Carnegie Mellon University

Women's Water Polo Club Constitution

created: 10/17/08

updated: 9/30/09

Mission Statement:

The Women's Water Polo Club exists to provide women at Carnegie Mellon University with an opportunity to play water polo and to encourage the spread of water polo throughout the region. Our purpose is to compete with other women across the nation, and this gives our players the ability to forge connections with other women water polo players at different schools. We also strive to encourage relationships between Carnegie Mellon students from different backgrounds, majors, and beliefs through the common interest of water polo.

Membership Clause:

The Carnegie Mellon University Women's Water Polo club does not discriminate on a basis on race, color, national origin, handicap, or sexual orientation. It is open to all students, undergraduate and graduate, and faculty, in accordance with Carnegie Mellon University’s Statement of Assurance, found at: http://www.cmu.edu/policies/documents/SoA.html.

Members who wish to play in tournaments, both home and away, are required to pay dues before a set date. Both the dues amount and date are set by the treasurer every semester and are directly affected by the JFC funding of the team. Exceptions to students who can not pay dues for financial reasons may be discussed with the treasurer and other members of the board. Attending practice does not require payment of dues, or affiliation with Carnegie Mellon University. Post-graduates are asked to seek permission with the board before coming to their first practice. Members of different schools and other unaffiliated players must obtain permission to attend practice and must check in each time they attend. No liability waivers are required at this time.

Officer Positions/Responsibilities:

President: The president is the face of the organization, and actions performed by the club or against the club are her responsibility. It is the president’s responsibility to conduct board meetings, meet with University representatives, arrange pool times, organize team scheduling and transportation, and be able to respond to any situation that arises. If there is doubt to the role of a board member or who should accomplish a task, the president has ultimate say on the decision that is reached.

Captain: The captain is in charge of running practices by organizing warm-ups and drills beforehand. The captain is also in charge of addressing the team with water polo-related matters, such as upcoming games and practices.

The captain is also in charge of the roster. During practice, the captain may instruct the other board members to facilitate practice as she sees fit. The position “captain” may be held by one or two people, provided the board agrees with the decision.

Treasurer: The treasurer is responsible for all fiscal matters in the organization. He/she is the representative for JFC and has access to the budget and funds. The treasurer should have updated figures on expenses and income and be able to report to the other board members on the financial status of the club at any time.

Public Relations Chair: The PR chair is in charge of advertising games, tournaments, and the team in general. It is her responsibility to make sure the rest of campus hears about the water polo club on a regular basis. This may include fliers, painting the fence, chalking, ads in readme or the Tartan, or other promotional ideas.

Fundraiser: The fundraiser is in charge of organizing events targeted at increasing available funds for the club. Responsibilities include finding workers, obtaining the materials to be sold (if there are any), and overseeing at least the beginning and end of the fundraising activity. If cash is directly involved, he/she must acquire the cash box and provide it with change.

Procedure for Selection of Officers:

*Elections are held annually on reading day during Spring semester examinations week. All members are required to attend in order to be able to vote on future officers, and all nominees are absolutely required to attend to defend their nominations to the rest of the club. Members not paying dues are encouraged to come, as their vote counts as much as anyone else’s. Officers must be current undergraduate or graduate students who will be attending the University both the following fall and spring semesters. Exceptions may be made in this case, and will be decided by a simple majority vote.

*If reading day conflicts with too many members of the team, an alternate date must be decided upon before the last day of practice that semester.

*Officers are voted upon in the order presented above, with the newly elected president immediately assuming responsibility over the elections once she is elected. In the event of a tie, the candidates have the opportunity to reiterate their positions and a second vote will be tallied. If this is still a draw, the candidates must decide between themselves who is to gain the position in contention. If this cannot be resolved, the current or former (if president is the contested position) president may act as arbitrator. Other cases may be decided by using the board as arbitrator, such as an incumbent president receiving the same amount of votes as a new candidate after multiple votes.

*In emergency situations (officers stepping down, becoming unable to belong to the board, etc.), the remaining board members will decide how the position will be replaced. Two scenarios are shifting the board around to accommodate the absence or holding open elections to fill the void as described above. If the vacant spot is president, the treasurer immediately assumes presidential responsibilities until a new president is chosen.

Procedure for Removal of Officers:

*In the event an officer neglects their duties or attempts to assume too much power within the organization, the rest of the board can elect to remove that officer by a simple majority vote. Additionally, the members of the team may file a class-action suit against the board or individual officers if they feel the interests of the board members are not in accordance with those of the club and its mission statement.

*In the event an officer decides to step down from his/her position, the remaining board members will decide how the position will be replaced. Two scenarios are shifting the board around to accommodate the absence or holding open elections to fill the void as described above.

Procedure for Amending Constitution:

*Changes to the Constitution may be made directly by the president, with the entire board’s unanimous approval. At least four members out of five (or six) on the board must ratify a new amendment that the board suggests.

*Members of the team may put together a class-action suit regarding the Constitution and submit it to the board for approval. Ultimately, the decision to change the Constitution lies with the board.

Meeting Structure & Miscellaneous:

*Board email: cmuwwp-board “at” lists.andrew.cmu.edu

*Bi-weekly practices will be held at the University Center pool. More practices will be added to the schedule as considered necessary.

*Board meetings will be conducted Wednesday evenings at 11 pm after practice in the University Center.