CONSTITUTION: North Venice Little League
League ID Number: 4052507
ARTICLE I – NAME
This organization shall be known as the North Venice Little League, hereinafter referred to as “Local League."
ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVE
SECTION 1
The objectiv of the Local League shall be to positively impact youth and communities using the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons to build stronger individuals and communities.
SECTION 2
To achieve this objective, the Local League will provide a supervised program of baseball and softball consistent with the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated. All Directors, Officers and Members shall consider and incorporate the values of Little League: Teamwork, Community, Inclusion, Fun, and Integrity. The molding of future citizens is of prime importance and the attainment of exceptional athletic skillor the winning of games is secondary. In accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code, the Local League shall operate exclusively as a nonprofit educational organization providing a supervised program of competitive baseball and/or softball games. No part of the net earnings shall benefit any individual or be used in any substantial part to influence legislation or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1
Any person interested in active participation to further the objective of the Local League may apply to become a Member.
SECTION 2
1.Regular Members (“Members”)
Regular members shall include the following, each entitled to one (1) vote, subject to a maximum of two (2) votes per household:
a. Parents/Guardians of Registered Players - Each family with one (1) registered player shall be entitled to one (1) Regular Membership (one vote total for that family). Each family with two (2) or more registered players shall be entitled to two (2) Regular Memberships (two votes total per household). This provision ensures families are represented while preventing multiple votes beyond two per household, regardless of the number of registered players or volunteer roles held by members of that household.
b. Approved Volunteers Without a Registered Player - Any adult actively serving the League (including Managers, Coaches, Umpires, Board Members, Officers, or other approved volunteers) who does not have a registered player shall be a Regular Member upon completion of the annual background check and required Little League volunteer training. If such a volunteer resides in a household that already holds one or two memberships under subsection (a), no additional membership or vote shall be granted beyond the maximum defined in 1(a).
c. At-Large Members - Any adult interested in furthering the objectives of the Local League who does not otherwise qualify above may request Regular Membership in writing. Such requests shall be reviewed and approved by majority vote of the Board of Directors annually.
d. Recordkeeping - The Secretary shall maintain the roll of Regular Members to determine eligibility and voting rights. Only Members in good standing may vote at General Membership Meetings. The Secretary shall also track household affiliations to ensure no household exceeds two (2) total votes.
2. Player Members
Player Members are those meeting the eligibility requirements of Little League Regulation IV. Player Members have no voting rights, duties or obligations in the management or in the property of the Local League.
SECTION 5
Suspension or Termination – Membership may be terminated by resignation or action of the Board of Directors as follows:
1. The Board of Directors, by a two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted Board meeting, shall have the authority to discipline, suspend or terminate the membership of any Member of any class, including Managers, Coaches, and other volunteers when the conduct of such person is inconsistent with the values of Little League Baseball, Incorporated and is considered detrimental to the best interests of the players, Local League and/or Little League Baseball, Incorporated. Each report will first be brought to the Code of Conduct committee prior to being brought to the Board of Directors. The Member involved shall be notified of such a meeting, informed of the general nature of the charges, and be given an opportunity to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
2. The Board of Directors shall, in case of a Player Member, give notice to the Manager of the team for which the player is a Player Member. Said Manager shall appear, in the capacity of an adviser, with the player and the player’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) before the Board of Directors or a duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have full power to suspend or revoke such player’s right to future participation in the Local League by two-thirds vote of those present at any duly constituted Board meeting.
ARTICLE IV – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECTION 1
The management of the property and affairs of the Local League shall be vested in the Board of Directors.
SECTION 2
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of 15 Members in good standing. The Officers of the Board of Directors shall be President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Player Agent, Safety Coordinator, Upper Division Coordinator, Major Division Coordinator, AAA Division Coordinator, AA/A Division Coordinator, 5 Pitch Division Coordinator, Tee-ball Coordinator, Umpire-in-Chief, Snack Bar Coordinator, Fields Operations Coordinator.
After their election at the Annual Membership Meeting, as defined in Article VII Section 6, the Board of Directors shall by qualified via background check.
Each Officer shall serve a term of one (1) year, commencing on October 1 and concluding on September 30. Outgoing Board of Directors shall, in good faith, support the incoming Board of Director members to ensure a smooth transition.
An individual may serve in the same Officer position for up to three (3) consecutive terms. After serving three consecutive terms in the same position, an individual must either:
1. Assume a different officer role, subject to election or appointment; or
2. Take a mandatory hiatus from the original position for a minimum of two (2) years before being eligible to serve in that same capacity again.
In exceptional circumstances, where no other qualified candidates are available, the Board of Directors may, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote, extend an Officer's term beyond the specified limits for one (1) additional term.
SECTION 3
If any vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors, by death, resignation or otherwise, it may be filled, for the balance of the absent Board Member’s term of office, by a majority vote of the remaining Directors at any duly constituted Board meeting or Special Board Meeting called for that purpose. Nominations for the vacant role may come from any Director.
SECTION 4
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held.
1. Notice of every Board meeting shall be given by the Secretary personally, electronically or by mail to each Director at a minimum fourteen (14) calendar day(s) before the time appointed for the meeting to the last recorded address of each Director.
2. At any meeting of the Board of Directors, the presence of two-thirds (66.6 percent) of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of regular business. If a quorum is not present, no business shall be conducted.
3. Only members of the Board of Directors may make motions and vote at meetings of the Board of Directors. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit, and recognize guests for presentations or comments during Board meetings.
4. A simple majority vote of the Directors present during a duly constituted Board of Directors meeting is necessary to approve any action relating to the general business of the Local league.
5. No Director shall be allowed to vote by proxy at any meeting of the Board of Directors.
6. Meetings of the Board of Directors may be held in-person and/or by telephonic or electronic means and such means shall be clearly stated in any meeting notice.
7. Meetings of the Board of Directors shall include an open session for Membership, followed by a closed session as needed for the Board of Directors and appointed officers. Meeting minutes shall be available to Membership by request.
8. A Special Board Meeting may be called, in writing, at the request of five (5) or more Directors. The President or Secretary will send notice of the meeting, and such notice shall include the purpose of the meeting and only matters so stated in such notice may be acted upon at the Special meeting. Additional details provided in Article VIII Section 7.
SECTION 5
The Board of Directors shall have the power to appoint such standing committees as it shall determine appropriate 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 Local League as it may deem proper, provided such rules and regulations do not conflict with this Constitution or the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated.
The Board shall have the power by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular Board or Special Board Meeting to discipline, suspend or remove any Director, Officer, Committee Member, or Member of the Local League in accordance with the procedure set forth in Article III, Section 5.
SECTION 6
Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all Local League meetings, including Board of Directors meetings. Any action taken by the Board of Directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be deemed the action of the Board of Directors, except where same conflicts with this Constitution. Minutes of all meetings will be recorded and will accurately reflect the action(s) taken.
ARTICLE V – DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE BOARD
SECTION 1
The Board of Directors may appoint such other officers or agents as it may deem necessary or desirable and may prescribe the powers and duties of each. Appointed officers or agents shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board by the membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board. Additional officers report to the Board of Directors. The need for and responsibilities of those positions will be reviewed annually and included in the Local League’s Policies and Procedures.
SECTION 2
President – The President shall:
1. Conduct the affairs of the Local League and execute the policies established by the Board of Directors
2. Present a report of the condition of the Local League at the Annual Meeting
3. Communicate to the Board of Directors such matters as deemed appropriate and make such suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the Local League
4. Be responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, and Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued to the Local League by that organization
5. Investigate complaints, irregularities, and conditions detrimental to the Local League and report thereon to the Board as circumstances warrant
6. Prepare and submit an annual budget to the Board of Directors and be responsible for the proper execution thereof
7. With the assistance of the Player Agent, examine the application and support proof-of age documents of every player candidate, certify residence or school enrollment, and certify age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection
8. Complete the required background checks per Little League Regulation I (b) and I (c) 8 & 9; or delegate this responsibility to the league Safety Officer, or other designated Board member
9. Ensure that all individuals who submit the Volunteer Application complete the Abuse Awareness Training as outlined in the Little League Child Protection Program or delegate this responsibility to the league Safety Officer, or other designated Board member
10. Ensure the Local League compliance with the requirements of the Little League Child Protection Program or delegate this responsibility to the league Safety Officer, or other designated Board Member
SECTION 3
Vice President – The Vice President shall:
1. Perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President, provided he or she is authorized by the President or Board to so act. When so acting, the Vice President shall have all the powers of that office
2. Perform such duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors or by the President
SECTION 4
Secretary – The Secretary shall:
1. Be responsible for recording the activities of the Local League and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists, email lists 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 Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board of Directors
3. Maintain a list of all Regular, Sustaining and Honorary Members, Directors and Committee Members and give notice of all meetings of the Local League, the Board of Directors, and Committees
4. Maintain a current list of all Regular Members in good standing and determine the number of Regular Members needed to constitute a quorum
5. Keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose
6. Conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meeting and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed
7. Notify Members, Directors, Officers and Committee Members of their election or appointment. Provide each of these individuals with a copy of the Local League Constitution
SECTION 5
Treasurer – The Treasurer shall:
1. Perform such duties as are herein set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board of Directors
2. Receive all moneys and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board of Directors
3. Keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all moneys and securities of the Local League, approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with policies established in advance of such actions by the Board of Directors
4. Prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting
5. Prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting, and to Little League International
SECTION 6
Player Agent – The Player Agent shall:
1. Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof
2. Receive and review applications for player candidates and assist the President in verifying residence or school enrollment and age eligibility
3. Oversee tryouts, player draft, and all other player transactions or selection meetings
4. Prepare for the President’s signature and submission to Little League Baseball, Incorporated team rosters, including players claimed, and the tournament team eligibility affidavit
5. Notify Little League Baseball, Incorporated of any subsequent player replacements or trades
SECTION 7
Safety Officer – The Safety Officer shall:
1. Be responsible to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for Players and all participants of Little League
2. Develop and implement a plan for increasing safety of activities, equipment and facilities through education, compliance and reporting which may include:
a. Education – Facilitate meetings and distribute information among participants including players, managers, coaches, umpires, league officials, parents, guardians, and other volunteers
b. Compliance – Promote safety compliance leadership by increasing awareness of the safety opportunities that arise from these responsibilities
c. Reporting – Define a process to assure that incidents are recorded, information is sent to league/district and national offices, and follow-up information on medical and other data is forwarded as available
d. Background Checks - the Safety Officer will complete the required background checks per Little League Regulation I(b) and I(c)(8) & (9)
e. Training – If the League President so designates, the Safety Officer shall ensure that all individuals who submit the Volunteer Application complete the Abuse Awareness Training per Little League Regulation I(c)10 and as outlined in the Little League Child Protection Program
f. Child Protection Program – If the League President so designates, the Safety Officer will ensure the league is compliant with all aspects of the Little League Child Protection Program
SECTION 8
Division Coordinator – The Division Coordinator shall:
1. Consist of one (1) individual to oversee the day-to-day operations of the League’s following divisions: Upper Division (Seniors, Juniors, 50/70), Major Division, AAA Division, A/AA Divisions, 5-Pitch Division, and T-Ball Division. For clear avoidance of doubt, any additional Division Coordinators established to exceed those aforementioned would require Board majority vote to secure voting Director status (eg, Softball, or splitting A/AA into two distinct roles)
2. Be responsible for the overall administration of their respective division, overseeing day-to-day operations of their respective division, including the following responsibilities:
a. Manager recruitment
b. Manager and coach nomination for Board approval
c. For relevant divisions, work in partnership with Player Agent to lead and execute Evaluations and Draft
d. Keep the league managers informed of any changes to the Local League Rules, Board Decisions, Fundraisers, and any other matters that could impact their respective division.
e. Collaborate with the Equipment Coordinator, Scheduler, Field Operations, and Player Agent to ensure the division has equipment/uniforms, has practice/game schedules, is aligned with the expectations of field maintenance, and has a clear understanding of the role of the Player Agent.
f. Provide league standings and oversee the playoffs [AAA and above]
g. Work closely with division managers, Player Agent and other Division Coordinators to lead the selection of the all-star managers and players [AAA and above]
h. Coordinate scheduling of games with District 25 and other leagues [Upper]
i. Coordinate umpire coverage in collaboration with Umpire-in-Chief [Upper, Major, AAA]
SECTION 9
Snack Bar Coordinator – The Snack Bar Coordinator shall:
1. Manage and operate the concession facilities
2. Ensure concession facilities meet health inspection requirements
3. Organize the purchase of concession products and provide detailed receipts to Treasurer
4. Schedule staff to work the concession booth
5. Maintain records of concession income and provide them to the Treasurer.
SECTION 10
Field Operations Coordinator – The Fields Operations Coordinator shall:
1. Be responsible for the maintenance of all facility quarters, machinery, and equipment
2. Ensure that all facility spaces are QCd and the highest possible safety and sanitary requirements are maintained
3. Hire, supervise, and direct all third-party trades engaged for maintenance and landscaping-related tasks
4. Plan, budget, procure, and project manage inventory for all facility supplies, field supplies, materials, machinery, and equipment
5. Monitor field usage and present on and off-season maintenance schedules
6. Collaborate with Division Coordinators and Coaching Coordinators to educate and support the community for tasks related to preparing and breaking down fields for games and practices
SECTION 11
Umpire-in-Chief – The Umpire-in-Chief shall:
1. Serve as coordinator of the league umpire program
2. Recruit and retain umpires
3. Establish a league umpire training program consistent with Little League guidelines
4. Assist with conducting umpire clinics at district level
5. Communicate rules (and changes to rules) to league umpires and division coordinators
6. Schedule league umpires for regular season games
7. Evaluate league umpires using established guidelines to maintain program integrity, further continual improvement, and prepare league umpires for advancement to tournament levels
8. Conduct game protests consistent with Little League rulebook guidelines
ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES
SECTION 1
The Board of Directors may appoint Committees as it may deem necessary or desirable and may prescribe the powers and duties of each Committee in Policies and Procedures. Committee Chairs and members of the Committees shall have no vote on actions taken by the Board of Directors unless such individuals have been elected to the Board by the membership or have been elected to fill a vacancy on the Board.
ARTICLE VII – GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS
SECTION 1
Definition – A General Membership Meeting is any meeting of the membership of the league which is called in accordance with this Constitution. A minimum of one meeting per year (Annual Meeting, see Section 6) is required. General Membership Meetings may be held in-person and/or by other electronic means which allow for full participation by all Members.
SECTION 2
Notice of Meeting – Notice of each General Membership Meeting shall be delivered personally, electronically, or by mail to each Member at the last recorded electronic or physical address, at least 10 calendar days in advance of the meeting, setting forth the place, time, and purpose of the meeting.
SECTION 3
Quorum – At any General Membership Meeting, the presence in person and/or by electronic means, or representation by absentee ballot of twenty (20) percent of the Regular Members or forty (40) Regular Members, whichever is less, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. If a quorum is not present, no business shall be conducted. The Secretary shall be responsible for providing a list of all Regular Members in good standing.
SECTION 4
Voting – Only Regular Members in good standing shall be entitled to attend, make motions and vote at General Membership Meetings. However, the Board of Directors may invite, admit, and recognize guests for presentations or comments during General Membership Meetings.
SECTION 5
Absentee Ballot – For the expressed purpose of accommodating a Regular Member in good standing who cannot attend a General Membership Meeting at which new Board members will be elected, an absentee ballot may be requested from the Secretary of the Local League via email no earlier than seven days before the Annual Meeting of the Members. The absentee ballot must be properly completed and returned no later than 24 hours before the start of the Annual Meeting of the Members. The Secretary shall present all absentee ballots to the Election Chairman (appointed at the meeting) on the date of the meeting, prior to the voting portion of the election process.
SECTION 6
Annual Meeting of the Members - The Annual Meeting of the Members of the Local League shall be held either online, or in person, within one month prior to the start of the new fiscal year. The purpose of the Annual Meeting of the Members shall be electing the Board of Directors, receiving reports, reviewing the Constitution, appointing committees, and for the transaction of such business as may properly come before the meeting.
1. The Membership shall receive at the Annual Meeting of the Members of the Local League a report, verified by the President and Treasurer, or a majority of the Directors, showing:
a. The condition of the Local League, to be presented by the President or his/her designee.
b. A general summary of funds received and expended by the Local League for the previous year, the amount of funds currently in possession of the Local League, and the name of the financial institution in which such funds are maintained.
c. The whole amount of real and personal property owned by the Local League, where located, and where and how invested.
d. For the year immediately preceding, the amount and nature of the property acquired, with the date of the report and the manner of the acquisition, the amount applied, appropriated, or expended, and the purposes, objects, or persons to or for which such applications, appropriations or expenditures have been made.
e. The names of the persons who have been admitted to Membership in the Local League during the preceding year.
2. This report shall be filed with the records of the Local League and entered in the minutes of the proceedings of the Annual Meeting. A copy of such report shall be forwarded to Little League International.
3. At the Annual Meeting, the Regular Members shall elect the Board of Directors by position.
SECTION 7
Special General Membership Meetings – Special General Membership Meetings may be called by the Board of Directors, by the Secretary or President at their discretion. Additionally, upon the written request of a minimum of five (5) Members, the President or Secretary shall call a Special General Membership Meeting to consider the subject specified in the request. No business other than that specified in the notice of the Special General Membership Meeting shall be transacted at any Special General Membership Meeting. Such Special General Membership Meeting shall be scheduled to take place not less than five (5) calendar days after the request is received by the President or Secretary.
SECTION 8
Any vote by the Regular Members at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be deemed the action of the Regular Members, except where same conflicts with this Constitution. Minutes of all meetings will be kept and will accurately reflect the action(s) taken.
ARTICLE VIII – AFFILIATION
SECTION 1
The Local League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Incorporated, 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.
SECTION 2
The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Incorporated shall be binding on the Local League.
SECTION 3
The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of the Local League shall be adopted by the Board of Directors at a meeting to be held not less than one month before the first scheduled game of the season, but shall in no way conflict with the Rules, Regulations and Policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, nor shall they conflict with this Constitution. The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of this Local League shall expire at the end of each playing season and are not considered part of this Constitution.
ARTICLE IX – FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
SECTION 1
The Board of Directors shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the Local League and it shall place all income in a common league treasury, directing the expenditure of funds in such manner as will give no individual or team an advantage over those in competition with such individual or team.
SECTION 2
The Board shall not permit the contribution of funds or property to individual teams but shall solicit funds for the common treasury of the Local League, thereby to discourage favoritism among teams and to endeavor to equalize the benefits of the Local League.
SECTION 3
The Board shall not permit the solicitation of funds in the name of Little League Baseball, Incorporated unless all funds so raised be placed in the Local League treasury.
SECTION 4
The Board shall not permit the disbursement of Local League funds for other than the conduct of Little League activities in accordance with the Rules, Regulations, and Policies of Little League Baseball, Incorporated.
SECTION 5
No Board member authorized to disburse funds may be the spouse or family relative of the Local League President or Treasurer or have direct access to league funds without the approval of the majority of the Board of Directors with such vote recorded in the minutes.
SECTION 6
No Director, Officer, or Member of the Local League shall receive, directly or indirectly any salary, compensation, or payment from the Local League for services rendered as Director, Officer, or Member.
SECTION 7
All moneys received, including sponsorship and fundraising, shall be deposited into the financial account of the Local League which must be a federally insured bank or other certified financial intuition as determined by the Board. The establishment of the Local League account or change of account must be noted in the board minutes.
SECTION 8
The fiscal year of the Local League shall begin on October 1 and shall end on September 30.
SECTION 9
Upon dissolution of the Local League program for any reason and after all outstanding debts and claims have been satisfied, the Regular Members may either direct the remaining property of the Local League to another chartered Little League program in good standing with Little League Baseball, Incorporated or may direct the funds to Little League Baseball, Incorporated.
ARTICLE X - TRANSPARENCY AND COLLECTIVE DECISION-MAKING
SECTION 1
The full Board of Directors shall be aware of decisions and matters concerning the Local League to ensure transparency and accountability. The Board shall discuss issues, ensuring that no single individual or small group makes decisions independently. A collective voting process guarantees that all actions reflect the consensus and best interests of the entire Board, fostering an open and collaborative governance environment. Individual Directors should keep the Board informed about their decision making and areas of responsibility.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1
This Constitution may only be amended, repealed, or altered in whole or in part by a majority vote of the Members at a duly organized meeting, provided notice of the proposed change is included in the notice of such meeting. A draft of all proposed amendments shall be submitted to Little League Baseball, Incorporated for approval before a vote of the Membership is held.
This Constitution was approved by the Local League Membership on February 21, 2026.
__________________________________________
President’s Name (Printed)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
President’s Signature
Little League ID No. 4052507
Federal ID No. (if available)
State ID No. (if available)
Little League Baseball, Incorporated does not limit participation in its activities on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference or religious preference.