CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
Approved by Constitution Committee on March 23, 2009.
Amended by Membership on February 17, 2011.
Amended by Membership on March 18, 2012.
Amended by Membership on February 27, 2013.
Amended by Membership on January 27, 2019.
ARTICLE I PAGE 2 TITLE
ARTICLE II PAGE 2 OBJECT
ARTICLE III PAGE 3 OFFICERS
ARTICLE IV PAGE 3 MEETINGS
ARTICLE V PAGE 4 AMENDMENTS
ARTICLE VI PAGES 5 OFFICERS’ DUTIES
ARTICLE VII PAGES 6-9 MEMBERSHIPS
ARTICLE VIII PAGES 9 & 10 DUES
ARTICLE IX PAGE 11 SPECIAL AWARDS
ARTICLE X PAGES 11-14 COMMITTEES
ARTICLE XI PAGE 14 QUORUM
ARTICLE XII PAGES 14 & 15 UNIFORMS
ARTICLE XIII PAGES 15 & 16 FINES
ARTICLE XIV PAGE 16 COLLEGE STUDENTS
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I:
TITLE: This organization shall be called the CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL UMPIRES ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED, known as CMBUA, INC.
ARTICLE II:
OBJECT: To maintain the highest standards of baseball umpiring. The purpose of the CMBUA is to supply umpires for Massachusetts high schools and American Legion Baseball.
The members of CMBUA consider it a privilege to belong to this board and realize the importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism.
ALL OF OUR MEMBERS JOIN OUR BOARD, WE DON’T JOIN THEIRS.
ARTICLE III:
SECTION I: OFFICERS
The officers shall consist of an Executive Board, comprised of
PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT
SECRETARY-TREASURER
INTERPRETER
PRESIDENT-EMERITUS
These officers will be elected at a meeting every odd year, by hand or ballot, majority of the votes cast being necessary for election. The officers so elected shall enter upon their duties at the close of the last meeting and shall serve until others are elected in their place. NOTE: THE TERM(S) BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OR BOARD REFERS TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS:
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE III:
SECTION I (CONTINUED)
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY/TREASURER
INTERPRETER
PRESIDENT-EMERITUS
SECTION II: NOMINATION OF OFFICERS
Nominations will be taken throughout the year, when it is necessary. Nominations may be made via email to the secretary of the CMBUA who will second the nomination. Elections will take place as stated above.
ARTICLE IV:
SECTION I: MEETINGS
Meetings shall be conducted during a time frame that begins no earlier than the last Sunday in January and concludes by the last Sunday in June.
The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE will set the meeting days each year so there will be no conflicts with school vacation dates and holidays (if possible). The membership will be notified of the meeting days in a timely manner by email prior to the first meeting of the year. The number of meetings and required number to attend will be established by the Executive Board each year. Every effort will be made to avoid conflicts with vacations and holidays.
THE MANDATORY MEETING shall be a single meeting or because of the size of the board may be two separate meetings. If two separate meetings, they will be conducted on consecutive Sundays when possible. A member will be required to attend one of these two meetings. Members will be given the opportunity to choose which of the two meetings they wish to attend.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE IV:
SECTION I: MEETINGS (CONTINUED)
However, a limited number of attendees will be
determined and decided by the Executive Board. The determining factor can be changed by the Executive Board when necessary to maintain an orderly mandatory meeting. If members cannot make one of the meetings, they will be allowed to attend the other meeting. If the Executive Board feels the need to not have a Mandatory meeting they can simply conduct regular meetings thorough out the year. The decision to not conduct a Mandatory meeting can be conveyed to The Membership using email. Whether or not to have a Mandatory Meeting will be determined on a yearly basis.
All correspondence between the Board and the members will be conducted via the CMBUA.org web site and email. The Board would expect that the members would communicate in a similar manner.
ARTICLE V:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS:
SECTION I: These articles may be amended at any time during a meeting by a majority vote of the members present, provided the Executive Board has received the proposed amendment in writing or email prior to the meeting. At least one-third of the active members must be present (a quorum). Determination regarding the Mandatory Meeting can be conducted using email.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE VI:
DUTIES OF OFFICERS:
SECTION I: PRESIDENT - The President shall preside at all meetings of the association and shall appoint all committees deemed advisable to forward the objectives of the association and perform all other duties belonging to this office. The term of this office shall be two years. Unless the VP does not assume his position, the existing President will continue in that office.
SECTION II: VICE-PRESIDENT – The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, shall preside at meetings and exercise all other powers of the President and is responsible for the educational presentations at each meeting.
THE VICE-PRESIDENT WILL SUCCEED THE PRESIDENT.
The term of this office shall be two years unless extended.
SECTION III: SECRETARY-TREASURER – The secretary shall email or post notices of all meetings/business on the CMBUA.org web site. He will be the presiding official at the membership committee meetings and perform all the usual duties conferred upon the office of Secretary.
The treasurer shall receive all dues and pay all bills, shall keep detailed records of all monies received and expended, and shall present an annual written report of the receipts and expenditures of the association during the year.
SECTION IV: INTERPRETER – The INTERPRETER shall be the final authority relative to interpretations of the rules and shall obtain rulings on the rules if necessary. The INTERPRETER will be responsible for writing all exams used by the board. The term of the office shall be two years, unless extended.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
SECTION V: In the event of an office being vacated the position will be filled according to the table below.
CURRENT REPLACEMENT
|
President |
President Emeritus |
|
Vice President |
Board of Directors |
|
Secretary-Treasurer |
Board of Directors |
|
Interpreter |
Elections |
These positions will remain in place until the next election.
The term of this office shall be two years, unless extended.
ARTICLE VII: MEMBERSHIPS – There shall be four (4) classes of membership.
REGARDLESS OF A MEMBER’S MEMBERSHIP CLASS THEY MUST SUBMIT TO A BACKGROUND CHECK.
WITHOUT A CURRENT SUCCESSFUL BACKGROUND CHECK THE MEMBER AND HIS MEMBERSHIP WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE CMBUA.
THE AGENCY TO PERFORM THESE BACKGROUND CHECKS WILL BE SELECTED BY THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
NO MEMBER REGARDLESS OF THEIR MEMBERSHIP CLASS WITHIN THE CMBUA CAN ACCEPT AN UMPIRING ASSIGNMENT FROM A CMBUA ASSIGNOR OR ANY OTHER UMPIRING ASSIGNOR ASSOCIATED WITH ANY LOCAL BASEBALL ORGANIZATION WITHOUT HAVING COMPLETED A SUCCESSFUL 3 YEAR
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE VII: MEMBERSHIPS
(CONTINUED)
BACKGROUND CHECK. A CMBUA ASSIGNOR CANNOT ASSIGN A GAME TO ANY UMPIRE THAT HAS NOT HAD
AN APPROVED AND SUCCESSFUL BACKGROUND CHECK.
NO MEMBER OF THE CMBUA CAN REPRESENT THEMSELVES OR BE CONSIDERED AS A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE CMBUA WITHOUT A POSITIVE CURRENT BACKGROUND CHECK.
SECTION I: ACTIVE UMPIRE MEMBERSHIP – These members are required to attend the prescribed number of meetings determined by the Board of Directors. The first meeting may be a mandatory meeting. These members are required to take a refresher exam annually and return it to the TEST ADMINISTRATOR by the DETERMINED DUE DATE. Failure to attend a Mandatory Meeting will result in a $25.00 fine.
Failure to meet the prescribed number of regular meetings will result in a fine of $40.00. The membership committee has the option to levy a lesser fine. Continued poor attendance over a period of years will result in removal from or a condition being placed on the member’s status (see Membership Committee actions paragraph #4, 1a, 2a, and 3a, pg. 13). If the member in question does not meet the conditions placed upon his membership he will be removed from the CMBUA. Failure to submit a Refresher Exam will result in an additional fine. Article X, Section 2, FINES paragraph #1.
In the event that the Membership Committee fines, removes or attaches a condition to the member’s status, that member will not be allowed to appeal the Membership Committee’s decision. (Passed on 2/27/13)
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
SECTION II: INACTIVE MEMBERSHIP - These members are individuals who cannot attend a meeting and who cannot
umpire during the year. Members can stay in this class for as long as they want. They will not get credit towards continued active membership. Inactive members must pay full dues each year, MINUS THEIR BACKGROUND CHECK FEE, FOR ONLY THE YEAR IN WHICH THEY REGISTER FOR THEIR 3 YEAR BACKGROUND CHECK. They do not have to attend meetings or take a Refresher Exam. They are eligible to attend the banquet at the end of the year. The Membership Committee will determine all requests for INACTIVE STATUS. Members wishing to become Inactive must contact the Chairman of the Membership Committee
via email with their request. Inactive members are not allowed to work high school OR ANY LEVEL OF BASEBALL; (BABE RUTH, LEGION, LITTLE LEAGUE, LOCAL TOWN BASEBALL, ADULT BASEBALL, ETC.) if they do they will be removed from the CMBUA. When they decide to return to ACTIVE Umpire Membership the Membership Committee will determine if they need to take an exam or attend a candidate’s class.
SECTION III: HONORARY/LIFE MEMBERSHIP – This class of membership will consist of members of at least twenty (20) years who have made a major contribution to the association. ADDITIONALLY, ANY MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING WHO HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE CMBUA IN EXCESS OF 27 YEARS CAN ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR HIS HONOR. Conferring this classification will be made through the EXECUTIVE BOARD. These members do not pay DUES BUT ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE BACKGROUND CHECK.
(THE CARLO LEOPOLDO AMENDMENT)
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
SECTION IV: RETIRED MEMBER — This class is for any member who decides that they no longer want to umpire but would like to remain on the board AS A CMBUA MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING. They will remain on the CMBUA web site, attend meetings and take the Refresher Exam at their discretion and attend the banquet.
THESE MEMBERS WILL PAY THE BACKGROUND FEE FOR THEIR 3 YEAR BACKGROUND CHECK.
SECTION V: All Membership Classes except Inactive and Retired Membership are required to take and submit a Refresher Exam. All Refresher Exams will be submitted to the Test Administrator on a date to be determined by the Administrator. The Test Administrator will chair the Membership Committee along with the Secretary. If the Test Administrator is not the Chairman of the Membership Committee, the Chairman of the Membership Committee along with the Secretary will chair the Membership Committee.
ARTICLE VIII MEMBERSHIP DUES
Section I: The dues for ALL CLASSES OF UMPIRE MEMBERSHIP shall be seventy-five dollars ($75) per year. With the one exception as mentioned above in Article VII, Section 2, Inactive membership.
The date that dues must be paid by will be determined by the TREASURER. If dues are not paid by the due date a penalty fee of $25.00 will be imposed immediately in addition to the dues. The dues and penalty must be paid prior to the member attending any additional membership meetings. Non dues paying members will not be allowed to participate or attend meetings. If the result of their missing meetings due
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE VIII MEMBERSHIP DUES
(CONTINUED)
to their non-payment causes them not to meet the prescribed number of meetings for that year they will have to pay additional fines for poor attendance.
DUES WILL BE INCREASED BY $5.00 EACH EVEN YEAR. The EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE can stop these increases when the dues have reached a maximum amount.
If dues and or fines are not paid by a date determined by the SECRETARY-TREASURER, the member will be assessed an additional $25.00 which must be paid within one week (7days) along with any dues or fines. If the member is being fined fails to meet this deadline, their failure with result in immediate removal from the board. At such time the only option for reinstatement would be for the member to contact the Chairman of the Membership Committee in writing or via email to specifically request reinstatement. This request must be accompanied by payment of all dues and fines in arrears, a $25 late payment assessment plus a $25 reinstatement fee.
The financial amount in the CMBUA Treasury cannot exceed $8,000.00 dollars at the end of any calendar year. In the event that this balance exceeds this amount as presented on the year's end Financial Statement, the following must occur. The amount of monies in excess of $8,000.00 dollars must be returned to the general membership in the form of (1) goods and services, (2) an equal reduction in dues for each member in the following year or (3) any other method deemed appropriate by the general membership. The general membership will decide how these excess monies with be distributed. This determination will be made at the first meeting in the next calendar year.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE IX: SPECIAL AWARDS
SECTION I: PRESIDENT’S AWARD – At any time the President deems a member of the Association deserving of special recognition, he may bestow this honor. The President will relay his choice to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS for their approval. This honor will be at the discretion of the President. In the past these awards have consisted of but have not been limited to the following: A ring, a Norman Rockwell print, wrist watch, desk watch, plaque, gift certificate. The appropriate gift will be determined by the President.
SECTION II: “The Emilio Diotalevi Extra Innings Award” - This award can be given to either a retiring umpire or an older umpire in good standing. This award can also go to an umpire who has not been on the board for 25 years when he retires. These umpires would not be eligible to receive a 25 year ring. This award can also be given to umpires who have already been on the board for more than 25 years. This award would be a YET TO BE DETERMINED GIFT. The decision of who gets the award is determined by the President with approval from the Board of Directors. Suggestions can be made from the membership.
ARTICLE X:
SECTION I: COMMITTEES
EXAMINING COMMITTEE – This committee shall consist of the instructor of the candidates’ class and an assistant to be selected by the instructor.
The role of this committee is to instruct and set attendance requirements for the candidates and administer a written examination corrected according to the standards set by this
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE X:
SECTION I: COMMITTEES (CONTINUED)
committee. Candidates, upon recommendation of the examining committee, will be granted Umpire Membership.
The candidates will be required to pay an entrance fee of one-hundred dollars ($100). A former member of good standing will be only required to pay the dues for that year upon passing the exam. All new candidates will also pay yearly dues.
The instructor of this committee shall be appointed by the executive board.
SECTION II: MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE – This committee will consist of up to five members with the Secretary-Treasurer being the non-voting executive of the committee. These members shall be appointed to a two-year term by the President with the approval of the executive board.
The function of this committee is to act on matters relative to the status of members, make decisions about meeting attendance, and make recommendations to the executive board on these matters.
The committee will meet at least twice a year; meetings can be conducted via email for the purpose of making these recommendations to the EXECUTIVE BOARD. The recommendations of this committee will consist of
1. Fining a member above and beyond fines already outlined in the CMBUA constitution for poor attendance, poor test scores and late payment of dues and fines. This fine would be imposed for the member’s apparent lack of interest in maintaining their membership in CMBUA as a result of their repeated performance in not attending meetings, poor test results and late payment of dues and fines. Additionally, a
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE X:
SECTION II (CONTINUED)
member could be fined or removed for continued poor attendance over previous years.
2. This fine would be imposed in addition to any other fines the member may already be responsible for.
3. In order for a member to remain a member in good standing the membership committee can impose membership conditions upon a member. For example:
4. (1a) requiring a member to demonstrate good attendance during the current year
5. (2a) attending a pre-determined number of meetings above the required number for that year.
6. (3a) showing improvement on the Refresher Exam following a year of a poor grade on the Refresher Exam.
7. (4a) tracking a member’s background status, to assure that it is current and up-to-date.
8. (5a) reviewing a member’s refresher exam scores to make sure that they maintain a passing score.
9. (6a) review a member's attendance to make sure that they fulfill attendance requirements.
10. Removing a member
11. Taking no action against a member.
SECTION III
Any action that the Membership Committee takes against a member will not be subject to appeal. Members who are removed from the CMBUA by the Membership Committee cannot appeal that withdrawal decision to the Membership Committee.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
SECTION IV The President can establish a new Membership Committee or other committees when necessary to accomplish a desired goal.
ARTICLE XI:
SECTION I: QUORUM – One third of the active members shall constitute a quorum and the majority vote of such members will govern.
ARTICLE XII:
SECTION I: UNIFORMS – CMBUA proper uniform in accordance with the MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL UMPIRES’ ASSOCIATION, MBUA.
1. Black shoes and socks
2. Dark Grey professional umpire pants (plate and base slacks recommended)
3. Black or navy blue belt
4. Dark blue MBUA sized hat
5. Options for top garment
* Navy blue major league-style pullover jersey with red and white trim. This is the official MBUA shirt.
*Navy blue pullover jacket, which is a cold weather garment worn with a turtle neck. The approved pullover is shown in the Henig’s Catalogue, under the MBUA Program. Wearing a sweat shirt or long sleeve shirt under a short sleeve shirt is not acceptable.
* Navy blue plate jacket with or without turtle neck with a patch worn the jacket.
*Any color short sleeve shirt is acceptable as long as BOTH UMPIRES HAVE THE SAME COLOR.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XII:
SECTION I: UNIFORMS (CONTINUED)
6. Black athletic gloves, not winter gloves
7. Navy blue, black or gray ball bag
8. Sun glasses are allowed.
9. Regular umpiring paraphernalia (equipment)
10. The correct uniform of the CMBUA will mirror the uniform of the MBUA.
11. Long sleeve shirts are also acceptable. It is not necessary for both umpires to wear this shirt.
ARTICLE XIII:
SECTION I: FINES
1. MISSING MEETINGS: A member not attending the prescribed number of meetings each year will be fined $40.00
Members are required to attend the mandatory (IF HELD) meeting along with the required additional meetings each year.
There is a $25.00 fine for missing the MANDATORY MEETING. (IF HELD)
2. POOR TEST GRADES:
80% IS A PASSING GRADE.
A fine can be levied by the Membership Committee for grades between 75 to 79.
Grades between 70 to 74 equal a $10.00 fine
Grades between 60 to 69 equal a $20.00 fine
Grades between 50 to 59 equal a $40.00 fine
A grade below 50 is a $50.00 fine and probation.
Not submitting a test is a grade of “0” resulting in a $75.00 fine and probation.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS BASEBALL
UMPIRES ASSOCIATION, INC.
CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XIII:
SECTION I: FINES (CONTINUED)
Improvement must be shown on the next refresher exam or the member will be removed from the board. The Membership Committee and the Executive Board can decided not to levy fines if they feel that there is sufficient information not too fine a member(s) for poor grades.
Members who do not submit an exam will be subjected to fines and possible removal from the board
ARTICLE XIV:
SECTION I: COLLEGE STUDENTS
1. College members must pay full dues and attend at least one (1) meeting each year if physically and logically possible.
2. They must also inform us that they are in college (COLLEGE NOTIFICATION FORM) and when they will be home from school.
3. They are required to take the refresher exam.
4. Pass a recommended Background Check.
5. Final determinations of college students’ status will be determined by the Membership Committee.