LIVINGSTON STING

December 2007

BY-LAWS:          * Red denotes "pending update coming"

                        1. Sting directors make all final decisions regarding the Sting operations on a majority vote rule.

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2.  The Directors will decide and have final approval of all Livingston Sting coaches.

a.          The head coach of each team may choose their assistants with approval from the directors.

b.          The roles of each coach should be clearly defined before the AAU season actually begins.  The head coach will be responsible for game management and practice plans.  As prescribed by MHSAA and AAU rules, only one coach will be standing and / or directing the team during games.

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3.   The Directors will have final approval of all team rosters.

a.          The directors must approve all team rosters before players are notified following try-outs.

b.          No player may be added to the roster without director approval.

c.           A coach shall not remove a player from their roster without director    approval.

d.          3 Brighton and 3 Howell players will be included on each roster unless director approval is granted.

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4. Try-out Guidelines.

a.   Players shall try-out for their respective age group unless a majority of directors have agreed that a player may try-out for another age group.

b.  A player shall not be moved from one try-out to another without knowledge and approval of both coaches as well as director approval.

c.   Try-outs should be one day.  A coach may decide to have a second day of try-outs with the approval of the directors.  Their final roster will still be subject to director approval. 

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5.   The current pay to play fee for the 2006 season is $400.00.  The Livingston Sting has the following credits for those players that participate in their annual fundraiser.  All pay to play fees must be turned in 3 weeks after try-outs.

a.    For a $100.00 hole sponsor the family will receive $100 credit toward their pay to play fee.

b.    For a $250.00 sponsorship, the family receives $125 credit toward their pay to play fee.

c.     For a $500.00 sponsorship, the family receives $200 credit toward their pay to play fee.

d.    For a $1000.00 sponsorship, the family receives full credit for their pay to play fee.

            The Sting also offers a Multi-player discount:

a. First player:  $300

b. Second Child:  $200

c. Each Additional Child:  $150

            Note:  Add $100 to each figure above if there is no participation in the

            Sting Golf Outing.

Any proposed collection of additional funds from the team’s parents for additional tournaments or extra gym time for practice must be proposed by the coach to the directors for approval before soliciting from parents.  Asking the parents for money as an alternative to doing what you are supposed to do in our golf outing will not be allowed.

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6. Team Tournament money will be based on participation in our fundraisers.   The starting amount allocated to each team will be $1700.00.  If a team does not meet their fund raising obligations, they will receive less than $1700.  If a team surpasses their obligations, they will receive an excess of $1700.  The directors will have final say on tournament money amounts given to each team.

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7. Coaches will have final say on playing time with the following guidelines.

a.     In friendship games as well as exposure tournaments (i.e. Deep South, Adidas or Nike events), all players shall receive significant playing time.   This playing time is contingent upon the player attending practice regularly and maintaining a positive team attitude.

b.    In Regional, State and National tournaments, the coach shall play to “win”.  The coach will play those players that they feel can help them win games.  If the game is “out of hand”, then those players that don’t play in the regular rotation shall get to play.

c.     The coach may choose one other tournament to treat as a prep tournament in regards to playing a shorter rotation.  This should be a tournament leading into Regionals (i.e. St. Pats Tournament).  The coach should inform their team with their intentions about playing time early in the AAU season.

d.    The player should first discuss any question of playing time with the coach.  The coach should let the player know what they need to work on to increase their playing time.  If the player is not satisfied with the coach’s response, then a parent may approach the coach at the proper time away from the other players and their families.  Finally, if they are still not satisfied with the coach’s response then they may approach one of the directors.

e.    Failure to subscribe to these guidelines will result in the coach being disciplined, up to and including dismissal.

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8. Coaches must get approval for all practice times and facilities with the organization’s designated practice coordinator.  Our coordinator will schedule ALL Sting practices.  If a coach secures a practice facility, they should notify the coordinator so they can maximize practice times for all teams.

9. Players have an obligation to make as many Sting practices and games as possible.  The following are the acceptable exceptions for missing a Sting game or practice:

a.       Family Obligations

b.      Religious Obligations

c.       School Activities

d.      In-Season School Sports (Not including other Club sports)

            Unexcused absences from practice or games will result in reduced playing time.  It is the player’s responsibility (NOT the parent’s) to notify the coach if they are going to miss practices or games.  Before the season starts, the coach will let the players know how to contact the coach if they are going to be absent.