Sandwich Soccer Club Mission Statement
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Sandwich Soccer Club (SSC) is committed to the development of its players and coaches in order to allow them to reach their full potential. The club will instill sportsmanship and fellowship while developing a community spirit among all of its members.
Our philosophy is to accommodate players of all skill levels and abilities. We offer all players who desire to play, at a competitive level, an opportunity to learn the necessary skills. We do encourage teams to be competitive but not at the expense of player development.
OUR GOALS:
- To develop soccer players who possess well-rounded skills, a thorough understanding and an appreciation of the game.
- To develop player character, discipline, dedication, respect, and talent on and off the soccer field.
- To develop and train players with similar abilities together. Our desired result is the complete player, who will enjoy being an asset to the team.
- To provide education and training for parents, players and coaches.
SSC is committed to providing quality coaching and training. We require the coaching staff to attain and maintain at least a MAYSA ”F” coaching license & encourage them to raise their license level when possible.
Coaches are required to first and foremost demonstrate good parental judgment.
Soccer is secondary to demonstrating appropriate judgment and values.
We will always remember that we are training children and that will govern our decisions.
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Sandwich Soccer Club Constitution
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ORGANIZATION NAME
This organization shall be known as the Sandwich Soccer Club, hereafter referred to as the SSC. The SSC will be an affiliated club and will join the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association each year to maintain that affiliation.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of SSC is to develop and promote a vital and exciting soccer program within the town of Sandwich. This will be accomplished through programs designed to educate players, parents and coaches about the sport of Soccer. These programs will provide the opportunity for training and play for all interested participants and shall be designed to develop individual skills, fitness, teamwork and sportsmanship.
DESCRIPTION AND GOVERNING BODY
The SSC will be responsible for setting club policy objectives, providing for game and field scheduling, equipment, recruiting and training coaches and club organization.
The governing body of SSC will be the Executive Board, hereafter referred to as the Board, which shall consist of the following:
President
Vice President — Tournament Director
Vice President — Operations
Vice President — Coach and Player Development
Vice President — Site Development and Management
Secretary
Treasurer
SCSL Director
SCSL Alternate Director
Registrar
OFFICERS - TERM AND CONDITION OF OFFICE
Officers shall hold office for a one-year term, and are eligible for re-election. The only paid board members shall be the Registrar, SCSL Director and Tournament Director. Applicants for board member positions should be submitted 30 days prior to the Annual General Meeting and be part of the public and published club record.
BOARD DECISIONS
All matters of policy shall be decided by a simple majority vote, except as noted in the FINANCIAL POLICY. A majority of the current active Board members shall constitute a quorum.
NOTICE OF MEETINGS
The General Meeting will be held annually prior to June 30th. Voting members at general meetings shall be parents or legal guardians of any player registered during the current year, coaches, assistant coaches and Board members, whether or not they have children enrolled in SSC.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in SSC shall be open to all.
CONDUCT
The Board shall have the authority to suspend any member of the SSC whose conduct is considered detrimental to the organization.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties and responsibilities of the members of the Board shall be as follows:
President:
The President shall officially preside at all meetings; be the Chairman of the Board; be the official representative of SSC; be authorized to sign checks; vote only to break a tie at any meeting. He/she shall be the chairman of the Protest committee and shall resolve all other grievances as described in the bylaws. The President, with the input from the Vice President of Site Development and Management will make the final determination as to whether a field is to be used for play or practice due to either schedule, weather, wear or other considerations. The board will annually appoint, at the first meeting following the annual general meeting, a board member who will run monthly meetings in the President's absence.
Vice President - Tournament Director:
The Vice President/Tournament Director shall develop, plan, implement, and oversee the Cape Cod Challenge Cup Tournament in accordance with policies set forth by the Board and in conjunction with the Tournament Committee.
Vice President — Operations:
The Vice President Operations shall manage business operations of SSC; be responsible for inventory and equipment purchases and coordination and distribution of uniform orders; be responsible for distributing and collecting equipment to or from coaches. He/she shall have the responsibility of determining and carrying out public awareness programs and fund raising as agreed upon to further the SSC and foster soccer in the town of Sandwich. In addition, the Vice President of Operations shall coordinate volunteers including recruiting and scheduling of volunteers to help with the maintenance of fields and with concessions.
Vice President — Coach and Player development
The Vice President Coach and Player development shall manage board approved coaching and player training programs; oversee all clinics and training programs; develop and manage preseason training facilities and schedule; develop and maintain training materials to be distributed to all coaches; have the responsibility for managing the recruiting, training and developing of quality coaches for the SSC; be responsible for encouraging and keeping records of all coaches participation in the Massachusetts Youth Soccer License Program.
Vice President — Site Development and Management
The Vice President Site Development and Management will help to determine along with the President, whether a field is to be used for play or practice due to either schedule, weather, wear or other considerations. He/she will control the inventory, storage and movement of all field equipment and supplies, including, but not limited to, goals, nets, line painting equipment, signs and supplies. He/she will provide liaison between SSC and the Town of Sandwich Water District Department; be responsible for maintenance of concession facilities at the home fields.
Secretary
The Secretary shall attend to all correspondence for the SSC; keep detailed minutes of all Board and general meetings; keep records as necessary; coordinate and report to board on annual coach evaluations; communicate registration and tryout information to SSC members, Sandwich Youth Soccer Coaches, local newspapers and schools; responsible for public relations and correspondences on behalf of SSC only with the knowledge and permission of the President.
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall have charge of the finances of SSC. He/she shall report on the finances at all Board and general meetings and submit a full written report of the financial transactions and the status of finances at the Annual General Meeting. He/she shall be authorized to sign checks.
Registrar
The Registrar shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining rosters for all SSC seasons and communicating with MYSA for player cards and registration approval and authorization; provide direction to coaches for annual registration night; ensure that all coaches receive MYSA periodicals (BAYSTATER).
SCSL Director
The SCSL Director shall be responsible for representing SSC at the SCSL general meetings and reporting any relevant information at the SSC general meetings. He/she will also be responsible for scheduling home games for SSC and communicating that schedule to SCSL for inclusion in the SCSL game schedule. The SCSL Director will be responsible for communicating home game postponements to the SSC coaches due to unplayable field conditions.
SCSL Alternate
The SCSL Alternate shall assist the SCSL Director in his/her duties and responsibilities; in the absence of, or in conjunction with the SCSL Director he/she will represent SSC at the SCSL general meetings and report any relevant information at the SSC general meetings.
FINANCIAL POLICY
FISCAL YEAR
The Fiscal year will run from the 1st of October until 30th of September.
BUDGET
A balanced budget for the forthcoming year shall be prepared by the Treasurer and approved by the Board before the fiscal year. A monthly statement will be provided to the Board.
MAJOR EXPENSES
Major non-budgeted expenses over $500 from any individual or corporation shall require approval by a majority of the Board.
BANK ACCOUNT
All monies shall be promptly deposited in either an investment or checking account in the SSC's name.
EXPENSES
Bills shall be paid when due.
EXPENDITURES
Funds shall be spent only in the interest of SSC.
AUDIT & TAXES
The President will designate an auditor to review SSC books annually. Tax reports will be filed on an annual basis.
DISPOSITION OF FUNDS
Should the SSC be dissolved, all funds currently in the treasury will be donated to a recognized 501 C(3) organization.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board shall have the power to deal with any matters not explicitly covered by the By-laws.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION
This Constitution, or any section thereof, may be amended by; a two-thirds vote of the members present at the SSC General Meeting or at a special meeting.
MODIFICATIONS TO THE BY-LAWS AND EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES OF PLAY
The By-laws and Exceptions to the Rules of Play may, or any section thereof, may be amended by a simple majority vote of the Board members present at a Board meeting. In addition, changes may be proposed by the membership at the SSC general meeting and approved by a simple majority of the voting members present.
ADOPTION OF THE CONSTITUTION
This Constitution was approved at a General Meeting on July 2002 and amended at the June, 2008 Annual General Meeting.
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Sandwich Soccer
Club By-Laws
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General Guidelines
The SSC shall provide at least a SPRING program.
The Spring program shall be primarily a TRAVELING program. Teams will be fielded as coaches, fields and equipment allow. All attempts will be made to accommodate all players who have signed up. If it is not possible to accommodate all players who have signed up, some selection process will be used to select the final teams. The goal of the SPRING program will be to STRATIFY the levels of competition. SSC will participate in the Spring Travel Program of the South Coast Soccer League, hereafter referred to as the SCSL. Teams will then be placed in SCSL divisions for play at the appropriate levels of competition. SSC members will abide by the SCSL constitution and bylaws for rules of play. SCSL will provide officials, game scheduling and league standings and will have overall responsibility for ruling on game disputes
Specific Guidelines
In addition to the General Guidelines described above, some additional guidelines are appropriate to help in the administration and direction for the SSC programs. The SSC Executive Board is responsible for the final design and execution of the Soccer Programs throughout the year. Any matters of policy or direction shall be their responsibility.
Bylaws and Exceptions to the Rules of Play
SSC teams shall abide by the constitution and by-laws of the SCSL league.
Fees
Fees for participation and uniforms shall be decided annually by the Board and shall be due and payable at registration.
Rosters
SSC team rosters will be in accordance with the constitution and by-laws of the SCSL league.
Uniforms
Players shall wear uniforms selected by the Board.
Playing Time
All players shall have an equal opportunity to play. The recommended playing time a player can receive in a SSC sanctioned game is a third of the game except in the event of unequal attendance at practices, games or in the event of needed discipline.
Age Groups
Players shall try out and be evaluated for the age group in which they are eligible. South Coast Soccer League and MYSA will establish the Age Group limits. Players will try out for the appropriate team for their age group.
Exceptions: (applies to U12 and above)
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A player may try out for a higher age group than the first age group he/she is eligible for if the player is in the prevalent school grade for that age group.
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In the event players are required to play up in a higher age group so that a team can be fielded in the higher age group; the player will play in the higher age group for that year only. Selection of Players moving up will be done by the Age Group Director with the consent of the parents of that player. The player(s) selected should be capable of playing competitively in the Division they are moving up to. This should be reserved for "fringe" players who would benefit from playing up in a higher Age Group
Tryouts and Team Placements
OBJECTIVE:
To rate players and create teams of players of equal skill levels for the Spring travel program. The objective of the tryout is to rate all the players that are trying out for proper team placement. SSC will make every effort to place all players on a team. Every effort will be made to offer a Division I or Division II Boys team and a Division I and Division II girls teams at each single year age group. In the event a Division I team is not fielded at a single year age level, a player at that age level will be allowed, with board approval, to tryout for a team one year above their age level, consistent with their gender (i.e. boys to tryout for boys teams, and girls to tryout for girls teams). In addition, with SSC board approval, girls will be eligible to tryout for boys teams and boys eligible to tryout for girls teams, at their age groups, consistent with SCSL and MYSA rules, only if the following options are not available to the player;
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There is a same-gender team fielded at their age group level that they can tryout for.
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There is a same-gender team fielded at an age group one year above the players current age group.
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There is a same-gender area club (MAPLE) team accessible (within 50 miles) to the player to tryout for.
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The Sandwich Soccer Club Board of Directors is willing to grant the player a waiver to tryout for another town team within a 50 mile radius of Sandwich, MA, that has a same gender team at the players age group, or one year above.
The Sandwich Soccer Club Board of Directors reserves the right to change, amend, or grant exceptions to this bylaw, at anytime, with a simple majority vote of a SSC board quorum.
Age Group Directors
Prospective Age Group Directors (AGD's) must apply to the Board of Directors. Age Group Directors will be selected annually by the board for each boys and girls age group. Age Group Directors will abide by the try out process selected by SSC and will oversee tryouts as directed by the VP of Player and Coach Development. AGD's will utilize the try out results for player placement on teams. Age Group Directors will provide a list of candidates for coaching positions in the respective age groups to the SSC Board of Directors who will weigh the AGD recommendations along with any coach evaluation forms in the final determination of coaches selected.
Tryout Committee
The board of directors will annually appoint a tryout committee who will oversee the tryout process, review results and have the final decision on any questions regarding format or player placement.
Coaches and Assistant Coaches
The Board shall seasonally approve team coaches and assistant coaches.
Abandonment
Any person abandoning their club elected or appointed position during the soccer year will not be eligible for any other future position within SSC. Exceptions require a Board majority vote.
Unbecoming Conduct
Player, Coach or Parent behavior that is unbecoming or inappropriate shall be referred to the Board in writing for review and possible action. SSC will abide by the SCSL zero tolerance policy.
Protests
SSC will follow procedures for game protests as outlined in the annual SCSL by-laws in the Coaches SCSL handbook.
Other Grievances
In the event a parent feels their child is not being treated fairly by the coach in the program, the following procedure is recommended:
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Talk with the Coach and try to resolve the differences.
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If not satisfied, contact in writing, the President who will follow up with the coach and report back to the parent in writing within one week. The President will also inform the full Board of the situation at the next Board meeting. If the President deems it necessary, they can convene the Board to resolve the situation
Ejections
Players and coaches shall abide by the constitution and by-laws of the SCSL league regarding ejections and or fracas. In addition the Board may decide to take further action depending on the situation.
Participation
Players are expected to participate in practices and games. Parents are expected to participate by insuring that their children are on time and picked up for both practices and games and that they have their equipment with them. If a player cannot be present for a scheduled game or practice, the coach should be notified in advance.
Parents should support the coach, help maintain discipline, and promote good sportsmanship. If problems should arise that cannot be mutually resolved they shall be brought to and resolved by the Board.
Referee Support
Coaches will provide support to the referees at all times. SCSL By-Laws dictate no communication with a referee during a game unless the referee initiates conversation. The exception is for safety related matters.
Expectations of Coaches
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Promote good sportsmanship.
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Do not tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches, players or spectators. SCSL By-Laws dictate that coaches are responsible for controlling spectator behavior.
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Promote good soccer through the development of ball and game skills.
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Maintain rosters, attendance records and player ratings.
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Provide a list of potential candidates for voting and non-voting members of the Board.
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Be present for practices and games and schedule at least one practice per week.
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Notify SCSL Director of any game reschedules.
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Notify SCSL of game scores and infractions.
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Develop potential coaching talent of others.
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For ALL playing seasons, ensure that all players play a recommended one third of each game. Exceptions shall only be for injuries, sickness or discipline. Loss of playing time may also result from missed practices, games or poor player behavior at the coaches discretion.
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Adhere to the coaches code of conduct as presented in the SCSL handbook.
Expectations of Players
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Exhibit good sportsmanship.
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Attend all practice and game sessions.
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Respect Referee decisions.
Expectations of Parents
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Parents should work with coaches to make sure players are at practices and games on time.
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During games parents are encouraged to cheer for the team but should not be coaching from the sidelines.
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Parents will stand or sit on the opposite side of the field from the players during games. Parents will not sit or stand on either goal ends of the field.
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Mutual respect must be shown for the other team, coaches and game officials. Abusive language or behavior will not be tolerated.
Revision Dates
These bylaws were revised in July, 2008
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Zero Tolerance Policy
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• All persons responsible for a team and all the spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so will undermine the referee’s authority and has the potential of creating a hostile environment for players, the referee, and all the other participants and spectators.
No one is to address the referee during the game except as allowed below.
Coaches and Managers
During the Game:
May respond to a referee initiating a communication
May ask for substitutions
May point out emergencies or safety issues
At halftime or at the end of the game:
May ask a referee to explain a rule(s) in a polite and constructive way
May give a polite and friendly feedback to the referee
Absolutely no sarcasm, harassment, or intimidation is allowed in any conversation with the referee.
Penalties:
- 1st minor infraction – The referee should ignore
- 1st serious infraction – Caution or ejection depending on the seriousness
- 2nd infraction – A verbal warning
- 3rd infraction – Caution/Ejection
- 4th infraction – Ejection
Spectators
During the game:
May respond to a referee initiating a communication
May point out emergencies or safety issues
Penalties:
1st infraction – Referee should stop the game and ask the coach to quiet the offending spectator.
2nd infraction – Verbal warning. Referee should stop the game and ask the coach to warn the spectator that the next infraction will be an ejection or the referee will abandon the game.
3rd infraction – The referee shall instruct the coach to direct the spectator to leave the field.
The referee should abandon the game if the spectator refuses to leave the field.
If the referee abandons the game, the referee shall file a report and notify the Sandwich Soccer Club Referee Coordinator.
Spectator Conduct toward one another (Before, during, or after a game):
Spectators are to show respect to one another. SSC will not tolerate unbecoming conduct by a spectator. Any issue reported in writing back to the Board of Directors will be investigated and a meeting will be held.
If the board deems appropriate, the board will respond in writing with a warning, and any subsequent offenses could result in the inability to participate as a sideline spectator.
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Code of Ethics
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THE SANDWICH SOCCER CLUB (SSC), ITS AFFILIATES AND
COMPONENTS, AND ALL OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES AND TEAM MANAGERS SHALL SCRUPULOUSLY ADHERE TO THIS CODE OF ETHICS IN ANY AND ALL ACTIONS TAKEN BY THEM ON BEHALF OF SSC OR ANY OTHER SPORTS PROGRAM IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CAPACITIES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN NOTIFICATION OF PROBATION FOR FIRST OFFENSES OR DISMISSAL FROM SANDWICH SOCCER CLUB FOR REPEAT OFFENSES. THE SSC BOARD HAS THE AUTHORITY TO SUSPEND ANY MEMBER OF SSC WHOSE CONDUCT IS CONSIDERED DETRIMENTAL TO THE ORGANIZATION.
Coaches' Code of Ethics
I hereby pledge to follow this Coaches' Code of Ethics.
I will place the emotional & physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and
physical development for the same age group.
I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players,
coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.
I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.
I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players
I will provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and abusive language and I will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules
to my players.
I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for each of the skills that I teach. I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.
Parents' Code of Ethics
I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child
participating in youth sports by following this Parents' Code of Ethics.
I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players,
coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.
I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and abusive language and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
I will remember that the game is for youth and not for adults.
I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect, regardless of race, gender, creed, or ability.
I will help my child enjoy the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectable fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.
I will require that my child's coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches' Code of Ethics.
Players' Code of Ethics
I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience and accept responsibility for my participation by following this Players' Code of Ethics.
I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.
I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coaches if I cannot.
I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, gender, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun.
I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and abusive language and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it's important to me.
I will do my very best in school.
I will remember that sports are an opportunity to learn and have fun.
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Conflict of Interest Policy
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THE SANDWICH SOCCER CLUB (SSC), ITS AFFILIATES AND COMPONENTS, AND ALL OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES AND TEAM MANAGERS SHALL SCRUPULOUSLY AVOID ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THEIR OWN RESPECTIVE PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS INTERESTS AND THE INTERESTS OF SSC, IN ANY AND ALL
ACTIONS TAKEN BY THEM ON BEHALF OF SSC IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CAPACITIES.
In the event that any Officer, Director, Coach, Assistant Coach or Team Manager
of SSC shall have any direct or indirect interest in, or relationship with, any individual
or organization which proposes to enter into any transaction with the Association,
including but not limited to transactions involving:
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the sale, purchase, lease or rental of any property or other asset;
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employment, or rendition of services, personal or otherwise;
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the award of any grant, contract, or subcontract;
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the investment or deposit of any funds of the Association
such person shall give notice of such interest or relationship and shall thereafter
refrain
from discussing or voting on the particular transaction in which he or she
has an interest,
or otherwise attempting to exert any influence on the Association,
or it’s components to
affect a decision to participate or not participate in such
transaction.
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