East Portal Bocce Club
Bylaws of the Club
(As Amended 11-10-2011)
Article 1 - The Club
This Club shall be known as the East Portal Bocce Club of Sacramento, California. It is composed of a Board of 9 (Nine) Directors and members.
Section A. Mission Goals
The goals and purposes of the organization shall be to protect & further the interest and welfare of its members
and the club as a whole, and to enhance community accord and friendship. A major purpose of the EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB is to promote the game of Bocce and associated social functions through its activities.
Section B. Mission Objectives
1.) To promote the game of bocce and to disseminate information pertaining to the same;
2.) To educate the public about the game of bocce;
3.) To provide social activities for our members;
4.) To create awareness of Italian Heritage and Culture.
Article 2 - By-Laws
These by-laws control the operation and policy of the East Portal Bocce Club and the Board of Directors and members are bound by its provisions. Changes to these by-laws can occur only after debate at two subsequent Board of Directors’ meetings and with an affirmative vote of six (6) Board Members.
Article 3 - Board of Directors
Nine (9) members of the Club are elected as the Board of Directors, to serve a staggered two year term. Elections to be held at the general membership meeting, which shall be held at the annual Year-End Party each year; a notice will be sent to all members. The members of the club shall vote at the general membership meeting for four (4) new Board members on odd number years, and five (5) new Board members on even numbered years. The Board of Directors shall elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer at the next Board of Directors meeting following the election of the Directors.
Article 4 - Meetings
Meetings of the Board of Directors will be held on the first Monday of each month in the Clubhouse, East Portal Park, or other suitable place. The meetings will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Directors who do not have an excused absence and miss three consecutive meetings will be dropped. After two absences, a letter will be sent to advise the Board member that they will be dropped.
Article 5 - General Rules
The purpose of this Club is to promote the game of Bocce and comradeship between members. Membership is open to all individuals. Members under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a member 18 years of age or older when using the Bocce ball courts. Discrimination against any individual or group will not be tolerated. Each active member is entitled to bring guests to the Club. The member can bring no more than two guests at any one time. An individual can only be a guest once and must be sponsored, submit an application, be accepted and pay annual dues prior to enjoying further privileges of Club membership.
Article 6 - Conduct and Discipline
Proper conduct is to be maintained by all members when participating in Club activities. Members are to be courteous to each other and any guests. Any member may report improper conduct to the Board of Directors. The Board has the option of disciplinary action or dismissal if a member acts in a way that is detrimental to the membership at large. In all cases involving disciplinary action or dismissal, a notice in writing including a copy to the specific charges made, shall be mailed to the accused member at least fifteen (15) days prior to the next Board of Directors meeting and the member will be given the opportunity to respond to the charges made, either in writing or in person at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The ruling of the Board of Directors is final.
Article 7 - Posting of the Rules
All members must abide by the rules of the Club. Rules must be kept at the Courts at all times and copies made available for all members.
The Official EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB LEAGUE RULES (effective 07/2009) are as follows:
I. TEAMS
All league players MUST be members of the EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB. A Team will consist of a minimum of 2 players and a maximum of 4 players. Teams are encouraged to name more than 2 players on their roster. However, one person MAY NOT be on more than one team roster at any time and ANY roster changes must be made before the first match of the season. There can only be two players per game, although another player on the roster may substitute in after any frame.
a. Only players identified on the official league schedule/team roster shall play on a team.
b. If a situation arises that causes a team to lose members, thus jeopardizing the team’s ability to compete, the situation can be brought to the attention of the Board. Any such situation would then be regarded as an exception to the rules and any proposed remedy would be considered by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
II. Substitutions
Any player who substitutes out of a game will not be allowed back in the same game. However said player may sub back in or play in any subsequent game(s).
III. Make-up Matches
NO make-up matches are allowed.
IV. Forfeiture
If a team is not going to be able to play a game and will be forfeiting both games, as a courtesy, please contact your opponent team and let them know your team will not be playing. Oftentimes, teams travel from quite a distance to play and your team’s advanced notification and courtesy will be appreciated.
IV. Court Preparation (Courts 2-5)
All teams should report to the courts at least ½ hour prior to the start of the games to see if the courts need attention prior to game play. Minimum court prep before play should be as follows:
1. Remove any leaves & debris from the court;
2. Squeegie any overt moisture.
PLEASE NOTE: AT PRESENT THIS COURT PREPARATION DOES NOT APPLY TO COURT 1
V. Warm Up
Warm-up is 15 – 30 minutes prior to play, teams are required to check in with each other and then warm up. Matches are to begin promptly & on time.
If a team is not present to start their first match promptly when scheduled the first game is forfeited. If a team is not present to play within 15 minutes of scheduled play the second game will be forfeited as well.
If a team knows that they will not be able to make the first game, but can be there for the second game AND CALLS THEIR OPPONENT TEAM CAPTAIN THE NIGHT BEFORE THE MATCH, the first game will still be forfeited and the forfeiting team will have until 7:30 pm sharp to begin the second game. If the second game cannot be scheduled before 7:30 pm sharp, then the second game will be forfeited as well.
VI. Play of Game
Games will be played until one team has reached 15 points.
VII. General Playing Rules
A. Bocce Balls
The Bocce Balls to be used for league play are composition balls. Bocce Balls are provided by the EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB for league play and are located in the ball racks on the courts. Players may use their own Bocce Balls as long as they are composition balls, 106(Women) – 107(Men) centimeters in diameter and 920 grams in weight.
B. Start of Game
Begin the match with a flip of a coin between captains of each team. The winner of the coin flip may have the first toss of the pallino or choose the color of the balls for their team. If, at the beginning of a game, opposing players cannot decide who will play each other, then a toss of a coin will make the decision for them.
C. Pallino
A player may toss the pallino any distance as long as the pallino passes the centerline of the court and does not hit the back wall. If a player fails to toss the pallino past the center line or if the pallino hits the backboard at the opposite end, the opposing team will toss the pallino and put it into play. If the opposing team fails to properly toss the pallino after 1 attempt, the pallino reverts to the original team. Regardless of which team throws the pallino, the team that originally tossed the pallino will throw the first bocce ball. If that bocce ball hits the backboard that bocce ball is forfeited and the same team must roll again.
D. Play of Game
ONLY the active players are authorized to be on the bocce courts during matches. Active players are to remain in the court while a game is being played. Players are not allowed to cross the center court line without permission from the opposing team captain. If a player wants to walk down to the opposite end of the court to get a closer look at the balls & pallino in play, it will be allowed ONCE per play and in a timely manner (NO LONGER THAN 1 MINUTE). When a player steps up to the foul line to throw a ball, all other players should be standing by the back wall. DO NOT crowd or disturb players when they are taking their turn.
When a player rolls or throws a bocce ball, the ball MUST be released from the hand prior to the player’s foot crossing the foul line. ONE WARNING will be given to those who step over the line. After that, if a foul is committed, the tossed ball will be taken out of play. The pallino or any balls struck by the disqualified ball will be returned to their original position on the court prior to the disqualifying throw. The frame will be played over on the opposite end of the court. NO points will be awarded to either team. The team that originally had control of the pallino starts the new frame.
All Bocce Balls tossed or struck by tossed balls that touch the backboard will be live. All Bocce Balls that are tossed or struck by a tossed ball that goes out of the court will be taken out of play.
If, during the play of the game, the pallino is struck and either leaves the court or has fallen back before the center court line, the frame in play will come to an end and a new frame MUST start over at the opposite end of the court. No points will be awarded to either team. The team that originally had control of the pallino starts the new frame.
E. Shooting
When shooting, the bocce ball must be released from the hand prior to the player’s foot crossing the foul line. One warning will be given to those who step over the line. After that, if a foul is committed, the shot ball will be taken out of play. The pallino or any balls struck by the disqualified ball will be returned to their original position on the court. As a courtesy to other players and teams, please repair any damage that may occur when shooting.
F. Courts
Only the active players are authorized to be on the bocce courts during matches.
G. Measurements
All measurements are to be done in the following manner:
1) The players that threw the balls will remain at the end of the court where they were shooting.
2) The teammates at the opposite end of the court will do the measuring.
3) Hold the measuring tape in one hand, gently slide the end of the tape to the inside edge of the Bocce Ball closest to the pallino.
4) Stretch the tape over the center of the pallino.
5) Read the measurement to the center of the pallino.
AT NO TIMES will any of the balls be moved during the measurement.
H. End of Game
It is the responsibility of the last teams playing to put away all the bocce equipment (balls, pallinos, tapes, score pegs, etc.) and lock the equipment in the ball racks, turn off the lights, and lock any and all locks and the gates. Please test all the locks including the equipment shed and league box and make sure they are securely locked. Please change the numbers on the tumbler so that the combination is not readily displayed.
I. Disputes
In the event a question or dispute arise during a game any member of the Board of Members that are present shall act as referees and their decision SHALL be FINAL. At present (April 2011) the Board Members are: Bob Martinez, Laura De La Rosa, Teri Berry, John Schmidt, John Gerard Sharp, Susan Flynn, Jim Fellos, Ottavio Luchini & Peter Linker.
J. Court/League Etiquette
1.) Please observe court etiquette at ALL times and refrain from any actions or activities that might distract
other players.
2.) Courtesy & respect to all should be displayed at ALL times. Profanity and unsportsmanlike conduct WILL
NOT be tolerated or permitted. The Board should be notified in writing of complaints regarding unsportsmanlike conduct and the complaint will be addressed and responded to at the next scheduled Board Meeting.
3.) Smoking is prohibited & illegal on the courts AT ALL TIMES.
Please limit cell phone usage to EMERGENCY calls only while in or around the court areas.
4.) NO children are to be on the court during matches unless they are a paid team member.
5.) ALL club members and guests are strongly encouraged to clean and pick up the courts prior to vacating
the premises. Trash, screw caps, recyclables, soda cans, etc. are to be discarded in the appropriate
containers.
VIII. Safety
The personal safety of EACH EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB member, guest, member and/or visitor is of utmost and primary importance. The prevention of play or facility induced injuries is of such consequence that it will be given precedence over any and all other league activities, whenever necessary. To the greatest degree possible, the Board of Directors, in keeping with the highest standards, will attempt to maintain our facility while conforming to the best practices of clubs and facilities of this type.
To be successful, our program must embody proper attitudes toward safety and injury by ALL club members, guests and visitors. Only through such a cooperative effort can safety in the best interest of all be established and preserved. Members, guests and visitors are requested to report any and all unsafe acts or conditions to the Board Members IMMEDIATELY.
THANK YOU, IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COOPERATION & SAFE PLAY
Article 8 - Dues
A three-tier dues structure is adopted in deference to long-time members of the Club. Any member in good standing during the year January 1 through December 31, 1991, will be assessed yearly dues of $5.00. These members will be considered to be "founding" members of the Club and will never be required to pay more than $5.00 in annual dues unless they neglect to pay annually. Any member joining on January 1, 1992 and thereafter will be assessed yearly dues of $40.00, however, the Access Leisure/Special Olympics/VIP Friday members will be assessed dues of $35.00 per year. There will be no prorating of yearly dues. Dues will be payable by February 1st of each year. ALL members of a team MUST be PAID members before the team will be considered a legal team for the Monday through Thursday Leagues.
Article 9 – Founding and Elder Members
An invitational tournament to honor the founding and elder members of EPBC and their family members is hereby established and will be known as “The Tony Peretti Memorial Tournament”. The courts and clubhouse will be reserved on October 11, 2008 and in subsequent years on the 3rd Saturday of September every year thereafter and will be free of charge to the family of Tony Peretti to conduct this tournament.
Article 10 - Indemnification of Directors
Any person made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of act that he/she, his/her testator or intestate, is or was a Director of the Club shall be indemnified by the Club against:
10.1 The reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, actually and necessarily incurred by him/her in connection with the defense of such action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeals therein, except in relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such action, suit or proceeding that such Director is liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his/her duties; and
10.2 The reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred by him/her in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding, which is settled with the approval of the court having jurisdiction thereof, but only in such amount as a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine and found to be reasonable in the circumstances and except in relation to matters as to which the Club has obtained a written opinion of independent legal counsel that with respect to said matters, such Director did not act in good faith in the reasonable belief that his/her actions were in the best interests of the Club.
10.3 The foregoing rights of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which a Director (or his/her legal representative) may be entitled under any statute now or heretofore in effect as a matter of law.
Article 11 – Expenditure of Club Funds
All expenditures of East Portal Bocce Ball Club funds must be approved by at least six members of the Board of Directors. Any expenditure in excess of $250.00 must be pre-approved by the Board, unless there is an emergency, in which case the approval must be obtained from the President and the Treasurer.
Article 12 – Prohibition Against Sharing Corporate Profits and Assets
No director, officer, employee or other person connected with the EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB (hereinafter referred to as “the club”), or any private individual shall receive at any time any of the net earning or pecuniary profits from the operation of the club, provided, however, that this provision shall not prevent payment to any such person of reasonable compensation for services performed for the club in effecting any of its public or tax-exempted purposes; provided that such compensation is otherwise permitted by these Bylaws and is fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors; and, no such person or persons shall be entitled to share in the distribution of, and shall not receive, any of the club’s assets upon dissolution of the club.
All members, if any, of the club shall be deemed to have expressly consented and agreed to that on such dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the club, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the assets of the club, after all debts have been satisfied, shall be distributed to a non-profit fund, foundation or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and which has established its tax-exempted status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or another Bocce club which has established its tax-exempted status under Section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The property of the club is irrevocably dedicated to tax-exempted purposes and no part of the net income or assets of the organization shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer of member thereof or to the benefit of any private person.
We, the undersigned, are all of the persons elected as the directors of the EAST PORTAL BOCCE CLUB, and, pursuant to the authority granted to the directors by these Bylaws to take action by unanimous written consent without a meeting, consent to, and hereby do, amend the foregoing Bylaws of this association.
BOB MARTINEZ, PRESIDENT JIM FELLOS, VICE-PRESIDENT
LAURA DE LA ROSA, SECRETARY TERI BERRY, TREASURER
JOHN SCHMIDT, INTERNET GURU JOHN (GERARD) SHARP
PETER LINKER, DIRECTOR SUSAN FLYNN, DIRECTOR
OTTAVIO LUCHINI, DIRECTOR
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Bylaws of the association named in the title thereto and that such Bylaws were duly amended by the Board of Directors of said association on the date set forth below.
Dated this 4th day of April 2011
Laura De La Rosa, Secretary