Illini Women's Hockey Club Constitution

ARTICLE I: Name and Purpose

Section 1:
The name of this association is "Illini Women's Hockey". This name will be used on all formal documents and communications. In this document, Illini Women's Hockey will be referred to as the 'Club'.
Section 2:
The purpose of this Club shall be: i) to represent the University of Illinois in the game of ice hockey;
ii) to promote the sport of ice hockey to women at the University of Illinois;
iii) to promote healthiness and well being,
iv) to encourage women of all skill levels to play hockey.

ARTICLE II: General Provisions

Section 1:
Any licensing, registration, or insurance that is required for the Club by the University of Illinois or other governing bodies will be obtained and maintained by the Club's executive council.
Section 2:
Anytime the Club enters into a contractual agreement either the President or Treasurer of the Club must sign the agreement in order for it to be binding.
Section 3:
The bank statements and financial records of the Club may be viewed and audited at anytime by the executive council.
Section 4:
In the event of dissolution of the Club, remaining funds and equipment will be converted to cash and proceeds will be donated to a charity which reflects the interests of the Club.

ARTICLE III: Membership

Section 1:
To be a member of the Club, you must be one of the following:
i) enrolled as a student at the University of Illinois,
ii) work for the University of Illinois or affiliated association,
iii) be a spouse of a University of Illinois student, faculty or staff member.
Section 2:
You must be female and either know how to play hockey or have the desire to learn how to play hockey.
Section 3:
The minimum age of a player is 16. Exceptions may occur at the discretion of the Club's executive council and with consultation with the coaches.

ARTICLE IV: Officers of the Club

Section 1:
The governing board of the Club shall be the executive council and will consist of at least 4 council members. To serve on council, you must be eligible to play hockey with the Club. The council will consist of a president, a vice-president, a treasurer and manager. If there are two teams, there will be a manager for each team increasing the executive council to 5. A person can only hold one position unless consent is given by the executive council.
Section 2:
The executive council has the right to restrict any player from participating on the team if she violates the rules and regulations governing the Club.

ARTICLE V: Election of the Officers of the Club

Section 1:
Election Procedures
A. The elections will be held once a year.
B. All of the Club's members may vote in the elections.
C. Voting may occur by a show of hands or by ballot.
D. At least 50% of the members should be present for a vote to be valid with the majority declaring who is the winner.
Section 2:
Fulfillment of Term
A. A term is fulfilled after one year.
B. If any member of the Club is unable to fulfill her term, the following procedures will be followed:
1. If the President is unable to fulfill her term, the Vice-President will assume that position until a new president is elected.
2. If the one of the three remaining officers, Vice-President, Treasurer or Manager is unable to fulfill the term, the members of the Club will elect a new person to fill the departing officer's position.

ARTICLE VI: Duty of Officers

Section 1:
President
A. Sets the date for elections.
B. Sets the date for meetings.
C. Chairs all meetings of the Council.
D. Chairs all meetings of the Club.
E. Is responsible for team forms and registration.
F. Has signature authority for expenditures of funds and contractual agreements.
G. Reports scheduled activities and actions of the Council to the Club.
Section 2:
Vice-President
A. Assumes the duties of the President in her absence.
B. Assumes the office of the President if the office becomes vacant before the term expires.
C. Is responsible for organizing and managing actions which promote the team's membership.
Section 3:
Treasurer
A. Is responsible for accountability of all funds of the Club.
B. Presents financial statements to the Council for approval upon request.
C. Has signature authority for expenditure of funds and for contractual agreements.
D. Is responsible for applying for funding.
E. Is responsible for collecting player dues.
Section 4:
Manager(s)
A. One manager will be assigned to each team.
B. Is responsible for scheduling.
C. Organizes team travel logistics (e.g. hotel, van rental).
D. Interacts with other teams.

ARTICLE VII: The Club

Section 1:
The Club may consist of one or two teams depending on the number and player skill level. If two teams exist, one will be for beginner to intermediate players, the other for intermediate to advanced players. The team(s) will consist of coaches, a captain, assistant captain(s) and players. Each team will be assigned one captain and at least one assistant captain. The executive council will lead coach selection - head(s) and assistant(s). The executive council, with the consultation of the coaches, will also decide the number of teams.
Section 2:
The coach(es)
A. A head coach will be assigned to each team.
B. Assistant coach(es) will be assigned to each team.
C. Coaches will select the players of each team and assign positions.
D. Coaches may double-roster players (within rules of the governing body) and move players between teams.
E. Are responsible of maintaining open lines of communication between other coaches, the hockey executive council, and the players.
F. Are responsible of improving individual and team skills in the game of hockey.
G. Can restrict a player from participating in the Club with the consent of the executive council.
Section 3:
The Captain
A. Is a spokesperson for the players.
B. Is a representative for the team.
C. Should promote communication between individual players and players and coaches.
Section 4:
The Assistant Captain(s)
A. Assumes the duties of the Captain in her absence.
Section 5:
The players
A. Are responsible for participating in practices and playing in games with their assigned team.
B. Must be law-abiding, courteous and respectful towards coaches, members of the public, team players and other clubs.
C. Are responsible for paying appropriate dues and individual insurance premiums.
D. Petitions must be in writing.
E. Are responsible for providing required safety equipment.
F. Are responsible for following league governing and safety rules.
G. Can be restricted from play if they breach the rules governing the association.
H. If restricted from playing hockey, a player has the right to petition and defend their actions to the executive council and coaches.

ARTICLE VIII: Financial

Section 1:
Method of Financing
A. The Club will be financed by the proceeds through various fund-raising activities, players dues and donations activities approved by the Club.
B. A checking account shall be maintained the name of "Illini Women's Hockey" at the Busey Bank or some other suitable local financial institution.
C. A University of Illinois Account (e.g. RSO account) will be maintained, as required by the University of Illinois.
D. All checks disbursing the Club's monies must be signed by either the President or Treasurer.
Section 2:
The Club Expenses
A. Will cover tournament fees and coaches' expenses.
B. Will pay for ice-time and other arena costs.
C. Will assist with other expenses (e.g. travel) at the discretion of the executive council.

ARTICLE IX: Meetings and Quorum

Section 1:
Executive council meetings can be called by any of the executive council; discussions may also be conducted via phone, email or letter.
Section 2:
Open Club meetings may be held at the discretion of the coaches and executive council; correspondence may also occur through email, letter or by phone.
Section 3:
At least three members of the executive council or two members of the executive council and 50% of the team, for a meeting to occur.

ARTICLE X: Adoption and Amendments

Section 1:
Adoption
A. The constitution will be adopted after the document is posted for one month period (September 5 to October 5, 2002) on the website for general viewing. This will give the members the opportunity to make comments and suggestions before the constitution is adopted. The provisions of this constitution go into effect when the current President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Manager(s) sign the document.
B. The present council will become the Illini Women's Hockey executive council and retain their present offices until the 2003 election.
Section 2:
Amendments
A. Amendments may be offered in writing to any member of the executive council. The executive council and 5 additional players must approve suggested changes/additions to the Constitution.

ARTICLE: XI: Signatures

Katie Adams, President
Mandy Breon, Vice-President
Bonnie Robinson, Treasurer and Manager(Illini #1)
Dee Lund, Manager(Illini #2)