TOPEKA OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be the
TOPEKA OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVES
ARTICLE I – NAME
The name of this organization shall be the
TOPEKA OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this organization is:
1. To develop and maintain a membership consisting of experienced and capable sports officials who maintain a high standard of ethics, encourage fair play and sportsmanship.
2. To promote good fellowship among its members and to work towards cooperation and better understanding between all officials, school administrators, coaches and players.
3. To encourage and create uniform interpretations and consistent enforcement of rules governing athletic competitions.
1. To develop and maintain a membership consisting of experienced and capable sports officials who maintain a high standard of ethics, encourage fair play and sportsmanship.
2. To promote good fellowship among its members and to work towards cooperation and better understanding between all officials, school administrators, coaches and players.
3. To encourage and create uniform interpretations and consistent enforcement of rules governing athletic competitions.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
Section 1: Membership in this Association shall consist of any person interested in the avocation of sports officiating and willing to abide by the by-laws and policies of the Association.
Section 2: Each member must be in good standing with the Association. Good standing shall be defined as being current with all dues and in compliance with all policies of the Association.
Section 3: If a member is not current with all dues or is not in compliance with Association policies the said member shall not be eligible to participate in any Topeka Officials Association activities.
Section 2: Each member must be in good standing with the Association. Good standing shall be defined as being current with all dues and in compliance with all policies of the Association.
Section 3: If a member is not current with all dues or is not in compliance with Association policies the said member shall not be eligible to participate in any Topeka Officials Association activities.
ARTICLE IV – GOVERNMENT
Section 1: The government of the Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors composed of the elected officers, Committee Chairpersons of the standing committees and individual sports Directors. The Board of Directors shall provide management over the affairs and finances of the Association.
Section 2: The Executive Committee shall be composed of all elected officers of the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Vacancies of officers shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 4: Vacancies of Committee Chairpersons and Individual Sports Directors, shall be filled by the President with approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 5: The policies of this Association shall be established by the Board of Directors for conduct of the affairs of the Association not inconsistent with these By-laws, with the approval of the membership.
Section 2: The Executive Committee shall be composed of all elected officers of the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Vacancies of officers shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Section 4: Vacancies of Committee Chairpersons and Individual Sports Directors, shall be filled by the President with approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 5: The policies of this Association shall be established by the Board of Directors for conduct of the affairs of the Association not inconsistent with these By-laws, with the approval of the membership.
ARTICLE V – DUES
Section 1: The annual dues of the Association shall be a matter of policy. (Attached)
Section 2: The due date for the annual dues for all sports will be April 15th.
Section 3: In the event a member fails to pay their dues by the due date they shall cease to be a member in good standing.
Section 4: Members not paying their dues and penalties by April 15th are subject to dismissal from the Association.
Section 2: The due date for the annual dues for all sports will be April 15th.
Section 3: In the event a member fails to pay their dues by the due date they shall cease to be a member in good standing.
Section 4: Members not paying their dues and penalties by April 15th are subject to dismissal from the Association.
ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS
Section 1: The date of the spring meeting shall be determined by the Board of Directors. During an election year the spring meeting shall be for the election of officers and consideration of other business that properly comes before it.
Section 2: There shall be a minimum of three general membership meetings held each year and shall be set by the Board of Directors.
Section 3: There shall be a minimum of four (1 per quarter) Board of Directors meetings held each year as set by the President.
Section 4: There shall be a minimum of one regular membership meeting held per sport as set by the Director of that sport. A clinic or other special event may be substituted for this meeting.
Section 5: Special meetings of the membership, or of the Board of Directors shall be set by the President, or upon written request of fifteen members of the Association.
Section 6: Committee meetings held by each standing committee shall be held at least two times per year as set by the standing committee chairperson.
Section 7: At all meetings of the Board of Directors, majority of its members shall constitute a quorum.
Section 2: There shall be a minimum of three general membership meetings held each year and shall be set by the Board of Directors.
Section 3: There shall be a minimum of four (1 per quarter) Board of Directors meetings held each year as set by the President.
Section 4: There shall be a minimum of one regular membership meeting held per sport as set by the Director of that sport. A clinic or other special event may be substituted for this meeting.
Section 5: Special meetings of the membership, or of the Board of Directors shall be set by the President, or upon written request of fifteen members of the Association.
Section 6: Committee meetings held by each standing committee shall be held at least two times per year as set by the standing committee chairperson.
Section 7: At all meetings of the Board of Directors, majority of its members shall constitute a quorum.
ARTICLE VII – ELECTIONS
Section 1: The officers of this Association shall be elected every three years for a term of three years and will assume office at the close of the spring meeting.
Sectiion 2: The Election/By-Laws Committee shall have the power and authority to conduct and supervise the election of this Association, subject to regulations as may be presented by the Board of Directors. No member of the Election/By-Laws Committee shall seek office during their term on the Election/By-Laws Committee.
Section 3: No member of this Association shall be allowed to run for office nor shall they be allowed to vote for officers unless they are in good standing.
Section 4: Candidates that notify the Election/By-Laws Committee by March 1 of their intention to run for office will be placed on the ballot. Nominations from the floor will be accepted.
Section 5: A member who is unable to be present at the spring meeting may make prior arrangements with the Chairman of the Election/By-Laws Committee to cast an absentee ballot. Absentee votes will be cast on each ballot as originally cast. The Election/By-Laws Committee shall determine the acceptability of absentee ballots.
Section 6: Candidates must receive a majority (51%) of the votes cast for the office they are seeking to be elected. In the event no one receives a majority on the first ballot, the person receiving the fewest votes will be dropped and the procedure repeated until a winner can be determined. Ballots will be by secret written ballot.
Sectiion 2: The Election/By-Laws Committee shall have the power and authority to conduct and supervise the election of this Association, subject to regulations as may be presented by the Board of Directors. No member of the Election/By-Laws Committee shall seek office during their term on the Election/By-Laws Committee.
Section 3: No member of this Association shall be allowed to run for office nor shall they be allowed to vote for officers unless they are in good standing.
Section 4: Candidates that notify the Election/By-Laws Committee by March 1 of their intention to run for office will be placed on the ballot. Nominations from the floor will be accepted.
Section 5: A member who is unable to be present at the spring meeting may make prior arrangements with the Chairman of the Election/By-Laws Committee to cast an absentee ballot. Absentee votes will be cast on each ballot as originally cast. The Election/By-Laws Committee shall determine the acceptability of absentee ballots.
Section 6: Candidates must receive a majority (51%) of the votes cast for the office they are seeking to be elected. In the event no one receives a majority on the first ballot, the person receiving the fewest votes will be dropped and the procedure repeated until a winner can be determined. Ballots will be by secret written ballot.
ARTICLE VIII – OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES
Section 1: The President shall preside at all meetings, and shall be the keeper of the Associations files and roster; shall appoint all standing committees and other such committees which he/she deem necessary. The President shall also appoint each individual sports Director upon approval of the Executive Committee.
Section 2: The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President as outlined in Section 1 of this Article. The Vice President, if for any reason the President is absent, shall assume any further duties as described by the President.
Section 3: The Secretary Treasurer shall be responsible for the records of the Association and include but are not limited to; minutes of all business meetings, amendments to the by-laws, current membership files and a list of all delinquent members; shall collect all dues and receive all monies, depositing them in the bank in the name of the Association. The Secretary Treasurer shall, at the request of the President, prepare in detail a financial statement of the Association, and shall assume any further duties as assigned by the President.
Section 4: Individual Sport Directors shall preside at all meetings of their particular sport, conducting each meeting in a business-like manner. (Roberts Rules of Order Revised is recommended). Sports Directors shall be responsible for all communication to members regarding TOA or otherwise sanctioned scrimmages, clinics and meetings. The Sports Director shall also ensure compliance with all applicable rules for their sport including but not limited to the NFHS and the KSHSAA. Individual Sports Directors shall attend all TOA Executive Board meetings.
Section 2: The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President as outlined in Section 1 of this Article. The Vice President, if for any reason the President is absent, shall assume any further duties as described by the President.
Section 3: The Secretary Treasurer shall be responsible for the records of the Association and include but are not limited to; minutes of all business meetings, amendments to the by-laws, current membership files and a list of all delinquent members; shall collect all dues and receive all monies, depositing them in the bank in the name of the Association. The Secretary Treasurer shall, at the request of the President, prepare in detail a financial statement of the Association, and shall assume any further duties as assigned by the President.
Section 4: Individual Sport Directors shall preside at all meetings of their particular sport, conducting each meeting in a business-like manner. (Roberts Rules of Order Revised is recommended). Sports Directors shall be responsible for all communication to members regarding TOA or otherwise sanctioned scrimmages, clinics and meetings. The Sports Director shall also ensure compliance with all applicable rules for their sport including but not limited to the NFHS and the KSHSAA. Individual Sports Directors shall attend all TOA Executive Board meetings.
ARTICLE IX – FINANCES
Section 1: No member of the association shall in any way incur any debt to the Association unless approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 2: The President, Vice-President and Treasurer may write checks or withdraw funds from Association accounts on behalf of the Association. No other members shall have authority to write checks or withdraw funds from any Association account without pre-approval from the Board of Directors.
Section 3: The Secretary Treasurer shall have a complete financial report available to members at each general member meeting and upon request by the Board of Directors when necessary.
Section 2: The President, Vice-President and Treasurer may write checks or withdraw funds from Association accounts on behalf of the Association. No other members shall have authority to write checks or withdraw funds from any Association account without pre-approval from the Board of Directors.
Section 3: The Secretary Treasurer shall have a complete financial report available to members at each general member meeting and upon request by the Board of Directors when necessary.
ARTICLE X – COMMITTEES
Section 1: Standing committees of the Association shall consist of the Entertainment Committee, Official Development Committee, Website Committee, and Election/By-Laws Committee.
Section 2: The President may create Ad Hoc committees with approval from the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Committee members shall be appointed by the President and shall serve at his/her pleasure.
Section 4: The duties of the committees shall be a matter of Policy.
Section 2: The President may create Ad Hoc committees with approval from the Board of Directors.
Section 3: Committee members shall be appointed by the President and shall serve at his/her pleasure.
Section 4: The duties of the committees shall be a matter of Policy.
ARTICLE XI – RULES OF ORDER
Section 1: Roberts Rules of Order Revised Edition shall govern the procedures of all meetings of the Association except as provided in the Association By-Laws and current Policy.
ARTICLE XII – AMENDMENTS
Section 1: These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at a regular meeting or any special meeting of the membership provided that notice of such proposed amendment changes are made known to the membership either by mail or at a meeting at least 10 days in advance.
ARTICLE XIII – REPEAL OF PREVIOUS BY-LAWS
Section 1: These By-Laws and such amendments as may be made shall become effective upon adoption by the Association
Adopted on June 16, 1980 at a special general membership meeting.
Amendments adopted November 18, 1985 at a regular membership meeting.
Amendments adopted ________________ at ______________________
Adopted on June 16, 1980 at a special general membership meeting.
Amendments adopted November 18, 1985 at a regular membership meeting.
Amendments adopted ________________ at ______________________
POLICY
DUES
The annual dues of the Association shall be $20.00 for one sport and $5.00 for each additional sport not to exceed $30.00 (3 Sports). All annual dues are to be paid no later than the TOA test meeting of the sport which the member will participate in. If no test meeting is available, dues payment must be made before the official start of the season set by the KSHSAA. Members not current on dues shall not be in good standing and shall be unable to participate in Association activities.
Members of the Board of Directors shall be exempt from paying dues during their term in office. The Board of Directors consists of the following: President, Vice President, Director of Football, Director of Basketball, Director of Volleyball, Director of Softball, Director of Baseball and the Website Director.
Members who have held the office of President of the Association shall have a lifetime exemption from paying dues.
MEETINGS
Members of the Board of Directors shall attend all scheduled meetings. If an emergency or special situation arrives that a member cannot attend the scheduled meeting the Board member shall contact the President.
Committee Chairman shall be responsible for keeping records and minutes of their respective committees.
Individual Sports Directors shall be responsible for keeping records and minutes of their respective sport meetings.
GAME ASSIGNMENT
The President has the option to assign games or designate someone to assign games under the Associations control. Any assignment shall be based on: (1) Must be a member in good standing (2) Member ability, dependability and if necessary school preference.
COMMITTEES
Entertainment Committee - The entertainment committee shall be responsible for all food, beverage and awards as are needed at all Association functions. They shall assume any further duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Election/By-Laws Committee - The Election/By-Laws Committee shall be responsible for the Associations election of officers as outlined in Article VII of the By-Laws. This committee shall also be responsible for submitting and writing all amendments to the By-Laws.
Official Development Committee - The Official Development Committee shall be responsible for recruiting new members as well as training, developing and retaining the membership. This committee is not limited to but shall have an active role in clinics, seminars or other developmental opportunities. The Official Development Committee shall also be responsible for investigations and recommending disciplinary action regarding member violations of By-Laws and Polices. This committee will also serve as a liaison between the Association and any outside entity’s who have grievances with the Association or a member in good standing with the Association.
Website Committee – The Website Committee will be responsible for all functions and content placed on the Topeka Officials Association website on behalf of the Association.
GENERAL
The annual dues of the Association shall be $20.00 for one sport and $5.00 for each additional sport not to exceed $30.00 (3 Sports). All annual dues are to be paid no later than the TOA test meeting of the sport which the member will participate in. If no test meeting is available, dues payment must be made before the official start of the season set by the KSHSAA. Members not current on dues shall not be in good standing and shall be unable to participate in Association activities.
Members of the Board of Directors shall be exempt from paying dues during their term in office. The Board of Directors consists of the following: President, Vice President, Director of Football, Director of Basketball, Director of Volleyball, Director of Softball, Director of Baseball and the Website Director.
Members who have held the office of President of the Association shall have a lifetime exemption from paying dues.
MEETINGS
Members of the Board of Directors shall attend all scheduled meetings. If an emergency or special situation arrives that a member cannot attend the scheduled meeting the Board member shall contact the President.
Committee Chairman shall be responsible for keeping records and minutes of their respective committees.
Individual Sports Directors shall be responsible for keeping records and minutes of their respective sport meetings.
GAME ASSIGNMENT
The President has the option to assign games or designate someone to assign games under the Associations control. Any assignment shall be based on: (1) Must be a member in good standing (2) Member ability, dependability and if necessary school preference.
COMMITTEES
Entertainment Committee - The entertainment committee shall be responsible for all food, beverage and awards as are needed at all Association functions. They shall assume any further duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Election/By-Laws Committee - The Election/By-Laws Committee shall be responsible for the Associations election of officers as outlined in Article VII of the By-Laws. This committee shall also be responsible for submitting and writing all amendments to the By-Laws.
Official Development Committee - The Official Development Committee shall be responsible for recruiting new members as well as training, developing and retaining the membership. This committee is not limited to but shall have an active role in clinics, seminars or other developmental opportunities. The Official Development Committee shall also be responsible for investigations and recommending disciplinary action regarding member violations of By-Laws and Polices. This committee will also serve as a liaison between the Association and any outside entity’s who have grievances with the Association or a member in good standing with the Association.
Website Committee – The Website Committee will be responsible for all functions and content placed on the Topeka Officials Association website on behalf of the Association.
GENERAL
- All members shall conduct themselves in a professional manner.
- Members shall wear approved uniforms. (Refer to appropriate organizations uniform policies such as the National Federation Officials Handbook/Manual for each sport. Also refer to the KSHSAA Officials Handbook for proper High School uniform information.)
- Members shall be in compliance with the Officials Code of Conduct published in the KSHSAA Officials Handbook.
- Association members shall honor ALL contracts.
- The Topeka Officials Association fee schedule shall be the recommended fee acceptable for each respective sport. Individual Sport Directors are responsible for getting the current fee schedule to League Commissioners, Athletic Directors and others for their respective sport.