The object of the organization shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens.

To achieve this objective the organization will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc.. All Directors, Officers and members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and molding of future citizens is of prime importance.

Beginning with the 1995 season the recognized territory of the LITTLE LEAGUE OF WEST PITTSTON, INC. shall be the Borough of West Pittston and portion of Exeter Township as designated in the official boundary map signed and recorded on February 22, 1995 and approved by the Little League headquarters in a letter dated March 3, 1995.

A. ELIGIBILITY- Any person interested in active participation to affect the objective of this local league may apply to become a member.

B. CLASSES – There shall be the following classes:
1. PLAYER MEMBERS-Any player candidate meeting the requirements of the current Little League International Operation's Manual and who resides within the authorized boundaries of this league shall be eligible to compete for participation but shall have no rights, duties, or obligations in the management or the property of this league.
2. REGULAR MEMBERS-Any person actively interested in furthering the objective of the League may become a regular member upon election as hereinafter provided. The secretary shall maintain the role of membership to qualify voting members. All board officers, board members, committee members, managers, volunteer umpires and other elected or appointed officials must be active regular members in good standing.
3. HONORARY MEMBERS-Any person may be elected as Honorary Member by the unanimous vote of all Directors present at any duly held meeting of the Board of Directors but shall have no rights, duties or obligations in the management of the property of the league.
4. As used herein, the word member shall mean regular member unless otherwise stated.

C. OTHER AFFILIATIONS-No officer or board member of a Little League and no District Administrator or other representative of a group of Little Leagues shall, at the same time, hold office or be a member of the Board of any other youth baseball league or function as an official or representative of such a program.

D. SUSPENSION OR TERMINATION-Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors.
1. The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted meeting shall have the authority to discipline or suspend or terminate the membership of any member of any class when the conduct of such person is considered detrimental to the best interests of the Local League and/or Little League Baseball or is in violation of the most current WPLL CODE OF CONDUCT (copy attached)- whether signed or not. All board members and the member involved shall be notified of such meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges and given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
2. The Board of Directors shall, in the case of a Player Member, give notice to the manager of the team of the Player Member, the Player Agent and the Player Member's parents or guardians. The Player Agent shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player and his parents or guardians before the West Pittston Little League Board of Directors, which shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player’s right to future participation by the approval of the Board.

A. Refer to Little League International Operational Manual.

A. A reasonable Little League participation fee will be assessed as a parent’s obligation to assure the operational continuity of this league. At no time should payment of any fee be a prerequisite for participation in the Little League program.

A. ANNUAL MEETINGS-The annual meeting of this organization shall be held on the Third (3rd) Wednesday of October in each year for the purpose of electing officers, and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting.

B. The regular monthly meeting of this league will be the Third (3rd) Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm.

C. SPECIAL MEETINGS- Special meetings of the members may be called by the Board of Directors or the secretary or by the President at their discretion. Upon written request of five (5) members, the President shall call a meeting to consider a specific subject. No business other than that specified for the meeting shall be transacted at any special meeting.

D. QUORUM-The presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

E. VOTING-Only Board Members shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of this organization.

F. PROXIES-Each Board Member shall be entitled to one (1) vote in person or by proxy. All proxies must be in written form and may be withdrawn at any time. The written proxy vote must be submitted prior or at the start of the meeting. A Board Member present at the meeting can only carry one proxy vote for an absent Board Member.

G. MANDATORY MEETING- It is mandatory that each team be represented at the annual Managers/Coaches meeting as called by the President.

H. ATTENDANCE-All members of the Board of Directors are required to attend a minimum of seven (7) of twelve (12) regular board meetings in a year or otherwise automatically forfeit their seat on the Board. The timeframe for such attendance is the November through October period ending with the annual meeting in October. In the event one or more regular meetings are cancelled and not rescheduled, the minimum requirement of seven (7) will decrease accordingly. Meetings cancelled for a lack of a quorum will count as a regular meeting and will count as an absence for those who do not attend. After each Board meeting, the President will advise any Board member who is within one or more absence of forfeiting his or her seat and will vacate any seat held by a Board Member who has exceeded the maximum number of absences. The President will open such seats for applicants to the Board prior to the next Board meeting.

I. RULES OF ORDER-ROBERTS RULES OF ORDER shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where same conflicts with the By-Laws of this League.

J. OPERATIONAL MANUAL-Each member of the Board will be provided with an operating manual.

A. BOARD AND NUMBER- The Management of the property and affairs of this League shall be vested in the Board of Directors. The number of Directors shall not be less than five (5) and not more than fifteen (15). The maximum number shall be reached through attrition if necessary.

The maximum number of Board Members from any one household shall not exceed one (1). Further, the percentage of board members from any one family- household or extended- shall not exceed twenty-five percent (25%).

The directors shall upon election perform their duties and continue in office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

Open seats and / or Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by applicants submitting a dated letter to the Secretary of the Board expressing their interest in becoming a Board Member and are deemed by a majority vote of the Board to be suitable Board members. When voting for approval of Board candidates, the Board shall consider prior contributions to the Little League, capacity to assist the Little League in its objectives and other factors which have a bearing on suitability for the role of Director. Date of application itself does not qualify one applicant over another.

Board of Director seats are not transferable by individual board members or by majority vote of the Board at any duly constituted board meeting.

B. REQUIRED MEMBERS-The Board membership shall include the Officers, including the Player Agent, and a minimum of one (1) manager.

C. DUTIES AND POWERS-The Board of Directors shall have the power to as it shall determine and to delegate such powers to them as the Board shall deem advisable and which it may properly delegate. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and the management of the league as it may deem proper. The Board shall have the power by a two thirds vote of those present at any regular or special meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director or Officer or Committee Member of this organizations in accordance set forth in the Article IV Section D of these By-Laws. The Board shall receive at the annual meeting of the members of the league a report verified by the President and Treasurer, or by a majority of the Directors, showing the whole amount of real and personal property owned by it, where located and where and how invested, the amount and nature of the property acquired during the term immediately proceeding, the date of the report and the manner of the acquisition, the amount applied, appropriated or expended during the year immediately preceding such date, and the purpose, objects or persons to or for which such applications, appropriations or expenditures have been made; and the names and places of residence of the persons who have been admitted to membership in this League during such year, which report shall be field with the records of this organizations and an abstract thereof entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the annual meeting. A copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League Headquarters.

D. Members of the Board of Directors must recognize that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with a sensitive and formative period of a youngster’s development. It is required that board members have understanding, patience and capacity to work with youngsters. They should be able to inspire respect. Above all else, they must realize that they are helping to shape the physical, mental and emotional development of young people.

E. PARTICIPATION-Each year, all Board members must participate in a minimum number of major programs, fund raising or administrative activities associated with the Little League.

REMINDER: Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted on Little League property. NO ONE shall be permitted on Little League property while under the influence of alcohol or any other illegal drugs.

The President selects and appoints managers, coaches, umpires and committees. All appointments are subject to the approval of the League’s Board of Directors.

A. NOMINATING COMMITTEE-The President shall appoint a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) Directors. The committee shall submit for consideration by the Board, slate of Officers.

B. FINANCE/FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE-the President shall appoint a Finance/Fundraising Committee of not less than three (3) nor more than five(5) Directors. The treasurer shall be an ex-officio member of the committee. The committee shall investigate ways and means of financing the league.

C. BUILDING, PROPERTY AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE-The President shall appoint this committee. This committee shall be responsible for repair and improvement, recommendations, plus normal maintenance and supervise the performance of approved projects.

D. PURCHASING AGENT- This person or persons will be appointed by the President. This person or persons shall secure bids on needed supplies and equipment and make recommendations for their purchase to the Board. They shall be responsible for the proper issuance of such supplies and equipment and for the repair, cleaning, and storage, thereof, at the end of the season.

E. AUDITING COMMITTEE-The Board of Directors shall secure the services of a Public Accountant to review the League’s books.

F. SAFETY COMMITTEE- The President shall appoint a Safety Committee which will be not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) Directors, one of which will be designated the League “Safety Officer”. The Safety Officer will lead the committee in its responsibilities which are to oversee and administer all matters relating to the safety of players, spectators, Little League facilities, safety equipment, emergency preparedness, travel, safety and medical policies.

A. OFFICERS-The officers of the League shall consist of a President, one or more Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, Treasurer and a Player Agent, all of whom shall hold office for the ensuing year or until their successors are duly elected.
The Board of Directors may appoint such Officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable, and may prescribe the powers and duties of each and may fill any vacancy which may occur in any office.

B. PRESIDENT-The President shall:

1. Conduct the affairs of the League and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors.

2. Present a report of the condition of the League at the annual meeting.

3. Communicate to the Board, such matters as deem appropriate, and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the League.

4. Be responsible for the conduct of the League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc., as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued the League by that organization.

5. Designate in writing, other officers if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of the League such contracts and leases as may have received prior approval of the Board.

6. Investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the League and report thereon to the Board as circumstances warrant.

7. With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and support proof-of-age and documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection.

8. The President must see to it that league personnel are properly briefed on all phases of rules, regulations and policies of Little League Baseball.

C. VICE-PRESIDENT-In the case of absence or disability of the president, and provided he/she is authorized by the President of Board to act, the Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President, and when so acting, shall have all the powers of that office, and shall have such other duties as from time to time may assigned by the President or Board of Directors. The VP is ex-officio member of all committees.

D. SECRETARY-The Secretary shall:

1. Be responsible for recording the activities of the League and maintain list and necessary records.

2. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of the Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board.

3. Maintain a list of all regular and honorary members, directors, and committee members and give notice of all meetings of the League, the Board and Committees.

4. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the members, the board and committees, and cause them to be recorded in a book for that purpose.

5. Shall conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meetings and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed.

6. Notify members, directors, officers and committee members of their election or appointment.

E. TREASURER-The Treasures shall:

1. Perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the office of the treasurer or may be assigned by the Board.

2. Receive all monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board.

3. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the League, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks thereon.

F. PLAYER AGENT-The Player Agent shall-

1. Record all player transaction and maintain an accurate and up to date record thereof.

2. Receive all review applications for player candidates and assist the President in checking residence and age eligibility.

3. Conduct the player auction or draft and all other player transactions or selection meetings.

4. Prepare the Player Agent’s list.

5. Prepare the President’s signature and submission to Little League Headquarters, team roster, including players claimed, tournament eligibility affidavit.

6. Notify Little League Headquarters of any subsequent player replacements.

A. Team Managers and Coaches shall be appointed annually by the President, prior to tryouts, with the approval of the Board, and shall be responsible for the selection of their teams and for their action on the field.

B. Umpires for minor and coach pitch leagues shall be appointed by the President, with the approval of the Board.

C. In the event of resignation, death, illness, etc. of a manager, coach or umpire, the President shall promptly appoint a replacement.

D. President shall not manage, coach or umpire. Player Agent shall not manage, coach or umpire in their respective division. Vice-Presidents may manage, coach or umpire, as long as they do not serve on the protest committee.

A. The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of this League. All monies received shall be deposited to the credit of the League in the financial institution, designated by a vote of the Board of Directors, and disbursements shall be made by check. All checks shall be signed by the League Treasurer and President or Vice-President or Secretary.

B. DISSOLUTION-Upon the dissolution of this organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purpose within the meaning of section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be disposed of by the Court of Common Pleas of the county in which the principle office of the organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purpose.

C. The organization is organized exclusively for charitable purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. No part of the net earnings of the organization shall incur to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purpose set forth in the purpose clause hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be the carrying of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the organization shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing of statements) any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of this document, the organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an organization, contributions to which are deductible under section 170 (c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

D. The President may, at their discretion, use funds up to a maximum of $100 for a purchase.

Any interpretation of these By-Laws shall be made by the Board of Directors.

A. The Local League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Inc., and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter. The Local League shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program.

B. The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Inc., Williamsport, PA be binding on the Local League.

C. The local rules of this Local League shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month previous to the first scheduled game of the season, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc.

A. Manager Selection.

a. The major league managers shall be the mangers with the best prior year regular season winning percentage. Best winning percentage to manager 11-12 year old team, second best 10-11 year old team, third best 9-10 year old team. If the manager with the best prior year regular season winning percentage is not available, does not wish to participate or is ineligible, the position will be filled by second manager meeting this requirement, and so forth until a manger is selected.

b. Minor league and / or tournament managers shall be selected by the President and approved by the Board of Directors.

B. Players Selection

a. The duly selected All-Star manager, along with the mangers of the major league teams, one coach from each team (at the individual managers discretion, this coach does not have voting rights in the selection process), the President and Player Agent shall be present for the selection process. No other coaches, mangers from other levels, Board Members or parents to be present.

b. Only players whos parents have executing and submitted to their manger a Letter of Intent and Eligibility are available for All-Star selection. A master list of eligible players will be compiled by team and distributed to the mangers prior to, and for use during, all-star player selections.

c. Player selection process shall proceed as follows:
1. Each manager receivers a complete list of eligible players listed by team.
2. First round- each manager selects 10 players from the master list of players not on their own team they wish to nominate as members of the all star team. Majority vote rules.
3. In case of tie or incomplete roster, second and subsequent rounds managers nominate the remaining players which can now be selected from their own team. Majority vote rules.
4. This process continues until a minimum of eleven (11) and maximum of thirteen (13) players are selected based on the all-star manager’s preference.

d. All All-Star teams shall be selected in this manner.

This Constitution or By-Laws may be amended, repealed or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote of the directors. All proposed amendments, repeals or alterations must have three (3) reading on three (3) different dates. Notice of such action must be provided to each Board Member.

January 25, 2009 MOTION: In the interest of far play - new players to major league level of play, age 10 and up must attend 50% or more of player skill evaluation. If not attending tryouts, parents must submit a letter of explanation with valid reasons why to be reviewed by the board. If in the event the player does not attend 50% or more of the try out and/or no letter is submitted the player will not be eligible for post season play. The player will then return to minor league player pool and can not return to their previous team regardless of parental involvement as manager or coach. A player attending tryouts and not making it on a major league team, will be eligible for post season play and may return to previous minor league team. The motion was seconded and a vote was taken, 16 in-favor, 2 opposed, 2 abstained. The motion passed.

These By-Laws were revised and adopted by the West Pittston Little League Board of Directors on December 12, 2012