Board of Directors' Roles
The local league Board of Directors, elected from and by the adult
members of the league, is responsible for the day-to-day operations
of the league within the rules, regulations and policies of Little
League. This board does not have the authority to alter, suspend or
change any of the rules, regulations or policies of Little League.
However, wide latitude is given to this board in many areas of
operation so that the local needs of the community may be met. For
instance, the local league board of directors is entirely responsible
for choosing a method for selection of Tournament Teams (or "All
Stars").
Annually, the regular membership of each Little League is required
to meet and elect the board of directors. Following the election,
the board of directors meets to elect its officers from within the
newly elected board. The officers required are: president, vice
president, secretary, treasurer, player agent, and safety officer
(Information officer recommended but not required).
The board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct
of its meetings and the management of the league as it may deem
proper. The board has the power to discipline, suspend or remove
any director or officer or committee member of the league, subject
to provisions of the local league constitution.
Members of the local league board of directors, particularly the
officers, should not be involved as members of other boards when
such membership may cause a conflict of interest.
President - Apart from all other considerations, sound leadership,
couched in knowledge, experience and common sense, is the greatest
requirement and most exemplary qualification of the man or woman
selected as president of a Little League.
While efficient organizational and administrative abilities are
desirable credentials, the search for good leadership must transcend
all other attributes in the adult who gives direction to the Little
League movement in the local community. Dedication to the goals
and purpose of Little League is inherent in the volunteer aspect
of those who serve, but not everyone who serves is gifted with the
quality of leadership. Presidents must reflect these qualities if
they are to be of benefit to children.
The president has many responsibilities in the administration of
the league. Each President is elected by, and is accountable to,
the local league board of directors. Duties of a president are described
within the limits of the rules and regulations, and within the local
league constitution, giving each president the ability to oversee
the affairs of all elements of the league.
As the chief administrator, the president selects and appoints
managers, coaches, umpires and committees. As such, no person becomes
a manager, coach, umpire or committee member without the approval
of the president. However, all appointments are subject to final
approval by the local leagues board of directors.
Importantly, the president is the officer with whom Little League
International maintains contact. The president also represents the
league in the District organization.
The president should be the most informed officer of the league.
Each president must know the regulations under which Little League
operates and in authorizing the annual application for charter,
binds all members of the league to faithfully observe the regulations.
Little League Baseball International Headquarters reserves the right
to require a league to remove any officer who does not carry out
the terms of charter application. Serious violation can result in
loss of the leagues charter by action of the Charter Committee
in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Beyond the requirements of league administration, the president
should personify the best public image in reflection to the community
at large. Each president should take an active role in gaining support
and winning friends for the league program.
The president presides at league meetings, and assumes full
responsibility for the operation of the local league. The president
receives all mail, supplies and other communications from the Little
League Headquarters. A president may manage, coach or umpire,
provided he/she does not serve on the protest committee, nor serve
as tournament team manager or coach.
Vice President - The vice president presides in the absence
of the president, works with other officers and committee members,
is ex-officio member of all committees, and carries out such duties
and assignments as may be delegated by the president. Separate vice
presidents may also be selected to oversee individual divisions
within the league. If so, one vice president should be selected
as the one to preside in the absence of the president. A vice president
may manage, coach or umpire, provided they do not serve on the protest
committee.
Secretary - The secretary maintains a register of members
and directors, records the minutes of meetings, is responsible for
sending out notice of meetings, issues membership cards and maintains
a record of leagues activities.
Treasurer - The treasurer signs checks co-signed by another
officer or director (or as directed by the local leagues constitution),
dispenses league funds as approved by the board of directors, reports
on the status of league funds, keeps local league books and financial
records, prepares budgets, and assumes the responsibility for all
local league finances.
Player Agent - The player agent conducts annual tryouts,
is in charge of player selection, assists the president in checking
birth records and eligibility of players and generally supervises
and coordinates the transfer of players to or from the Minor Leagues
according to provisions of the regulations of Little League Baseball.
Separate player agents may also be selected to oversee individual
divisions within the league. The player agent must not manage, coach
or umpire in the division over which he/she has authority, unless
the local league has received explicit written permission to allow
this from Little League International.
Safety Officer - The safety officer coordinates all safety
activities including supervision of ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program),
ensures safety in player training, ensures safe playing conditions,
coordinates reporting and prevention of injuries, solicits suggestions
for making conditions safer, and reports suggestions to Little League
International through the ASAP system.
Information Officer - The information officer manages the
leagues official home page on active.com, manages the online
registration process and ensures that league rosters are maintained
on the site, assigns administrative rights to league volunteers
and teams, ensures that league news and scores are updated on a
regular basis, collects, posts and distributes important information
on League activities including direct dissemination of fund-raising
and sponsor activities to Little League International, district, public,
league members and media, serves as primary contact person for Little
League and active.com regarding optimizing use of the Internet for
league administration and for distributing information to league
members and to Little League International, and displays enthusiasm for
using the Internet for league administration, for sharing information
and for creating a more enjoyable and efficient Little League experience.
For
more information, see the Structure
of Little League Baseball and Softball.
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