SECTION II-INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP: Inactive membership, with passive voice in Association proceedings, but no voting right, shall be afforded to any individual who had been an active member in good standing in the Association previously and who, because of extenuating circumstances, is unable to fulfill all the obligations of active membership. An active member may apply for inactive status and, if approved by the Executive Board, continue in inactive status until he/she meets active membership requirements and applies for reinstatement to active status.

A. Inactive members must pay annual dues to the Association.

B. Inactive members may not referee soccer matches assigned by official Association assigners unless a waiver is granted by the Executive Board.

SECTION III-ASSOCIATE AND HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: Associate and/or honorary membership may be afforded to those persons who have distinguished themselves in the advancement of the game of soccer and/or to those individuals who represent other soccer organizations and leagues with whom the Association conducts regular business.

A. Associate and/or honorary membership must be approved by a majority vote of the members of the Association present during regularly scheduled or special business meetings.

B. Associate and/or honorary members shall have passive voice in Association proceedings but they shall not have voting privilege.

C. No membership dues shall be assessed to associate and/or honorary members.

SECTION IV-RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP: A member wishing to resign his membership in the Association may do so in writing to the Executive Board and/or by announcing it publicly during a regularly scheduled or special business meeting of the membership of the Association.

SECTION II-QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: Officers shall be selected from among active members in good standing in the Association. An individual may hold no more than one officer position.

SECTION III-ELECTIONS: Officer elections shall occur during the spring business meeting of the Association in an election year and shall be presided over by the current Commissioner and Secretary. At least one nomination for each position shall be presented to the membership by the Association Nomination Committee. Additional nominations shall be accepted from the floor. Each position shall be voted upon separately by secret ballot. A majority vote of those present and casting ballots shall constitute an election. If no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast, a run-off election between the two nominees receiving the most votes shall be conducted.

SECTION IV-REPLACEMENT OF OFFICERS: Any officer who fails to perform his/her appointed duties may be removed at a regularly scheduled or special business meeting of the membership by a vote of 2/3 of the active membership present, provided that a motion to remove from office had been made at the previously regularly scheduled meeting or announced in the notice of special meeting that such a motion would be made. Should any elected officer position become vacant, the membership shall elect a member to fill the vacancy for the un-expired part of the term.

SECTION I-COMMISSIONER: The Commissioner shall:

A. Serve as the official chief executive officer for the Association.

B. Preside at all Association membership and Executive Board meetings.

C. Represent the Association personally, by proxy, or by designating another individual to do so, at meetings of organizations with whom the Association conducts business.

D. Appoint Association non-elected officers, agents, committee chairpersons and committee members as appropriate.

E. Participate in the business of each Association committee as appropriate.

F. Delegate duties and responsibilities to other officers and a(agents of the Association as deemed appropriate.

SECTION II-DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (ADMINISTRATION): The Deputy Commissioner (Administration) shall:

A. Assist the Commissioner with all matters related to the conduct of the business of the Association.

B. Perform the functions of the Commissioner in his/her absence.

C. Solicit contracts and written agreements for the Association with soccer leagues in the Rappahannock area.

D. Serve as administrator for all contracts and written agreements made between the Association and soccer leagues with whom the Association conducts business.

E. Conduct investigations, mediate disputes and make reports regarding matters of contention that cannot be easily and successfully resolved by official Association assigners involving all entities associated with the soccer leagues with whom the Association conducts business.

F. Monitor records and other necessary files pertaining to the conduct of the affairs of the Association and make recommendations for improvement and/or change as indicated to the Executive board.

SECTION III-ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (CREDENTIALS AND TRAINING): The Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training) shall:

A. Assume the responsibility for the development and delivery of a soccer referee training program to qualify new referees for membership in the Association as certified officials.

B. Develop a system and format to assess Association referees.

C. Institute a level of expertise system within the Association that:

1. Identifies the criteria necessary to achieve each level.

2. Matches the level of play with the level of expertise of the referee.

3. Assigns member referees to their appropriate level.

D. Establish a system and criteria whereby Association referees may be re-certified on a recurring basis.
E. Arrange for the provision of at least two skill clinics per year for Association referees, area coaches and/or other interested parties.

F. Make recommendations for official Association soccer referee trainers to the Executive Board.

G. Serve as chairperson of and assume the responsibilities for the function of the Association's Training Committee.

H. Serve as official rules/laws interpreter for the Association.

I. Monitor records and other necessary files pertaining to the conduct of the affairs of the Association and make recommendations for improvement and/or change as indicated to the Executive Board.

J. Communicate with the Assistant Commissioner of Assignment to assure that referees are challenged and mentored when appropriate.

SECTION IV-ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (ASSIGNMENT): the Assistant Commissioner (Assignment) shall:

A. Be responsible to the Association for the assignment of referees to games in the leagues with whom the Association has contracts or written agreements. Official Association assigners shall be reimbursed by the Association for services rendered at a rate established by the membership at its annual spring business meeting.

B. Make recommendations to the Executive Board as to the number of official assigners required so as to effectively provide for the number of referees required at the games for which the Association has responsibility.

C. Recruit and recommend to the Executive Board individuals to be selected as official Association assigners.

D. Insure that all official Association assigners:

1. Obtain game schedules from leagues with whom the Association has contracts or written agreements.

2. Assign officials to scheduled games according to their experience and qualifications, taking into consideration any recommendations made by the Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training) and in accordance with the contracts or written agreements made with the various leagues with whom the Association conducts business.

3. Maintain records, to include the level and the number of games refereed, and other necessary files pertaining to their responsibilities in accordance with procedures detailed by the Association membership and the Executive Board.

4. Make inquiries and recommendations concerning minor disputes that occur between member referees and all entities associated with the leagues with whom the Association conducts business.

5. Refer all disputes that cannot be easily and effectively mediated by assigners to the Deputy Commissioner (Administration).

6. Coordinate with the Treasurer to insure that prompt and accurate invoices for payment may be issued to leagues with whom the Association has contracts and/or written agreements so as to facilitate payments to member referees for services rendered. The organization of records submitted to the Association Secretary shall be as directed by the Treasurer.

E. Monitor records and files pertaining to the assignment of member referees to games and make recommendations for improvement in the conduct of the affairs of the Association the Executive Board.

F. Communicate with the Deputy Commissioner of Training and Credentials to help establish an experience for the referee that is both challenging and educational.

G. Communicate with the Deputy Commissioner of Administration so that the scheduling and assigning tasks are performed in a timely manner.

SECTION V-SECRETARY: The Secretary shall:

A. Be reimbursed by the Association for services rendered at a rate established by the membership at its annual business meeting in the spring of each year.

B. Maintain the roll of the Association in such a manner that each member's standing shall be clearly evident, and their grade level, number of games completed, and age level of game covered is recorded.

C. Maintain and publish the directory of the Association.

D. Maintain copies of the Association's Constitution and Bylaws, rules and guidelines prepared by Association committees and adopted by the membership and minutes of membership meetings.

E. Maintain an accurate inventory of the assets of the Association.

F. Receive applications for new and renewed membership and process these applications for review by the Executive Board.

G. Prepare general correspondence for the Association as directed by the Commissioner.

H. Monitor the records and all other necessary files regarding the conduct of the business of the Association and make recommendations for improvement and/or change in the conduct of the affairs of the Association to the Executive Board.

SECTION VI-TREASURER: The Treasurer shall:

A. Be reimbursed by the Association for services rendered at a rate established by the membership at its annual business meeting in the spring of each year.

B. Prepare a proposed Annual Budget compiled from budgets submitted from each board member and/or committee and submit this to the Executive Board at least one month prior to the board meeting prior to the November Membership Meeting. Upon approval of the executive board, submit this proposed budget to the Membership at least seven days prior to the November Membership Meeting for the membership's approval.

C. Collect and care for all dues, fines and payments due the Association and its members.

D. Submit invoices for payment to the leagues with whom the Association provides service.

E. Keep an accurate record of all receipts and payments.

F. Distribute reimbursement to referees for services rendered and pay all other bills of the Association promptly.

G. Submit a financial report at each business meeting of the membership and at each meeting of the Executive Board.

H. Prepare and maintain required tax records.

SECTION VII-AT LARGE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: There shall be two at large representatives to the Executive Board. One of these representatives shall be under the age of 19 years and the other shall be 19 years of age or older. These individuals shall serve as voting members of the Executive Board and shall represent the opinions, concerns, complaints and grievances of the membership to the Executive Board. In addition, they shall assume any duties assigned to them by the commissioner and make recommendations for the improvement of the conduct of the affairs of the Association.

SECTION II-MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: Regular meetings of the Executive Board shall be held as frequently as necessary to effectively expedite business. Meetings shall be held at the time and place specified by the Commissioner so long as at least seven days notification is given to the Executive Board members. A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum and each member shall have one vote.

SECTION III-SPECIFIC DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: The duties of the Executive Board are as follows:

A. To administer to the normal business of the Association between business meetings of the membership.

B. Review and approve/disapprove applications for membership.

C. Establish contracts and/or written agreements for services with soccer leagues.

D. Establish game fees.

E. Review, consider and approve/disapprove appointment recommendations for official Association agents such as committee chairpersons, committee members, assigners, trainers, etc.

F. Prescribe duties to and approve expenses incurred by officers and agents of the Association in the conduct of Association business.

G. Review and recommend approval/disapproval of rules and guidelines established by the Association's committees to the general membership.

H. Hear grievances related to membership status, game and level assignments, assessments, fines, discipline and any other mater related to a member's or associated agency's complaint.

SECTION II-TRAINING COMMITTEE: The Training Committee shall be chaired by the Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training). Additional members of the committee shall be selected jointly by the Commissioner and the Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training). All members of the Training Committee shall distinguish themselves by mature judgment, knowledge of the rules/laws of the game of soccer and their ability to effectively apply those rules/laws to game situations. The functions of the Training Committee are:

A. To assist in the development and delivery of formal referee courses suitable to certify new referees and re-certify existing referees.

B. To assist in the evaluation and assessment process for Association referees when deemed appropriate by the Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training).

C. To assist the Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training) in the development and delivery of skill clinics for referees, area coaches and other interested parties.

SECTION III-CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE: The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall be appointed by the Commissioner. The functions of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee are:

A. To maintain custody of and make judicial interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association.

B. To maintain custody of and make judicial interpretation regarding the current decisions and recommendations accepted by the Association membership at its business meetings.

C. To maintain custody of and make judicial interpretation of all current Association guidelines approved by the membership at its business meetings related to training, assessment, assignment, disciplinary action and the like.

D. To propose amendments to and revision of the Constitution and Bylaws upon recommendation of the membership of the Association.

SECTION IV-NOMINATION COMMITTEE: The Nomination Committee chairperson and committee members shall be appointed by the Executive Board. The function of the Nomination Committee is to select from the Association membership a proposed list of qualified nominations for each Association officer position. The Nomination Committee need not limit its proposed candidates for each position to a specific number. The Nomination Committee shall present its list of nominated candidates to the Executive Board in sufficient time to allow the entire membership to be advised of the names of the nominees at least seven days prior to the regularly scheduled or special membership meeting in which an election is to occur.

SECTION V-OTHER COMMITTEES: The Commissioner, Executive Board or Association membership may establish other committees as deemed necessary to assist in the conduct of the business of the Association. Chairpersons and members to staff these newly established committees will be assigned by the Commissioner as required.

SECTION II-SPECIAL MEETINGS
Special meetings of the membership may be called by the Commissioner or by a majority of the Executive Board. Special meetings shall be held at a time and place specified by the Commissioner. Seven days advance notice is required to be given to the membership before a special meeting may be convened.

SECTION III-TRAINING MEETINGS
Generally, two training meetings shall be held for the membership annually. These meetings shall be held prior to the spring and fall seasons. The time and place for these meetings will be announced by the Assistant Commissioner (Credentials and Training). Training meetings shall not substitute for required business meetings.

SECTION II-FEES FOR PAID OFFICERS AND AGENTS:
The Association Secretary, Treasurer, and official Association assigners shall receive a fee (percentage of contract and written agreement fees) in return for services rendered. This percentage shall be established annually by the membership at its spring business meeting.

SECTION III-FINES FOR MISSED ASSIGNMENTS

Fines shall be assessed to members who absent themselves from assigned games without giving their assigner appropriate 24 hour notice. The amount of these fines shall be established annually by the Association membership at its spring business meeting.

SECTION IV-FINES AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR DRESS CODE VIOLATION:

Every referee receiving a game assignment shall present himself/herself for that assignment with all the necessary equipment and in proper uniform to include a black shirt with white cuffs and collar (and/or the approved FIFA fuchsia-colored alternate jersey), black referee shorts, black knee-length stockings with three white rings about the top and black shoes. Socks shall be pulled to knee length and shirts will be tucked into the waistline. Optional inclement weather equipment shall be a black cap, a black or white long sleeved shirt under the referee shirt, black jacket and long black pants. Dress in other than a professional manner shall result in disciplinary action to be determined by the Executive Board and/or the assessment of fines at a rate established by the membership at its annual spring business meeting.

SECTION V-DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR IMPROPER CONDUCT
All Association members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the purposes of the Association and to execute his/her duties in a responsible and professional manner. Breaches of this standard are to be reported to any member of the Executive Board. The Executive Board members shall conduct an investigation, prepare a report and take corrective disciplinary action in accordance with the degree of the infraction and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The results of the investigation and actions taken by the Executive Board shall be reported to the Association membership at its next scheduled business meeting.

SECTION VI-APPEAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND/OR THE ASSESSMENT OF FINES
Any member desiring to appeal fines or disciplinary action levied against him/her in accordance with this Article may make an appeal for relief to the Executive Board. This appeal must be submitted in writing to any member of the Executive Board. Actions taken by the Executive Board in response to such an appeal shall be reported to the membership at its next business meeting.

SECTION II-ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS

Proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association shall require a 2/3 vote of the membership in attendance at any regularly scheduled business meeting or any special meeting called specifically for the purpose of amending it. If changes to the Constitution and Bylaws are to be considered at a regularly scheduled business meeting, the changes must first have been proposed at a prior meeting or the text of the desired change must be provided to the membership at least seven days prior to the meeting. If changes are to be considered at a special meeting of the membership, the text of the proposed changes must be provided when the membership is notified of the convening of the meeting (at least seven days in advance).