By-Laws

1.        The name of this board shall be the West Central Maine Umpires Association (WCMUA) of Softball Officials.  We shall be affiliated with the Maine Chapter of the Amateur Softball Association (the ASA), and the National Federation of High School Officials. 

2.        The Purpose of this organization shall be:

a.        To promote softball in the Farmington area.

b.       To develop a good working relationship among players, teams, fellow officials, and the general public, as well as the Maine Amateur Softball Association and the National Federation of High School Sports Officials.  

c.        To promote good sportsmanship and fair play.

d.       To strive for excellence in umpiring in the State of Maine.

e.        To recruit, train, and develop new umpires for the good of the game.

3.        Membership: 

a.        Open to all ASA and/or Federation umpires with valid credentials to transfer into our board.  

b.       New members: 1) Must be 18 years old by May 1^st of the current year, 2) Must pass through Megan's Law 3) Must attend six or more clinics in the spring, and obtain a passing score on both the 100-question NFHS exam and the National ASA exam and 4) Must be approved by the majority of the Executive Board.

c.        Veterans must attend as many clinics as possible and obtain passing scores on the NFHS and ASA open book exams.  

d.       All members must pay annual dues established by the ASA and to the local board, which will be used to defray the cost of purchasing rule books, exams, clinic materials, hiring clinicians, and renting films, as well as underwriting the costs of assigning games for each official.  

e.        Loss of membership may occur:

                                                                  i.       When a member fails to pay his/her dues for one year.

                                                                 ii.       When a member is suspended by the Board’s Executive Committee for inappropriate actions.  

                                                               iii.      When a member accepts a bribe or shows favoritism for one team or another.

                                                               iv.      When a member shows unethical behaviors, gives unjust criticism of a fellow official, or refuses to co-operate with a fellow official. 

                                                                v.      When an umpire refuses to wear to the proper uniform set forth by the WCMUA.

                                                               vi.      When an umpire fails to attend a minimum number of clinics in one season.   Absences may be approved by the Board’s Executive Committee. 

f.         Reinstatement may occur after a one-year suspension provided that the umpire passes all the introductory requirements of a new umpire.

g.       For a second suspension the individual is suspended permanently from the board.

h.         Associate members are former members who have not qualified for assignment for failing to attend the required number of meetings or for not attaining a passing score on the umpire’s examinations.   They may reapply for full membership in the following season.

4.  MEETINGS: 

The board shall meet up to seven times prior to the first playable game in the spring.   There shall be a minimum of six 2-hour clinics to review new rules, practice umpire mechanics, and administer the ASA and Federation examinations.   Clinics shall provide an opportunity for members to refresh their knowledge of the rules of the game.   There shall also be a 3-hour on the field mechanics clinic as well. 

1.        To conduct the board’s official business, a quorum shall be defined as a majority of the Executive Committee, and / or a majority of the board membership.  

2.        The Executive Committee shall consist of these officers: President, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, Umpire-in-Chief, Assigner, and a volunteer member or members at large.   The Executive Committee shall meet from time to time to deal with the professional development of the board.  

3.        Board Officers and their Responsibilities:

a.        All board officers shall be elected for two-year terms commencing upon their election in June.  

b.       The President shall schedule and moderate all meetings.  He shall establish an agenda, & recruit clinicians.  The Vice President shall replace the President when he is unable to fulfill these duties.  

c.        The Secretary shall keep minutes for all board meetings, and maintain a record for member attendance.   He shall also be responsible for all records dealing with umpire’s address, phone numbers, etc.

d.       The Treasurer shall collect the dues for the ASA and local association, and publish an annual report to the Board about the finances.   He/she shall pay any fees incurred and authorized by the board. 

e.        The UIC shall administer both exams for members each year, and act as the board’s ultimate authority on the Rules of the Game.   He shall be the major instructor for rules clinics.  

f.         The Assigner shall be the person responsible for scheduling games for all umpires.  He shall be appointed by the Executive Board.  He shall work closely with the schools and provide an important service for the board and the teams in our district.  

g.       Officers shall serve 2 year terms.  The President and Secretary shall be elected on odd-numbered years and the Vice President and Treasure on even-numbered years. 

ADOPTION OF THIS CONSTITUTION: was by a unanimous vote of the membership.  April 13, 2004

Revisions adopted by unanimous vote. 03.06.05  

CHANGES IN THESE RULES:  Shall be submitted in writing and adopted by a  2/3’s vote of the membership.  

Charter Members: