ARTICLE 1 – ORGANIZATION

1.01 Objective

Lincoln Hills Senior Softball (“LHSS”) is a California Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation formed to operate the LHSS League (the “League”).

The League shall provide any person 55 or older the opportunity to play slow pitch softball in organized league play and participate in any other athletic activity sanctioned by the League. The principal office of the League for the transaction of its business is located in Lincoln, California. These Rules and Regulations provide guidelines for the organization and operation of the League.

The LHSSL provides opportunities to play more competitive softball through

the Lincoln Hills Coyote, Sun Eagle, and Classic age specific softball programs. Each program is self supported and organized within the structure of the LHSSL, with players exclusively from Lincoln Hills Senior Softball League. The Coyotes (55+, 60+, and 65+) and Sun Eagles (65+) are travel and tournament teams, while the Classics (70+) focus on local competition with future travel and tournament play to be determined. Each program has tryouts annually prior to the softball season.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

2.01 League Membership

a. Any person who has attained the age of 55 and/or is a legal resident in Sun

City Lincoln Hills may apply for membership in the League.

b. All applications for membership are subject to approval by the Board of Directors of LHSSL. The membership year is from February 1 through January 31^st each year.

c. Exceptions to the age rule will be considered by the Board on a case by case basis.

2.02 Rights and Privileges

Each member of the LHSSL shall have equal rights and privileges.

a. Unless otherwise restricted in these Rules and Regulations or the By-Laws of LHSSL, all members of the League shall be eligible to be an officer or a director of LHSSL and to participate fully in all League activities.

b. No member shall be discriminated against based on sex, heritage, or disability. Violations shall be reported to team managers for resolution or, if not resolved, directed to the Board for action.

c. An Ad Hoc committee of five residents of mixed gender, preferably members, shall be appointed by the LHSSL President to address complaints brought before the Board and make recommendations to the Board for action.

2.03 Dues

a. Members of LHSS League are subject to annual payment of dues. The amount of the dues shall be established in a budget that is prepared by the LHSS Treasurer, approved by the Board of Directors, and presented to the general membership of the League at the November membership meeting for approval.

b. Dues for members who do not wish to participate in active play will be established at $25.00. Their participation is restricted to the Instructional Team.

c. A member may be designated as a life member upon recommendation by the Board of Directors. A life member shall have all the privileges and responsibilities of other members.

d. All dues shall be payable in a manner prescribed by the Board of Directors.

2.04 Non-Liability of Members

No member of the LHSS League shall be personally liable for the debts, obligations, or the liabilities of the League.

2.05 Honorary Members

Honorary members of the League may be selected by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. Honorary members will pay no dues and will not have any voting rights at the League meetings. Honorary members may not hold office or be assigned as an active player.

2.06 Rules of Conduct

Definitions:

“Individual” means a Coach, Manager, Player, Scorekeeper, or Spectator.

“Official” means an umpire including the Head Umpire, the Commissioner or his/her designee, or a Board member.

“Ejection from the Game” means ejection from using the playing field, the grandstands, the scorekeeping tower, and the surrounding area.

“Probation” means that a league member is under scrutiny and can have his/her penalty increased to the maximum or beyond if another incident occurs.

No individual shall:

a. At any time lay a hand upon, shove, strike or threaten an individual or official.

Minimum Penalty: Removal from the game, plus two additional game suspensions and one-year probation.

Maximum Penalty: Banned from all LHSSL Softball activities for one year.

b. Be guilty of objectionable demonstration of dissent by throwing gloves, balls, bats, caps, or any other object.

Minimum Penalty: Warning by an official.

Maximum Penalty: Ejection from the game, plus one additional game suspension.

c. Be guilty of using unnecessary rough tactics in the play of the game.

Minimum Penalty: Ejection from the game, plus one additional game suspension.

Maximum Penalty: Suspension for 12 months.

d. Be guilty of an abusive verbal attack upon any individual or official on or off the field of play.

Minimum Penalty: Ejection from the game plus two game suspension plus one year probation.

Maximum Penalty: Suspension for 12 months.

e. Be guilty of any demonstration of unsportsmanlike conduct not specifically referred to elsewhere in these rules.

Minimum Penalty: Warning by an official.

Maximum Penalty: Ejection from the game plus two or more games suspension.

f. If a league member is on probation when another incident occurs, the penalty can be increased to the maximum or beyond by the Board or a committee

appointed by the President.

g. The drinking of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on the playing field, in the dugout or in any restricted area(s). The use of tobacco will not be permitted on the playing field, in the dugout, or in any restricted area(s).

Minimum Penalty: Warning by an official.

Maximum Penalty: Removal from the game and/or two game suspension.

h. Dugout Visitors: Only team members will be allowed in the dugout.

i. Playing Rule Changes: LHSSL playing rules will remain in effect during the season. These rules may be changed during the season if they are found to be ineffective or create a hazard to any player. Changes must be submitted to the Rules Committee in writing, for review, and then approved by the Board of Directors.

Notification and Appeals

Notification:

Any suspension of three or more games and/or termination requires that the individual alleged to be in violation be given at least ten (10) calendar days to appeal the penalty. During this ten (10) day period, the individual shall not

participate in any LHSSL league activities unless specifically designated by the

Board or committee appointed by the President.

Appeals:

All appeals must be submitted in writing within seventy-two (72) hours. It may be submitted to any Board member. The Board or a committee appointed by the President with Board approval shall first review the written appeal.

The appropriate Board or committee will then render a decision within seventy-two (72) hours. Should the individual request to appear in person before the

Board or committee, a time and place will be scheduled for the meeting.

2.07 Resignation

Any member may resign at any time by sending a written letter of resignation to any member of the Board of Directors.

2.08 Insurance

The League does not provide medical insurance to its members.

ARTICLE III – MEETINGS

3.01 Regular Meetings

As an Association Shared Interest Group, LHSS League shall have a minimum of two regular membership meetings annually; and shall meet as frequently during the year as required by the Board of Directors to conduct League business. The Board of Directors shall designate the time and location of regular membership meetings. A calendar showing the time and location of regular membership meetings shall be posted on the League’s website or by any other appropriate means designated by the Board of Directors.

3.02 Special Meetings

Special membership meetings may be called by the Board of Directors or by a petition of 10% of the membership. Advance notice of at least three days must be given to at least 50% of the membership specifying the time, place, and nature of business to be transacted.

3.03 Quorum

a. A quorum of the board must be present to conduct League business.

b. At all regular and special membership meetings, at least 25% of the current League membership must be in attendance to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the meeting may continue at the discretion of the Board for informational purposes without any business transacted or be adjourned.

c. In the event that 50% of the League membership is not present, and a quorum has been established, all motions must have a two thirds (2/3) majority vote to carry the motion. A simple majority carries motions when greater than 50% of the membership is present.

3.04 Voting Rights

All regular and lifetime members have equal rights and one vote on each item submitted to the membership. Voting shall be by voice, show of hands, or ballot. Proxy votes are not permitted.

3.05 Conduct of Meetings

a. Meetings shall be presided over by the President or his/her designee. The Secretary or his/her designee shall act as secretary and take minutes of all meetings.

b. Meetings shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with the By-Laws or these Rules and Regulations. The League’s membership may, by its vote, make such recommendations to the Board of Directors as the League deems appropriate.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS and DIRECTORS

4.01 Officers/Directors

The governing and management of the League, except as otherwise provided in the By-Laws shall be vested in and controlled by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall conduct, manage, and control the business affairs of the League; execute contracts, and establish rules and regulations, all in a manner not inconsistent with the By-Laws or these Rules and Regulations.

4.02 Officers of the League

a. There shall be seven (7) Officers/Directors, as set forth in the By-Laws, each to serve a two or three-year term as determined by the Board of Directors.

b. These seven Officers/Director positions shall include the President, two Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, League Commissioner, and the Player Representative.

c. As quickly as possible following the annual election of the new directors, the entire new board shall meet at a special meeting to determine each director’s position on the Board. The process should be open and consider each director’s experience and interests. The President’s position shall be the first filled and normally filled by one of the most experienced directors.

4.03 Duties

The duties of the officers shall be as set forth in Article III of the By-Laws. The Board may establish a more specific matrix of the following functions, obligations, and responsibilities to mix and match duties with the experience and talent level of each officer.

a. The President shall supervise and control all of the business affairs of the League and will serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.

b. The First Vice President shall advise and consult with the President; assume any other duties assigned by the Board of Directors; be responsible for directing the solicitation of sponsors and collecting sponsor contribution; and shall be responsible for providing oversight of and liaison with the managers of the Coyote, Sun Eagle and Classic softball programs.

c. The Second Vice President shall advise and consult with the President; assume any other duties assigned by the Board of Directors; and be responsible for the purchase, distribution, storage and maintenance of uniforms and equipment.

d. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Board and Membership meetings; shall prepare and keep a membership roster and confirm that a quorum is present; shall duly give all notices required by law or the By-Laws; and conduct official correspondence of the League. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

e. The Treasurer shall collect all monies due to the League, including membership dues; shall be the custodian of the League’s funds and deposit them in a depository designated by the Board of Directors; shall prepare League financial statements for the Board on request; shall maintain adequate records of all income and disbursements and have on file receipts for all transactions; shall cooperate fully in an annual audit of accounts; and shall prepare all checks for issue with proper authorized signature(s).

1) Check Signing: All checks up to $200 may be signed by one authorized signature; checks $200 and above require two authorized signatures. Any single expenditure of $500.00 and above must be approved by the Board.

2) Fiscal Year –The Fiscal Year of the League shall end on December 31^st.

f. The League Commissioner shall govern and enforce the rules of play as established. The Commissioner shall also perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

g. The Player Representative shall be in charge of all matters relative to the League membership; shall maintain liaison with the Secretary regarding League membership; shall be in charge of the annual League team draft; and shall maintain and keep a waiting list in chronological order of prospective League members. League team assignments shall be made from this list as vacancies occur.

ARTICLE V - COMMITTEES

5.01 Standing Committees

The following Standing Committees shall be appointed by the President:

a. Playing Rules Committee – In concert with Amateur Softball Association (ASA) rules, shall establish rules and regulations for LHSS League play. This shall include such matters as Code of Ethics; manager, player and spectator conduct; local field rules; and all other ASA playing rules needing clarification. All rules established are subject to Board of Directors approval. The committee shall normally be chaired by the Commissioner and consist of 6 to 8 League and Board members to include team managers as available.

b. Opening Day and Year End Awards Banquet – Shall establish and plan all social functions and activities connected with these events.

c. Wellness Committee – Shall become informed on the status of all ill or injured members and send suitable greetings, flowers, donations, and get-well baskets. Normally chaired by First Vice President.

5.02 Ad Hoc Committees

a. Nominating Committee – Shall consist of four general members elected in July each year by the membership along with one Board member appointed by the President. The Committee shall elect its own chairperson and recommend a slate of one or more candidates for each open board position to be presented to the membership for a vote in the August membership meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor.

b. Audit Committee – Shall consist of three members appointed by the membership at the October meeting. They shall audit all financial records of the Treasurer and make their report by the January meeting.

c. Other Ad Hoc Committees may be appointed by the President with the approval of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE VI – MISCELLANEOUS

6.01 League Equipment

All league equipment issued, loaned or made available for the use of the members shall remain the property of the League and must be returned upon termination of membership.

6.02 Waivers

Each member, by signed agreement in their application, shall indemnify and waive all liability of the league.

6.03 Appointments

The following shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.

a. Sponsor/Fund Raising Coordinator – Shall be responsible to and receive delegated authority from the Board of Directors. He/she will act as the primary contact and clearinghouse for all sponsor renewals and new sponsor solicitations. As necessary, assists Coyote, Sun Eagle, and Classic programs with their sponsor solicitations.

Note: For tax reasons, all sponsor funds designated for travel and tournament teams must be processed through the LHSS League treasury, then to the appropriate program.

b. Historian – Shall maintain the files of all League activities as a record of League history

c. Web Master – Responsible to the Board of Directors to set up and maintain a web site for the benefit and promotion of LHSS League.

d. President Emeritus -The outgoing LHSSL President shall serve in an emeritus position for the year following his/her term as president as a non-voting member of the Board.

e. Head Umpire: Responsible for the recruitment and training of umpires to officiate all recreation league games and Coyote, Sun Eagle and Classic games as requested. Umpires are non-dues paying members of the LHSSL.

f. Manager of Managers: Member to act as liaison between the Board and the managers. He/she will fall under the direction of the Player Representative.

g. Waiver Wire Coordinator: Member to act as liaison between the Board

and the league waiver wire. He/she will establish and administer

waiver wire rules with the help of the league managers. He/she will

fall under the direction of the Player Representative.

ARTICLE VII - TRAVEL AND TOURNAMENT TEAMS

The LHSSA supports three (3) travel and tournament programs: the Coyotes, Sun Eagles and Lincoln Hills Classics.

A. Coyotes

7.01 Appointments

The Coyotes are premier travel and tournament teams of appropriate age to compete in all levels of senior softball competition, selected from Lincoln Hills Senior Softball Association members, whose mission is to assemble the best talent to represent Lincoln Hills in the regional Sierra League and selected tournaments and special events.

7.02 Coyotes Responsibilities

a. Actively participate in LHSSA activities.

b. Conduct all on and off field business in a professional manner.

c. Accountable to the LHSSA Board of Directors with oversight from the First Vice President or a Board member(s) designated by the Board.

d. Select a General Manager, Treasurer and Secretary for the Coyotes organization and Field Managers for each of the teams with approval of the LHSSA Board.

e. Separately fund all team costs including tournament fees and uniforms, and secure sponsorship in coordination with LHSSL's Sponsorship and Fund Raising Coordinator.

f. Reimburse LHSSA for liability and accident medical insurance and ASA registration fees.

g. Maintain medical and emergency information for all team members.

h. Schedule use of Del Webb Field in concert with LHSSA activities and other associated tournament and travel teams.

i. Conduct try-outs on practice days throughout the year.

7.03 League Responsibilities

a. Include the Lincoln Hills Coyotes under the Association’s list of teams.

b. Approve the Coyotes General Manager, Treasurer, Secretary, and Field Managers for each of the teams.

c. Designate Board member for oversight of and liaison with the Coyote’s manager.

d. Coyotes General Manager to attend Board workshop and Board meetings as appropriate as a non-voting member.

e. Mediate any complaints regarding the Coyotes and any member of the Association.

f. Authorize use of the Association’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) and audit the Coyotes’ books as a part of the Association’s annual audit.

B. Sun Eagles

7.04 Mission

The mission of the Sun Eagles Travel and Tournament Team is to compete in tournaments and special events at the 65+ and 70 + level of senior softball competition with players selected from Lincoln Hills Senior Softball Association.

7.05 Sun Eagles Responsibilities

a. Actively participate in LHSSA activities.

b. Conduct all on and off field business in a professional manner.

c. Accountable to the LHSSA Board of Directors with oversight from the First Vice President or a Board member(s) designated by the Board.

d. Select a Team Manager, Team Coach, Secretary, Treasurer, and League liaison representative for the Sun Eagles organization and report said management team to the LHSSA Board.

e. Separately fund all team costs including tournament fees and uniforms, and secure sponsorship in coordination with LHSSL's Sponsorship and Fund Raising Coordinator.

f. Reimburse LHSSA for liability and accident medical insurance and any team registration fees.

g. Maintain medical and emergency information for all team members.

h. Schedule use of Del Webb Field in concert with LHSSA activities and other associated tournament and travel teams.

i. Conduct try-outs annually by the end of January

7.06 League Responsibilities

a. Include the Lincoln Hills Sun Eagles under the Association’s list of teams.

b. Accept report of annual changes to Sun Eagles management team.

c. Designate Board Member for oversight of and liaison with the Sun Eagles Manager.

d. Invite Sun Eagles Manager or League liaison to Board workshop and Board meetings as appropriate as a non-voting member

e. Mediate any complaints regarding the Sun Eagles and any member of the Association.

f. Authorize use of the Associations Employer Identification Number (EIN) and audit the Sun Eagles’ books as a part of the Association’s annual audit.

C. Classics

7.07 Mission