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# 1. Constitution

## 1.1 Name; Objective

### 1.1.1 Name

This baseball league shall be known as the Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association (CMBA). The CMBA has been formed for the purpose of providing the finest amateur baseball league in the State of Illinois and Midwest; a league where an up and coming young prospect for professional baseball may play and develop; where the talented veteran player can enjoy playing among the best competition; and bring friendship and sportsmanship to the Association.

### 1.1.2 Ethics

All Association members, including officers, managers, umpires, and players shall strive to be ethical, honorable, and truthful in all dealings concerning the League thereby promoting the Association as a first class league of impeccable integrity.

### 1.1.3 Sportsmanship

All Association members, including officers, managers, umpires, and players are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, promoting fair competitive play in a respectful atmosphere.

## 1.2 Membership

### 1.2.1 Eligibility

Membership in the CMBA is open to any amateur baseball franchise in the Greater Chicagoland area that qualifies under the rules and requirements for admission as set forth in this Constitution.

### 1.2.2 Classification; Standing

Membership shall be divided into the following four (4) classes:

1. In good standing with active franchises.
2. These members shall have full playing and voting privileges.
3. In good standing that have been granted a leave of absence.
4. These members shall not have voting privileges but may attend League meetings.
5. Not in good standing (temporary suspension for League rules violations) with active franchises. These members shall have full voting and game playing privileges.
6. These members shall have full voting and game playing privileges. However, any games played by members not in good standing shall be deemed technical forfeit.
7. Not in good standing (indefinite suspension).
8. These members shall have no game playing or voting privileges.
9. May attend league meetings by special invitation of the President.

### 1.2.3 Subjectivity

All Association members shall abide by and are subject to all rules and regulations as outlined in this Constitution and By-Laws, and are subject to the authority of the President, other Officers, the umpires and any other ruling officials so authorized. These rules, regulations, articles, and By-Laws may not be suspended, set aside, or added to under any circumstances, regardless of the will of the managers. This section nullifies the “If both managers agree” concept.

## 1.3 Officers

The following shall be considered Officers of the League: President; Treasurer; and Rules and Competition Committee Members. Other Officers may be created by the President at his discretion or by vote of League members upon the request of a League Member. All offices shall be filled by an affirmative vote of League members.

### 1.3.1 Terms of Office

1. The President shall serve a life term unless he chooses to voluntarily relinquish the office. The new President shall be chosen by a majority vote of the League membership.
2. All Officers other than President are subject to yearly review and reelection by League vote.

### 1.3.2 Umpires

Umpires shall have the sole responsibility for the enforcement of all sections in Team Rosters Players And Eligibility of the By-Laws, except where specified.

## 1.4 Meetings

### 1.4.1 Annual Meeting

The Association shall hold its annual preseason meeting after January 1 at a time and place set by the President. This meeting must be held in person, except in extenuating circumstances.

### 1.4.2 Additional Meetings

Additional meetings shall be called by the President for reasons at his discretion.

### 1.4.3 Rules and Competition Committee Meetings

The Rules and Competition Committee shall meet at the discretion of the President. These meetings must be held in person, except in extenuating circumstances by agreement between the President and the Committee.

### 1.4.4 Meeting and Voting Validity

Only meetings called for and attended by the President will be considered valid and no votes held in the absence of the President will be considered binding.

### 1.4.5 Amending the Constitution

This constitution may be amended, removed, or added by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of members with voting privileges. The complete proposed written text of any amendment(s) to this constitution must be submitted to the representatives of the teams before the amendment(s) can be voted on.

## 1.5 Finances

The President shall determine the franchise and annual entry fees. All other fees will be levied at the discretion of the League President. Fees shall be levied with the understanding that the Association is a not for profit organization.