Article 1 - Membership

1.1 The Association has two categories of membership:

a) Provincial/Territorial Associations – These are the governing bodies of softball recognized by each province and territory in Canada. New Provincial/Territorial Associations may be admitted to membership upon written application to the Board and approval by a two-thirds majority of voting Members at an Annual Meeting.

b) Director Members – These are the individuals elected or appointed to serve as Directors of the Association. Director Members may not hold an elected or appointed position, or an employment position, with a softball organization that is not recognized by the Association.

1.2 Members shall have the following voting rights at meetings of Members:

a) Each Provincial/Territorial Association shall have three votes.

b) Each Director Member shall have one vote.

1.3 A Member shall be deemed to be in good standing provided that the Member:

a) Owes no outstanding membership dues or other debt to the Association.

b) Has complied with the Constitution and Bylaws, the Special Operating Rules and the policies of the Association.

c) If a Provincial/Territorial Association Member, has:

i) Accurately reported its membership and/or participant numbers to the Association for the current year by November 1st.

ii) Ensured that all participant players sign an approved Softball Canada Registration form and has provided the Association with a list of all participant players registered within the Provincial/Territorial Association by September 30th of the current year.

iii) Ensured that all umpires sign an approved Softball Canada Registration form and has provided the Association with a list of all umpires registered within the Provincial/Territorial Association by July 1st of the current year.

d) If a Provincial/Territorial Association Member, has not entered into a relationship or a formal agreement with a softball organization other than the Association without the prior approval of the Association.

e) Has not ceased to be a Member or been suspended or expelled from membership.

f) Is not subject to a disciplinary action or investigation of the Association, or if subject to disciplinary action of the Association previously, has fulfilled all terms and conditions of such disciplinary action to the satisfaction of the Directors.

1.4 Members who cease to be in good standing shall not be entitled to the benefits and privileges of membership, including the right to vote at meetings of Members, and may be subject to penalties including, but not limited to, monetary fines, the suspension of privileges to compete at a Canadian Championship, the suspension of privileges to host a Canadian Championship or Annual Meetings and Congresses, and in severe cases, the suspension or expulsion of the Member from the Association. A Member may be restored to good standing upon meeting the definition of good standing set out above, to the satisfaction of the Directors of the Association.

1.5 A Member may resign from the Association by giving written notice to the Chief Executive Officer, provided that a Member may not resign when the Member is subject to a disciplinary action or investigation of the Association. Resignation from membership does not entitle the Member to any refund of membership dues.

1.6 Membership in the Association is terminated when:

a) The Member, in the case of a member that is a corporation, the corporation is dissolved;
b) The Member fails to maintain any of the qualifications or conditions of membership described in Sub-sections 1.1 and 1.3;
c) The Member fails to pay membership dues or monies owed to the Association by the deadline dates prescribed;
d) The Member’s term of membership expires; or
e) The Association is liquidated or dissolved under the Act.

1.7 A Member/Participant may be suspended or expelled from the Association in accordance with the Association’s policies and procedures relating to discipline of Members.

1.8 Individuals, players and Teams who wish to travel and compete outside of Canada must be in possession of a valid travel permit issued by their respective Provincial/Territorial Association and must have completed the appropriate documentation from the Association.

1.9 All participants and Members are required to comply at all times with the Constitution and Bylaws, the Special Operating Rules and the policies of the Association, including the Association’s Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy. Failure to do so may result in the imposition of sanctions against the Member or participant.

1.10 Transfer of Membership

a) Any interest arising out of membership in Softball Canada is not transferable.

1.11 Fundamental Changes

a) Pursuant to subsection 197(1) of the Act (Fundamental Change), a Special Resolution (2/3 vote) of the members is required to make any amendments if those amendments affect membership rights and/or conditions described (in paragraphs 197(1)(e), (h), (l) or (m)) as follows:

i) Change a condition required for being a member;

ii) Add, change or remove a provision respecting the transfer of a membership;

iii) Change in the manner of giving notice to members entitled to vote at a meeting of members; or

iv) Change the method of voting by members not in attendance at a meeting of members.