelines for conducting business during the general meetings are determined by Roberts' Rules of Order. All members should familiarize themselves with the parliamentary procedures as stated in those rules. It is absolutely essential that the President or the presiding officer be totally versed in this area.

Article VIII.    DUES
All members must pay their fair share of dues in order to become or maintain their respective status in good standing.
Dues will be suggested by the Executive board and voted upon by the membership in accordance with the rules set forth by the Constitution in Article IX.
There will be two levels for dues collection:

  1. A Full Member is a referee whose primary goal is to officiate Senior level games for the Eastern New York State Soccer Association under the auspices of the USSF; or, does not belong to another recognized USSF affiliated referee association even though his/her concern is to officiate Junior level games. His/Her Dues will be $30.00.
  2. An associate Member is a referee whose primary goal is to officiate other than Senior level games for the Eastern New York State Soccer Association. He/She is also a member of another recognized referee organization within the jurisdiction of the Eastern New York State Soccer Association, yet still wishes to be considered for Senior level assignments from time to time. His/Her dues will be $12.00. Under no circumstance may a referee from another organization join as an Associate Member if his/her association does not reciprocate the same courtesy to one of our members. He/She will then have to join as a Full Member.

A constant review of all Associate Members in terms of their respective game assignments will take place through the assistance of the office of the State Assigning Chairman. The goal is to ensure that a specific Associate Member is not taking advantage of his situation by receiving Senior games as his/her primary game assignments.
Dues are collected by no later than the general meeting in October. Any member failing to pay his/her dues by that date will be fined $5.00 for each month he/she does not pay. The Treasurer is instructed to advise the Executive Board of any member in arrears prior to the November meeting so that proper action may be taken against that member including possible suspension in coordination with the SRA and the Assigning Chairman.
Article VIII Amendment. The NYSRA fiscal year shall be from January 1st to December 31st of that calendar year.
Dues for the fiscal year must be collected from September 1St to December 31St prior to that year.
Article VIII Amendment - (6/15/01)

  1. A member of the previous year who wishes to renew his or her membership shall pay $50.00. this is due no later than December 31st of that membership year. A member who is listed as a life member shall have all rights and privileges of a fully paid member in good standing without paying any dues. A prospective individual who wishes to join and have voting privileges must also pay $50.00 by December 31st of that membership year. An individual who wishes to join the organization and is a member of another referee association shall pay $25.00 which is also due no later than December 31st of that year. This rate of dues is only applicable if his or her organization extends the same 50% dues reduction to our members. This member will also have all rights and privileges as any other member in good standing.
  2. A new individual who wishes to join the organization after December 31st may due so at a reduced rate but will not have voting privileges at the June election meeting. The reduction in dues rate will be as follows:

      Dues paid in January$45.00*
      Dues paid in February$40.00*
      Dues paid in March$35.00*
      Dues paid in April$30.00**
      Dues paid in May$25.00**

  3. Any individual who fails to fully pay their appropriate dues by December 31st shall not be penalized with any late fees, however; they may not participate in the general election held in June.

* Member will have voting privileges.
** Member will not have voting privileges.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR REFEREES

  1. That I shall always maintain the utmost respect for the game of soccer.
  2. That I will conduct myself honorably at all times and maintain the dignity of my position.
  3. That I shall always honor a contractual obligation.
  4. That I will endeavor to attend local meetings and clinics so as best to know the LAWS OF THE GAME and their proper interpretation.
  5. That I will always strive to achieve maximum teamwork with my fellow referees and assistant referees.
  6. That I shall be loyal to my fellow referees and assistant referees, and never knowingly promote criticism of them.
  7. That I shall be in good physical condition so as to be in the right place at the right time.
  8. That I will control the players effectively by being courteous and considerate with sacrificing firmness.
  9. That I shall do my utmost to assist my fellow officials to better themselves and their work.
  10. That I shall not make statements about any game except to clarify an interpretation of the LAWS OF THE GAME.
  11. That I consider it a privilege to be a part of the United States Soccer Federation and I will strive to make my actions reflect credit upon that organization and its affiliates.

THE REFEREE COMMITMENT
The U.S. Soccer Federation National Referee Program, through the involvement of each referee, is recognized by players, coaches and administrators as a program which consistently provides the highest quality officiating and displays the highest level of professionalism.
To accomplish this, I, as an U.S. Soccer Federation referee, am COMMITTED to:

  1. Officiate matches in a manner that ensures players' safety and spectator enjoyment.
  2. Maintain my physical fitness requirements and a high performance standard.
  3. Accept and keep all appointments assigned to me
  4. Support my fellow officials with pride and dignity.
  5. Conduct myself in a way that is ethically and morally beyond reproach.
  6. Grant coaches and players dignity and self respect in my interactions with them.
  7. Contribute to the overall development of the National referee program.
  8. Remain committed to a continuous improvement process that enables me to perform to my full potential.