River States Conference Constitution & Bylaws

River States Conference Constitution & Bylaws

Article I – Name Effective July 1, 2016, the name of the organization shall be the River States Conference (formerly the Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). The River States Conference (hereafter, the Conference) is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Conference is a tax-exempt corporation under Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c) (3).

Article II – Purpose The purpose of this Conference is to support and promote the educational and athletic activities of its member institutions in an equal manner; while advancing the highest ethical standards of character, conduct, sportsmanship and fair play.

Article III – Values The Conference recognizes the value of athletic competition in developing character and life skills and promotes the following NAIA five core values on the field of play, on our campuses, and in our communities: 1. Respect 2. Responsibility 3. Integrity 4. Servant leadership 5. Sportsmanship

Article IV – Membership Current members as of July 1, 2017: 1. – Pippa Passes, KY 2. – Wilmore, KY 3. – Owensboro, KY 4. – , PA 5. Christian University – Cincinnati, OH 6. University East – Richmond, IN 7. Indiana University Kokomo – Kokomo, IN 8. Indiana University Southeast – New Albany, IN 9. – Midway, KY 10. Christian University – Circleville, OH 11. – Pittsburgh, PA 12. – Rio Grande, OH 13. West University Institute of Technology – Beckley, WV

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1. The membership shall be limited to NAIA Division II member colleges of senior rank accredited by one of the regional accrediting bodies. 2. Members who intend to change their not-for-profit status must notify the Commissioner as outlined in paragraph 13, below. The Council of Presidents will decide at their next regularly-scheduled meeting on the continued status of a member institution. 3. Members who lose regional accreditation will be allowed to continue their membership for one additional academic year or during an appeal process. 4. Associate membership status may be given to an institution that has been granted candidacy status by a regional accrediting body. Associate members would be prohibited from advancing to a national tournament. Associate members would become full members upon obtaining full accreditation. Associate members would have three years from the time of their entry into membership to obtain full regional accreditation. If full accreditation was not achieved within three years, that institution would be removed from membership in the Conference. 5. Associate member status (single sport) may also be granted to an institution that is currently a member of another NAIA affiliated conference or a member of the Association of Independent Institutions and intends to compete in a sponsored championship sport. Associate member schools are recognized as those schools which sponsor less than the required minimum of recognized conference sports to be granted full conference membership. Associate members apply for conference membership in the same manner as full members (see #7 below for more information). Associate members must comply with all applicable Conference and NAIA rules and regulations applicable to that sport. Associate members have voice and vote on matters pertaining to the conference sports in which they compete. 6. At a minimum, applicants must have the following athletic staff to support their intercollegiate athletic program: athletics director, faculty athletic representative, sports information director and a certified athletic trainer. 7. The Chief Executive Officer of eligible institutions may apply for membership by submitting a completed application for membership and a non-refundable application fee of $500 to the Conference on or before November 1st if the expected membership date is the following academic year upon acceptance into the conference. Approved applications received after November 1st would be admitted one year after the following academic year. Applicants who are not already NAIA members must include a copy of their completed application for NAIA Membership. 8. The Membership Committee will review the application and determine if a campus visit is recommended by the conference to evaluate staffing, budgeting, facilities and programs. If a visit is scheduled, the applicant will submit a fee of $1,500 to cover all costs associated with the site team visit. Prospective member site visit(s) are scheduled after the Winter and prior to the Spring Conference Administrative Council meetings.

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9. Based on the visiting team review/recommendation, the applicant may be invited to make a presentation at the next regularly-scheduled Administrative Council and Council of Presidents’ meetings. The recommendation for membership of the visiting committee shall be presented at the meetings in addition to the applicant’s presentations. 10. Membership approval shall be by a two-thirds vote of support by the members in good standing at the Administrative Council meeting; followed by an approval by two-thirds of the Council of Presidents. 11. Upon payment of annual dues, the new member shall have full rights and privileges of conference membership. 12. Institutions that drop their Conference membership must notify the Commissioner in writing of their intention by the date of the spring Council of Presidents meeting prior to the start of their last academic year as a member to be eligible for postseason competition. Failure to so notify the Commissioner will result in assessment of the full Conference dues for the following year. 13. Conference members who make application for NCAA membership shall not be allowed to participate in post-season Conference championship events beginning one year after entrance into the NCAA’s membership application process. Student-athletes from these institutions will simultaneously be excluded from post-season awards programs. 14. Institutions may be removed from membership by two-thirds vote of the members in good standing at the Council of Presidents meeting.

Article V – Meetings 1. The Conference Administrative Council will conduct three formal (two-day) meetings during the academic year. The Conference will also conduct an informal meeting during the NAIA National Convention to review proposed legislation.  The fall meeting will be scheduled annually on the second Monday/Tuesday of September.  The winter meeting will be scheduled annually on the first Monday/Tuesday of December.  The spring meeting will be scheduled annually on the third or fourth Monday/Tuesday of May (depending on when Memorial Day falls on the calendar). Any member institution may send as many persons as it desires to Conference Administrative Council meetings, but each institution shall have only one vote; which shall be cast by the Athletic Director who represents the institution on the Administrative Council. The institutional representative may designate a proxy; provided the representative notifies the Commissioner at least one week prior to the meeting. A

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River States Conference Constitution & Bylaws majority of conference members represented shall constitute a quorum. If no representative is designated by an institution, that institution forfeits its voting privileges at that meeting. Each member of the Conference shall send the Commissioner, not less than four weeks before a regularly-scheduled meeting, notice of any proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. The Commissioner is required to send complete copies to all members two weeks before a meeting. Proposed constitutional changes must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Conference Administrative Council and the Council of Presidents to be ratified. Lodging expenses for Administrative Council meetings (for council members only) shall be paid from the Conference budget. The location of all meetings of the Administrative Council and the Council of Presidents shall be determined at the previous meeting prior to adjournment. Meeting times/dates may be changed at the discretion of the respective Council Chair or the Commissioner.

The order of business/agenda shall be as follows: 1. Call to order 2. Roll call of institutions 3. Review of the minutes of preceding meeting(s) 4. Report of the Commissioner 5. Report of the President 6. Report of the Treasurer 7. Report of the special committees 8. Old business 9. New business 10. Rules education 11. Appointment of special committees 12. Election of officers (spring) and approval of budget (fall) 13. Date announced for next meeting 14. Adjournment

2. The Council of Presidents will conduct two formal (one-day) meetings during the academic year. Presidents will also be invited to attend the conference meeting at the NAIA National Convention.  The fall meeting of the Council of Presidents will be scheduled annually on the second Tuesday in October.  The spring meeting will be scheduled annually on the first Tuesday in June. A majority of conference members represented shall constitute a quorum. Chief executive officers cannot designate delegates to attend meetings and cast votes. The Chair of the Administrative Council and the conference ADA representative will be invited to all scheduled COP meetings to provide updates/reports.

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3. A special meeting may be called/held at any time at the discretion of the Chair of the Administrative Council (or the Conference Executive Committee) or the Commissioner. 4. Written notice stating the place, day, and hour of the called meeting and the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called shall be given not less than 14 days before the meeting date, either personally or by mail or email; by and at the direction of the Commissioner or the persons calling the meeting.

Article VI – Governance Section 1. Council of Presidents (COP) The business and the affairs of the Conference shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of the chief executive officers of the member institutions or their designated representatives known herein as the Council of Presidents. The responsibilities of the Council of Presidents include the following: 1. The COP shall review the performance report of the Commissioner from the Executive Committee. 2. The COP shall review and approve the annual budget. This will include the dues assessment to each institution along with recommendations of all conference personnel. The proposed budget will be completed in the fall conference meeting for the following Fiscal Year. 3. The COP shall have the final vote on conference membership after reviewing the Administrative Council’s recommendations. All members of the COP shall participate in a final membership vote. A vote of two-thirds majority will be needed for approval of a new member into the conference. 4. The COP may sponsor amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws according to established conference procedures. 5. The COP may veto actions of the conference with a two-thirds vote of council members. Vetoes must be made at a meeting of the COP held within ninety days of an Administrative Council meeting. 6. The COP is responsible for review/approval of the conference strategic plan. The enumeration of the above responsibilities shall not be construed to deny the right of the Council of Presidents to exercise any other duties within the field of governance of the affairs of the Conference. Section 1.1 Duties of the Chair of Council of Presidents (COP) The duties of the Chair of the Council of Presidents are as follows: 1. Call and preside over the COP meetings. 2. Serve as chair of the COP Executive Committee.

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3. Represent the conference and its member chief executive officers at all NAIA national COP meetings. The COP Chair is elected by the COP members for a three-year term and may be elected for successive terms (in accordance with NAIA-COP guidelines). Section 2. Executive Committee of the COP The COP Executive Committee shall be composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, Immediate Past Chair, and one at-large member. Presidents elected for these positions serve three-year terms and may be elected for successive terms. Any vacancy occurring in the Executive Committee shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Executive Committee members. A majority of the members of Executive Committee shall constitute a quorum. The Executive Committee shall have the full power and authority of the COP during intervals between COP meetings insofar as the affairs of the Conference are generally concerned, except insofar as such power and authority may have been specifically limited by the COP. The Commissioner shall report any Executive Committee actions to each member of the COP within ten days such action occurs. Decisions of the Executive Committee shall be presented for ratification at the next full meeting of the Council of Presidents. The Council of Presidents authorizes the Commissioner and the COP Executive Committee, along with the Administrative Council, to conduct the day-to-day business of the Conference. The Executive Committee will present the Commissioner’s contract terms to the COP for approval. Section 3. Conference Administrative Council The membership of the Conference Administrative Council includes the athletic directors of all member institutions. The Council shall elect a Chair, Vice- Chair/Secretary for two-year terms during the designated spring meeting. When vacancies occur in the Chair/Vice-Chair positions, the unexpired terms will be appointed by the Commissioner. The positions of SID/webmaster, Treasurer, Eligibility Chair and Registrar are appointed by the Commissioner and approved by the Council. These positions are two-year appointments and may be renewed with Administrative Council approval. The Administrative Council is charged with implementing the policies of the Conference established by the Council of Presidents. The Council is responsible for reviewing operational policies of the Conference, reviewing and approving changes to the individual sport by-laws, acting as a communication link among the various conference committees and the COP, and recommending operational policies for conference competition and championships. Every effort shall be made to maintain institutional balance in representation on the Administrative Council. Disciplinary cases referred to the Administrative Council will be forwarded to the Conduct in Competition Committee for review. Based on committee recommendation, the Council may propose to the COP to suspend or place on probation any member who violates any conference or NAIA rules or policies.

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With COP approval, the Administrative Council may prohibit any team or teams from being recognized as conference champions and/or from participating in the distribution of conference funds. In all disciplinary actions, the member institution charged with violations may appeal decisions or sanctions to the COP Executive Committee. Council/committee members may not participate in adjudication of problems involving their own institutions. The Administrative Council may, at its discretion, ask the Commissioner to investigate the activities of a member institution. A majority vote of the Council is necessary to initiate an investigation. In such cases, the Commissioner refers the issue/case to the Conduct in Competition Committee (or appropriate committee) for the initial investigation. For the Council to take official action, a quorum must be present. A majority of the Administrative Council constitutes a quorum.

Article VII – Conference Officers, Agents and Duties The officers of the Conference shall consist of the Commissioner, Conference Chair, Past Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Eligibility Chair, Conference Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), Registrar and SID/webmaster. Section 1. Commissioner- The Commissioner shall perform such duties as are prescribed in the Constitution/Bylaws and/or such duties as may be prescribed by the Council of Presidents to which he/she is responsible. The Commissioner's duties shall include (but are not limited to):

1. Serving as the chief administrative officer of the athletic conference and its member institutions.

2. Draft agenda, plan, and convene annual meetings of the league’s Administrative Council and Council of Presidents. Following all meetings, update conference/sport governing documents and communicate with all necessary constituent groups.

3. Present a proposed budget to the Administrative Council and Council of Presidents at the fall meetings. Complete all necessary reports, surveys and requests for information from the NAIA and/or the RSC Council of Presidents.

4. Attend and represent the conference at the annual NAIA National Convention and at all other required national meetings as set by the NAIA.

5. Serve as the principal enforcement officer of the Conference rules, regulations and agreements, and is responsible to initiate investigations of any member or institution when there is sufficient evidence presented of potential NAIA or Conference violations, or if they have been officially notified by the NAIA, or by

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another institution, of alleged violations. Interpret and enforce conference regulations and imposing sanctions as necessary.

6. Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member of the Administrative Council and Council of Presidents and any other committee the Council of Presidents may direct. Conduct elections as necessary to fill the leadership positions on both boards.

7. Provide individual members and institutions with advice and guidance. Communicate regularly with the Administrative Council, Council of Presidents, Sports Chairs, Raters, Officials’ Assignors and other constituent groups associated with the River States Conference.

8. Exercise responsibility for officials for , , soccer, , and . This includes the assignment of officials and supervision of them. If he/she so desires, the Commissioner may designate a portion of this responsibility. This includes overseeing and managing the ref-pay system through Arbiter.

9. Conduct a continuous educational program looking toward the development of scholarship, sportsmanship, and an understanding of the values of competitive athletics; and exert all reasonable effort to acquaint the public with the ethics and high ideals which motivate the Conference in its conduct of intercollegiate athletics. Annually conduct a conference, student-led Champions of Character event.

10. Conduct rules and Champions of Character training for the Administrative Council, coaches, officials, and student-athletes.

11. Maintain a file of precedents and interpretations of conference and national rules and regulations, and keeping members informed regarding changes and interpretations of national rules.

12. Complete conference scheduling in all sports and assisting athletics directors and coaches in resolving schedules issues or conflicts. The Commissioner is responsible for scheduling all conference related activities or may designate an individual and/or committee to create conference competition schedules.

13. Provide a report of his/her activities at each regular conference meeting and annually to the Council of Presidents.

14. Exercise broad-based powers including interpreting and making decisions on issues not otherwise covered by the RSC Constitution and Bylaws.

15. In conjunction with sport chairs and AD sport liaisons, review sport bylaws prior to each meeting of the Administrative Council for possible action.

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16. Invite NAIA representatives to all Administrative Council and Council of Presidents meetings.

17. Represent the conference on NAIA councils, committees and task forces.

18. Annually supervise the effectiveness of all committees and subcommittees within the conference.

19. Oversee the continued development of the conference Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC).

20. Assist the conference SID in the nomination of conference award recipients for corresponding NAIA national awards.

21. Appoint and supervise, with input from the Administrative Council, conference positions of treasurer, SID/webmaster, eligibility chair, FAR and registrar.

22. Establish conference game management plans for each conference sport.

23. Annually evaluate student-athlete awards and order the awards in time for presentation at tournaments and/or award ceremonies.

24. Promote the general welfare of the Conference at all times, studying the problems of the Conference and offering advice and guidance to the members in the solution of those problems.

25. Interpret and enforce NAIA and Conference rules and regulations, as well as interpret and rule upon Eligibility Regulations, sending copies of the Commissioner’s interpretations and rulings to the Faculty Athletic Representatives and athletics administrators. In addition, the Commissioner shall recommend changes deemed advisable in the Bylaws and Sports Guidelines.

26. Act as the liaison between the Conference and representatives of the media; taking responsibility for the administration of Conference policies involving television, radio, and related programs. Schedule and supervise, in conjunction with the site manager, all Conference championships. Represent the Conference in external affairs, maintaining a liaison with, and assuming a leadership role in, organizations that promote the continued growth and development of men’s and women’s athletics, and serve as the official delegate of the Conference to the NAIA Convention.

27. Direct all aspects of fundraising for the Conference that benefit the membership.

28. Enhance conference media coverage locally, regionally, and nationally.

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29. Develop overall branding and marketing strategies for the conference.

30. Provide for the keeping and distribution of the minutes of all COP, Administrative Council, and committee meetings.

31. Oversee maintenance and distribution of historical and statistical records to conference members for all conference athletic competition, and provide for the performance of all duties associated with the sports information function of a conference office.

32. Prepare the regular season conference schedules as directed by the membership and in accordance with prescribed conference guidelines, with the assistance of coaches, administrative, and sport committees as required.

33. Arrange for and facilitate all mandatory conference meetings, and for other meetings authorized by the COP and the Administrative Council.

34. Prepare and distribute the reporting forms required by conference rules and regulations.

35. With the assistance of the Financial Advisory Committee, prepare the annual budget of the conference office and related fiscal data at the direction of the COP.

36. Present a budget report to the COP and Administrative Council at all scheduled meetings.

37. Select, hire, and supervise the conference office staff.

38. Annually evaluate staff with input from the Executive Council of the Administrative Council

39. Establish tournament evaluations/surveys for AD's, coaches, and student- athletes.

40. Annually conduct a conference Sports Information Directors meeting.

41. At the direction of the Council of Presidents, actively seek sponsorships and engage in fundraising as appropriate.

42. Annually review and conduct activities to market and promote the Conference.

43. Create and monitor conference membership development and growth plans.

44. Performing such other duties as the Administrative Council and/or the Council of Presidents may direct.

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Section 2. Administrative Council Chair The Chair shall serve temporarily as the senior executive of the Conference if the Commissioner is incapacitated or otherwise unavailable to function as senior executive. The Chair shall represent the Administrative Council at COP meetings and prepare a slate of officer candidates for election as vacancies occur. It will be the duty of the Chair to arrange for all regular and special meetings of the Administrative Council; and to perform other customary duties of the office. Upon serving a two-year term, the Chair becomes the Past Chair. Section 3. Past-Chair It will be the duty of the Past Chair to serve as a senior advisor to the Chair to provide continuity and consistency as well as perform in other functions and roles as appointed by the Chair. It is understood that after serving a two-year term as Past Chair, the individual will rotate off the Administrative Council or be nominated for further conference involvement. Section 4. Vice Chair/Secretary The Vice-Chair/Secretary shall assume the Chair duties if the Chair is incapacitated or unable to attend a meeting and shall record and distribute the minutes of all Administrative Council meetings. Upon serving a two-year term as Vice Chair/Secretary, the individual will become Chair. Section 5. Treasurer The Commissioner will serve as the Authorizing Officer on all bank related accounts and for the purpose of working with financial institutions is designated a title of Financial President. The Commissioner will oversee all financial operations and perform such duties as required to facilitate the River States Conference operation using approved financial policies. This includes, but is not limited to, cash management, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, travel, reimbursements, Budget development, credit/debit card authorizations and tax filings. The Commissioner will work closely with the Financial Advisory Committee and Executive Committees of the Administrative Council and Council of Presidents with regard to financial operations. Reports related to the financial status of the RSC will be delivered prior to each meeting and at other times as requested by any of the aforementioned groups. The standard reports to present are, Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Statement, Budget vs. Actuals on a Cash Basis and an Accounts Receivable aging report. The Commissioner, with COP approval, will engage an accounting firm to assist with monthly payroll, quarterly payroll taxes, annual taxes and other accounting needs as required. In addition, an assistant may be retained at the discretion of the Commissioner, with approval of the COP, to serve as Financial Secretary. In the absence of an assistant a designated Financial Secretary will be appointed by the Commissioner and approved by the COP such that at least two persons retain access to the bank accounts owned by the organization.

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Section 6. Eligibility Chair The Eligibility Chair shall review and approve, return for correction, or deny all NAIA Official Eligibility Certificates, Transfer Player Eligibility Statements, and Eligibility Certificates for Entering Freshmen, as submitted by Conference members. He/she shall chair the Conference Eligibility Committee and make recommendations to the national eligibility staff liaison regarding all eligibility issues brought before them for endorsement. He/she shall receive and review all reports of institutional violations. The Eligibility Chair serves on the Eligibility Committee and attends the NAIA National Convention a minimum of once every three years. Section 7. Conference Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) The Conference Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) serves on the Eligibility Committee and is responsible for processing appeals and requests for exceptions from member institutions. The Conference FAR facilitates rules education activities for the Conference and attends the NAIA National Convention a minimum of once every three years. Section 8. Conference Registrar The Conference Registrar works closely with the conference eligibility chair in the coordination, evaluation, and certification process of student athletes. The Registrar serves on the Eligibility Committee and communicates with athletics directors, FARs, and other registrars to facilitate and improve services to students. The Registrar assists the Eligibility Chair in developing policies for collecting, recording and maintaining student records relative to FERPA guidelines as they pertain to grading, registration data, transcripts and athletic eligibility. The Registrar participates in conference eligibility education workshops, serves on appropriate conference committees and attends the NAIA National Convention a minimum of once every three years. Section 9. Conference SID/Webmaster The Conference Sports Information Director/Webmaster serves as an official/agent of the Conference and is compensated for services and expenses as indicated in the Conference budget. Duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Maintain a complete and official record of all athletic contests and tournaments completed by each conference program. 2. Keep a complete athletic participation record of all participants in Conference sponsored sports and maintain official rosters of member institutions. 3. Develop statistical reporting procedures, forms and deadlines relative to appropriate procedures prescribed by the conference and the NAIA Office of Sports Information. All deadlines will be established according to NAIA reporting schedules and will be approved by sport chair, liaison and Commissioner. 4. Compile and distribute news releases and statistical reports regarding appropriate Conference activities for use by member institutions and members of the news Page 12 of 25

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media. Update the Conference website in a timely manner. Forward statistical reports and Player of the Week nominations to the Conference members and the NAIA National Office contact person in accordance with appropriate deadlines. 5. Facilitate the Players of the Week selection process in each Conference sport. 6. In coordination with the chairperson of each Conference sponsored sport, supervise the selection of recognizing All-Conference athletic and academic awards and distribute in a timely manner at the end of each competition season. 7. Serve as chair of the Conference Awards Committee and maintain a record of all conference-sponsored awards. 8. Serve as chair of the Conference SID Committee and produce/update a conference Sports Information Directors manual. Section 10. Coordinators of Officials Individual conference sport Coordinators of Officials are agents of the conference and provide the following services: 1. Attend camps to observe and evaluate officials on the conference roster. 2. Submit a roster of officials, including names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses (when available) to the Commissioner by the deadline proposed by the NAIA. Work with the Commissioner to nominate qualified officials to the NAIA national office for consideration for the national tournaments according to the procedures outlined by the NAIA Director of Officiating Initiatives. 3. Receive schedules from coaches on a date established by each Coordinator so that appropriate assignments can be completed. 4. Assign officials to all regular season and postseason contests. 5. Hold a preseason meeting with all officials (with coaches invited) to discuss rules, mechanics, regulations, guidelines, dress code, NAIA Conduct in Competition, as well as new rules and points of emphasis. 6. Communicate to conference coaches and officials on updates, mechanic changes or rule interpretations as needed during the season. 7. Develop and distribute a coaches’ evaluation form for coaches to complete following each contest. Collect the evaluations following each game and report any problems to the Commissioner within 24 hours. 8. Review game films submitted by conference coaches and contact official(s) for follow-up critique or evaluation. 9. Work with conference institutions to upgrade game management procedures. This includes scorer’s table, security, parking, dressing room, hospitality facilities, and fan behavior. 10. Evaluate contests (in person or via film) at each conference institution annually.

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Article VIII – Committees The following are standing committees of the Conference:

Section 1. Athletic Trainers’ Committee

The Athletic Trainer's Committee shall be composed of the ATCs of the member institutions; who will elect a chair. The committee shall be responsible for developing policies and procedures appropriate to their field. The chair will present these recommendations to the Conference Administrative Council for review and approval.

Section 2. Financial Advisory Committee

The Financial Advisory Committee works with the Commissioner in developing the annual budget, financial related policy and reviews the conference financial documents following each Administrative Council meeting and submission of the annual taxes. Reporting to the Administrative Council Chair and the Council of Presidents Chair directly on any irregularities or findings when adequate explanation cannot be obtained. The Financial Advisory Committee is comprised of at least one member of the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council and two other members as appointed by the Commissioner and approved by the Administrative Council. The Council of Presidents may at their discretion appoint a representative.

Section 3. Awards & Nominating Committee

The Awards & Nominating Committee is chaired by the Conference SID. The five- person committee will also include the chair of the Champions of Character committee. Committee responsibilities include:

 Review & approve nomination/selection process for all conference awards.  Review award proposals submitted by sport groups or other conference committees.  Implement voting standards/procedures for all conference awards.  Serve as the primary selection committee for conference/national award recipients IF a selection committee is not already designated.  Standardize award presentations (scripts, timelines, etc.) at conference championships.  Research/develop strategy for a conference Hall of Fame.  Identify/nominate conference award winners for NAIA National Awards.

Section 4. Champions of Character Committee

The Champions of Character Committee is comprised of the Champions of Character campus liaisons. The chair is appointed by the Commissioner. The Champions of Character Committee is responsible for ensuring that all member schools conduct

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Champions of Character programming and that all coaches complete the NAIA character-driven training programs. The committee also assists in the planning and implementation of a conference-wide Champions of Character program/event.

Section 5. Conference Membership Committee

The Conference Membership Committee will consist of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Conference Administrative Council, the Conference Treasurer, a member of the Conference Eligibility Committee and an at-large member from the Administrative Council. The primary responsibilities of the membership committee include:

 Review applications from prospective membership candidates and make an initial recommendation to the Conference Administrative Council.  Serve on campus site visit teams for prospective members.  Conduct annual reviews of conference application guidelines/processes.

Section 6. Championships Committee This committee provides leadership and direction in all aspects (brackets, formats, scheduling, site selection, host responsibilities, finances, etc.) of conducting conference championships. The Scheduling Committee is a subcommittee of the Championships Committee and provides input in the areas of scheduling and championship calendars. Section 6.5. Scheduling Subcommittee This subcommittee, in coordination with the Commissioner and sport chairs, is responsible for creating master schedules for designated conference sports. Schedules should be completed at least two years in advance. This subcommittee also provides recommendations on scheduling criteria/parameters for all conference sports.

Section 7. Conduct in Competition Committee

The Conduct in Competition Committee will consist of five members of the Administrative Council and is appointed by the Commissioner. This committee is charged with reviewing all cases involving rules and policy violations within the conference. Additional responsibilities include advising the commissioner and the Administrative Council on issues related to event/game management protocols and all instances of unsportsmanlike conduct. Decisions of the Commissioner relating to interpretation of Conference rules and regulations may be directed to the Conduct in Competition Oversight Committee and/or the COP Executive Committee.

Section 8. Conference Ratings Oversight Committee This committee consists of three members of the Administrative Council and oversees all aspects of sport ratings at the conference and national levels (as it relates to conference ratings). The committee reviews ratings proposals from individual sport groups and serves as a mediator in the conference ratings process. For more detailed

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River States Conference Constitution & Bylaws information on conference/national ratings, see the ratings guidelines listed in each individual sport’s bylaws/operating manual.

Section 9. Eligibility Committee

The Eligibility Committee consists of the Conference Eligibility Chair, the Conference Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), and the Conference Registrar. The chair must have significant experience in eligibility and eligibility rules, including serving as an institutional faculty athletic representative, serving as eligibility chair of another NAIA conference, or serving as a former member of a National Committee. Responsibilities of the Eligibility Committee include:

 Receive and review the eligibility certifications submitted by the faculty athletic representative of each member institution; (Eligibility Chair responsibility)  Receive and review all reports of institutional violations and all requests for exceptions from the member institutions and share these reports with the Conference Commissioner and Eligibility Committee and forward Eligibility Committee recommendation to the national office; (Conference FAR responsibility)  Attend the NAIA National Convention regularly, but not less than once every three years (annual attendance by at least one member of committee required).  Facilitate rules education activities for the Conference with specific attention to the orientation of newly appointed faculty athletic representatives, athletics directors, and coaches.

Section 10. Sports Information Directors Committee The Sports Information Director's Committee shall be composed of the SIDs of all member institutions. The Conference SID will chair the committee. The committee shall be responsible for developing policy and procedures appropriate to their field. The chair will present these recommendations to the Administrative Council for approval.

Section 11. Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

The Student Athlete Advisory Committee will consist of two student athletes (one female/one male) from each member institution. The chair should be either the conference ASA representative or an at-large NAIA-ASA representative. Members must be at least sophomore class status and eligible for competition. The SAAC serves the following functions:

 Discuss and provide feedback on Conference policies and rules affecting student- athlete welfare and competition.  Assist in educating all Conference student athletes on NAIA and conference rules/policies.

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 Promote student-athlete participation in Champions of Character events.  Organize and facilitate a conference-wide NAIA Champions of Character-related program/event each year.

Section 12. Appeals Committee The Appeals Committee shall be composed of the three athletic directors serving as the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council and two additional members selected by the Administrative Council. The committee shall rule on appeals not involving eligibility issues as submitted to the Commissioner. These appeals may result from rulings on unsportsmanlike conduct, post-season representation or transfer eligibility as well as any appeals for which the RSC has decision authority. If the institutional representative of the accused or appealing institution is on the Appeals Committee, he or she shall abstain from all votes. Rulings of the committee shall be by majority vote and shall be final. In case of a tie, the Commissioner will cast the tie- breaking vote.

Section 13. Constitution and Bylaws Committee The Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall consist of at least three members and may include athletic administrators or other knowledgeable individuals from member schools. The Committee shall study the rules, regulations or suggested revisions of the River States Conference Constitution, Bylaws, or Sports Guidelines as requested by the Commissioner, Administrative Council or Council of Presidents. This committee shall recommend changes, endorse submitted changes or oppose any changes they feel are in contrary to the best interest of the conference.

Section 14. Sport Committees The specific Sport Committees, consisting of the head coaches in each sport, are charged with the responsibility of:  Bringing recommendations to the Conference on their respective sports policies and procedures;  Assisting their Sport Chair in the updating sport bylaws/operating manuals.  Actively engage in promoting their sport at the conference, regional and national levels. Recommendations regarding sport policies/bylaws may come to the Administrative Council from any standing committee. Section 14.1 Sport Chairs/Duties

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Sport chairs are elected by their sport group to serve as liaisons between the coaches, the Administrative Council and all conference committees. Sport chairs serve for a two-year term and can serve successive terms if/when approved by their sport group. The primary responsibilities sport chairs include: 1. Communicating effectively with all sport coaches and representing them in any matter relating to that sport. 2. Organizing and facilitating meetings with their sport coaches. In these meetings, proposed bylaw changes and sport motions must be reviewed/approved before forwarding them to the Administrative Council.

3. Coordinating communication with the conference office, sport liaison and tournament host personnel to ensure that postseason playoff plans (site, date, seeding, etc.) are submitted to the Commissioner prior to Conference and NAIA deadlines. Chairs shall communicate with all parties (including Conference SID) to assist in coordinating the postseason calendar/schedule of events.

4. Coordinating all-conference team selection and other sport awards prior to the start of the postseason tournament and submit results to the Conference SID.

5. Working with conference tournament hosts in submitting postseason tournament results to the Conference SID.

6. Assisting the Conference SID in conducting preseason polls and other promotional materials.

7. Working closely with coaches in the specific sport and the Conference SID to ensure that all sport bylaws are current and approved by the Administrative Council and updated on the conference website. Any proposed changes to sport bylaws must be submitted in accordance with the time frame outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws.

8. Communicating with coaches and assisting in the resolution of any disputes within their sport. If disputes cannot be resolved, the sport chair shall communicate with the designated sport liaison for assistance and guidance. If neither the chair nor the liaison can facilitate a resolution, then the Commissioner will be asked to intervene.

9. Sport chairs may be assigned to serve on committees that deal with matters relating to NAIA guidelines/procedures.

Section 14.2 Sport Liaisons/Duties Each conference sport will be assigned a sport liaison from the Conference Administrative Council. At-large or ex-officio members are not eligible to serve as sport liaisons. The primary responsibilities of the sport liaisons are:

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1. Assisting Sport Chair and sports committees on understanding and interpreting conference bylaws and procedures. The liaison aids the chair in the annual review and revision of sport operating manuals. 2. Advising Sports Chair and sports committee on methods of operation and meeting protocols. Attendance at coaches’ meetings is required. 3. Ensuring that the Administrative Council's view is represented at all committee/coach meetings; and to representing the coaches’ committee at all Administrative Council meetings. 4. Notifying Sports Chair of key agenda items for coaches’ meetings (i.e. playoffs, proposals, chair & rater appointments, etc.). 5. Maintaining regular contact with the Sports Chair. 6. Serving as a communication link between the Administrative Council and coaches’ groups by providing the Commissioner with meeting minutes following coaches' meetings. 7. Working with Sports Chair in resolving issues related to their sport. 8. Serving as a member of the sport ratings oversight committee if applicable. 9. The AD liaison will review & approve all conference team and individual awards selection processes in their assigned sport; to include review of voting ballots and participation on conference calls or in-person selection meetings. 10. Assist conference staff and designated personnel in review and approval of postseason tournament qualification, seedings and brackets. 11. Assist in awards ceremonies (if available) at conference championships. If unavailable, the AD liaison will work with the conference office and championship host in securing an alternate administrator to perform the duties of the AD Liaison. 12. Assist in the supervision and administration of conference championships. In some sports, this includes serving on games committees and or other committees as assigned by sport. 13. Depending on the tournament format the liaison is highly encouraged to be in attendance for the duration of the conference tournament. In the case of sports where tournaments are not held at one location the liaison is highly encouraged to attend the tournament championship game/match.

Section 15. Ad Hoc Committees

The Commissioner may appoint ad hoc committees.

Article IX – Eligibility

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The eligibility rules of the Conference shall apply to every student representing a River States Conference institution in any athletic contest, as defined by the NAIA. All eligibility rules and standards of conduct of the Conference will be equal to or may exceed those of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Student-athletes shall not transfer from a member institution to another without satisfying the transfer policy as defined by the River States Conference. Student-athlete who has graduated from a conference school(s) shall be exempt from the transfer rule. A student-athlete who does transfer shall be bound by the following:

A. A student-athlete who practices, competes or is identified by NAIA definition at a River States Conference member institution shall not be eligible to compete at another River States Conference institution, in any sport, for 365 calendar days;

B. The 365 calendar days must include two standard academic terms (fall/spring). The 365 days begin on the first day after the conclusion of the term in which the student-athlete withdrew or completed classes or the student-athlete’s official withdraw date, whichever comes first;

C. Summer terms, inter-terms and all non-terms will not satisfy the two, standard term rule;

D. Under extreme circumstances, a member institution (chief executive officer, athletics director or faculty athletics representative) may appeal the transfer policy requirements on behalf of a student-athlete. All appeals must be submitted to the Commissioner; who will in turn refer the appeal to the conference Appeals Committee.

Article X – Dues and Assessments

1. The annual institutional dues, assignor fees and tournament/sport fees for the academic year are set by the Audit Committee and submitted to the Administrative Council for review and to the Council of Presidents for ratification. Payment is due August 1 and delinquent on September 15

2. Associate membership (single sport) dues will be one-half full member dues. Applicable sport/tournament fees, if any, will also be required.

3. Institutions delinquent in payment of dues, shall forfeit voting privileges and all conference contests until the delinquency is resolved. The Treasurer shall send a reminder to the delinquent institution. 4. A resigning member, or one dropped from the Conference, shall forfeit its pro- rata share of the conference assets. A member failing to provide a one-year

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notice of their intent to resign from the Conference must pay the equivalent of one year’s dues to the Conference. 5. If additional expenses are incurred during any year by the Conference over and above the amount received, they are borne by the member institutions equally.

6. In case a surplus is carried over any year, this surplus shall be factored into the recommendation by the Audit Committee/Commissioner to the Council of Presidents in making a budget for the succeeding year.

Article XI – Conference Budget and Finances An annual budget shall be presented by the Treasurer at the fall meeting and approved by both the Administrative Council and the Council of Presidents. Stipends are paid semi-annually to the Officers of the Conference Administrative Council; and paid monthly to the Commissioner and Conference Sports Information Director/webmaster (paid monthly). Stipends are reviewed and set annually.

Article XII – Transacting Official Business

In transacting official business with a college, the Administrative Council shall recognize only the Athletics Director or someone appointed by him/her or by the duly appointed authority of the college. Official game contracts for conference contests in all sports are required. Any team canceling or modifying a game contract for a game with another institution without consent shall be reported to the Commissioner for review. Appeals of his/her decision may be made to the COP Executive Committee. Members will have fulfilled their obligation on a contract commitment when the visiting school has traveled to the site of the home team or when the visiting team has incurred any travel and/or meal expense as a result of an attempt to meet any contractual obligation.

Article XIII – Disposition of Violations 1. All violations shall be reported in writing to the Commissioner and to the Conduct in Competition Committee. Any institution involved in a questionable incident or irregularity shall be expected to investigate the incident and take positive and direct action to correct the situation. 2. Whenever anyone identified with the conference (student-athlete, coach, administrative staff member, official, etc.) is involved in any type of misconduct,

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the Director of Athletics of that institution shall use every means possible to adjudicate the case. Based upon the severity of the violation, the case shall then be submitted to the Commissioner who will forward all details to the Conduct in Competition Committee for review and recommended action. The Commissioner and the Committee may seek the advice and counsel of the NAIA national office. Any penalties that exceed the normal conference or NAIA sanctions must be approved by the COP Executive Committee. 3. The individual or the institution in question will have no voice in rendering a decision as to guilt or vindication and will be expected to testify only to the extent of answering questions put forth by the Conduct in Competition Committee and/or the Council of Presidents Executive Committee.

4. Any Conference member institution having been found guilty of any violation of Conference rules may be restored to good standing by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership of the Council of Presidents. Abstentions are not permitted. If and when the Commissioner or President rules against any member of the Conference, the affected member has the right to appeal that decision to the Conference as a whole. Appeal hearings shall be decided by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership of the Council of Presidents.

Article XIV – Conduct and Sportsmanship

Section 1. Guiding Principles The members of this Conference agree to promote and control student athletics in order to maintain them at a high standard of personal honor, scholarship, eligibility, fair play and sportsmanship. The conference shall take such procedures as it deems necessary to prevent violations of the principles of amateur sports, fair play, and good sportsmanship. The conference and its member institutions will also abide by the NAIA guiding principles related to all policies, game management protocols and NAIA Champions of Character standards. The rules and standards of conduct adopted by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics shall apply when a question of interpretation is posed that is not covered in the conference constitution and bylaws. Section 2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct Removal from a game or match of any player, coach or staff member shall be reported to the Commissioner; who will then inform the Conduct in Competition Committee. Each incident shall be acted upon in accordance with the NAIA rules and regulations regarding suspensions/ejections. Coaches and/or school officials shall in no way incite, demonstrate, or otherwise attempt by word or action to register disapproval toward officials. Game officials are

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required to report any ejections and/or problems to their assignor; who will then inform the Commissioner. Failure to report any incidents may lead to the removal of an official from the conference roster. Unless allowed by the governing sport rules, no artificial noise makers (bells, drums, beating on cans, etc.) are to be used at a contest involving a member institution. Any band music will be restricted to before the start of the contest, at half time and during dead ball periods. Any violation shall be subject to a technical foul and reported to the Commissioner. The home management is responsible for crowd behavior. It shall be the responsibility of the home institution to take steps to avoid potential problems (i.e. seating cheering sections in separate and divided areas; providing security both inside and adjacent to areas of access or parking; providing private and protected dressing areas for officials and players). The Conference reserves the right to take such action as deemed necessary to protect and improve the program of intercollegiate athletics for the benefit of its members. All irregularities coming to the attention of the Conference shall be acted upon by the Conduct in Competition Committee. Penalties as severe as permanent suspension or disbarment in the sport involved may be assessed to both individuals and institutions.

Section 3. Sportsmanship statement before each contest The conference requires the reading of the following statement (or a similar statement from the NAIA Champions of Character/Game Management guidelines) prior to all conference contests: The River States Conference encourages positive sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, spectators and officials at all of our contests. Profanity, racial or ethnic comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from this contest. On behalf of the River States Conference and the NAIA, we thank you for your attendance and compliance with our conference and national sportsmanship guidelines.

Article XV – Conference Awards

The conference sponsors comparable awards that are presented at the national level by the NAIA through supervision by the Awards Committee. A complete list of awards by sport is found in each individual sport operating manual. The Awards Committee is responsible for approving all awards-related legislation.

All Conference Scholar-Athlete Teams - All student-athletes who meet the listed requirements will be eligible for All-Conference Scholar-Athlete Honors.

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 Post a 3.25 cumulative grade point average as listed on the eligibility certificate for their current term of attendance/participation.  Have completed not less than two semesters of attendance at their conference institution immediately prior to the most recent term of attendance/participation.  Competed in a conference sponsored sport during the season of submission. Which means they record a season of eligibility as defined by the NAIA. Institutions are responsible for verifying all qualifying academic criteria and sport participation required for award eligibility and in submitting nominations to the conference office. All-Conference Scholar-Athlete teams are announced following the conclusion of each sport’s season.

Article XVI – Conference Sport Guidelines and Bylaws/Operating Manuals

Any sport that fields a minimum of five (5) varsity programs is recognized as a conference sport and eligible for conference awards and a conference championship. Conference sports must have written guidelines (bylaws), a sport chair, rater (if applicable) and an AD sport liaison. Each conference sport’s guidelines and regulations is compiled separately as an appendix to the conference Constitution and Bylaws. All proposed sports changes must be submitted to the Commissioner at least four weeks prior to the designated. Administrative Council meeting that reviews their sport. Fall sports are typically reviewed during the previous year’s winter meeting; winter sports are reviewed during the previous year’s spring meeting and spring sports are reviewed during the previous year’s fall meeting. Sport bylaws/operating manuals are to be reviewed annually by the respective sport chairs and liaisons. The regulations will be approved on an annual basis by the Administrative Council and the COP.

Article XVII – Dissolution

Upon termination or dissolution of the Conference and after discharge and satisfaction of all outstanding obligations and liabilities; remaining funds and assets shall be distributed and transferred only to such organizations or entities as shall be designated by the active membership from those described by the terms of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States now in effect.

Article XVIII – Amendments to the Constitution

Amendments to this Constitution may be made at any regular or special meeting by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Administrative Council with a subsequent two-thirds vote of the Council of Presidents. Proposed amendments must be submitted in writing to the Commissioner four weeks prior to a meeting of the Administrative Council. Complete

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copies of the proposed amendments must be sent to all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

This Constitution shall be in effect as of July 1, 2016, and thereafter until amended. Each change in the Constitution shall bear its effective date.

Amended 6/4/2019

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