Blaine Softball club bylaws
ARTICLE I – Name
Section 1: The name of the Association shall be the “Blaine Softball Club,” hereinafter referred to as the Club.
Section 2: The official address of the Club will be 12555 University Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434. All official Club business received at that address must be specified to the officers of the Club.
Section 2: The official address of the Club will be 12555 University Ave NE, Blaine, MN 55434. All official Club business received at that address must be specified to the officers of the Club.
Article II – Purpose & objectives
Section 1: The purpose of the Club is to promote the sport of girls’ softball for the students of Blaine High School. The Club is an independent body of parents, coaches, alumni, and community supporters who are aware at all times the rules, regulations, and standards of conduct which govern participation in scholastic softball in the Minnesota State High School League. The Club will establish an ongoing dialogue and working relationship with the Blaine High School Activities Director and the Blaine High School Softball coaching staff to ensure that the Club’s participation in and support of the softball program is at all times consistent with the highest goals and aspirations of the athletic competition among high school students.
Section 2: The objective of the Club is to support the long term growth of the Blaine High School Softball Program and to ensure that the students have proper training, equipment, and facilities in which to learn and compete. Club activities and fundraising are to be conducted solely on an as needed and ongoing basis consistent with its not for profit status. The goals include, but are not limited to, the following:
• To provide support, financial and otherwise;
• To develop a sense of pride and tradition for the students and parents;
• To promote and publicize the Blaine High School Softball program in the community;
• To recognize accomplishments
Section 2: The objective of the Club is to support the long term growth of the Blaine High School Softball Program and to ensure that the students have proper training, equipment, and facilities in which to learn and compete. Club activities and fundraising are to be conducted solely on an as needed and ongoing basis consistent with its not for profit status. The goals include, but are not limited to, the following:
• To provide support, financial and otherwise;
• To develop a sense of pride and tradition for the students and parents;
• To promote and publicize the Blaine High School Softball program in the community;
• To recognize accomplishments
Article III – Membership
Section 1: Membership in the Club is open to the following: 1) Parents or legal guardians of current players and 2) coaching staff. Membership in the Club is automatic but voluntary for parents or legal guardians of current players placed on high school teams and for the coaching staff.
Section 2: The purpose of membership is to empower members to elect the Executive Board. The coaching staff are non-voting members.
Section 3: Each family with a participating player or players is/are permitted one (1) vote.
Section 4: Voting members who are parents or guardians of graduating players no longer are voting members as of the Blaine High School commencement ceremony or the last game played by the varsity team, whichever is later in the spring.
Section 5: Voting members who are parents or guardians of non graduating players remain as voting members until teams are formed the following spring, at which point the roster of voting members is subject to said roster formation.
Section 6: Parents or guardians of players not eligible for Blaine High School softball are not eligible to be voting members of Club. For example, parents or guardians of a player who participated in the Blaine High School program in the spring but transfers to another school becomes ineligible to be a voting member of the Club once the player has enrolled elsewhere.
Section 2: The purpose of membership is to empower members to elect the Executive Board. The coaching staff are non-voting members.
Section 3: Each family with a participating player or players is/are permitted one (1) vote.
Section 4: Voting members who are parents or guardians of graduating players no longer are voting members as of the Blaine High School commencement ceremony or the last game played by the varsity team, whichever is later in the spring.
Section 5: Voting members who are parents or guardians of non graduating players remain as voting members until teams are formed the following spring, at which point the roster of voting members is subject to said roster formation.
Section 6: Parents or guardians of players not eligible for Blaine High School softball are not eligible to be voting members of Club. For example, parents or guardians of a player who participated in the Blaine High School program in the spring but transfers to another school becomes ineligible to be a voting member of the Club once the player has enrolled elsewhere.
ARTICLE IV – The Club Year
Section 1: The business year for purposes of fiscal and tax reporting shall run from January 1st to December 31st.
Section 2: The business year for purposes of the term of offices and elections shall run from September to September as outlined in the elections process in Article VI, Section 4.
Section 2: The business year for purposes of the term of offices and elections shall run from September to September as outlined in the elections process in Article VI, Section 4.
ARTICLE V – Officers and directors
Section 1:
A: Officers – All officers shall be elected from the membership at its meeting in September until the meeting in the following September; if there are multiple meetings during September, this should be conducted at the first meeting of that month. The officers shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers may hold the same position for consecutive terms if re-elected; the Treasurer position is capped at three terms.
B: Committee Directors – The Committee Directors shall be elected from the membership at its meeting in September until the meeting in the following September; if there are multiple meetings during September, this should be conducted at the first meeting of that month.
C: Executive Board – The Officers and Directors combined shall constitute the Executive Board. Vacancies will be decided by special election. If there are two or more nominations, a special election will be held by ballot. If there is only one nomination, the President can make the appointment.
Section 2:
A: The President shall preside at all Club meetings and shall perform other duties usually pertaining to the office of President.The President shall carry out the decisions of the general membership expressed by a majority vote of those present at vote. The President shall carry out decisions expressed by the majority of the Executive Board. The President shall vote only in the event there is a tie after a quorum is present. The President shall be authorized to direct the Treasurer to issue checks consistent with the budget (See Article VIII). The President shall act as the liaison among the coaching staff, school administration, and the Club.
B: The Vice President shall act as the President in the absence of the President and when so acting have the power and the authority of the President. The Vice President shall be responsible for other duties as assigned.
C: The Secretary shall prepare and maintain full minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board and general membership meetings. The Secretary shall conduct and keep all correspondence of the Club, and perform such other duties that customarily pertain to the office of Secretary.
D: The Treasurer shall receive, deposit and give account of the current assets of the Club; have charge of all funds, securities and financial records of the Club; maintain appropriate records; make payments for all Club liabilities; submit a financial statement at each monthly Board meeting; submit a fiscal year-end statement and will be responsible for obtaining proper State, Federal and IRS approval of the 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Status. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to the office of Treasurer.
E: The Committee Directors shall be in charge of planning and organizing their own informational meetings for their specific committee.
1. Fundraising Director(s) shall be in charge of planning, organizing and finding new sources of revenue and other
duties as assigned.
2. Event Director(s) shall be in charge of planning and organizing events. Examples include but are not limited to
youth night, senior night, and the end of the year banquet and other duties as assigned.
3. Social Media and Website Director(s) shall be in charge of planning, organizing, and updating the Club social
media platforms and website and other duties as assigned.
F: Officers and Directors can be parents or guardians of players at any grade in the program. Consideration for remaining tenure and succession planning is encouraged. For example, the President and Treasurer may require a foundation and thoughtful transition before moving into the roles.
G: Additional committees may be enacted by the Club on an as needed basis but only the Officers and Directors as specified above constitute the Executive Board and retain the rights and duties thereof.
Section 3:
A: Any Officer or Director may resign at any time during a term by giving written notice of such resignation to the President or Secretary. Unless otherwise specified in such written notice, resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Executive Board, and the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Written notice is not required for any Officer or Director who has fulfilled the full term of office and is not interested or not eligible for re-election.
B: Any Officer or Director may be removed by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board, subject to any limitations imposed by law. The Secretary shall notify any officer or director who misses (3) consecutive meetings that their removal shall be automatically proposed and voted upon at the next Executive Board Meeting.
C: When a vacancy occurs in the office, the vacancy shall be filled as soon as possible by the majority of voting members present at the next scheduled meeting; the definition of a quorum is in Article VII, Section 2. The individual elected shall hold office until the end of the term and may run for the same or other office for the next year.
A: Officers – All officers shall be elected from the membership at its meeting in September until the meeting in the following September; if there are multiple meetings during September, this should be conducted at the first meeting of that month. The officers shall consist of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers may hold the same position for consecutive terms if re-elected; the Treasurer position is capped at three terms.
B: Committee Directors – The Committee Directors shall be elected from the membership at its meeting in September until the meeting in the following September; if there are multiple meetings during September, this should be conducted at the first meeting of that month.
C: Executive Board – The Officers and Directors combined shall constitute the Executive Board. Vacancies will be decided by special election. If there are two or more nominations, a special election will be held by ballot. If there is only one nomination, the President can make the appointment.
Section 2:
A: The President shall preside at all Club meetings and shall perform other duties usually pertaining to the office of President.The President shall carry out the decisions of the general membership expressed by a majority vote of those present at vote. The President shall carry out decisions expressed by the majority of the Executive Board. The President shall vote only in the event there is a tie after a quorum is present. The President shall be authorized to direct the Treasurer to issue checks consistent with the budget (See Article VIII). The President shall act as the liaison among the coaching staff, school administration, and the Club.
B: The Vice President shall act as the President in the absence of the President and when so acting have the power and the authority of the President. The Vice President shall be responsible for other duties as assigned.
C: The Secretary shall prepare and maintain full minutes of all meetings of the Executive Board and general membership meetings. The Secretary shall conduct and keep all correspondence of the Club, and perform such other duties that customarily pertain to the office of Secretary.
D: The Treasurer shall receive, deposit and give account of the current assets of the Club; have charge of all funds, securities and financial records of the Club; maintain appropriate records; make payments for all Club liabilities; submit a financial statement at each monthly Board meeting; submit a fiscal year-end statement and will be responsible for obtaining proper State, Federal and IRS approval of the 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Status. The Treasurer shall perform such other duties as usually pertain to the office of Treasurer.
E: The Committee Directors shall be in charge of planning and organizing their own informational meetings for their specific committee.
1. Fundraising Director(s) shall be in charge of planning, organizing and finding new sources of revenue and other
duties as assigned.
2. Event Director(s) shall be in charge of planning and organizing events. Examples include but are not limited to
youth night, senior night, and the end of the year banquet and other duties as assigned.
3. Social Media and Website Director(s) shall be in charge of planning, organizing, and updating the Club social
media platforms and website and other duties as assigned.
F: Officers and Directors can be parents or guardians of players at any grade in the program. Consideration for remaining tenure and succession planning is encouraged. For example, the President and Treasurer may require a foundation and thoughtful transition before moving into the roles.
G: Additional committees may be enacted by the Club on an as needed basis but only the Officers and Directors as specified above constitute the Executive Board and retain the rights and duties thereof.
Section 3:
A: Any Officer or Director may resign at any time during a term by giving written notice of such resignation to the President or Secretary. Unless otherwise specified in such written notice, resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the Executive Board, and the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Written notice is not required for any Officer or Director who has fulfilled the full term of office and is not interested or not eligible for re-election.
B: Any Officer or Director may be removed by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive Board, subject to any limitations imposed by law. The Secretary shall notify any officer or director who misses (3) consecutive meetings that their removal shall be automatically proposed and voted upon at the next Executive Board Meeting.
C: When a vacancy occurs in the office, the vacancy shall be filled as soon as possible by the majority of voting members present at the next scheduled meeting; the definition of a quorum is in Article VII, Section 2. The individual elected shall hold office until the end of the term and may run for the same or other office for the next year.
ARTICLE VI – Nominations and elections
Section 1: Nominations and elections of the Executive Board take place in the September meeting; if there are multiple meetings during September, this should be conducted at the first meeting of that month. The incumbent Board is responsible for execution of this process and the incoming Board assumes roles at the conclusion of the meeting. All nominations must be accepted and consented by the nominees. Elections will take place immediately after nominations have ended.
Section 2: If there are two or more nominees for the same position, an election by ballot will take place. A quorum having been established according to Article VII, Section 2, election decisions shall be made by a majority vote of the voting members present at the general meeting.
Section 3: If there is one nominee unopposed for a position, the president shall deem the nominee duly elected. No ballot election is necessary for a nominee unopposed.
Section 4: Officers and Directors assume their elected positions at the adjournment of the meeting at which they were elected. Their terms of office will continue through the adjournment of the meeting at which the next elections take place. Article III outlines eligibility for membership in the Club. Although this specifies that membership for parents and guardians of graduating seniors expires earlier in the spring, Officers and Directors retain their position until they either resign or at the conclusion of their term; they are not eligible to be re-elected.
Section 2: If there are two or more nominees for the same position, an election by ballot will take place. A quorum having been established according to Article VII, Section 2, election decisions shall be made by a majority vote of the voting members present at the general meeting.
Section 3: If there is one nominee unopposed for a position, the president shall deem the nominee duly elected. No ballot election is necessary for a nominee unopposed.
Section 4: Officers and Directors assume their elected positions at the adjournment of the meeting at which they were elected. Their terms of office will continue through the adjournment of the meeting at which the next elections take place. Article III outlines eligibility for membership in the Club. Although this specifies that membership for parents and guardians of graduating seniors expires earlier in the spring, Officers and Directors retain their position until they either resign or at the conclusion of their term; they are not eligible to be re-elected.
ARTICLE VII – Club meetings
Section 1: Meeting dates and times shall be determined by the Executive Board. Written, electronic, or telephone notice of the time, place and purpose of special meetings shall be given 3-5 days prior to the scheduled meeting. Monthly meetings are appropriate but may be of increased frequency leading up to and during the softball season. A quorum is equal to one more than half of the Executive Board and is necessary for a motion to be passed. A quorum having been established, decisions shall be by majority vote of the voting members present at the meeting.
Section 2: Executive Board meetings shall be on an as needed basis. No notice of these meetings is required. A quorum is equal to one more than half of the Executive Board and is necessary for a motion to be passed.
Section 2: Executive Board meetings shall be on an as needed basis. No notice of these meetings is required. A quorum is equal to one more than half of the Executive Board and is necessary for a motion to be passed.
ARTICLE VIII – Budget and finance
Section 1: The Club shall be empowered to receive, hold and expend funds on monies acquired by the organization to support the Blaine High School Softball programs, provided such transferred property or funds are used for the purpose intended and the Club makes no financial claim or other interest in such property or funds consistent with its not for profit status. Any items purchased by the Club will be donated to the program and are the responsibility of the program to maintain and insure, as necessary.
Section 2: The Executive Board is not eligible for compensation for duties specified in Article V. Compensation may be provided for other services to the Club including, but not limited to, coaching Club affiliated dome ball teams, coaching high school program teams in season, or specific services provided to the Club.
Section 3: All revenues of the Club will be used strictly to further the purpose of the Club in a manner consistent with its goals in Article II, Section 2 and approved budget or the expressed wishes of the voting membership. In no event shall the revenues of the Club be used to pay, reimburse, or defray fines or penalties incurred by the Blaine High School Softball coaching staff, Blaine High School Administration, Minnesota State High School League, or State Boards of Education.
Section 4: An annual budget shall be prepared by the coaching staff and the Executive Board. The budget shall be presented to the Club for approval no later than a meeting in October.
Section 5: The President shall be authorized to direct the Treasurer to issue checks consistent with the budget which do not exceed $1000.00 in accordance with the Executive Board approval. Amounts in excess of $1000.00 shall be approved by a majority of voting members present at vote.
Section 6: Any purchase which requires reimbursement needs to be approved by an active Executive Board member.
Section 7: Notwithstanding any other provision in these articles, the Club shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Section 2: The Executive Board is not eligible for compensation for duties specified in Article V. Compensation may be provided for other services to the Club including, but not limited to, coaching Club affiliated dome ball teams, coaching high school program teams in season, or specific services provided to the Club.
Section 3: All revenues of the Club will be used strictly to further the purpose of the Club in a manner consistent with its goals in Article II, Section 2 and approved budget or the expressed wishes of the voting membership. In no event shall the revenues of the Club be used to pay, reimburse, or defray fines or penalties incurred by the Blaine High School Softball coaching staff, Blaine High School Administration, Minnesota State High School League, or State Boards of Education.
Section 4: An annual budget shall be prepared by the coaching staff and the Executive Board. The budget shall be presented to the Club for approval no later than a meeting in October.
Section 5: The President shall be authorized to direct the Treasurer to issue checks consistent with the budget which do not exceed $1000.00 in accordance with the Executive Board approval. Amounts in excess of $1000.00 shall be approved by a majority of voting members present at vote.
Section 6: Any purchase which requires reimbursement needs to be approved by an active Executive Board member.
Section 7: Notwithstanding any other provision in these articles, the Club shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
ARTICLE IX – Rules of governance
Section 1: Rules contained in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall govern the organization in parliamentary authority.
ARTICLE X – Dissolution and liability
Section 1: The Club shall be dissolved in the following manner:
A. Voting member requests dissolution in writing to the Executive Board at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the request is addressed.
B. Executive Board must notify membership of the vote of dissolution at least 10-15 business days prior to the meeting at which the request is addressed.
C. If the majority vote is in favor of dissolution, the Treasurer must proceed with final disbursement of funds and file
forms of dissolution with the State of Minnesota and the Internal Revenue Service.
Section 2: Membership shall be held harmless after formal dissolution is filed. No liability is assumed, financial or otherwise, by any former member, coaching staff, or business sponsor.
A. Voting member requests dissolution in writing to the Executive Board at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which the request is addressed.
B. Executive Board must notify membership of the vote of dissolution at least 10-15 business days prior to the meeting at which the request is addressed.
C. If the majority vote is in favor of dissolution, the Treasurer must proceed with final disbursement of funds and file
forms of dissolution with the State of Minnesota and the Internal Revenue Service.
Section 2: Membership shall be held harmless after formal dissolution is filed. No liability is assumed, financial or otherwise, by any former member, coaching staff, or business sponsor.
ARTICLE XI – Adoption and revision
Section 1: The following are hereby adopted as the Bylaws of the Club. They shall be reviewed annually after Executive Board elections; be subject to amendment, alteration and revision under Minnesota Statute 317A.181 Subd. 2, and be dated to indicate when last revised. At least 50 members with voting rights or ten percent of the members with voting rights, whichever is less, may propose a resolution for action by the membership to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws adopted, amended or repealed by the Board. The resolution must contain provisions proposed for adoption, amendment or repeal. The limitations and procedures for submitting, considering and adopting the resolution are provided under Minnesota Statute 317A.133.
Section 2: Said Bylaws of the Club were adopted by the Executive Board at its meeting on February 1, 2023 to be effective immediately. Adoption of Bylaws is recorded in the official minutes of the February 1, 2023 meeting.
Approved February 1, 2023
Revised November 5, 2025
Addendum
Summary of Revisions Approved November 5, 2025
Various phrasing, spacing, and punctuation throughout.
Clarification of timing and process of elections, terms of office, and references to actions taken during the year throughout.
Removal of references to meetings of “annual,” “general,” “business” or any other label of meetings throughout.
Article II, Section 1: Revision of the word “insure” to “ensure.”
Article III: Clarification of duration of membership.
Article III, Section 2: Clarification of membership voting scope.
Article V: Clarification of timing and process of elections.
Article V, Section 2: Part A previously provided guidelines for selection of a President. This is moved to Part F and includes
guidelines for additional roles.
Article V, Section 2, Part C: Clarification of duties of the Secretary.
Article V, Section 2, Part E: Had previously spanned Parts E, F, and G. Consolidated into Part E and clarified duties accordingly.
Article V, Section 2, Part G: Provision to allow additional committees as needed with definition of the Executive Board
accordingly.
Article V, Section 3, Part A: Clarification of resignation process.
Article VI, Section 4: Added.
Article VII: Clarification of meeting cadence.
Article VII, Section 2: Elaboration of compensation guidelines.
Article VIII, Section 1: Clarification of ownership of purchased goods.
Article XI: Removal of previous Section 3 in favor of revision history addendum
February 2023 version included a sentence following the footer that was removed as it pertained to meeting action instead of bylaws content.
Section 2: Said Bylaws of the Club were adopted by the Executive Board at its meeting on February 1, 2023 to be effective immediately. Adoption of Bylaws is recorded in the official minutes of the February 1, 2023 meeting.
Approved February 1, 2023
Revised November 5, 2025
Addendum
Summary of Revisions Approved November 5, 2025
Various phrasing, spacing, and punctuation throughout.
Clarification of timing and process of elections, terms of office, and references to actions taken during the year throughout.
Removal of references to meetings of “annual,” “general,” “business” or any other label of meetings throughout.
Article II, Section 1: Revision of the word “insure” to “ensure.”
Article III: Clarification of duration of membership.
Article III, Section 2: Clarification of membership voting scope.
Article V: Clarification of timing and process of elections.
Article V, Section 2: Part A previously provided guidelines for selection of a President. This is moved to Part F and includes
guidelines for additional roles.
Article V, Section 2, Part C: Clarification of duties of the Secretary.
Article V, Section 2, Part E: Had previously spanned Parts E, F, and G. Consolidated into Part E and clarified duties accordingly.
Article V, Section 2, Part G: Provision to allow additional committees as needed with definition of the Executive Board
accordingly.
Article V, Section 3, Part A: Clarification of resignation process.
Article VI, Section 4: Added.
Article VII: Clarification of meeting cadence.
Article VII, Section 2: Elaboration of compensation guidelines.
Article VIII, Section 1: Clarification of ownership of purchased goods.
Article XI: Removal of previous Section 3 in favor of revision history addendum
February 2023 version included a sentence following the footer that was removed as it pertained to meeting action instead of bylaws content.
Reviewed, revised, and approved November 5, 2025 - updated on the website on January 21, 2026 at 8 pm.