How to Write a Sports Constitution
Drafting a sports constitution is one of the first things that should be done when creating a new recreational league. This helps the organization define its goals and clarify its purpose to the community it serves. The constitution also lays out all the bylaws and procedures for handling internal disputes, and creates guidelines for funding and membership activities. And it includes a process for amending the constitution, if necessary in the future.
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Instructions
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Create a name for the organization. Naming the organization is the first article of any constitution.
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2
Determine locations for all meetings, practices and games that your organization will be attending. It is essential that all potential locations are included. If a meeting, practice or game is not held in a location approved in the articles of constitution, there is room for the outcome to be disputed.
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Write a mission statement. This statement should include the reason for your organization's existence and any goals that it has at the time of inception. This is a statement of purpose and can be as general as "too have fun" to as specific as "endeavoring to become a safe haven for at-risk youth where they can learn the values of sportsmanship and being on a team."
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Decide on any membership requirements. These might be based on factors such as age, prior participation in professional sports or residency in the community. If there are no membership requirements, state this explicitly in the constitution.
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Establish the leadership structure for the organization. Include provisions for covering the responsibilities of members who are unable to attend scheduled meetings.
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Determine how dues will be collected and any fund raising activities that will be undertaken. Provide a detailed summary of what goods or services members' dues will cover.
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Write down procedures for amending the constitution. Also include a statement determining how any unused funds will be distributed if the organization is disbanded.
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Vote on the constitution. If the constitution does not pass, make adjustments to the language and vote again. Continue this process until the constitution is passed.
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References
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