SECTION 1.00: Name and Address
The official name of the Academy shall be “LEONES FC SOCCER ACADEMY, A N.J. LLC.” For competitive purposes, the Academy may be referred to as “LEONES FC”. The official address of the Academy shall be: 48 Mravlag Pl, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201.

SECTION 1.01: Purpose
The purpose of LEONES FC Soccer Academy is to promote participation in the sport of soccer through the organization, operation, and maintenance of competitive soccer programs within the central New Jersey area. The Academy aims to foster good sportsmanship, discipline, and fellowship among players, coaches, and parents through principles of honesty, fairness, and integrity. Additionally, the Academy is committed to educating players, parents, and the broader community on the sport of soccer and its value.

SECTION 1.02: Seasonal Year
The seasonal year of LEONES FC shall commence on January 1 and conclude on December 31 of the same calendar year.

SECTION 2.00: Affiliations
LEONES FC, its officers, and members shall adhere to and be governed by these bylaws, as well as the rules and regulations of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA).

SECTION 3.00: Financial Ownership
All funds collected through player dues, assessments, team dues, or fundraising activities under the name of LEONES FC or its member teams shall remain the property of LEONES FC. These funds may only be disbursed in a manner consistent with these bylaws. The Board of Directors (“the Board”) shall determine all matters related to the ownership and disbursement of LEONES FC funds. The Treasurer shall open and maintain financial accounts for LEONES FC at a recognized bank or financial institution as approved by the Board, and shall be responsible for tracking the status of these accounts, providing monthly updates at Board meetings, and presenting a financial summary at the annual meeting.

SECTION 4.00: Fundraising
All fundraising projects, events, or other activities sponsored by LEONES FC or its member teams must be approved by the Board. Proposals for fundraising activities must be submitted in writing at least two (2) months prior to the planned event or activity.

SECTION 5.00: Membership
LEONES FC membership consists of players, their parents, and coaches. Teams are composed of boys and girls aged 6 to 16, born between August 1st and July 31st of two consecutive calendar years. Players must hold a valid player pass for their age group and be registered with the Academy under a primary player pass. Coaches must hold a current Coaches pass.

SECTION 5.01: Membership Responsibilities
All members of LEONES FC are required to comply with the bylaws and rules of the Academy, as well as those of any affiliated organizations in relation to local, district, inter-district, regional, national, and international competition or activities carried out under the Academy’s name. Adherence to these rules is a condition of membership.

SECTION 5.02: Suspension and Expulsion of Members
Members may be suspended or expelled for reasonable cause by the Board following a hearing where they have an opportunity to respond. Grounds for suspension or expulsion may include disciplinary violations or breaches of these bylaws.

SECTION 5.03: Suspension
Suspended members retain their membership but are temporarily deprived of their privileges. Suspension will end when the Board determines the member has completed the suspension period, or if the member is expelled.

SECTION 5.04: Expulsion
Expelled members lose all membership privileges and may not reapply for membership for one calendar year from the date of expulsion. Re-admission requires approval from the Board.

SECTION 5.05: Membership Restrictions
No individual or team member may use or disclose player or team registration information or the LEONES FC name or activities without prior approval from the Board.

SECTION 6.00: Club Composition
LEONES FC is structured into three distinct divisions, each governed by specific rules and regulations as outlined herein and occasionally revised by the Board.

SECTION 6.01: Division 5 & 6 Teams (U-8, U-9, U-10)
Tryouts for these divisions are held annually in May and/or June. There is no limit to the number of teams at each age level. Returning players must attend tryouts each year and are not guaranteed a spot. The allocation of players to teams is at the discretion of the head coach, subject to Board approval. Team placement within the league is also determined by the head coach with Board approval.

SECTION 6.02: Team Composition
Small-sided teams may carry up to fourteen (14) registered players and must have at least ten (10) players. Players are committed to their teams for the entire year unless a transfer request is made and approved by the Board. Additional players may be added after tryouts with the approval of the coach and the Board.

SECTION 6.03: Division 3 & 4 Teams (U-11, U-12, U-13, U-14)
Tryouts for these divisions are held in May and/or June. Players selected during tryouts are committed for the entire year (both fall and spring seasons).

SECTION 6.04: Team Composition
Division 3 & 4 teams may have up to twenty-two (22) registered players and must carry at least fourteen (14). Players are committed to their teams for the entire year unless a transfer is approved by the Board. Additional players may be added with Board approval after tryouts.

SECTION 6.05: Division 1 & 2 Teams (U-15, U-16)
Players for these divisions are selected for the spring season. Returning players must attend tryouts each year and are not guaranteed a spot.

SECTION 6.06: Team Composition
Division 1 & 2 teams may carry up to twenty-six (26) registered players and must have at least fifteen (15) players. Players are committed to their teams for the entire year unless a transfer is approved by the Board. Additional players may be added after tryouts with the coach’s and Board’s approval.

SECTION 7.00: Player Regulations
LEONES FC Player Code of Conduct:

1. Treats opponents, teammates, coaches, and referees with respect.
2. Plays fairly within the rules of soccer.
3. Demonstrates self-control and good sportsmanship.
4. Accepts referee decisions without dispute.
5. Wins humbly and loses gracefully, never quitting.
6. Abides by team and club rules, including punctuality for practices and games.
7. Understands the privilege of representing LEONES FC.

SECTION 7.01: Dues
Each player is responsible for annual dues, which are non-refundable or pro-rated. Dues cover registration, training, field maintenance, and general operating expenses, but do not include travel, uniforms, tournament fees, or additional costs related to outside soccer events. No player may participate in games until dues are fully paid. The Board may offer financial assistance to players in need.

SECTION 7.02: Behavior
Players and their families are expected to represent LEONES FC with sportsmanship, team spirit, self-discipline, and respect for others.

SECTION 7.03: Attendance
Players are expected to attend all scheduled games and practices and work on their skills independently outside regular team sessions.

SECTION 7.04: Parent and Spectator Regulations
Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct:

1. Treats players, coaches, referees, and others with respect.
2. Observes games from designated areas.
3. Avoids offensive language or disruptive behavior.
4. Does not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs during games or practices.
5. Informs coaches of any medical conditions affecting their children.
6. Encourages children to adhere to the Player Regulations.

SECTION 8.00: Coaching Regulations
LEONES FC Coaches Code of Conduct:

1. Treats players, parents, opponents, and referees with respect.
2. Inspires players to love the game and compete fairly.
3. Leads by example, embodying the traits they wish to instill in players.
4. Maintains high standards of performance and team discipline.
5. Respects officials’ decisions.
6. Demonstrates an understanding of the game and proper conduct.

SECTION 8.01: Coaching Requirements
All LEONES FC coaches, assistant coaches, managers, and team-parent representatives must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age, unless approved by the Board. Coaches are evaluated at the end of each season by the Board. Coaches may be removed for cause following a hearing. Trainers may be terminated by the Academy at any time.

SECTION 9.00: Club Responsibilities
LEONES FC shall reimburse teams for league referee fees and provide ten (10) training sessions each in the fall and spring. It shall also cover entry fees for two (2) tournaments annually. Teams must follow the Academy’s tournament guidelines.

SECTION 10.00: Uniforms
Official uniforms, consisting of red, blue, and white jerseys, shall be designated by the Board. Uniforms must be worn at all games and tournaments, except during summer tournaments where teams may opt for T-shirts.

SECTION 11.00: Officer Qualifications
Candidates for the LEONES FC Board must be members in good standing and at least twenty-one (21) years of age. Each officer position has specific criteria.

SECTION 11.01: Selection
Board members are nominated by current members and appointed by the President of LEONES FC.

SECTION 11.02: Term of Office
Board members serve a one-year term, renewable by a unanimous Board vote.

SECTION 11.03: Resignation
Board members