CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

• A non-profit organization founded for the purpose of providing a healthy recreational program for young boys and girls interested in basketball.
• Teach fundamental basketball skills and techniques.
• Provide fun, enjoyment and game competition with responsible adult leadership.
• Teach sportsmanship under all conditions.
• Build minds and bodies through good, clean, sportsmanlike play and vigorous exercise.
• Teach boys and girls the importance of teamwork.
• Encourage all participants to complete what they start.
• All adults are advised that this organization is for the benefit of young people that are not yet capable of providing this type of activity for themselves. This organization has no provisions for and will make every effort to avoid adults and adult organizations that would use this program to further personal ambitions or gains.

The principle operations of this league shall be in and about the city of Smyrna, County of Rutherford and State of Tennessee.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to make and enforce rules and regulations to govern itself.

Membership shall consist of parents/legal guardians, coaches, assistant coaches and Board members.

The President of the league shall hold an Annual Organizational Meeting the second Sunday of March for the purpose of electing Board Members. New Board Members shall take over April 1. The membership shall elect the Board of Directors by popular vote, using secret ballots. No “PROXY” ballots shall be accepted. The new Board of Directors shall elect officers at the April meeting. Vacancy of board members shall be filled by 2/3-majority vote of the Board of Directors. Board members shall be interested parties or persons living in the Smyrna area and having a real interest in the league’s purpose.

The Constitution may be amended, supplemented or modified by a 2/3 majority vote of those Board of Directors present at a regular scheduled Board Meeting. The Constitution CAN NEVER be amended, supplemented, or modified at a SPECIAL called meeting. Votes will be conducted by secret ballots.

The Board of Directors, present and incoming, shall review The Constitution and By-Laws every year.

• Players will be any boy or girl ages five through seventeen. Eighteen year olds actively enrolled and attending high school may play. No child under the age of 5 on October 1st of the upcoming season will be allowed to participate in the Smyrna Junior Basketball League, unless approved by the Board of Directors. All ages shall be determined by the player’s age on October 1st of the upcoming basketball season. Players can play up in league age but can not play down in league age. Teams will normally consist of a maximum number of players not to exceed 50% of any age group. Teams will be divided equally among age groups in the specific division. In cases where player is playing in a higher age division, then they will be considered part of the lowest age bracket in that division.
• A waiting list will be established for those applicants who sign-up late or after an age division is filled. These players will be assigned to teams based on draft order and availability of roster spots.
• Every player must participate in at least fifty percent (50%) of regular season games to be eligible for tournament play.
• A player who is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct will at that time be asked to leave the school property and shall be suspended for his/her next practice and game. If a player is ejected more than once, he/she will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
• There will be no foul language used during a basketball game by players, coaches or fans. Any player, coach or fan that is cited for this activity will be removed from the game and not allowed to play or attend the game the following week. Any player ejected for fighting will be removed from the league and will be ineligible to play in the following season.

Games

• The league consists of a ten game season and an end of the year tournament. If there are game cancellations, there will be no less than eight games in a complete season. The Board of Directors shall schedule make-up games that are canceled due to weather or other circumstances. If more than three (3) games in a season are canceled, the Board of Directors shall make all reasonable efforts to reschedule such games. There shall be two officials, an official scorekeeper and clock keeper for each game. The Board of Directors shall hire officials, scorekeepers and clock keepers. The officials or board member in charge shall have the authority to remove any coach, player or spectator from the school property for conduct not consistent with the organizational goals.
• All games are played on a regulation court and shall play according to TSSAA basketball rules in effect for the coming season, along with the rules implemented by the Board of Directors.
• Games can begin up to but not more than 15 minutes before scheduled game time.

Quarters

• All age groups, with the exception of Lil’ Dribblers, will play eight minute quarters, with the clock stopping only for free throws and time-outs, except for the last two minutes of the final quarter, which will be run by regulation basketball rules.

Playing Time Guarantee

• Players for the first quarter will be chosen by the team’s coach. Players for the second quarter will be the players who did not play in the first quarter. If there are not enough players to make up the five man team, the opposing coach will choose the additional players from the kids who played in the first quarter. Players for the third and fourth quarters will be chosen at the discretion of the coach. Players are only guaranteed to play one quarter.

Time-Outs

• Each team shall have 4 time-outs per game.
• Each team shall receive an additional time-out per overtime session.

Overtime

• Each overtime will last for 3 minutes with the clock stopping inside 2 minutes at every whistle, stop on timeouts and free throws, except the Lil Dribblers division, which will only stop for free throws and timeouts. If after two (2) overtimes the score is still tied, the game will be recorded as a tie.

Tournament

• Smyrna Junior Basketball League may play a single elimination tournament at the end of the season (to be determined by Board of Directors). At the completion of the tournament, a benefit game may be held (Board of Directors shall decide details and participants).

Balls

• Only league basketballs will be allowed in the gyms. The team coach will be responsible for the basketballs. Individual basketballs can be brought to practice but should not be brought on game days. Basketballs brought on game day by players may be confiscated until the player or child is ready to leave the gym. This is for safety reasons as balls accidentally rolling onto the court can cause unsafe conditions.

Sportsmanship

• At the conclusion of the game, all coaches and players will shake hands in a “sportsmanlike” manner. Failure to follow this rule could cause a coach or player to not be allowed to participate in the next game.

Lil’ Dribblers League Specifics

• The Lil’ Dribblers League shall play on a regulation court and according to TSSAA basketball rules in effect for the coming season with the following exceptions:
  • Eight-minute quarters shall be played with a running clock that will only stop during the first
    three quarters for time-outs. In the final quarter, the clock will stop for both time-outs and free
    throws.
  • GOAL HEIGHT: 8 feet
  • BASKETBALL SIZE: A junior-sized 27.5” basketball will be used
  • During regular season, at half-time, each player will take one free throw with each made basket counting toward the score. If, for example, one team has 8 players and the other 10; the team with 8 players will take two additional shots to “catch up”. The opposing coach will select who gets to shoot those additional shots prior to the team shooting. The home team will shoot first. There will be NO half-time free throws during the tournament.
  • When possession changes hands, the team gaining possession shall be permitted to move the ball into their half of the court without defensive interference. The new defensive team must remain on the offensive goal side of the volleyball line until the ball crosses half court. There will be no backcourt pressing in the game.
  • Free throw line will be 10 feet.

Pee Wee League Specifics

• The Pee Wee League shall play on a regulation court and according to TSSAA basketball rules in effect for the coming season with the following exceptions:
  • Eight-minute quarters shall be played.
  • GOAL HEIGHT: 8 feet
  • BASKETBALL SIZE: A 28.5” circumference basketball will be used
  • When possession changes hands, the team gaining possession shall be permitted to move the ball into their half of the court without defensive interference. The new defensive team must remain within the offensive goal side of the volleyball line until the ball crosses half court. A team will receive three warnings for backcourt violations per half. Every subsequent violation will be a team technical resulting in two foul shots. Backcourt violations reset at halftime.
  • During a fast break, the ball handler may be defended once they cross half court.
  • There will be pressing in the last four minutes of the fourth quarter in this division.
  • Teams will not be allowed to press if they have a ten or more point lead.
  • Overtime will be three minutes each.
  • Free throw line will be 12 feet.

Training League Specifics

• The Training League shall play on a regulation court and according to TSSAA basketball rules in
  effect for the coming season with the following exceptions:
  • Eight-minute quarters shall be played.
  • GOAL HEIGHT: 10 feet
  • BALL SIZE: A 28.5” circumference basketball will be used for girls and boys.
  • When possession changes hands, the team gaining possession shall be permitted to move the ball into their half of the court without defensive interference. The new defensive team must remain within the offensive goal side of the volleyball line until the ball crosses half court. A team will receive three warnings for backcourt violations per half. Every subsequent violation will be a team technical resulting in two foul shots. Backcourt violations reset at halftime.
  • During a fast break, the ball handler may be defended once they cross half court.
  • There will be pressing in the fourth quarter in this division.
  • Teams will not be allowed to press if they have a ten or more point lead.
  • Overtime will be three minutes each.
  • Free throw line will be 15 feet for boys and 12 feet for girls.
  • Playing Time Rules: First Half- Everyone Plays.
  • 1st Quarter: Any five players can start. If a player gets hurt, the other team’s coach picks the
    substitute. The sub is allowed to shoot free throws if needed. The injured player should come
    back as soon as they’re ready and must make up the time they missed in the next quarter.
    Players who didn’t play in the 1st quarter must play in the 2nd quarter.
  • If There Aren’t Enough Players: If a team doesn’t have five players left who sat out in the 1st
    quarter, the other team’s coach will choose who fills in. If someone gets hurt in the 2nd quarter,
    the other team’s coach again picks the replacement.
  • 3rd Quarter: Any player who hasn’t played yet must play the entire 3rd quarter. If a coach breaks
    this rule, their team gets a technical foul, and the player who missed must play a full quarter.
    Coaches can choose their own players starting in the second half.
  • Player Arrival: All players must be present before the start of the 3rd quarter to be eligible to play.

• Last year’s tournament seedings based on standings at the end of the regular season shall determine draft order in reverse order (last place team first and first place team last).
• Order for draft purpose or tournament seeding shall be decided by head to head competition, then by a flip of the coin, in case of tie.
• Head coach’s son/daughter is protected until the end of the third round. Brothers/sisters/grandchildren of coaches are considered in the same manner as sons/daughters. Children of an identified and approved assistant coach (prior to skills assessments) will be protected in the first round. They must be selected with the first pick or are elgible to be drafted by another team. Only one assistant coach may be eligible for player protection.
• Siblings of returning players must be taken by the end of the third round. With other siblings, they must be taken in subsequent rounds.
• Any team that has three or less players returning will get a bonus pick. A bonus pick will be allowed after each round until the team’s number of players is equal to the team with the fewest number of returning players.
• If a new team or teams are to be formed, the coach shall be permitted to select a number of players equivalent to the returning team with fewest returning players by getting a bonus pick at the beginning of the second round until caught up. If two or more teams are formed, a coin toss or number draw will determine draft order.
• No participant will be allowed to register without proof of age and fulfilling financial responsibility. If a team’s head coach steps down, the members of that team will be placed back in the draft, unless the current assistant coach from the previous year agrees to take the team.
• If the head coach leaves the team and the assistant does not take over the team, the team will be treated as an expansion team and all of the players will go back into the draft. The players will have to attend the skills assessment.
• Coaches moving from one age group to another age group will have to draft a new team with only their child being protected. Players returning to the same division that attend the skills assessments are eligible to be drafted by any team.

• The Board of Directors shall make every effort to publicize the sign-up dates two weeks in advance of the first date.
• All applications must be signed by the applicant’s parent or guardian before he/she is evaluated
  during Skills Assessment. Proof of age must be provided upon registration. Any board member has the right to request any player’s birth certificate to determine division eligibility by age or gender.
• All new applicants, players re-entering the draft or players moving up in league age, must be evaluated during Skills Assessment to be eligible for the draft. Any player who does not participate will be placed on a team after all eligible players have been selected in the draft. These players will be placed on a team following the draft order.
• The league will impose a $20.00 late registration charge for anyone signing their child up after regular published registrations. NO PLAYER WILL RECEIVE HIS/HER UNIFORM UNTIL ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO THE LEAGUE ARE MET.

• Each team shall have one head coach and no more than two assistant coaches. All coaches must submit an application and must be approved by the Board of Directors.
• A coach cannot coach or assist on more than one team in the same division. A coach who is ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct will at that time be asked to leave the school property and shall be suspended from all league functions until they attend a hearing before the Board of Directors with a minimum of three board members. After the hearing, a decision will be made whether or not to reinstate the Coach.
• Coaches will remain in a designated coach’s box. The referees determine the coach’s box.
• Coaches can be removed by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall reserve the right to invoke major punishment for severe violations or misconduct by a coach.

• A player who has missed two consecutive practice sessions without a legitimate excuse shall not play at all on game day.
• Each coach shall turn in a team roster before each game and will notify the opposing Coach and the Board Member in charge if a player is being disciplined (this supersedes Paragraph 3).
• Each team has one scheduled practice per week. Violation of this rule will result in the forfeiture of the next game.
• Practice is defined as three or more team members together with a coach present.
• Coaches are responsible for damages done to school property due to the actions of anyone affiliated with their team. Violation of this rule may result in loss of practice time for the remaining of the season.

• Neither players nor spectators are permitted on the stage of the gymnasiums. NO TURF SHOES OR CLEATS (Players will not be allowed to play or practice if wearing turf shoes). Players and coaches must not arrive more than five (5) minutes before their scheduled practice time and must leave immediately after practice is over.
• TOBACCO IN ANY FORM WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE GYM OR ON SCHOOL PREMISES. IF YOU WANT TO SMOKE, YOU MUST GET IN YOUR CAR. THIS IS NOT ONLY SCHOOL POLICY, BUT RUTHERFORD COUNTY LAW. THE LEAGUE CAN LOSE THE USE OF SCHOOL GYMS IF THIS RULE IS NOT ABSOLUTELY FOLLOWED. Penalty will be determined by Board of Directors.
• No alcoholic beverages are allowed on school property. Cursing, unsportsmanlike conduct or taunting will not be allowed. A representative from the Board of Directors will give one warning (either verbal or written). These offenses will be dealt with accordingly. Any repeat occurrences will result in expulsion from all gyms in the Smyrna Junior Basketball League.

• The user (coach) will repair or replace damage to equipment and/or building. The user (coach) is responsible for supervision of participants in their programs while on school premises. Practice may not be conducted at league gyms on days that school is not in session (any school holidays, early school closings or all day school closings due to inclement weather). The user will clean spills and trash inside/outside the building when related to their activity. Any issues or concerns can be granted a hearing before the Board of Directors at the next scheduled meeting.
• Practice cannot be held at any gyms that are not assigned or approved by the league.

Only League uniforms can be worn by players in all games, including league tournaments. A penalty of one (1) technical foul on the team for every player not wearing entire league uniform will be assessed. Entire league uniform is defined as the jersey and shorts provided by league. ALL PLAYERS ARE TO BE CHECKED FOR UNIFORM VIOLATIONS BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME AND PENALTIES IMPOSED. NO TECHNICALS FOR IMPROPER UNIFORM WILL BE IMPOSED AFTER THE GAME HAS STARTED. It is the responsibility of the coaches to bring this violation to the attention of a Board member, who will then notify the officials.

• 2.1 Interested Person. Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing
  board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
• 2.2 Financial Interest. A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family: (a) An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, (b) A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or (c) A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Section 3.2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

• 3.1 Duty to Disclose. In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
• 3.2 Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists. After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
• 3.3 Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest.
  • An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
  • The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
  • After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the
    Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
  • If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
• 3.4 Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy.
  • If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to
    disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
  • If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by
    the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:

• (a) The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest is present, and the governing board’s or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact exists.
• (b) The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.

• 5.1 A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
• 5.2 A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
• 5.3 No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
• 5.4 The majority of our Board of Directors will be non-salaried and will not be related to salaried personnel or to parties providing services. In addition, all compensation decisions will be made by the Board of Directors.
• 5.5 Further, all compensation paid will be reasonable and will be based on the following factors:
  (a) the type and amount of compensation received by others in similar positions, (b) the compensation levels paid in our particular geographic community, (c) the amount of time the individual spends in their position, (d) the expertise and other pertinent background of the individual, (e) the size and complexity of our organization, and (f ) the need of our organization for the services of the particular individual.

Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person: (a) has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy, (b) has read and understands the policy, (c) has agreed to comply with the policy, and (d) understands the Organization is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.

To ensure the Organization operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, period reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects: (a) Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and the result of arm’s length bargaining; and (b) Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to the Organization’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.

When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Section 7, the Organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board of Directors.

All funds of the Corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.