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** All bold articles, sections, or amendments are new and/or revised By-Laws that were added or revised in the current calendar year.
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ARTICLE I - DUES
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Section 1. The dues for membership in this organization shall be determined by the Executive Board with Commissioners Council concurrence at the annual Spring meeting.
Section 2. No member shall be considered in good standing in this association until team and/or umpire fees for the current year have been paid.
Section 3. Dues (registration) will be due in accordance with each membership division (entity) requirements.
Section 4. Each membership division may assess additional dues for the operation of their own division in accordance with individual membership division by-laws.
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ARTICLE II - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS
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Section 1. Only members in good standing in this association shall be eligible to enter teams in the invitational, State, Regional, or National tournaments
Section 2. All members in good standing shall be kept informed by the State Commissioner and Deputies as to the dates of the various State Tournaments and shall be given proper notice of any decisions of the Commissioners Council and shall be given the cooperation and assistance of this association as far as possible in all matters. All state tournaments dates and sites must be approved by the Executive Board of this Association.
Section 3. Any member of this association may bid for a state tournament either in person or writing to the specific groups involved for presentation to the tournament location concurrence committee with the guarantee that there shall be no expense to the State association same being assumed entirely by the bidding entity or sponsoring organization.
Section 4. Individual members as well as their affiliated organization shall have recourse through the Sate Commissioner, Executive Board and when properly presented, to the National Office of the ASA.
Section 5. Each membership division will submit any approved by-laws and amendments to the executive board of this association of their approval.
Section 6. Any conflict in by-laws between membership divisions and this parent association shall be governed by the parent association by-laws.
Section 7. All members, whether a fan or participant as an SDASA event shall conduct themselves in a sportsman like manner and shall not engage in any conduct that will discredit this Association or be contrary to the objectives and purposes of this Association.
Section 8. Casual Profanity is defined as expletives (vulgar or profane language) not directed at the umpire or opposing players; uttered by player, Manager/coach or individual in the area around the softball field, involved with play of the team, frustrated with themselves, a teammate or fan will be subject to penalty as determined by this governing body or its national affiliate.
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ARTICLE III - VOTING
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Section 1. Each member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy at special or annual meetings, or via mail or email for emergency legislation.
Section 2. Each member of the Commissioner's Council shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy at special or annual meetings, or via mail or email for emergency legislation.
Section 3. Any voting member of this Association may send an official delegate, with proper credentials, to attend the meeting, and said delegate shall be given recognition by the chair as a legitimate replacement entitled to all privileges including voting.
Section 4. Chairmen of all standing committees shall have a voice in special and annual meetings, but shall not be entitled to vote unless otherwise qualified.
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ARTICLE IV - ORGANIZATION
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Section 1. The Board of Directors of the is association shall consist of the Commissioner's Council which shall be the State Commissioner, Commissioner Emeritus, State Deputy Commissioners and self-determined number from each membership division and player representative.
Section 2. The Executive Committee of this Association shall consist of the State Commissioner, Commissioner Emeritus, the president, the first vice-president, the second vice-president, and the immediate past president of the Commissioners Council. The said president, first vice-president, and second vice-president shall be elected biennially by the Commissioners Council.
Section 3. A parliamentarian is to be appointed by the State Commissioner for a term of one year and shall be an official member of the Commissioner's Council without vote.
Section 4. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all state meetings, enforce a strict observance of the constitution, by-laws and rules of order and to perform all duties that commonly fall upon a presiding officer.
Section 5. It shall be the duty of the Vice Presidents, in their respective order, to preside over the meetings of the State Association, and to perform all other duties of the President if such officer is unable to fails to perform them.
Section 6. It shall be the duty of the State Commissioner to manage the affairs of this association for the general welfare of the participants and association. The Commissioner will keep an accurate record of all State Association's meetings, collect dues and other money and keep an accurate record of the receipts and disbursements of same. In order to effectively fulfill those duties, the State Commissioner's name shall appear as a signatory on the banking accounts of all entities that comprise or are affiliated with the South Dakota Softball Association. The Commissioner shall make a written report of the finances of the State Association to the annual meeting and perform any other duties which commonly fall on that office.
Section 7. Deputy Commissioner will represent their respective Membership division in this Association being responsible to the State Commissioner and Executive Committee in all matters. Deputy Commissioners will appoint aides or area assistants as necessary to facilitate registrations and necessary functions. Deputy Commissioners will provide an annual financial statement to the State Commissioner by approximately December 31 of any given year.
Section 8. All checks written on this organization may be signed by such parties as designated by the State Commissioner.
Section 9. Restrictions on State/Metro Commissioners are clearly stated in the ASA Code. Commissioners may be removed at any time for just cause by the majority vote of the National Board of Directors following due process.
Section 10. Deputy State Commissioners shall be appointed by the State Commissioner.
Section 11. Vacancies in any office, except that of State Commissioner shall be filled by the officer next in rank. Vacancy of the second vice-president shall be appointed by the executive board to fill the unexpired term. In the case of a vacancy in the office of State Commissioner, recommendations of the Executive Committee with Commissioners Council approval will be made to the current Regional Vice President who will follow procedures outlined in ASA Code.
Section 12. A $30.00 fee in addition to original payment will be charged submitters of insufficient fund, no account or closed account checks.
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ARTICLE V - ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS
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Section 1. The Commissioner's Council, in conjunction with the State A.S.A. Commissioner, shall have general charge of the affairs and policies of the State Association; call special meetings when necessary; and general carry on the affairs of said Association; have jurisdiction over all purchases and disbursements, and appoint both standing and special committees.
Section 2. The order of business of the Commissioner's Council shall be as follows:
1. Roll call.
2. Minutes of the last meeting.
3. Committee reports.
4. Executive Committee report.
5. Unfinished business.
6. New business.
7. Election of Officers.
8. Adjournment.
Section 3. The Executive Board shall oversee the handling of all tournaments; set an announced time and place of the annual meeting, render decisions in disputes of teams, receive and act on unresolved protests in accordance with the By-Laws; act as a Court of Final Appearance in all matters; have final decisions on postponed or tied games.
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ARTICLE VI - COMMITTEES
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Section 1. The Commissioners Council and the State ASA Commissioner shall appoint the General Chairperson of the State level Committee or Committees.
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ARTICLE VII - PLAYERS
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Section 1. Only qualified players shall be eligible to participate in State Tournament competition and in that regard, are restricted to competition in accordance with National and State ASA guide lines and by-laws. Qualified players shall be determined by the affiliate members but must comply with National ASA rules. In cities or communities having a league sponsoring a schedule of twelve (12) or more league games, all players must have participated in five (5) or more of such scheduled league games. In all other cities or communities, no player shall be considered a resident player unless he or she has played regularly with the same community since before July 1st of the current playing season. Any exception to the provision of this article must be submitted in writing to the District (or area) and Deputy Commissioner involved with copy to the State Commissioner. Said District (area) and Deputy Commissioner shall provide written notice of action to request with copy to State Commissioner.
Section 2. In cities or communities having a league which plays at least twelve (12) games and where a player plays for a team which is a member of that league, that player cannot be used on another team as a regular player unless he has been a regular member of that participating team prior to July 1st. He may be entered on that team's roster as a non-regular member according to Article IX of these By-laws unless prohibited by regulations made by the affiliate group. Any exception to the provision of this article must be submitted in writing to the District (or area) and Deputy Commissioner involved with copy to State Commissioner. Said District (area) and Deputy Commissioner shall provide written notice of the action to request with a copy to State Commissioner.
Section 3. Each member of the State Association must register all of its players and complete roster of all teams as determined by each affiliated entity. Registrations must be accomplished by leagues wherever same exist, whether formally or informally during the calendar year.
(a). In case of physical injury or medical condition to a player which prevents meeting standard participation requirements: eligibility may be established by providing proof of incapacitation by a licensed physician to the responsible Deputy or Assistant in company with the teams State Tourney Affidavits.
Section 4.In all adult entities only, players will be allowed to be on more than one USA Softball South Dakota league roster providing it is not in the same town or league, excluding Masters division.. Players may be allowed to be on more than one USA Softball South Dakota league roster in the same town but only if that league approves. The local league may enforce certain requirement and stipulations that will be in the best interest of their league(s).Youth players are allowed to be rostered on one team only in each youth entity.
(a). Ault player can only play on one team per division at the State Tournaments. Teams may play in more that one state as long as it is not the same weekend and it is up a class. Youth may only play in one state tournament per entity.
(b). A player must play with his or her highest classified team as designated by the entity.
Section 5. If an entity allows pick-up players, it is determined that such pick-up players must be chosen from a roster of sanctioned USA Softball team or teams.
Section 6. Junior Olympic age players are recommended wearing prescribed protective equipment in adult competition.
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ARTICLE VIII - CLASSIFICATION AND PROCEDURES
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Section 1. Purpose: Establish rules and guidelines for the classification of players and teams for invitational and championship play.
Section 2. Objectives: Properly achieve classification of players/teams within their respective levels of proficiency for participation provided by SD ASA in anticipation of national competition provided by the ASA.
Section 3. Authority: Classification guides promulgated accepted and approved by the SD ASA Board of Directors/Commissioners Council with administration by those delegated.
Section 4. Team Classifications: Entities, through their Deputy, District and/or Area Commissioners will classify their teams using the following general guidelines as applicable.
A. Classify players and teams on the basis of past performance and current roster.
B. Ongoing review of players/teams based on local league standing and invitational tournament results.
C. Reclassifying to a higher level as applicable, those intact teams from the prior season whose records warrant in keeping with entity requirements.
D. Notification of reclassification will be made at the earliest possible time dependent upon entity policy and is subject to appeal through Deputy and State Commissioners office with the latter's decision being final.
E. Failure to notify of reclassification in an appropriate time frame allows the team the option of classification.
F. Major Division is open to all teams which by ASA rules are restricted to this division for play.
G. All other classifications must meet the criteria established by their entity which is intended to establish parity instate and out based on abilities.
Section 5. Player Classification: SD ASA and entities through their State, Deputies, District, and/or Area Commissioners will enforce the player classification set by the National Classification Boards.
A. All players who are nationally classified as Class A Men's Slowpitch
players and play on a SD ASA registered team, that team may
automatically receive a bid to the ASA Class A National.
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ARTICLE IX - TEAMS
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Section 1. In the State Tournament, those regulations limiting or restricting non-regular players for each representative group will be in effect.
Section 2. No more than three non-regular players may be used in any game at the same time in State Tournament, the remaining players in the game to be regular players with that team in accordance with Article VII of these By-laws. This provision shall apply only if the separate entity allows non-regular players on their roster.
Section 3. Every player participating in State level competition will sign a player affidavit or if a minor, the same will be signed by a parent or guardian.
Section 4. It shall be permissible for any type of team to be formed, if otherwise eligible, and said teams may consist of players who have played for another entity under the SDASA.
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ARTICLE X - TOURNAMENTS
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Section 1. The representative group of this Association shall be responsible to their teams to promote tournament (s) as required to provide an annual State Champion.
Section 2. The designated Deputy Commissioner will have the over-all responsibility for the management of the tournament (s) as required and be entitled to no more than 10% of the gross receipts from the tournament (s) if profitable. Provision is also made that if the deputy commissioner delegates his or her responsibility to some other party, the said 10% of the gross receipts shall be assigned to those persons having the duty assigned unless other wise determined by the entity.
Section 3. Tournament entry fees shall be determined by the representative group in keeping with requirements.
Section 4. The revenue derived from entry fees, gate receipts and other sources in connection with the State Tournament (s) shall be used to defray the necessary expenses and the distributions of any surplus shall be decided upon at the representative group meeting held in conjunction with annual State Meeting.
Section 5. State Tournament (s) shall be set up by the Executive Board so as to avoid date and location conflict between representative groups.
Section 6. No Player, Team or Umpire affiliated with this Association may participate in any invitational
tournaments not sanctioned by an organized or
recognized governing body such as ASA, ISF, ISC,NAFA, NSA or USSSA. Breach of this provision may result in suspension from any or all ASA State participation.
Section 7. Any SDASA Host must secure sanction for their tournaments through the State Commissioners office by paying a fee to the Sate Association as determined by the Commissioner's Council. While hosts must guarantee compliance with ASA Code and SDASA By-laws; there will be no restrictions as to sites, dates or game played in their invitationals.
A. Junior olympic Slowpitch will allow only one (1) competing SD ASA
sanctioned JO Slowpitch tournament within a 150 mile radius per
weekend. If more then one (!) tournament requested per weekend,
SD ASA State Commissioner's office will decide sanctioned host.
Section 8Any sponsor to a National Tournament, in addition to complying with State and National requirements, shall, one year prior to hosting said National tournament, have on deposit in a special banking account, or by a letter of credit approved by the State Commissioner, a sum equal to the full amount of the National tournament bid. Said amount shall not be withdrawn from the special banking account nor shall the letter of credit be withdrawn without approval of the State Commissioner.
Section 9. Regarding the proximity of local to National tournaments, no 9tournament (s) of the same entity may be played with in a 200 mile radius (as the crow flies) of the Host City and no tournaments of any other entity may be played within a 50 mile radius (as the crow flies) of the Host City.
Section 10 At any time a team files a roster form leading to a State Tournament, the team must designate on the roster whether or not they will play in the next level of championship play if they qualify for said tournament. If a team designated that it will so attend said tournament and later refuses to attend without good cause, then said team may be suspended from playing in a state tournament the following year by the associations Hearing Board.
Section 11. All Managers, adult players and/or parents/guardians of players on a registered team will be responsible for the financial obligations of said team; understanding that failure to fulfill obligations could jeopardize future eligibility.
Section 12. A team may only play in the division which they are registered whether league or tournaments.
Section 13. It shall be the Host's responsibility to provide a manner of determining outcome or distribution of tournaments not completed due to inclement weather. (Provisions should be featured on flyers or prominently poster at tourney site.)
Section 14. National Tournament will be financially responsible for the State Commissioner's reasonable expenses at their tournament when in capacity other than A.S.A. National Representative.
Section 15. The Deputy Commissioner or State Commissioner appointee of any entity involved in a National Tournament played in South Dakota will be a member of the organizing committee's management and operating boards from inception to final report.
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ARTICLE XI - RULES
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Section 1. The playing rules of this Association are to be governed by the rules approved by the National Joint Softball Rules Committee and revised by those empowered to do so.
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ARTICLE XII - PROTESTS
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Section 1. Each representative group shall have a protest committee at all State level tournaments selected by the tournament chairman and such committees shall be governed in their decisions by the protest rules of the A.S.A. Official Guide or the governing entity unless contradictory.
Section 2. The burden of proof in all protests shall rest with the team manager lodging the protest. This Association, however, assumes the moral responsibility of assisting whenever possible in establishing proof of evidence. This organization cannot take the initiative except when deemed advisable and provided for in the Constitution and By-Laws.
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ARTICLE XIII - RULES OF ORDER
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Section 1. The rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the corporation and the Board of Directors in all cases to which they will apply in which they are not inconsistent with these By-Laws.
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ARTICLE XIV - AMENDMENTS
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Section 1. The By-Laws of this Corporation may be amended or revised by the Commissioner's Council at any time by an affirmative vote of at least 3/5th of the Commissioner's Council of the Corporation, at any regular or special meeting provided that the notice of such meeting contains a summary of the proposed amendment or amendments.
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