CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS FOR

SoFlo ADVENTIST SPORTS ASSOCIATION

(SoFloASA)

PREAMBLE

Whereas, the SoFlo Adventist Sports Association were designed to create an atmosphere which will allow our youths and adults alike to get familiar with each other in an informal setting and foster better relationships, development of the spiritual, mental, physical and social growth of the church. Edify as well as entertain with a unique blend of fellowship through sports that reflect a positive message of peace, strength in unity and the principle of love. Furnish additional motivation to energize the church members to become more interested in sports and health conscious activities.

Whereas, the association recognizing the awesome task that rest upon the shoulder of our members to spread the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to this generation and generations to come, We hereby declare our willingness to abide by the articles as set forth in this constitution and bylaws.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Association serves the South Florida entities that make up the Southeastern Conference and the Florida Conference. We are committed to the task of providing a unique blend of fellowship through sports that reflect a positive message of peace, strength in unity and the principle of love. Toward this mission,

Our goals are:

  1. To foster the growth and vitality of all children, youth, and young Adults.
  2. To coordinate leadership training workshops.
  3. To facilitate conference-wide family interaction through spiritual convocations, and recreational activities.
  4. The encouragement of individuals to work toward the highest and best of which they are capable in all worthy pursuits
  5. To encourage the development of innovative methods and strategies in the Church.
  6. Emancipation from selfish rivalry and the development of the higher experience of cooperative endeavor.

ARTICLE I --- NAME

The organization shall be known as the South Florida Adventist Sports Association.

ARTICLE I (B) - TERRITORY

The Association territory shall be known as One Adventist, where there are no boundaries, signifies that all we do and are comes from the "One" who is Jesus Christ.

The Association areas are:

 Southeastern Conference

 Florida Conference

 Carolina Conference

 Georgia-Cumberland Conference

 Gulf-States Conference

 Kentucky Tennessee Conference

 South Atlantic Conference

 South Central Conference

 Franco-Haitian

 Hispanic

All other Unions Conferences are welcome:

 Atlantic Union Conference

 Columbia Union Conference

 Lake Union Conference

 Mid-America Union Conference

 Pacific Union Conference

 North Pacific Union Conference

 Southwestern Union Conference

 Jamaica Union Conference

 Atlantic Caribbean Union Conference

 North Caribbean Conference

ARTICLE II --- PURPOSE

All the programs and activities of the Association should contribute to the development of a Christ-like character and effective witnessing. They shall foster the attainment of the following:

(a) Provision for and implementation of wholesome social relationships.

(b) The development of a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

(c) Promote united support for greater interest in Christian Education. Eg. Establishing scholarships;

(d) Promote and encourage its members to engage in well planned outreach and health conscious activities.

(e) To create an atmosphere which will allow our extended church family to get familiar with each other and foster better relationships.

(f)  The full development of Christian love and unselfish consideration of others (1 Cor.13).

ARTICLE III --- MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1

Members of the SoFlo Adventist Sports Association shall consist of:

(a) All baptized members

(b) All regular and active associate members (non-baptized)

SECTION 2

Members must uphold the standards Christian conduct.

SECTION 3

Admission to the social activities of any area of SoFlo shall be limited to the members, other friends and guests.

SECTION 4

The Southeastern Conference and Florida Conference Family Life Director, Youth Director and Associate Youth Director shall be ex-officio members of the association. They may have voice but no vote.

ARTICLE IV --- MEETINGS

General meetings of the Association shall be held at least twice a year; and upon dates which can Be adopted as a regular annual schedule, where possible, at a time which can be established as a Regular schedule, and at a place which can be secured and arranged for by the host church, with each member church of the association being given an opportunity to host according to an Adopted rotation plan.

ARTICLE V --- OFFICERS

SECTION 1

The Officers of this organization shall be the President, the First Vice – President, a Second Vice President, the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Chaplain, the Parliamentarian, the Social Director, the Public Relations Director, The Sport Coordinator, the Olympic Coordinator, and any other appointed person the Association deems necessary for the execution of its plans.

SECTION 2

The Southeastern Conference and Florida Conference Family Life Director, Youth Director and Associate Youth Director shall be the general supervisor and sponsor.

SECTION 3

  1. Each association officer is expected to harmoniously carry out his or her designated Responsibilities in the organization. Anyone who finds it inconsistent with his/her Time and availability to provide active cooperation in the performance of his or her

Responsibilities shall be relieved of his or her office and replacement made upon Recommendation of two/three vote (2/3) of the Association’s Executive Committee (See section 6A of By-Laws) and a majority vote of the Association members present.

  1. Each Association officer must complete the Youth Leader’s Training Course, its Equivalent or related experience in youth ministries.
  2. Association Officers must have served in the Youth Ministries department of the local Church.
  3. Association officers must be knowledgeable of and practice the doctrines and Fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

SECTION 1 – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Shall:

(a) Serve as the chairperson of the executive committee and preside at all general Meetings of the Association.

(b) Be responsible for the smooth operation of the Association.

(c) Direct the coordination of all committees.

(d) Be responsible to the Southeastern and Florida Conferences Family Life and Youth Ministry Departments and

Furnish written quarterly reports of Association.

(e) Review all correspondence sent from the federation to officers, and/or other Association and committees.

(f) Visit all churches during terms of office or designate a representative from the Association area to do so.

(g) Be an ex-officio member of all committees of the Association.

(h) Be granted the privilege of appointing special committees as deem necessary.

(i) Be elected for a term of two years at the Annual Association Workshop. The name of the candidate shall be recommended and submitted by the Association Officers and ratified by the General body.

(j) Be available to the Family Life and Youth Ministry Departments for consultation in the planning of all events directed by the departments.

 

SECTION 2 – THE DIRECTOR Shall:

(a) Assume the duties of the Executive Director in his/her absence or when designated by the Executive Director to do so.

(b) Serve as chairperson of special committees.

SECTION 3 – THE SECRETARY Shall:

(a) Serve as secretary of the Association executive committee.

(b) Serve as chairperson of the Association in the absence of the Executive Director or Director.

(c) Keep a permanent record of all executive and general meetings and is responsible for presenting recommendations and actions to the regular Association meeting. A copy of all actions should be sent to the Conferences Family Life and Youth Ministry departments.

(d) Be responsible for all correspondence of the Association.

(e) Furnish a report of all actions taken at general Association meetings to the Officers in the Association.

SECTION 4 – THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY Shall:

(a) Serve as recording secretary in the absence of the secretary and when the Secretary is the chairperson.

(b) Perform such functions and assignments as delegated by the Secretary and the Executive Director.

SECTION 5 – THE TREASURER Shall:

(a) Be knowledgeable of basic bookkeeping skills.

(b) Be the custodian of all Association funds and shall disburse such fund on the Authorization of the executive committee.

(c) Provide monthly financial report to the executive committee.

(d) Present a financial report of all Association funds at least bi-annually; once at the regular Association meeting, at the last executive meeting and at whatever times deem necessary by the Association’s executive committee.

(e) Forward a copy of the financial report to the Southeastern and Florida Family Life and Youth Ministry Departments on a quarterly basis.

(f) Present books and records for annual audit review the Conferences auditors.

SECTION 6 – ASSISTANT TREASURER

(a) Assume all duties of the treasurer in his/her absence or when required by the Executive Director or the Treasurer to do so.

(b) Be an active church member with at least two years church membership.

(c) Coordinate fund-raising activities for the Association.

(d) Collect delinquent payments for the Association.

(e) Maintain a log of all the holdings of the Association.

 

SECTION 7 – CHAPLAIN Shall:

(b) Coordinate all spiritual activities pertaining to the Association.

(c) Serve as a consultant in the selection of speakers for special Association meetings.

(d) Provide an atmosphere for spiritual growth in the Association.

SECTION 8 – PARLIAMENTARIAN Shall:

(a) Possess a thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations of parliamentary procedure.

(b) Furnish information concerning Parliamentary procedure to any member at any called meeting of the Association.

(c) Guide the chairperson presiding at any meeting of the Association to ensure the safe, fair and proper conduct of business.

(d) Have a copy of the constitution in his/her possession at all Association meetings.

SECTION 9 – SOCIAL DIRECTOR Shall:

(a) Coordinate the social and recreational activities of the Association.

(b) Be available to the Federation to offer input when needed in the planning of recreational activities, etc.

SECTION 10 – PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

(a) Shall be responsible for promoting and advertising all activities of the Association.

SECTION 11 – SPORTS COORDINATOR Shall:

(b) Be knowledgeable of Physical Education and health and wellness

(c) Be responsible to coordinate all sports activities of the Association, e.g. basketball, Volleyball, Track and Field, etc.

SECTION 12 – OLYMPIC COORDINATOR Shall:

(a) Be knowledgeable in the areas of Physical Education, health and wellness

(b) Plan, prepare and execute all events connected to the Olympics

(c) Report to the Association Olympic Commissioner

SECTION 13 – HEALTH & WELLNESS COORDINATOR Shall:

(a) Be a Professional in a health related field

(b) Conduct periodic health and wellness seminars for the youth in the Association area

(c) Be available for Association events to provide and designate a professional team to

Take care of health needs.

ARTICLE VI – Discipline

SECTION 1 - Behavior

  1. Any member of the Association who shall himself/herself or itself in any offensive behavior/activity such as fighting, use of abusive language, disbursement of organization funds, immorality, etc. that may bring reproach to the standards of the church shall be liable to disciplinary action in keeping with the church manual and as the council may see it fit.
  2. The ways to set up a standard and bring members of this Association up that standard is through good conduct. Every individual or church becomes a very vital representative of the Association and the church at large. Standard of dressing and department may be laid down and adhered to.
  3. Parents/Guardians must be willing to co-operate with the regulations and activities of the Association. At times they will be asked to supply money or any other materials and time to support the membership of the Association.
  4. Members or Church will be expected to participate and co-operate in all District, Region, Conference and Union Conference events.
  5. Members or Church who will not comply with the Laws and regulations will be suspended or dropped from membership of the Association.

SECTION II- PERSONAL CONDUCT

The following shall not be allowed to a member of the Association.

  1. A. Chains and rings (ornaments)
  2. Removing of eye brows, lips stick painting and nail extension and painting.
  3. Mini-skirts, slits above the knees and tightly cloths.

BY-LAWS

FINANCE

SECTION 1

The Association should submit an annual detailed budget to the Conferences Family Life and Youth Ministry department for approval by the Advisory Committee.

SECTION 2

The Association shall be financed primarily by the dues paid by the member Churches, and by special Association offering. Each Church shall pay annual dues appropriated by the membership of the local church. These dues shall be as follows: (see bottom of page)

Each church must forward all Olympic dues to the Association by March 30th of each year.

SECTION 3

A checking account shall be opened and maintained at a local bank in the name of the Association. The bank must be approved by the Association Executive Committee. Three (3) Signatures shall be maintained with two (2) being necessary to affect a withdrawal. The required signatures for a withdrawal must be that of the President and either of the two Treasurers or the 1st Vice-President.

OFFICERS

SECTION 4 – TERM OF OFFICE

The officers of this organization shall be elected for a period of 2 years and no more than two consecutive terms.

SECTION 5 – ELECTION OF OFFICERS

(a) Election of officers shall be conducted at a duly called Association meeting at the conclusion of the term of office or at any time the Conferences Family Life and Youth Ministry Directors deems it necessary.

(b) Election shall be held at least three months prior to the conclusion of the term of office.

(c) Notice of such meeting should be given at least thirty days prior to the election.

(d) Voting shall be done by secret ballot.

(e) All officers shall be from an Adventist Church that is current in the payment of dues.

(f) Officers shall be chosen through a committee consisting of three representatives from each member church.

(g) The Conference Family or Youth director shall serve as the chairperson of the election committee.

(h) A report of the results of the election shall be sent to all church of the Association.

(i) A transition period of thirty days shall be established to mentor all newly elected officers.

COMMITTEES

SECTION 6

(a) The Executive Committee shall be the President, the Vice Presidents, the Secretary, the Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, the Chaplain, the Social Director, the Parliamentarian, the Public Relations Director, The Sport Coordinator, Olympic Coordinator, the Pathfinder area coordinator, the Adventurer Area Coordinator and any other appointed person the Association deems necessary for the execution of it plans.

(b) The Executive Committee shall meet at least once per month to plan the work and

Activities of the Association.

(c) The Executive committee shall appoint other committees that are deemed necessary to effect and reflect the desires of the Association.

(d) Standing committees of the Association shall be as follows: Family Life, Outreach, Educational, Community Service, and Recreational. The Members of this committee shall be appointed by the Association executive committee in Counsel with the Conferences Family Life and Youth Ministries Directors.

(e) Pastors and First Elders shall be Ex-officio members of the Association Executive. They may have voice, but no vote.

QUORUM

SECTION 7

Two-thirds of the Executive Committee constitutes a quorum of the committee, and One-fourth of the Association constitutes a quorum for Association Meetings. In the Absence of a quorum actions taken by the Association executive committee or at general Meetings these actions should be ratified at the next meeting.

RESIGNATION

SECTION 8

Resignations of officers shall be presented in writing to the Executive Committee. Upon the acceptance of the resignation, the executive committee shall appoint a successor, subject to approval of the general body.

MEETINGS

SECTION 9

The Association area shall meet at least twice per year.

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

SECTION 10

The meetings of this Association shall be governed by parliamentary law as set forth in the General Conference rules of Order.

AMENDMENTS

SECTION 11

The constitution and the by-laws may be amended by a two-third (2/3) vote of the Membership present at a specially called meeting of the Association. All amendments must be put in writing for circulation to all members thirty (30) days prior to the called Meeting.

DISSOLUTION

SECTION 12

In the event that this Association can no longer function as described in this constitution And by-laws, its dissolution must be effected by a three-quarter (3/4) vote of those Present at a specially called session of the Association. Notice of the meeting for Dissolution must be submitted to all members at least thirty (30) days prior to the Meeting.

HOLDINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION

SECTION 13

In the event of dissolution, the holdings of the Association shall be transferred to the Two Conferences Family Life and Youth Ministry Department and or the two original churches that initiate the establishing of the association after all debts have been settled.

SPECIAL ASSOCIATION EVENTS:

  1. SoFlo Adventist Olympics - Summer
  2. SoFlo Adventist ESPY Award – Winter
  3. SoFlo Adventist 5K Walk/Run - Winter
  4. SoFlo Adventist Coconut Festival – Spring
  5. Health & Family Life Convocation

 

PLEASE NOTE:

The Association shall be financed primarily by the dues paid by the member Churches, and by special Association offering. Each Church shall pay annual dues appropriated by the membership of the local church. These dues shall be as follows:

Member Church Basic Due Olympics Total Non Member
1-200 $25 $150 $175 $200
201-400 $45 $150 $195 $250
401-600 $65 $150 $215 $275
601 up $75 $150 $225 $300

Each church must forward all dues to the Association by March 30th of each year.

 

 

 

Order of Business

  • Call to Order
  • Opening Exercises, if desired (hymn, prayer, etc.)
  • Roll Call (may be omitted)
  • Reading of the Minutes
  • Approving the Minutes
  • Treasury Report
  • Approving of the Treasury Report
  • Reports of Special Committees
  • Delegates’ Reports (if any)
  • Unfinished Business
  • New Business
  • Adjournment

This order of business applies to regular association meetings but not if several are held on the same day, as they are in conventions. The minutes are read at the first meeting only, if more than one is held on the same day. If an order of business has been adopted by the club, it requires a two-thirds vote to take up business out of its proper order.

Election of Officers in Association

Associations officers are elected separately and in others cases they are voted for on one ballot. The former method proves more advantageous if there are just a few members capable or willing to hold office. For example: The Director is not elected until after the Executive Director is elected. After the Director is chosen, and then the other officers in succession. Thus a defeated candidate for one of the elective positions might be re-nominated for a lesser office. Any form of nomination may be used.

During the annual meeting the president states that the next business in order is the election of officers. He appoints four members if possible, to serve as tellers. The secretary prepares slips of paper in advance which the tellers distribute, one to every member. Each voter writes the name of his/her choice for Executive Director on the slip of paper. After the Executive Director is elected, votes are cast for the Director and voting continues until all the offices are filled.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS - 2011

All people have talents--some more, some less. God expects faithfulness in service regardless of talents or pay (Matt 20:1-16). Even though talents are distributed differently, God expects individuals to develop what they have to the best of their ability; and they will be given responsibility according to their faithfulness. The Scriptures remind us, "Whatever you are doing, put your whole heart into it, as if you were doing it for the Lord and not for men, knowing that there is a Master who will give you your heritage as a reward for your service" (Col 3:23, NEB).