Peters Township Boys Youth Lacrosse Association
BYLAWS
These Bylaws [as amended, from time to time, as the case may be] executed and adopted as of the
Effective Date [defined below], constitute the code of rules administered by the Peters Township Boys Youth
Lacrosse Association (“PTBYLA”) for the proper regulation and management of its affairs. These Bylaws are
applicable, enforceable against and consented to by all registered players, parents or guardians of registered
players, event spectators, prospective players, volunteers, board members, and all individuals (collectively,
“Participants”) attending any PTBYLA game or event. To the extent the herein Bylaws may conflict with the
bylaws or regulations of the Peters Township Department of Parks and Recreation, or the Western
Pennsylvania Youth Lacrosse Association, the latter shall control and these Bylaws shall be subordinated
thereto.
ARTICLE I - NAME AND AFFILIATION
This organization shall be known as the Peters Township Boys Youth Lacrosse Association (hereinafter
also referred to as the “PTBYLA”)
The PTBYLA, together with the Lacrosse teams and approved activities supported by it, shall be
affiliated with a league or leagues which best provide a level of competition commensurate with the team or
teams ability to favorably compete. The league affiliation should reflect the values of the Peters Township
Community along with the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department and School District in
relationship to surrounding Lacrosse programs participating in Boys Youth and Middle School Lacrosse
leagues. These Bylaws are adopted and administered by the non-paid volunteer executive officers and
members of the board of the PTBYLA (herein, the “Executive Board”), as further described below, and
effective against all Participants.
ARTICLE II - NOT FOR PROFIT - NON PROFIT STATUS
The PTBYLA shall be operated by the Executive Board as a “not for profit” or “non-profit
organization,” as those terms are defined by the Internal Revenue Code The Executive Board shall formally
organize the PTBYLA as such according to the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of the federal,
state or local code to ensure favorable tax status if deemed necessary by the Board.. No part of the PTBYLA's
funds, assets or earning shall inure to the benefit of or be distributed to any member, officer or other person
except to which that the PTBYLA shall be authorized to distribute, in its sole discretion, reasonable stipend,
honoraria, monetary gifts, and/or reimbursement for coaching staff services rendered by approved independent
contractor coaches and/or donated by volunteer coaches, and for other seasonal expenses as incurred. In no
event do independent contractor coaches or volunteer coaches constitute employees of the Executive Board or
PTBYLA. Accordingly, all PTBYLA funds and assets shall be used for the sole purpose of the players, team
or teams, player development, equipment, field rentals, reasonable coaching services reimbursement,
marketing objectives and events, social events, and all other purposes determined by majority vote of the
Executive Board to administer the objectives of the Executive Board and PTBYLA.
ARTICLE III – OBJECTIVES
The PTBYLA strongly advocates adherence to the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department’s
statement of their philosophies and goals for youth sport programs including Youth Exemplifying Sports
(Y.E.S), Character Counts, Sportsmanship Pledge, Guidelines for Enforcement of the Sportsmanship Pledge
and all other initiatives as directed by the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Board and Department.
Accordingly, objectives of the PTBYLA shall include the following:
(A)To foster, support and promote the ideals of good sportsmanship and healthy competition in a safe
environment while encouraging positive citizenship and camaraderie among its Lacrosse team(s),
(B) To unite members in the PTBYLA desiring to advance the growth of Boys Lacrosse in the Peters
Township community via organization, development, operation and administration of said Association, and to
provide financial assistance to fire Lacrosse teams(s),
(C Raising the awareness of Boys Lacrosse via the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department and
Board, the Peters Township School District and the Peters Township Community.
(D) To develop and promote a positive working relationship with all appropriate Peters Township entities in
securing the necessary applications and permits surrounding utilization of township and school district
facilities for Lacrosse practices, scrimmages, games and other related activities,
(E) To provide capable and knowledgeable coaching personnel of sound moral character instructing skill
development, teamwork and sportsmanship to all player members. Coaching staff shall strive to provide a fun
filled and positive experience for all player participants,
(F) To make all reasonable attempts at ensuring virtual equal playing time for all participants during regularly
scheduled season games assuming participants have displayed sportsmanship, respect of staff and teammates
and have consistently attended all practices prior to seasonal game. This objective is not applicable in the event
of pre or post season tournament participation or other highly competitive events.
ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE BOARD
(A) The PTBYLA shall be governed by and comprised of no greater than eleven (11) adult non-paid volunteer
members in good standing hereafter referred to as Officers, Board or Executive Board. These named
individuals shall collectively be known as the Peters Township Boys Youth Lacrosse Association Executive
Board. Adult members in good standing may serve in multiple Executive Board capacities in the event of a
death, disability or resignation of a current Board member prior to term expiration. Executive Board titles and
capacities shall include:
• President • Vice President • Treasurer • Secretary • Team Counsel • At Large Members (maximum of 11
total)
(B) All officer(s) shall have one (1) vote per Executive Board position on all matters subject to the PTBYLA
and Executive Board decision making. In the event of a tie or "dead-lock" surrounding an Executive Board
voting decision, the Executive Board President shall cast a second vote- which will serve as the deciding tie
breaker.
(C) The term of the Officers shall be one (1) year. Officers may stand for re- election with no limit surrounding
consecutive re-election.
(D) Nomination or election of PTBYLA Officers will be available only to those adult members in good
standing.
(E) The PTBYLA shall be governed by the Executive Board which shall have full power to direct the affairs of
the Association, run the day to day operations, and implement directives.
(F) The PTBYLA shall, in addition to the other powers and obligations prescribed in these Bylaws, have the
following obligations, powers and authority:
• Recommending and create standing committees,
• Creating, reviewing and approving the tentative annual budget,
• Selecting an auditing committee of three (3) adult members in good standing or contracting with an
independent certified public accountant to audit the financial affairs of the PTBYLA in the event of
the resignation of the Treasurer prior to the expiration of his or her term. This measure will only be
enacted where fiscal irresponsibility is alleged to exist with substantial material evidence of alleged
fiscal wrongdoing,
• Serving as the selection committee for select team coach(es) and team composition.
• Resolving any conflict, grievance or allegation that was brought forth before Team Counsel that
remains undetermined or unresolved, perform an in-depth investigation surrounding circumstances
that may ultimately lead to the suspension or banishment of an adult member in good
standing. Investigation(s) should include material evidence, interviews, written correspondence and
other documentation that may be utilized towards rendering a decision. A majority vote of all existing
Executive Board Officers shall be required surrounding banishment or suspension of an adult member
in good standing. A majority vote of all existing Executive Board Officers shall be required for
reinstatement of any adult member.
ARTICLE V - DUTIES OF OFFICERS
The President shall:
(A) Preside at all membership meetings of the PTBYLA and its Executive Board meetings.
(B) Sign, in addition to, or in place of the Treasurer all orders on the treasury of the Association.
(C) Interpret the meaning of the Bylaws with such interpretations subject to the review by the collective
Executive Board.
(D) Perform such other duties as may be required or prescribed in the Bylaws or assigned by the PTBYLA
Executive Board, League, District or School Board.
(E) Coordinate the work of the Officers and Committees of the PTBYLA in order that objectives be facilitated.
(F) In collaboration with other Board Members, coordinate and schedule all games, scrimmages and
tournaments for player participation, unless otherwise reassigned to other Board member(s) or a committee.
The Vice President shall:
(A) Preside in the absence of the President at all PTBYLA membership and Executive Board meetings. In the
event that the office of the President shall become vacant during the elected term, said office will accede to the
Presidency for the remainder of the term including voting privilege.
(B) Serve as an aide to the President as deemed necessary, surrounding all PTBYLA affairs.
The Secretary shall:
(A) Take an accurate written attendance of all individuals present in all PTBYLA membership or Executive
Board meetings,
(B) Record the minutes of all meetings in widen form,
(C) Provide a written account of most recent previous membership or Executive Board meetings in order to
review, make available to membership and forward to Parks and Recreation Department Director as required,
(D) Have charge of and preserve all documentation, minutes, correspondence and transcripts or other
important effects surrounding all PTBYLA adult membership meetings in addition to all Executive Board
meetings,
(E) At the conclusion of the Secretary's final term in office, provide originals or copies of all above referenced
to the newly elected Secretary or President.
The Team Counsel shall:
(A) Act as an advisor to the other Executive Board members and PTBYLA in areas concerning Parent / Coach
conflict(s), Player / Coach conflict(s), discipline issues or other related matters that he or she deems
appropriate and of interest to the Executive Board and the PTBYLA. Team Counsel may be, but is not required
to be, a licensed attorney. Team Counsel is not required to furnish legal advice in any way, nor does the
function constitute the unlicensed practice of law, in the event of non-attorney participation.
(B) Facilitate the intake and review of all written grievances in accordance with the 24-hour cool down period
[see Article XI below]. Team Counsel shall attempt to address written grievances providing appropriate input
and solution within a reasonable period of time.
(C) Where Team Counsel deems conflict is not immediately resolvable, shall provide Executive Board with an
in-depth accounting of the conflict including but not limited to conversation(s), documentation, and all other
investigative information for consideration by, and final disposition as determined by, the Executive Board.
(D) In the event of any conflict of interest, or appearance of conflict of interest, in connection with any written
grievance or disciplinary action, or the event of incapacitation or vacancy, the Secretary shall serve as Team
Counsel.
(E) In the event of adverse claim, loss, or litigation, actual or threatened, interface with all outside counsel,
personal representatives, parents or guardians, insurance representatives, local government representatives
and/or law enforcement. Team Counsel shall have sole discretion, without the requirement of a vote, to
engage on behalf of the Executive Board and PTBYLA, outside counsel in any matters, civil or criminal,
adverse to the Executive Board, PTBYLA, members, officers, or coaches.
The Treasurer shall:
(A) Maintain a checking account in the name of the PTBYLA.
(B) Take and maintain custody of all funds of the PTBYLA.
(C)Make deposits to said PTYBLA checking account.
(D) Collect and keep a comprehensive and accurate record of all income and expenditures attributable to the
PTBYLA, and make good faith efforts to perform these duties in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
(E) Distribute funds only as authorized by the President or Executive Board, by majority vote, in closed
session.
(F) Present a brief verbal statement of finance at all Executive Board meetings.
(G) Present to the PTBYLA an annual financial report and proposed season budget with assistance from other
Board Members or Budget Committee.
(H) Make all matters of the Treasury available to the Executive Board no less than annually for purposes of
audit.
(I) Coordinate annual tax preparation with an independent third-party approved tax preparation service or
certified public accountant for and on behalf of the PTBYLA; and be prepared to respond to any request for
audit.
(J) Shall present at each Board meeting, on bank letterhead or ledger, a monthly bank statement or account
summary for the PTBYLA Bank Account.
Members at Large:
Member(s) at Large shall serve in various capacity(ies) as listed below. Most necessary capacities, affairs and
business will be determined and agreed upon, in conjunction with other Executive Board Officers, prior to,
during and at the conclusion of said season. Duties and responsibilities shall include, but shall not be limited
to:
(A) Serving in various capacity(ies) deemed most necessary in the creation of, assisting or implementation
concerning the affairs and business of the PTBYLA.
(B) One or more member being appointed and serving as the "DOCUMENTATION COORDINATOR" or
FACILITATOR in conjunction with those duties and responsibilities as outlined via the Peters Township Parks
and Recreation Department. Said Officer will be responsible annually for the collection of and forwarding
PTBYLA seasonal Insurance Certification, End of Year Financial Report, Proposed/Approved Budget, copy of
Bylaws, Officer Election results, team rosters, coaches and officer background checks, practice schedules,
game schedules, tournament schedules, participation numbers, meeting agenda's, meeting minutes and
any/other pertinent information as requested via the Parks and Recreation Board.
(C) One or more member being appointed and serving as, the "WEBMASTER”; being responsible annually for
maintaining the PTBYLA public website (www.ptboyslax.com).
ARTICLE VI - NOMINATIONS AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
(A) An annual Voting General Assembly meeting (Voting General Assembly Meeting) shall be held in the
month of June for the primary purpose of electing new Executive Board members. Board member terms shall
run from August 31 of the current year through, and including, August 30 of the subsequent year.
(B) Public Notice of the Voting General Assembly Meeting shall be provided at least thirty (30) days’ prior to
said meeting and Notice shall be provided to PTBYLA current members in good standing through email, text
message, or posting on the pubic PTBYLA website; wherein the purpose and date of the Voting General
Assembly Meeting shall be clearly communicated.
(C) Current PTBYLA adult members in good standing, including existing Officers, shall have the opportunity
to nominate candidates for Executive Board positions by communicating to the current Officers through email
or direct communication (including oral or written communication) nominations of candidates for Board
Member positions. Said nominations must be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the Voting General
Assembly Meeting, with no limit to the number of nominations.
(D) Nominations shall be posted on the PTBYLA website at least fifteen (15) days prior to the Voting General
Assembly Meeting.
(E) Nominated individuals need not be present but must indicate their approval of nomination prior to the
voting meeting in written form to the Secretary.
(F) The offices of the PTBYLA Executive Board shall be elected at the Voting General Assembly
Meeting. Voting is permissible via electronic voting due to COVID county government restrictions and social
distancing guidelines. All officers must be elected by a majority vote of collected votes of adult members in
good standing and assume their duties effective July 1 of the current year.
(G) Any vacancy occurring in any office may be filled for the remainder of the term by any adult member in
good standing by the majority vote of the members of the Executive Board.
(H) The PTBYLA Executive Board positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Team
Counsel can only be assumed by members in good standing who are currently serving on the PTBYLA Board
and have served for a MINIMUM of (1) one year on said Board. Executive Board may vote to suspend the rule
of service on the board for a minimum of 1 year for any executive office other than President due to not having
enough returning members of the board to fill the position.
ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS
(A) General Assembly and / or Executive Board meetings will be scheduled at the discretion of the
President. A minimum of one (1) General Assembly meeting must be conducted prior commencement of the
Spring season. Additional General Assembly meetings and / or meetings of the Executive Board may be
conducted throughout the season as deemed necessary by the President. Only business for which the General
Assembly or Executive Board meeting(s) was called may be conducted during said meeting(s).
(B) No General Assembly meeting will be recognized as official unless quorums of PTBYLA adult members
in good standing are present. A quorum shall consist of fifteen (15%) percent or more of said adult members
in good standing,
(C) No Executive Board meeting will be recognized as official unless a quorum of Executive Board members
are present. A quorum for Executive Board Meetings shall consist of at least (40%) percent or more of said
Executive Board members. Monthly Executive Board Meetings are closed session, not open to the public,
unless by prior written request no less than 3 days prior to any regularly scheduled Executive Board Meeting.
(D) The Order of Business shall be in general accordance with the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of
Order.
ARTICLE VIII - STANDING COMMITTEES
(A) The Executive Board or President may create such standing committees as they may deem necessary to
realize the objectives of the PTBYLA. All standing committees will have an appointed Chairperson who will
submit a plan of work to the Executive Board or President concerning designated undertaking. Chairperson
will be an' adult member in good standing with the PTBYLA. Said Chairperson will also outline and provide
the Executive Board or President with any additional adult members in good standing who will be involved in
the undertaking of said committee.
(B) Standing committees may include but are not limited to the following:
1. Publicity 2. Awards Picnic 3. Player Registration 4. Concession Stand product purchases 5. Concession
Stand parent assignments 6. Game Day parent assignments surrounding Public Address, Scoreboard, End Zone
("ender") duties and other 7. Fund Raising 8. Uniform and equipment 9. Spirit Wear 10. Individual and Team
Photography 11. Pre and Post season tournaments 12. Preseason indoor participation 13. Website 14.
Transportation 15. Game Day Scheduling
ARTICLE IX - MEMBERSHIP IN GOOD STANDING
Section 1. Player Membership in Good Standing
(A) Player membership in good standing within the PTBYLA shall be subject to, and conditioned on
acceptance of and adherence to the PTBYLA rules and regulations as prescribed in said By-Laws. Player
participants will be required to pay an annual participation fee as determined by the Executive
Board. Assessment of participation fee may be inconsistent for participating player members. Participation fee
reduction or waiver may be considered for any participant resulting from severe financial family hardship.
Consideration for reduced or waived annual participation fee should be communicated directly to the
President, and must be in writing. Request for annual participation fee reduction or waiver will be held in the
strictest confidence.
(B) Player participation is a privilege which allows for participant losing membership in good standing in the
event that the annual participation fee is not received and paid in full by the established dates as set forth by the
PTBYLA. Additional grounds for loss of membership in good standing may include student-athlete not
maintaining levels of academic achievement as outlined via the Peters Township School District and/or
adherence to student code of conduct as outlined in the most revised edition of the Peters Township Student
Handbook. Loss of membership in good standing may result in suspended or terminated participation in
practices, scrimmages, games, tournaments and pre/post season competitions. Additional loss of membership
in good standing may result from participant behavior contrary to that outlined per the most recent edition of
the National Federation of State High School Associations - Boys Lacrosse rules, the Peters Township Parks
and Recreation Department Code of Conduct, rules of sportsmanship applicable to Youth Exemplifying Sports
(Y.E.S) or other well established rules of sportsmanship, including those adopted by USA Lacrosse.
Suspension or expulsion of any player may result in forfeiture of any participation fees, in whole or pro-rated,
in the sole discretion of the Board.
(C) Players in good standing will have no voting privileges in any PTBYLA voting issues.
(D) Players in good standing must maintain residency in accordance with those established requirements as
prescribed by the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department.
(E) Players in good standing will be required to have an annual physical examination by a licensed medical
physician prior to the established date of completion as outlined by the PTBYLA. Player’s parent or legal
guardian will, upon request from the Board, provide written certification by medical physician stating that the
player's health and overall physical condition is satisfactory for participation in the sport of
Lacrosse. Additionally, prior to player participation, player's parent or legal guardian will be required to
provide completed forms and authorization surrounding all established forms required for participation via the
PTBYLA, Peters Township School District or Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department.
(F) Parent or legal guardian of player in good standing will be responsible for all costs associated with
medical-physical examination.
Section 2. Adult membership in Good Standing
A. Adult membership in good standing within the PTBYLA shall be subject to, and conditioned upon,
acceptance and adherence to the PTBYLA rules and regulations as outlined in the By-Laws. Adult members
must be eighteen (18) years of age or older. Adult members will typically be the legal guardian of or a parent
to a participating player, or past participating player. However, any adult individual demonstrating interest and
a willingness in subscribing to and compliant to the purposes and objectives as outlined in the PTBYLA
Bylaws, or who currently or previously has held office in the PTBYLA will be considered for membership in
good standing. All referenced members in good standing will be eligible to be nominated and elected to an
Executive Board Officer capacity. Loss of adult membership in good standing may result from behavior
contrary to that outlined per the PTBYLA Bylaws, per the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Parent Code
of Conduct, rules on sportsmanship or proper spectator behavior as outlined via the Western Pennsylvania
Youth Lacrosse Association (WPYLA), or those rules surrounding spectator behavior as outlined in the most
recent edition of the National Federation of High School Associations Boys Lacrosse rule book. Loss of adult
membership in good standing will preclude adult member from all voting privileges on PTBYLA issues. Loss
of adult membership in good standing will preclude adult member from pursuing nomination as an Executive
Board Officer within the PTBYLA. Loss of membership in good standing concerning a current Executive
Board Officer will require immediate resignation of his or her position. Loss of adult membership in good
standing will be communicated directly to the adult member via the PTBYLA Executive Board President or
Board.
B. All adult members in good standing will be afforded the privilege of one (1) vote on all voting matters
surrounding the PTBYLA.
ARTICLE X - FINANCES
(A) A bank account in the name of the PTBYLA shall be established and maintained with all received monies
deposited in a timely fashion to said account, under the direction of the Treasurer. All expenditures shall be
evidenced by checks drawn thereupon said established account.
(B) The PTBYLA shall adopt a fiscal year that commences January 1 and concludes on December 31 unless
otherwise unanimously agreed upon by the Executive Board or amendment to the Bylaws.
(C) Annual participation fees will be clearly established and set forth by the President, Executive Board or
Budget Committee prior to the start of the season.
(D) If a player terminates participation for any reason prior to the first game of the established season, any
participation fee paid will be reimbursed at a rate of 100% minus all costs incurred by the PTBYLA in
reference to said player, i.e., insurance, preseason tournament expenses player participated in, pro-rated indoor
facility costs incurred, equipment costs specific to player, etc. Should participation termination occur any time
after commencement of the first game of the established season, irrespective of player participation in said
game, consideration of a partial reimbursement may occur at the sole discretion of the Executive Board
dependent upon the conditions and circumstances surrounding said request for reimbursement.
ARTICLE XI - PROCESS FOR GRIEVANCES & COMPLAINTS
(A) Complainant to personally contact the Executive Board Team Counsel Officer in writing to the PTBYLA
email address, no earlier than 24 hours after alleged incident, conversation, or action being grieved. Failure to
make a written grievance with 48 hours after the alleged incident, conversation, or adverse action constitutes a
waiver of further consideration by the Executive Board. Oral or untimely grievances will not be considered.
(B) Complainant to provide Team Counsel with specific detail surrounding alleged incident, conversation, or
action being grieved inclusive of any 3rd party or eyewitness accounting, (3rd party name(s)) will be required
for this consideration).
(C) After consultation with the Executive Board, whether by emergency closed session meeting, or by direct
communication, Team Counsel will make every attempt to provide an immediate and viable resolution that is
amenable to all concerned parties. In the event that any party involved in resolution recommendation via the
Team Counsel is not satisfied with the proposed resolution, at the sole discretion of Team Counsel, Team Counsel
will immediately notify all Officers of the Executive Board.
(D) Executive Board may determine to formally convene a closed session, in person special meeting with all
parties, parents, or representatives required to appear in person for the sole purpose of achieving an outcome to
grievance. A disciplinary action may also be convened on the Board’s own initiation, without written
grievance or complaint, to address any conduct inconsistent with these Bylaws or good sportsmanship norms
and values, with prior notice to the parents or guardians of the Player. Failure to appear in person will result in
immediate dismissal of the complaint, and any determination made by the Executive Board in absence will be
final. Prior to final determination, Executive Board may require direct input and testimony from complainant
and any/all other individuals involved in dispute. Determination of outcome via the Executive Board shall be
final and communicated directly to complainant and all involved individuals.
(E) Team Counsel and/or the Executive Board will not address any anonymous correspondence or phone calls.
(F) At the conclusion of any temporary suspension issued to any player, complainant, or Participant,
automatic reinstatement shall occur.
(G) In the event of any permanent expulsion order issued to any player, complainant, or Participant, that party
may make a written request, with mitigating evidence or material, to the attention of the Executive Board by
way of the Team Counsel, for reinstatement to good standing status for participation in forthcoming PTBYLA
activities for the next calendar year after the year the expulsion order was issued.
ARTICLE XII - PLAYER & TEAM SELECTION
A. No player in good standing will be disallowed or “cut” from participation within the PTBYLA after proper
registration other than for reasons as outlined in said Bylaws.
B. No player in good standing nor PTBYLA teams will be eligible to participate with or against High School
participants during the regular season.
C. Teams will be established as deemed desirable and appropriate by the PTBYLA Executive Board. Player
selection will typically be age appropriate (as determined by the WPYLA guidelines) unless unusual skill or
size, age, physical or mental impairment, handicap or extreme mitigating circumstances warrant consideration
for alternate team selection not consistent with attained grade level. Player team participation will generally
provide for players in good standing currently enrolled in grades four through eight, inclusive. However,
participation is based upon age, as determined by WPYLA. Younger grade participation may be considered at
the discretion of the Executive Board.
D. Player registration is via online registration only. Player participation will be provided on a "first come -
first serve" basis as outlined and provided via official online registration. Team size and composition shall be
based upon a number of factors, including registration numbers, coaching staff availability, field availability,
and other factors. Once designated team counts are full, subsequent registering players will be placed on a
player waiting list in the order received by the online registration system. Waiting list players will be afforded
team registration in the order placed on said waiting list. In any particular season, the Executive Board may
determine that registration for a specific age group may not be available or may limit the number of teams in a
specific age group. Circumstances surrounding this decision would include coaching staff, field restrictions
and other related issues.
ARTICLE XIII - COACHES
Section I – Selection
(A) Any adult individual age eighteen (18) or older residing in the state of Pennsylvania shall be given consideration
to coach within the PTBYLA.
(B) All Head Coaches will be subject to the Parks & Recreation Department Background Check process, and
maintain active minimum “Bronze” certification with the USA Lacrosse organization Unless otherwise
engaged by the Executive Board as an independent contractor coach, all other coaches are non-paid volunteers.
No coach is considered, nor designated, an “employee” of the Executive Board or PTBYLA.
(C) Preference for Head Coaching selection will be afforded to individuals who have previous Lacrosse
coaching experience and / or previous Lacrosse participation.
Section II. Duties and Responsibilities
(A) All coaches will make every effort to ensure the safety and well-being of every participant at all times.
(B) All coaches will be expected to be present and punctual for all scheduled practices, scrimmages, games and
other Lacrosse activities.
(C) All coaches will be held accountable for the conduct of himself assistant coaches and players. Any coach
who participates in any PTBYLA practice, scrimmage, or competitive event, under the open and obvious
influence of alcohol, tobacco (including smokeless tobacco use and tobacco free nicotine products), or illegal
drugs, is subject to immediate dismissal. The Executive Board will maintain a “zero tolerance” standard for
this rule.
(D) All Head Coaches will be expected to be certified in CPR and First Aid prior to commencement of season.
(E) All coaches will be expected to impart Lacrosse knowledge, training and skill development to players via
recognized and accepted sporting methods of instruction.
(F) All coaches will be expected to encourage positive reinforcement and feedback as often as possible during
the course of instruction and interactions.
(G) Head Coaches will be expected to attend all Executive Board meetings if so directed in addition to
attending any pertinent affiliated league meetings in order to be properly informed in the understanding of
league matters, dealings, requirements, etc.
(H) Head Coaches will take immediate positive actions surrounding any occurrence involving hazing,
shunning or other unsportsmanlike gestures involving teammates.
(I) Head Coaches will make best efforts to ensure virtual equal playing time for all participants.
(J) Head Coaches will be responsible prior to commencement of their respective game to ensure that an
Emergency Medical person is on site and located at the table area. Contests should not commence without said
personnel properly recognized and seated. The Head Coach will ensure that communication is available prior
to commencement of game. Additionally, the Head Coach is to maintain contact player information,
specifically to contact player guardian or parent in event of emergency. Head Coach will ensure that competent
timekeepers, scorekeepers or other appropriate table personnel are located at the table area prior to
commencement of game.
(K) All coaches are encouraged to attend established Lacrosse seminars and clinics designed for the purpose of
imparting positive coaching techniques and training, Lacrosse knowledge, transferable skill development
techniques, and general coaching improvement, etc.. L. All coaches will be expected to adhere to and practice
the ideals set forth in the Coaches Code of Ethics as outlined, in the most recent edition of the National
Federation of State High School Associations Boys Lacrosse Rules Book, in addition to subscribing to the
Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department Coaches Code of Conduct. M. All coaches will become
familiar with and subscribe to the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department Sportsmanship Pledge,
the guidelines for enforcement of the Sportsmanship Pledge, and Philosophy of Youth Sports.
Section III. Dismissal of Coach
A. All PTBYLA Head Coaches, Assistant Coaches and coaching staff volunteers will be expected to comply
with all duties and responsibilities as outlined in these Bylaws. Violation may result in warning, suspension
both temporary or permanent or immediate and permanent dismissal from the PTBYLA.
ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
A. These By-Laws may be amended at any regular General Assembly Association meeting by a two-thirds
(2/3rds) vote of all present adult members in good standing provided said meeting was communicated to
General Assembly with intention of consideration for Bylaw amendment(s). Intention of consideration should
be communicated thirty (30) days prior to motion for amendment.
B. These Bylaws may also be amended by a majority vote of the Executive Board whereby a quorum
consisting of no less than 65% or greater of all elected Executive Board Officers must be present.
ARTICLE XV - INSURANCE
A. The PTBYLA shall purchase a general liability insurance policy providing coverage for participant legal
liability, bodily injury and property damage, products completed operations, personal and advertising injury,
fire legal liability and medical payments. Limits of liability on a per occurrence basis shall be established at a
minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or that minimum amount mandated by the Peters Township
School District and / or the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Department,
B. An additional Directors and Officers Liability policy may be purchased at the sole discretion of the
PTBYLA Executive Board if deemed necessary and appropriate.
ARTICLE XVI - DISSOLUTION
A. In the case of dissolution of this Association, all remaining assets after payment of all authorized
expenditures, outstanding invoices and liabilities shall be distributed at the sole discretion of the PTBYLA
Executive Board to either the Peters Township Boys High School Lacrosse program and / or the Western
Pennsylvania Youth Lacrosse Association in any percentages deemed appropriate by said Board,
B. As an alternative the above referenced, and at the sole discretion of the PTBYLA Executive Board,
remaining assets may be disbursed to current adult members in good standing on an equal basis.
C. This Constitution and Bylaws is approved by the Peters Township Boys Youth and Middle School Lacrosse
Association (PTBYLA) adult members in good standing this date and supersedes any and all previous
PTBYLA Constitution and Bylaws inclusive of all previous amendments.
ARTICLE XVII – PARENT/SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of the herein Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct is to provide a mutual understanding to all
parents, guardians, and spectators who attend PTBYLA competitive and social events about personal conduct
and behavior expectations. In order to further the Objectives of the PTBYLA described above, and to grow the
game of Lacrosse in Peters Township in a nurturing and positive environment, Parents/Guardians of all players
in good standing, and related Participants, spectators, grandparents, friends and invitees, shall conduct their
personal behavior at all PTBYLA events and activities in a way that is not in conflict with these Bylaws. Show respect for players, coaches, officials, and opposing teams and spectators at all times. Belligerent,
offensive, or obnoxious behavior, shouting, booing, or use of profane speech by Parents/Spectators, or their
invitees, on the sidelines or at social events, that are not reflective of the values and objectives of the PTBYLA
will not be tolerated and could be subject to disciplinary actions described above, which could result in written
warning and censure, parent/spectator suspension at all PTBYLA events, and even player suspension.
ARTICLE XVIII - AFFIRMATION AND EXECUTION
Affirmed and executed this date, February 12, 2025 [“Effective Date”] by unanimous vote of the Executive Board.
VINCENT CHIODO
President of the Board
Peters Township Boys Youth Lacrosse Association
cc:
Board