ARTICLE I – NAME
1. The name of this organization shall be NONOTUCK VALLEY HOCKEYASSOCIATION, INC. (“Association”) and will at times be referred to as NVHA.

2. The teams belonging to the NVHA shall be known as the "NONOTUCK KNIGHTS".

ARTICLE II – AFFILIATIONS

1. This organization shall be, and is hereby governed by the rules of USA HOCKEY and  MASSACHUSETTS HOCKEY.

2. All furnishings and equipment received or purchased by the Association shall be considered
property of the Association and no individual member of the Association.
In the event of the termination, liquidation or dissolution of this Association whether voluntary
or involuntary, in any manner, for any reason whatsoever, the assets of the Association shall
be distributed to an organization which is exempt from tax as described in Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code,

3. Eligibility to participate in the "Nonotuck Valley Hockey Association" is non discriminatory.

4. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Association is organized exclusively for one or
more of the purposes as specified in Sec. 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, and shall not
carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on by an Association exempt from the Federal income tax
under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws.

5. No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee,
director, officer, of the Association, or any private individual (except that reasonable compensation
may be paid for services rendered to or for the Association), and no member, trustee, director, officer
of the Association or any private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the
corporate assets on dissolution of the Association.

6. No substantial part of the activities of the Association shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise
attempting to influence legislation, except as otherwise provided by IRC Sec. 501(h) or participating in,
or intervening in (including the publication or distribution of the statements), any political campaign on
behalf of candidates for public office.

ARTICLE III - PURPOSES

1. The purpose of the Nonotuck Valley Knights Hockey shall be to instruct boys and girls, of the Greater
Easthampton area, in the fundamentals of skating, hockey, good sportsmanship, and team spirit.

2. Whenever possible, all players of the Association:

● Shall have the opportunity to participate in sports regardless of ability level.

● Shall have the opportunity to participate at a level that is commensurate with
each child's developmental level

● Shall have access to qualified adult leadership.

● Shall have the opportunity to participate in safe, healthy environments.

● Shall have the opportunity to properly prepare for participation in the sport.

● Shall be treated with dignity by all involved.

● Shall have the opportunity to have fun through sport.

ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP

1. Active membership in this organization shall consist of the following:

• Members of the Board of Directors

• Coaches of all teams

• Any family with a registrant in the league. Each family having one vote to be cast by the

• parent or guardian of the registrant who registers with the league.

2. Nothing in the above categories of registration shall be construed in such a way as to give any one family
more than one vote, and no family shall have more than one vote.

ARTICLE V - RULE OF ORDER

1. All Board Members are expected to attend all meetings either in person or remote.

2. Each of the following shall have one (1) vote: the Vice-President, the Treasurer, the Secretary and
each of the Directors.

3. In cases of a tie in the voting the President shall vote. He/she must vote either yes or no and be the
tie-breaking vote. He/she shall not abstain from voting.

4. A quorum for voting purposes shall consist of at least one-half (1/2) of the Board Members with
voting rights. A simple majority vote of those members present and voting shall be required for
all actions, unless otherwise stated.

5. All decisions by the Board of Directors shall be final.

ARTICLE VI – FISCAL YEAR and FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

1. The fiscal year shall begin on the first day of July and end on the last day of June.

2. The Board of Directors shall determine all fees and assessments.

3. The Board of Directors shall set, at the start of each season, rules regarding payments and
payment schedules, and shall see that every member receives a copy of those rules.

4. In the event that a player is to be suspended for non-payment, the President or Treasurer shall
notify that player at least seven (7) days prior to suspension, in writing.

5. The President shall notify the Coaches of all pending suspensions, as soon as possible.

6. Only the President may authorize suspensions of players for financial matters.

7. No program funds shall be used by anyone without the Board of Directors approval.

8. No special dues schedules or rates shall be set without authorization of the Board of Directors.

9. All finances and financial matters shall be under the control of the Board of Directors.

10. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse the Funds of the Association. He/She shall keep and
preserve proper and definitive records of all Association income and expenses. He/She shall
deposit Funds of the Association in such banks as may be approved by the Board of Directors, and
shall be authorized to approve and pay invoices up to and including $500.00. The Treasurer must
obtain written approval of the President for all payments in excess of $500.00 drawn upon funds of
the Association, other than normal operation costs.

11. Financial obligations shall also include the contribution of time worked for the program by the
parents or legal guardians of the child participating in the program, or in lieu thereof, the Board of
Directors will make a monetary assessment.

ARTICLE VII - MEETINGS

1. The President or a majority of the Board of Directors may call “General Membership Meetings” and
Board of Directors Meetings.

2. Board of Directors meetings shall be scheduled monthly, as necessary, and shall be open to the
membership.

3. The President or a majority of the Board of Directors will set the agenda of the General Membership
Meetings. No other business, other than that on the agenda, shall be transacted at the meeting.

4. An "Annual Membership Meeting", for the purpose of electing officers, shall be held each year prior
to the end of the fiscal year.

5. Notice of the Annual Membership Meeting and General Membership Meetings shall be announced
prior to said meetings.

6. Special or Emergency Board of Directors Meeting – may be called by the President or any Director with
the approval of four (4) additional Board Members. The meeting shall have enough members present to
make a quorum.

7. Coach-in-Chief Meeting – the Coach-in-Chief shall conduct at least one (1) coaches’ meeting prior to
the start of league evaluation games to review the by-laws, constitution and general procedures of the
Association. Any and all other items deemed pertinent to the proper running of each team shall also be
included in this meeting. The Coach-in-Chief shall also conduct at least one (1) coaches' meeting during
the season to review each team's progress and any other issues as may be necessary. Attendance of all
coaches is mandatory, without a waiver from the Coach-in-Chief.

ARTICLE VIII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of between a minimum of seven (7) and maximum of eleven (11)
members. The number shall be determined by the current board and be based on the skill set of
available volunteers and/or the desire of a current board member(s) to perform the duties of more than
one available board position.

2. There shall always be four (4) Officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary) held by
four separate and elected individuals

3. Directors shall be elected each year for terms of two (2) years each. For the intended purpose of
continuity, the Board shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that terms are concluded evenly
across odd and even numbered years. All executive officer vacancies in the Board of Directors must
be filled at the election held at the “Annual Meeting”.

4. The Board of Directors may declare vacant the seat of any Director who is absent from five (5)
consecutive Director's meetings.

5. Any officer or director may be removed from office as a result of failure to fulfill the duties of said
office, or for conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Program. Said removal must follow the
following procedures:

 a.A petition stating the charge shall be filed with the President and signed by two thirds of the
     Board of Directors.

b. The Secretary shall notify, in writing, each Board member ten (10) days before the question
will be placed on a meeting agenda.

c. Said officer or director shall be given written notice of the charge at least ten (10) days before
the question will be placed on a meeting agenda.

d. The petitioners shall present their case first; said officer or director shall be heard second;
and the vote taken third. A two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors shall be necessary to
remove said officer or director from office.

e. Should said officer or director be the President, the Vice-President shall preside over the
removal proceedings. No removal proceedings shall be based upon the same evidence,
more than once.

6. Vacancies during the term of the Board of Directors shall be filled by vote of the Board of Directors at
their next meeting. Such appointees shall serve for the duration of the term of the replaced Director.

7. The management of the affairs and property of the NVHA shall be vested in the Board of Directors.

a. The Board shall be responsible for the annual budget and insurances for the
Association.8. The Board of Directors shall appoint Association members to the following non-officer board
positions:

a. Registrar

i. In conjunction with the Coach-in-Chief (and at least seven days prior to MA Hockey
roster submission deadlines), shares NVHA team rosters with the Board of Directors
for visibility

ii. Responsible, with the Coach-in-Chief, for the certification of all Association coaches

iii. Directly submits & maintains accurate records pertaining to the enrollment,
registration and rostering of all NVHA players & coaches via all relevant rostering
systems (i.e. nvha website) & governing bodies (i.e. MA Hockey); Note: No roster
changes shall be made without informing the Registrar
iv. In conjunction with the President, reports on Association enrollment data and
proactively identifies trends

b. Coach-in-Chief

i. Oversees player evaluation process and player/team assignments

ii. In conjunction with the President, prepares preliminary rosters to be shared with
coaches and Board of Directors for review in August. No less than seven days shall
be allowed for feedback prior to finalizing rosters.
ii. Reports on coaching roster for each program to the Board of Directors for visibility

iv. Responsible, with the Registrar, for the certification of all coaches in the Association

v. Oversees that teams are running smoothly throughout the season

vi. Responsible for identifying clinics and/or additional learning opportunities beneficial
for the Association Clinics (Skating skills, Goalie Clinics, etc.)

vii. Supports Learn to Skate/Play operation

c. Fundraising Chair

i. Point person for Association fundraising initiatives including local sponsorships &
donations

ii. Ensures volunteer teams are in place to support various fundraising efforts

iii. Partners with Event Chair as appropriate (i.e banquet)

d. Communications Chair

i. Responsible for website content updates

ii. Responsible for promoting the Association across key audiences via social media,

PR and other promotional channels

e. Ice Scheduling Manager

i. Source and reserve ice time to meet Association needs at the most favorable
cost/location/times possible

ii. Coordinate with GSL scheduler (including no play dates)

f. Event Chair

i. Point person for pre-season event(s) & postseason banquet

ii. Ensures volunteers are in place to support all events as needed

iii. Owns organization and set up of team/individual photos

g. Apparel & Equipment Manager

i. Manages uniform program (including reorder needs & surplus inventory)

ii. Supports Coach-in-Chief with equipment needs (i.e. pucks, training supplies, goalie
equipment, etc.)

iii. Manages Association-branded apparel

iv. Works collaboratively with Event Chair on any equipment-related events

9. The Board of Directors shall nominate new potential Executive Officers prior to the “Annual Meeting”.

10. An Instructional Program Coordinator (non-board, non-voting position) shall be appointed to organize
and maintain an Instructional Program for the Association. Such a program shall be divided into two (2)
groups - Learn to Skate and Learn to Play (in-house).

ARTICLE IX - OFFICERS AND THEIR DUTIES

1. The Executive Board shall consist of the following elected officers: President, Vice President,
Treasurer and Secretary. Officers must be members of the Association and shall hold their elected
office for two (2) years.

a. President

i. Drives Association vision & agenda

ii. Presides over NVHA meetings and enforces due observance of its constitution
and by-laws

iii. Primary representative/contact of the organization for general inquiries

iv. Fosters relationships with other GSL hockey associations

v. Develops partnership with EHS program

vi. Ensures all officers perform their respective duties and appoints committees not
otherwise provided for

vii. Leads succession planning for key Association positions

viii. Fosters culture of volunteerism among Association members

b. Vice President

i. Represents NVHA at GSL meetings and reports to the board as appropriate

ii. Represents NVHA at USA/MA Hockey meetings and reports to the board as
appropriate

iii. Supports technical needs of the organization (i.e. website operation)

iv. Presides over grievance process & committee

v. In the event of the resignation, death or removal of the President, the Vice
President shall assume the office

c. Treasurer

i. Prepares and maintains accurate records of all financial transactions for the Association

ii. Responsible for the receipt of monies due to Association

iii. Responsible for the on-time payment of authorized bills

iv. Prepares monthly finance/budget status updates for board review

v. Responsible for any required Federal or State filings

vi. Co-authorization to suspend players/families for financial matters

d. Secretary

i. Publishes meeting minutes for all Association members within 72hrs

ii. Ensures next meeting is scheduled and agenda communicated

iii. Supports and identifies ways to ‘centralize’ tournament coordination across
Association

iv. Maintains all non-financial records of organization (eg. bylaws, board member
terms)

ARTICLE X - EMPLOYEES

1. The Association shall be comprised of volunteer workers except in cases of special need as determined
by the Board of Directors. In such cases the Board of Directors shall determine the duration of
employment and the amount of remuneration.

ARTICLE XI - LIABILITY

1. The Association shall not be responsible nor held liable for any injury or loss sustained by individuals
participating in its programs. Each parent or legal guardian shall be required to sign waivers for such
at the time of registration or the player will not be allowed to take the ice until so done.

ARTICLE XII - AUTHORITY TO BIND

1. No member of this program shall contract for or enter into any agreement, or otherwise obligate this
program, financially or otherwise, without proper authorization from the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE XIII - GENERAL RULES

1. Complaints, problems or suggestions should be brought to the attention of the Board member
responsible for that area.

a. Regarding financial matters, contact the President or Treasurer.

b. Regarding fundraising, contact the Fundraising Chair.

c. Regarding scheduling of ice or out-of-town activities, contact the Ice Scheduling Manager .

d. Regarding coaching or team player matters, contact the Head Coach or Coach-in-Chief.

e. Regarding communications, contact the Communications Chair

f. General program information, contact the President.

2. If a member feels that they did not get a satisfactory response to their inquiry, complaint, or suggestion
after contacting one of the Board members, they may request to be heard by the board of directors by
writing to the President and stating their inquiry, complaint or suggestion. The President shall then
schedule for that member to be heard at the next Board meeting.

3. Any Board member who receives a written inquiry, complaint, or suggestion shall present it before the
Board at the next Board meeting.

4. After an inquiry, complaint, or suggestion has been heard by the Board, and if it is found to be of merit,
any action taken shall be by approval by the vote of the Board.

5. If the matter is found to be without merit, or if the Board votes to table or dismiss the issue, the petitioner
shall be notified of the outcome, in writing, by the President.

ARTICLE XIV – AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION

1. Amendments of any form to this constitution must be made in writing and submitted to each of the
Board of Directors at least fourteen (14) days prior to the board meeting at which such amendments
are to be considered. Any amendments shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board of

Directors present and voting for approval.

Witness Whereof, We being all of the Officers of the Nonotuck Valley Hockey Association, Inc. certify
that the foregoing By-Laws and Constitution were adopted at a duly constituted meeting on the 22nd
day of June 2022.

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary