junior roller derby association league organizer’s...

© 2013 Junior Roller Derby Association, Inc.

Junior Roller Derby Association

League Organizer’s

Handbook


Dear Prospective League Director,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a League Director for Junior Roller Derby!

The information contained in this manual should prove helpful for starting up and maintaining your

junior roller derby program.

Please become familiar with the Junior Roller Derby Association’s website,

www.juniorrollerderby.org. The material in this manual is updated there.

If you have any questions or suggestions for improving this League Director’s Handbook, please direct

them to [email protected].

Good luck! We hope you enjoy many pleasant years of directing!

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/


Proposed Steps to Organize the League Bylaws

Constitution

Find Location(s) to Practice

Find Location(s) to Recruit

Determine Season Start Date and End Date

Determine Season Costs (By Month? By Season?)

Determine Fundraising Schedule

Determine Age Groups and Genders to Include

Create Recruiting Fliers (Black Ink, Colored Paper stands out!)

Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!

2 Weeks before season starts, have a Parent Meeting

Parent Meeting Agenda Items:

Welcome and Introductions

Coaching Philosophy

Goals and Hopes for the Season

- Coaches/Organizers Share

- Parents Share

Logistics (training, bout, fundraising schedule, etc.)

Communication method for season (email, text, fan page, group meetings, etc.)

Ask for Volunteers (items listed in Red are volunteer positions/tasks)

General Manager

League Book Keeper

League Memorabilia Coordinator

League Insurance Coordinator

JRDA Representative - Ref Forum

JRDA Representative - General Forum

Bout Committee Chairperson

Volunteer Coordinator

Outside Vendor Coordinator

Bout Day Logistics

Bout Supplies/Inventory

Interleague Coordinator - Team #2

Interleague Coordinator - Team #1

Special Events Permitting

Bout Supervisor

Non-Profit Coordinator

Bout Insurance Coordinator

Ticket Sales Coordinator

Bout Entertainment Coordinator

Travel Coordinator - Team #1

Travel Coordinator - Team #2

Gopher

Stats Lead

Events Committee Chairperson

Poster Person (Not bout posters)

Gopher

Princesses of Prizes

Divas of Decoration

Community Service Coordinator

Sponsorship Coordinator

League Fundraising Coordinator

Skater Relations - Training Committee

Chairperson

Team Captain - Team #1

Assistant Captain - Team #1

Team Captain - Team #2

Assistant Captain - Team #2

Coach - Team #1

Coach - Team #2

Skater Trainer

Skater Trainer

Skater Trainer

Skater Trainer

Referee Trainer

Referee Trainer

Recruiting Coordinator

Season Schedule Coordinator


Skater Relations - Grievance Committee

Chairperson

Skater/Ref Mediation Coordinator

Skater/Ref Discipline Coordinator

PR, Merch & Marketing Committee

Chairperson

Merchandise Coordinator

Poster Coordinator

Printing Coordinator

Creative Writing Coordinator

WebMaster

Press Release Coordinator

Radio Interviewee - Schmoozer

Bout Program Coordinator

Advertising Coordinator

Social Networking Master

Bout Recapper

Determine Training Schedule as described in the JRDA Trainer’s Handbook for each Skills Assessment

and Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3.

Determine Skills Testing Schedule

Determine Rules Testing Schedule

Recruit! Recruit! Recruit!

Mission Statement <insert league name here> is a youth sports League dedicated to bringing the thrilling, fast paced, full

contact sport of Junior Roller Derby to <City, State, or Region>. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe and

supportive environment for young athletes (ages <insert age group here>), where they can come

together and play this highly exciting sport of speed, strategy and teamwork. Junior Roller Derby helps

empower our Skaters with self-confidence, leadership skills and helps develop athletic abilities while

improving overall fitness. We will achieve this by providing a place where Skaters can learn to play

Roller Derby in a framework built around trust, friendship, respect for the individual, athletic

competition and community service while having lots of fun! <insert league name here> is an equal

opportunity League and does not discriminate on gender, race, creed, color or sexual orientation.

Playing the Game The game itself is a series of races between two teams of five players. Each team’s jammer is the only

player to score points. Three blockers try to stop the other team’s jammer while propelling their own

jammer forward. Each team’s pivot acts like the pace car in a NASCAR race and controls the speed of

the pack. She also keeps an eye on the jammers, calls her team’s plays and acts as a blocker. Helmet

designs differentiate the positions — jammers wear stars, pivots wear stripes and blockers wear blank

helmets.

Each race is called a jam and lasts up to two minutes. At the start of the jam, the pivots and blockers

gather in formation at the starting line. The referee blows a whistle, and they all skate.

The jammers try to catch up to the pack, work their way through and come out the other side. No one

scores any points during the first lap, but the first jammer to pass the pack without penalties becomes

the lead jammer. A referee points out the lead jammer and follows his/her progress around the track.

The lead jammer can “call the jam” before the end of the two-minute period by putting her hand on

his/her hips.


When the lead jammer calls the jam or the two-minute period ends, play stops and the officials

calculate the score. Teams get one point for each opposing player the jammer passes during each lap. In

general, this is four points per lap — one for each opposing player.

Members Members are what make the League. Only ten players are on the track during a jam but it takes a host

of people both on and off the track to make it happen. It is essential to have not just the skater but also

the parents fully involved in the League. Whether it's selling tickets and snacks, running the timers at a

bout, or working one of behind- the-scenes committees, we depend on everybody's involvement to

provide the best experience for our Skaters.

Skaters Skaters are what we are here for; this is their game we are just here to help make it happen. Skaters can

be recruited from the local skating rinks, schools and other public venues as appropriate. Methods of

advertisement may include but are but not limited to, flyers, word of mouth, demonstrations and

Internet presence. Some Skaters will already have skating experience others will not. Our League will

do our best to serve both. Skaters will be separated into one of 4 different divisions by a combination of

ability, age, size, and skill level as determined by standardized <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> Skill

level assessment tests.

While Roller Derby at its core is a full contact sport, the early skill levels are the "positional" game

with very little intentional contact. That said, like any sport there is a risk of injury due to falls and

unintentional contact. Only when players have reached the highest skill level does the full contact

aspect of Roller Derby come into play. This level of play is achieved only after the skater has

demonstrated ample proficiency in skating skill, knowledge of the rules and the maturity required to

play the full contact game as determined by the coaching staff, parent and player.

Parents Parents are an integral part of any youth sports activity. Parents need to be encouraged to active in the

League and not sit on the sidelines. They are the ones who volunteer to work the committees, help raise

funds and perform all the behind-the- scenes work need to make a League run. Without their help the

League officers will experience burnout and the Skaters and program will suffer. Helpful parental

involvement also sends an important message to the Skaters that their parents care about what they do

and want them to succeed.

Certificate of Liability Insurance Some facilities require that the event organizers (your League) provide a general liability policy for the

facility/venue. If your facility requires this, you must submit the aggressive contest insurance

application.

Liability insurance certificates in the amount of $1,000,000 per occurrence with a $5,000,000 general

aggregate may be issued naming non- member venues/facilities and meet hosts/sponsors as additional

named insured. All conditions for safety of participants must be observed, as noted on the last page of


the sanction application. Liability insurance coverage requires that all participants must be USARS

members in good standing or hold a single event card.

If your chartered facility(s) requires a certificate of insurance, you can purchase a “blanket

certificate”. A “blanket certificate” is good for the entire membership season.

Some facilities do not require additional insurance. Please verify with your venue.

Secondary Sport Insurance JRDA leagues have 3 options – JRDA, WFTDA, and USARS, they don't HAVE to go with any

particular carrier.

For skater safety reasons and club liability, the JRDA highly recommends Sport Specific Secondary

Insurance. Detailed insurance information is provided:

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/insurance.html

<INSERT LEAGUE NAME> The Junior Roller Derby Association (<INSERT LEAGUE NAME>) is a public non-profit educational

and amateur sports organization that is dedicated to advancing the growth of roller derby through the

standardization of rules and goals for existing and new leagues. Together, USARS and the <INSERT

LEAGUE NAME> are working to promote the sport of roller derby domestically and internationally in

the spirit of amateur sports.

Once your League is established, membership in <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> should be

considered. While membership in the <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> is not mandatory, it will be

helpful should the league wish to qualify for regional or nationally ranked games in the future.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Have a roster of at least ten (10) active skaters.

2. Identify a primary facility for league activities.

3. Identify two League Liaisons (these folks must be 18 or over).

League Infrastructure

The JRDA recommends that you set your League up as a non-profit organization. Bylaws outlining the

Non Profit structure are appended to the end of this document.

The Board of Directors positions would be more than 1 and an ODD number of individuals, for voting

purposes. The recommended structure is that these positions be split up, but they may be combined

depending on the size of your league to start with: President, Vice Presidents (2), Secretary, Treasurer

Other Positions Rink Owner/Manager

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/insurance.html


The Rink Owner/Manager owns or manages the facility that the League will use and is a

required signatory on the USARS League charter (though does not have to be a USARS

member).

Head Coach

The primary responsibility of coaches and trainers is to promote sportsmanship and safety on

the track while teaching the sport of Roller Derby. The Head Coach teaches Skaters, wrangles

other coaches and helpers to come to assist in practices. Ideally coaches/trainers will be

volunteers from local adult Roller Derby leagues with qualified instructors. Coaches, trainers

and other volunteers who have direct contact with the Skaters will undergo a background

screening to ensure official competencies are met and that the safety of our children is not

compromised.

Head Referee

The Head Referee refs, wrangles and trains other refs/refs-to-be for practices and bouts. Ideally

referees will be volunteers from our sponsor group the Gold Coast Derby Grrls or other Skaters

training for referee duties. Not all Skaters will want to play or may have issues preventing them

playing but still allow for refereeing.

Committees

As the League grows, various committees will need to be setup to handle the myriad details of

League operation. The skaters themselves should be encouraged to join and run the various

committees such as uniforms, recruiting, events, marketing and graphic design. An adult should

be there to mentor them and of course being minors they can't make any financial or legal

decisions, though they can recommend how money should be spent. This list is by no means

exhaustive and is only a basic outline of some of the committees that would be helpful.

Safety/Compliance

The safety/compliance committee is responsible for:

Reviewing all safety related policies and procedures.

Assisting the League Secretary in checking members' medical paperwork, waivers and other

release forms.

Coordinating availability of EMTs and/or other qualified medical personnel for bouts.

Event Safety: Parking lot safety and escorts for younger players to remote bathroom

facilities

Fundraising

The Fundraising committee coordinates all of the group's efforts to raise money for operations.

This would include wrangling sponsorships, setting up Merch sales, Skate-a-thons etc.

Event Planning

Event planning sets up 1/2 times/pre-game shows for adult leagues, parades, derby demos and

our own bouts, this person can also be the rink coordinator to set up practice times.

Marketing/Communications

The Marketing and Communications committee helps get the word out about Roller Derby. This

includes wrangling artists, printing flyers, scheduling press releases, getting local TV and

newspaper articles and maintaining a web presence via various social networking tools

(Facebook, Twitter, or whatever becomes popular).

More/less committees may be established based on League size and structure.

Background checks


The JRDA provides a background check service through its website. The JRDA uses Protect Youth

Sports program called Averity. It is an all-in-one system designed exclusively to meet the needs of

youth sports organizations.

Volunteer screening including background checks is a critical part of an effective abuse & molestation

risk management plan. The following guidelines are typical for a youth sports background check

program.


If you are a USARS chartered league, USARS does a background check as part of its services to the

league. There will be no need to do it again, unless you would like additional reassurance.

Forms Listed here are the forms that will need to be signed by the various participants in League

activities. The actual forms will be found on the JRDA Website:

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/startup-paperwork.html

1. Skater Agreement

2. Parent Agreement

3. Coach Agreement

4. Liability Waiver

5. Health Registrations

6. Medical Release

7. Photo Release Form

Venues The track surface shall be clean, flat, and suitable for roller skating. Acceptable surfaces include

polished or painted concrete, masonite, wood or game court floors.

There will be a ten foot clearance around the outside of the track for safety. If there is a rail, wall, or

barrier between the track and the crowd that completely prevents contact between spectators and

contestants, a five foot clearance is permissible. Referees may skate in this area, and/or the infield of

the track. The clearance cannot be less than five feet.

Please check the surface of the venues in your local area. Most roller rinks are suitable for non-contact

practices, but some may not have enough of a safety zone for contact. If you have additional questions

regarding rink specifications, please direct them towards [email protected].

Finances

Costs When determining the costs of starting up a Junior Roller Derby league, please take into

consideration these factors:

Facility Rental

Training Equipment

First Aid Kit

Printed Flyers

Uniforms

You will have a few options to cut costs here:

1. Have the Skaters organize and make their own uniform tops

2. Get them sponsored by a local youth sports vendor/sponsor

3. Have the Skaters pay an out-of-pocket cost for the uniforms

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/startup-paperwork.html


4. Pay for the uniforms out of the League funds (incorporate it into the Skaters dues as

a registration fee or as part of their dues in general)

Income

Dues Dues are typically determined by the following factors (assuming a 10 skater roster):

Facility rental costs divided by 10 skaters, per month

Venue Insurance costs divided by 10 skaters, per month

Training Equipment costs divided by 10 skaters, per month

Consider other ways for skaters to earn their dues (i.e. personal sponsors, fundraisers,

etc.) The ability to PAY should not directly affect the ability to skate. Take into

account a “Skater Scholarship” when determining dues as well (example: $3 from each

Skaters’ dues funds the scholarship).

Ticket Sales

Ticket sales of sanctioned bouts are possible once the team gets going but many youth

groups do not sell tickets to their events as it’s mostly only friends and family members

that attend. Of course Roller Derby is more exciting than most other youth sports, but

until it gets a larger following it is unlikely that we will be able to sell tickets to games

in the near future. We will probably do better with merchandise and food sales.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are the life blood any group. Rink time is expensive especially if we would

like to rent an indoor rink for a bout or practices during rainy season. The more

sponsors we have, the more activities, gear and other things we can afford and the less

reliant we are on dues to pay for these things.

i. Sporting Goods Store

ii. Restaurants

iii. Dr. offices/Dental offices

iv. Corporations

v. Hotels

Merch/Sales

Many organizations provide fundraising opportunities via food items, flowers, wrapping

paper or other seasonal merchandise. We can take advantage of these for our group as

well.

Additional Fundraising Food/Bake Sales

There are many groups that provide money making opportunities selling food

items like candy, donuts etc. This can also include events like pancake

breakfasts and spaghetti feeds.

Raffles


Raffles at bouts can also make money provided we can get businesses to pony up

some items. This is actually easier than you might think provided you contact the

right people.

Buttons

It has been suggested by other juniors groups that when we can afford it to just

buy our own button maker. Machines and all the supplies can be found at

www.buttonmakers.net .

The idea is to give these to the Skaters but sell them for $1 each. We put about

30 on a Skaters shirt and send them out to sell them at adult bouts. When people

know it is part of fundraising they will buy them. Plus the girls are so dang cute,

you can’t say no. They do well at the merch table as add-ons when people are

buying shirts.

T-shirts

T-Shirts with original Roller Derby team inspired artwork for sale at bouts and

other events. If we so desire we can put our sponsor’s logos on them, this helps

our sponsors get more bang for their sponsorship dollars.

Car Wash

This is pretty self-explanatory, easy to do and popular activity (potentially

seasonal) and can also be combined with merch and food sales such as a morning

car wash with coffee and donuts.

Skate-a-Thons

This is one of the easiest ways to make money. Set up time at our rink, it can

even be during one of our regular practice times. Give each kid a pledge sheet

and a goal to try to reach. Skaters who expect to travel are required to participate

in fund-raisers. They can get flat pledges or pledges per lap with a pledge cap so

they don't break the bank of the person who pledged them. The League secretary

keeps track of the Skaters’ forms and collects the funds and turns them over to

our treasurer. The treasurer keeps track of the finances and where the money

comes from and where it goes. We can solicit prizes from local shops, stickers,

shoe laces, book bags, derby stuff from local leagues and hand out prizes for the

most laps and the most collected. It helps for the Skaters to know there are

prizes.

Community / PR Search online for kid-friendly community events (check your local radio and TV stations and

see if your organization can partner with their kid-friendly event of the month). Partner with a

local (already established) League and join forces. http://www.dosomething.org/Leagues

(suggested)

http://www.buttonmakers.net/

http://www.dosomething.org/clubs


Volunteer Events Search online for kid-friendly volunteer events. http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/love-your-

community.html. (suggested)

Marketing Advertising our presence in the community is how we can get the word out about our great

sport. As cool as Roller Derby is it won't advertise itself and kids won't know we are here unless

we tell them.

Fliers

The basis of cheaply advertising youth activities for years is the ubiquitous flyer. We should

pass them out whenever and wherever appropriate, Skating Rink, adult bouts, sporting goods

stores, clothing stores (like Justice, Hot Topic, and Abercrombie) restaurants (sub, pizza and

smoothie shops) especially near schools and other places where kids hang out. To help keep

costs down, print Black ink on Colored paper.

Parades

Not a fundraiser, but increases visibility from some of the parades sponsored by local shopping

malls, etc. around the holiday season.

Demos

Demos at adult bouts and handing out flyers to any kid there is one way to promote our League.

The Schools/County and other local youth groups often have exhibitions. Setting up exhibition

games and a booth at the local County Youth fairs is great way to get kids interested and can

often get our kids into the fair for free!

YouTube/Facebook/Other Social Media Commercials

They don’t need to be hi-tech, just fun and age appropriate (as always). Here’s a quirky

example of a derby commercial! JRDA – Bold, Confident, United

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/love-your-community.html

http://www.juniorrollerderby.org/love-your-community.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=tlDOFIHXNG8


BYLAWS

(Can be used as-is with inserting your League info)

OF THE

<Insert League Name>

(A <STATE> nonprofit organization)

ARTICLE I - PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

<Insert League Name> is a public non-profit educational and amateur sports organization that is

dedicated to advancing the growth of roller derby through the standardization of rules and goals for

existing and new leagues.

The mission of <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> is to nurture bold self-confidence in youth by developing

teamwork and athletic ability while treasuring individuality within a culture of integration,

encouragement, and service to others.

<INSERT LEAGUE NAME> partners with competitive & recreational junior leagues, communities &

schools, mentors & families; to empower youth through the international sport of roller derby.

The objectives of the <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> , known hereto as ‘Corporation,’ formed to foster

national and international amateur sports competition within the meaning of

Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (or the corresponding provision of any future

United States Internal Revenue Law) which purpose shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Developing, improving, advancing, encouraging, protecting, governing, controlling and securing to

its members the benefits of amateur roller derby in all its forms, branches and activities throughout the

United States and internationally;

2. Developing, improving, advancing and encouraging the sport of amateur roller derby in the United

States and internationally;

3. Developing, improving, advancing and encouraging the skills of amateur competitors, coaches,

trainers, managers, administrators and officials in the skills of amateur roller derby in the United States

and internationally;

4. Exercising jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the participation in <INSERT LEAGUE NAME>

sanctioned events, in the United States and internationally.

ARTICLE II - OFFICES The registered office of the Corporation shall be at <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> , <mailing address>,

<City, State, Zip Code>, until otherwise established by an amendment of the Corporation’s certificate

of incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) or by the board of directors and a record of such

change is filed with the State of <STATE> in the manner provided by law.

ARTICLE III - BOARD OF DIRECTORS SECTION I - GENERAL POWERS - The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed

by its Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have all powers with respect to the


management, control and determination of the policies of the Corporation that are not limited by these

by-laws, the articles of incorporation, or the laws of the state of <STATE> .

Without limitation thereto, the Board of Directors shall have the power to enter into contracts on behalf

of the Corporation and to delegate to one or more directors the authority to sign contracts which shall

be binding on the Corporation; to hire employees of the Corporation; to collect, invest and expend

funds for and on behalf of the Corporation; and to exercise all other powers and responsibilities which

the Board of Directors considers necessary and appropriate to carry out the purpose and objectives of

the Corporation.

SECTION II - NUMBER AND TENURE - Upon majority resolution of the Board of Directors, the

number of Directors may be increased or decreased from time to time, but in no event shall a decrease

have the effect of shortening the term of an incumbent Director, or decreasing the total number of

Directors to less than three Directors.

SECTION III - INITIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS - Until the first meeting for electing the

Directors occurs, the initial Board of Directors shall consist of the persons listed in the Certificate of

Formation as constituting the initial Board.

President: <insert name here>

Sr. Vice President: <insert name here>

Vice President: <insert name here>

Secretary: <insert name here>

Treasurer: <insert name here>

SECTION IV - REMOVAL - Any Director may be removed for cause by a vote with a 75 per cent

Board of Director vote. Such Director shall be entitled to receive notice of and a hearing concerning

the charges prior to the vote at a meeting of Board called for that purpose. Any vacancy so created

shall be filled by the appointment of a replacement director as provided by these by-laws.

SECTION V - VACANCIES - Any vacancy in the Board of Directors may be filled by appointment

by the vote of a majority of the remaining Directors. A Director so appointed shall hold office for the

unexpired term of the person he or she replaces.

SECTION VI - REGULAR MEETINGS - The Board of Directors shall meet on a regular basis to

discuss Corporation business. No meetings shall take place unless there is a quorum. Notice of

meetings shall be given to each Director at least five (5) days before the meeting.

SECTION VII - SPECIAL MEETINGS - Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held

whenever called by the President or by three (3) Directors at such time and place as the person or

persons calling the meeting shall designate. Reasonable notice shall be given to each Director before

such meeting. No special meeting may take place unless there is a quorum.

SECTION VIII - QUORUM - A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Board of Directors then in

office.


SECTION IX - INSPECTION OF BOOKS AND RECORDS – The members of the Board of

Directors shall have the right to see all books and records of the Corporation at any time.

SECTION X - REMUNERATION - No remuneration or compensation of any kind shall be paid to

the Directors for their services to the Corporation; however, Directors may receive reimbursement for

authorized expenditures with appropriate receipts. All payments made to any of the Directors shall

appear on the annual financial statement.

SECTION XI - RIGHT OF PARENTS TO ATTEND BOARD MEETINGS - Meetings of the

Board of Directors shall be closed and parents of players shall have no right to attend. Provided,

however, that parents shall be entitled to present any matters of special concern to the Board at a

regular or special meeting by making a request to do so by written notice to the President or Secretary.

ARTICLE IV – ELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS SECTION I- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - The election of 1/3 of the number of Directors shall be

conducted at the end of each roller derby season on a date fixed by the Board and the results shall be

announced publicly immediately following the election(s).

SECTION II- NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE - A nominations committee shall be appointed by

the Board of Directors and shall consist of three Board members. The nominations committee shall be

responsible for soliciting qualified candidates to run for Board positions, conducting the election

process, counting the ballots and reporting the results of the election.

SECTION III - ELIGIBILITY - In order to be eligible to run for election to the Board of Directors or

to serve by appointment, a candidate must submit a resume for review and provide a cover letter

answering, “How do my qualifications best reflect the spirit of the <INSERT LEAGUE NAME>

Mission Statement?”

SECTION IV - ELECTION PROCEDURE - Persons wishing to serve as a Director shall make

known their intention to the nominations committee, no less than 30 days prior to elections. Candidates

shall be presented to the Board of Directors by the nominations committee and voted upon.

ARTICLE V - OFFICERS SECTION I - ELECTION - The Officers of the Corporation shall be elected by a majority vote of the

members of the Regional Representatives at an organizational meeting or online in an anonymous poll

on such date determined by the Nominations Committee. The officers so elected shall hold office for a

term of 3 years. In the event a vacancy should occur during the term of service, the Board shall elect a

replacement by a majority vote and the person so elected shall serve for the remaining term of

office. In the event the vacancy does not get filled before the term of office, the Nominations

Committee will determine the best course of action.

SECTION II - TITLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - The Corporation shall have the following

officers who shall have the duties described below:


1. President – Presides over meetings, works directly with the Vice Presidents, sets Board meeting

agendas, acts as spokesperson for the board, while ensuring all Department and Committee activities

remain faithful to the <INSERT LEAGUE NAME> Mission Statement.

2. Vice President - In case of the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-Presidents, in the

order of their priority (the Sr.Vice-President shall be designated as the President-Elect), shall perform

the duties of the President, and shall also perform such other duties as may be required by the Board of

Directors.

3. Treasurer - The Treasurer shall serve as the chief financial officer of the Corporation and shall

have responsibility for the care, custody and safekeeping of the Corporation’s funds and securities. The

Treasurer shall be responsible for maintaining the Corporation’s financial books and records of

account. He or she shall deposit or cause to be deposited the Corporation’s funds in the name and to

the credit of the Corporation at such bank accounts at such depositories as the Board of Directors may

from time to time determine. He or she shall disburse funds of the Corporation as may be ordered by

the Board, taking proper vouchers for the disbursements. The Treasurer shall provide regular reports of

income and expenses to the Board and shall provide an annual financial statement to the Board. Along

with the President, he or she shall have authority to countersign checks or other financial instruments

on behalf of the Corporation.

4. Secretary - The Secretary shall post recorded minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors

and shall be responsible for scheduling meetings and taking attendance at Board meetings.

SECTION III - COMMITTEES - The Board shall be authorized to establish such committees as it

believes are necessary or useful to carry out the purpose and objectives of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI - MEDIATION The HR Department will oversee a committee for the purpose of providing unbiased mediation to

independent leagues to assist in the resolution of internal league disputes as requested by those leagues.

ARTICLE VII - ACCOUNTING YEAR Unless and until the Board of Directors shall determine otherwise, the accounting year of the

Corporation shall begin on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.

The treasurer of the Corporation shall have the Corporation’s financial records and books reviewed by a

qualified outside accounting firm annually and shall furnish the accounting firm’s review to the other

Board members. The Treasurer shall ensure that any Federal, state or local tax returns which the

Corporation may be required to file shall be timely filed and shall be authorized to engage an outside

accounting firm approved by the Board for this purpose.

ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed by the vote of 75 percent of the Directors at a

meeting called for such purpose.

ARTICLE IX - EFFECTIVE DATE These by-laws shall be effective as of <insert date here>.

ARTICLE X – DISSOLUTION SECTION I - The Corporation may be dissolved by the vote of at least 75 percent of the Directors at a

meeting called for such purpose.


SECTION II – Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, its assets shall be distributed for one or more

exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the

corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government,

or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not disposed of shall be

disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the

organization is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as

said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

League Constitution How many skaters are in the league?

The JRDA recommends 1 coach for every 10 skaters to ensure quality coach-skater time. The

maximum capacity for this league is ______________ based on coaching staff and venue space.

How are teams formed?

For INTRAleague (for playing within your league only) play, the JRDA recommends age/skill level

breakdown where the coaches/trainers will put the best suited team together to try and evenly match

their skill levels for each skater to compete and grow in an evenly competitive environment.

For INTERleague (for playing other teams outside your own league) play, the JRDA recommends

age/skill level breakdown where the coaches/trainers will put the best suited team together to try and

evenly match their opponents’ skill levels for each skater to compete and grow in an evenly competitive

environment.

For JRDA Tournament Play, the JRDA recommends that each league puts its skaters through a tryout

process where skills are assessed and compared. Coaches/trainers can then assess their needs at each

position to determine ranking of the skaters internally to best fill the JRDA Tournament Roster for

highest national rankings.

When can changes to the Junior Derby League Constitution be discussed?

They can be discussed at any time, but will only be voted on for changes once a derby year for

continuity throughout the entire derby season.

Transfers

Definition: A “Transfer” is a skater who has not finished a derby season for the team he/she started

skating for and wishes to join another league.

JRDA Transfer Form must be completed

Follow up with league being transferred from to gauge accuracy on the form being submitted

Coaches/Trainers to evaluate the transfer skater no longer than 3 weeks of practices to

determine if the skater can transfer into their league mid-season or if the transferring skater

needs to wait until the next season to start skating with the new league

New Members

Definition: A brand new skater or approved Transferred skater wishing to join the league

Complete league specific paperwork


Pay league dues in a timely manner

Commit to attending the majority of league events on and off skates

Committees

Each skater is / is not REQUIRED to be on a league committee. Roller Derby is a “DIY” (Do-It-

Yourself) sport that fosters the entrepreneurial spirit. JRDA recommends skaters get as involved as

they can be as it pertains to their age and maturity as long as their school grades are not affected in any

way.

Committees can include, but are not limited to:

Public Relations

Marketing

Merchandise

Skater Recruiting

Referee Recruiting

Skater Training

Referee Training

Skater Relations

Referee Relations

Events

Fundraising

Volunteer

Bout Production

League Member Requirements

Must be between the ages of __________ and _________ as of December 31st of the current

year.

Must comply with the league rules and regulations

Must attend a minimum of _______% of all closed practices.

Must attend a minimum of _______% of all public appearances.

Must attend a minimum of _______% of all team meetings.

Must attend a minimum of _______% of bouts.

Must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of __________.

Must remain current on monthly dues and scheduled fees.

Must meet safety requirements as appropriated by JRDA and the local coaching/training staff.

Must follow equipment regulations including appropriate roller skates and protective gear.

Must demonstrate appropriate sportsmanship and demonstrate teamwork in all areas.

Must pass the skating skills test at each JRDA level to be considered for bout eligibility.

Financial Guidelines

All funds profited from dues, fundraising, ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships will go

to directly benefit the league.

Funds are raised and collected to cover the costs of event preparation, bout production,

merchandising, and additional training events.


Leftover funds will be saved in a league bank account for future unexpected costs for the

league.

For funds to be withdrawn from the bank account, the league must provide a minimum of 2

signatures in order to help prevent embezzlement.

The league must provide transparency in its expenses. Providing quarterly reports to the league

organizers, parents and skaters are suggested. Anyone wishing to see the expense report may

request it at any time and must be provided within 72 hours of the request.

Codes of Conduct

It is the intent of this Junior Roller Derby League to foster the development of each skater at their own

pace. The JRDA Codes of Conduct are suggested to ensure that each skater feels empowered and safe

in the instructional and game-like environments either on or off skates.

Parent Code of Conduct

Skater Code of Conduct

Coaches Code of Conduct

Referee Code of Conduct

Grievance Policy

It is the intent of this league to give an equal and fair voice to the skaters, coaches, organizers, trainers,

and parents. An open door policy is fostered by providing a Grievance Liaison and a SUGGESTION

BOX at each practice/event for any individual to voice any and all concerns without fear of retribution.

junior roller derby association league organizer’s...

Documents