Bylaws

ByLaws

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of this organization shall be: NORTHERN SPORTS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION (NSOA)

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

  • Educate our members through clinics, programs, and meetings designed to improve the quality of officiating throughout northern Michigan.
  • Provide a high caliber of officiating during interscholastic contests between MHSAA member schools.
  • Maintain “Approved Association” status as defined by the MHSAA.
  • Provide mutual support to NSOA members through a professional approach to athletic officiating in all MHSAA sanctioned sports in which we serve.
  • Promote the MHSAA “Code for Athletic Officials” and the NSOA “Code of Ethics”.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Membership in the NSOA shall be extended to all individuals who support the purpose of the NSOA.

Membership shall be of the following:

  • A member is an individual who is properly registered with MHSAA and is current in his/her dues as recorded by the NSOA Treasurer.

A member who is nominated for NSOA membership by virtue of his/her longtime support of the purpose, and contribution to the NSOA  shall be known as an Honorary member.  Honorary members are approved by the Executive Board.  Honorary members are exempt from NSOA dues.

Membership Privileges:

  • Members are entitled to one vote in the conduct of NSOA business and are eligible to hold office.
  • Honorary members may not vote or hold office,but may serve in any capacity as appointed by the President of the NSOA, exclusive of a board position.

Membership Obligations:

  • Volunteer to work at least one scrimmage/camp per season in the sports in which he/she has registered as opportunities allow.
  • Attend meetings and training clinics/programs.
  • Develop officiating skills to the highest possible level of competency.
  • Maintain conduct which will bring credit to the NSOA and its members.

The Executive Board of the NSOA shall the power to refuse membership to an applicant; censor, suspend or expel any member for violation of the MHSAA “Code of Conduct for Officials” or the NSOA “Code of Ethics”, or for behavior that discredits the NSOA. The member shall receive written notice of all charges and shall have the right to a hearing before an Ethics Committee before Executive Board action is taken. The Executive Board shall issue a written decision regarding action taken against the member or applicant. If the member or applicant waives his/her right to a hearing before the Ethics Committee, the decision of the Executive Board shall be final.

ARITCLE IV – ELECTIONS

The election of Executive Board members shall take place every year at the annual General Business Meeting.

  • The President shall appoint members to conduct the election, including gathering of nominations, creating ballots, and counting votes.
  • Candidates for President, Vice President/Secretary, Treasurer, and  2 (two) Members at Large shall be nominated by the general membership, voted into office by simple majority, and take office immediately following the meeting.
  • The general membership shall elect Executive Board members for length of service of 2 (two) years.  During even numbered years, the membership will elect the President and 1 (one) Member at Large.  During odd numbered years the membership shall elect the Vice-President/Secretary, Treasurer, and 1 (one) Member at Large.
  • Electronic/Email voting shall be allowed.  Such methods are to ensure secrecy, voter eligibility, one member-one vote, and a recount process if necessary.
  • If an online voting service is used, the provider may have no formal or informal connection to any NSOA leader or Board Member.
 ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
  • There will be regularly scheduled training meetings in compliance with all regulations of the MHSAA for each sport that the NSOA is approved for by the MHSAA. The dates, locations, times, and links (if applicable) shall be determined by the individual Trainer and provided to the membership on the NSOA website and current scheduling software (e.g., Arbiter).
  • The meetings shall be of an instructional nature and pertaining to the sport and topic as announced by the NSOA. The meeting shall be conducted by the approved trainer for that sport.
  • There shall be one General Business meeting for the NSOA each school year. The General Business Meeting shall be held in August or September of each year.
  • Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern all business meetings in cases where they are applicable.

ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD

A member is eligible for election to the Executive Board when he/she is a current member in good standing and has been a member of the NSOA for at least one year prior to the date of election or appointment.

  • There shall be 5 (five) members of the Executive Board: President, Vice President/Secretary, Treasurer, and 2 (two) Members at Large.
  • Vacancies due to resignation or removal from office during a term shall be appointed by the President for the remainder of the term.  In the instance of the resignation or removal of the President, the Vice President/Secretary shall fill the role of the President and appoint a Vice President/Secretary.
  • A majority of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.
  • The NSOA Executive Board shall have charge of the property, control, and management of the affairs and funds of the NSOA, and shall have the authority to perform all acts and functions consistent with these bylaws.
  • The Executive Board shall approve the annual fiscal report and expenses of the NSOA.
  • The Executive board shall be limited to expenses of under $500. The President shall be limited to expenses of $500 to $1000 without membership approval. All expenses exceeding $1000 must receive membership approval.
  • The Executive Board shall meet twice during the school year and hold additional meetings as necessary.
  • The Executive Board shall vote on Board actions.
  • The Executive Board shall appoint all Trainers and the Recruitment Coordinator.
  • The Recruitment Coordinator and Past President, along with the Executive Board shall comprise the NSOA General Board.

ARTICLE VII -OFFICERS

  • President: Shall preside over business meetings and meetings of the
    Executive/General Board.  Shall serve as a liaison with the MHSAA and other school officials. Coordinate NSOA correspondence wit schools, indhividuals and groups.  Shall assume any other responsibilities delegated by the Executive Board.
  • Vice President/Secretary: Shall preside over business meetings and/or Executive/General Board meetings in the absence of the President.  Shall maintain records on members, including personal and officiating information of each member. Shall keep minutes of each Business, Executive, and General Board meetings for presentation at the next meeting and keep copies.  Shall coordinate communication between NSOA and MHSAA.  Shall serve as NSOA liaison with area media (newspaper, radio, TV).  Shall serve as parliamentarian and be knowledgeable in Robert’s Rules of Order;
  • Treasurer: Shall make a financial report at each business meeting; shall keep a record of assets, liabilities, income and disbursements of the NSOA; shall coordinate annual dues collection. Shall pay all NSOA bills through NSOA accounts; Shall provide an annual budget report and income statement to the Executive Board.  Shall assume other responsibilities delegated by the Executive Board.
  • Members at Large (2): Be the Liaison between the general membership and the Executive Board.  Assist in the planning and coordination of meetings and clinics.  Assist in conducting the business of the NSOA.
  • Recruitment Coordinator:  Communicate with potential members regarding officiating with the NSOA.  Assist new members with MHSAA and NSOA registration.  Acquire, when applicable, MHSAA waivers.  Fulfill duties as listed in the MHSAA Officials Guidebook.

ARTICLE VIII – MEMBERSHIP ASSESSMENTS

  • Dues for the following year will be determined prior to the annual General Business Meeting and shall apply to the NSOA membership year beginning September 1 through August 31.
  • Dues will be used to promote NSOA and its activities and are to remain a part of the NSOA financial accounts.

ACTICLE IX – AMENDMENTS

  • These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the NSOA during any business meeting at which at least 50% of the membership is voting.
  • A proposed amendment must be in writing and read/made available to the membership prior to voting.
  • These bylaws must be reviewed at a minimum of once every two years by a committee consisting of members of the Executive Board and appointed general members.

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION

If, for any reason, the NSOA fails to exist in the future, the assets of the Northern Sports Officials Association shall be donated to the Michigan Special Olympics.

By Laws Amended and approved by Membership on August 18, 2024.

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