Bylaws (2008 to present)
By-Laws
The State of Florida Youth Rugby Union will adhere to the By-Laws as stated here and comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Florida Youth Rugby Union and USA Rugby.
ARTICLE I. The By-Laws of the State of Florida Youth Rugby Union are herein described.
These By-Laws set forth the structure by which the State of Florida Youth Rugby Union shall operate. They may be amended and/or repealed at the scheduled meetings of the Union Board, by a two-thirds majority of the eligible votes of the members present, providing there is a quorum. If a quorum is not available, the amendment and/or application for repeal shall be tabled until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Union Board. Each member of the Union Board must receive written notice of the proposed change at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting at which the proposed action is to be taken. A quorum shall be 51% of the total eligible votes. (Eligible voters are described in Article III.)
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the State of Florida Youth Rugby Union, hereafter called the FYRU, is to be a charitable sports organization formed to promote the development, participation, and enjoyment in youth Rugby.
ARTICLE III. UNION BOARD
The Union Board, hereafter called the Board, shall constitute the FYRU governing body. It shall operate within the confines of these By-Laws and FYRU Rules and Regulations, and shall not assume any authority or responsibilities unless these By-Laws and Rules and Regulations are amended by the FYRU membership.
Each club in good standing and with a minimum of fifteen registered players shall have one (1) vote (hereafter called the eligible vote).
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS
FYRU shall hold an annual meeting at a site designated by the Board.
ARTICLE V. NEW CLUBS
New clubs applying for affiliation with the FYRU will require approval by a simple majority of the eligible votes.
ARTICLE VI. RULES OF OPERATION
A. Each club shall be affiliated with and adopt the Rules and Regulations established by the Florida Youth Rugby Union.
B. Each affiliated club shall have jurisdiction over its internal affairs, except as herein provided. Each team shall take all precautions necessary to prevent disorder at games. Failure to comply shall be referred to the Board for appropriate action.
C. 1 Any protests on games played within each club shall be handled by that individual club. No dispute or claim, protest and/or appeal shall be presented to, or defended by, this Union.
C.2 Protests on games played within the FYRU shall be handled by the FYRU Disciplinary Chair person. No dispute or claim, protest and/or appeal shall be presented to, or defended by, this Union except by the member club’s director or designated representative.
D.1 Clubs or teams using a suspended or an unregistered player on their roster may be penalized, up to and including suspension from the Union.
D.2 Clubs using suspended or unregistered coach(s) on their contact games may be penalized, up to and including suspension from the Union.
E. Home teams are responsible for providing the field of play.
F. FYRU shall establish a funds account to cover expenses generated by Union activities. Approval of the fees will require a two-thirds majority vote.
G. Teams shall be established in accordance with FYRU Rules and Regulations in order to be eligible to compete with other clubs.
H. FYRU shall establish a calendar containing the dates for seasons and tournaments involving inter-club play.
I. Penalties for violation of FYRU By-Laws and FYRU Rules and Regulations shall be determined by a simple majority vote of the Executive Board.
J. The Union shall schedule or authorize a scheduling body for all inter-club games, both recreational and competition.
K. Referees for inter-club play will be assigned by the Florida Rugby Referees Association (FRRA) assignor (except as otherwise designated by the FYRU Board) and any required fees will be paid by the home team coach prior to each game.
L.1 The FYRU Board shall elect a Director of Youth Rugby, Chairman, Vice Chiarman, Secretary, and Treasurer. These individuals will be the officers of the FYRU Board and will be listed on the appropriate FLORIDA YOUTH RUGBY UNION paperwork.
L.2 Disciplinary Chairman, Referee Liaison, and Master Scheduler shall be appointed yearly by the Board. These individuals are considered non-voting members of the Board.
Any Board Member may be removed from office for any of the following:
1. Failure to perform duties as specified.
2. Unexcused absence from two or more Board meetings or General membership meetings. Reason for planned absences shall be given to the Chiarman, verbally or in writing (e-mails included), at least 24 hours prior. Reasons for absences due to personal or professional emergencies shall be given to the Chairman prior to the next scheduled Board or general membership meeting.
3. For speech or actions which are contrary to the Clubs/Union purpose and objectives as stated.
M. The term of office for the FYRU Board officers shall be for a period of two years beginning in September, except the Director of Youth Rugby, who shall serve a three year term.
ARTICLE VII. CLUB COMMITMENT
Each club must remain in good standing with the rules and regulations of the FYRU in order to participate.
The Board may approve, by a simple majority of the eligible votes of the members present providing there is a quorum, a club from outside of FYRU to participate in Union seasonal play. Unless revoked by a two-thirds vote, the guest club’s team(s) remain eligible to participate for the remainder of the seasonal year.
ARTICLE VIII FYRU DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the FYR organization, all remaining assets must be used exclusively for exempt purposes. Each team’s bond that is in good standing at the time of dissolution will receive the full bond refund. All remaining assets will go to a charitable sports organization, preferably for the enhancement of rugby, within the state first, or within USA rugby.
