SUmmit valley united bylaws

​

Article I — Name and Affiliation​

1. The official name of this organization shall be Summit Valley United, a nonprofit soccer organization operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

2. Summit Valley United Academy serves as the club's youth division, responsible for player development and competition.

3. Berryville FC represents the organization's founding entity and heritage name and may continue to be used in limited or historical contexts.

4. Summit Valley United is affiliated with and governed by the rules and policies of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), and its state affiliates, including the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA), West Virginia Soccer Association (WVSA), and the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).

Article II — Purpose​

1. The purpose of Summit Valley United is to promote, develop, and administer competitive and recreational soccer programs for youth and adults.

2. The organization shall provide structured opportunities for players to develop skills, sportsmanship, and character while advancing to higher levels of play through a unified player pathway.

3. Summit Valley United shall operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3).

4. No part of the net earnings shall benefit any individual or private entity.

Article III — Membership​

Membership Classes:

a. Adult Members: Registered adult players, coaches, and staff participating in UPSL, WPL, APL, FXA, or other sanctioned leagues.
b. Youth Members: Registered players, parents, and volunteers within Summit Valley United Academy under VYSA or WVSA affiliation.
c. Associate Members: Volunteers, sponsors, and other individuals contributing to the club’s operation.

Membership Rights:

Members in good standing may participate in meetings, club activities, and elections as determined by the Board.

Good Standing:
Members must comply with club rules, fulfill financial obligations, and adhere to Codes of Conduct and applicable league policies.

Termination:

Membership may be suspended or terminated for conduct deemed detrimental to the organization, in accordance with the procedures outlined in Article IX.

Article IV — Governance Structure​

1. Summit Valley United shall be governed by a single Board of Directors that oversees both adult and youth operations.

2. The Board shall ensure compliance with all VYSA, WVSA, and UPSL requirements, including registration, insurance, and risk management.

3. The Board shall maintain oversight of club finances, policies, scheduling, and long-term planning for both divisions.

Article V — Board of Directors

Composition:

The Board of Directors shall initially consist of the Founding Director and may expand to include additional members as the organization grows. The Board may increase in size as needed, with a target composition of five (5) to nine (9) voting members once fully established.

​

Until additional officers or directors are appointed, all required executive duties and responsibilities shall be performed by the Founding Director. The Founding Director shall have full authority to act on behalf of Summit Valley United, Summit Valley United Academy, and Berryville FC in all matters related to governance, administration, and compliance with applicable league and nonprofit requirements.

​

Voting Officers:

• President / Executive Director

• Vice President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Registrar

• Director of Coaching (DOC)

• Risk Management Officer

• Communications & Marketing Director

• At-Large Member(s)

Terms of Office:

Directors shall serve for two (2) years, renewable by vote of the Board. Terms may be staggered for continuity.

Vacancies:

The Board may fill any vacant position by majority vote for the remainder of the term.

Compensation:

Board members shall serve without compensation, except for approved expense reimbursements.

​

Article VI — Duties of Officers

Founding Director Authority

Until such time as additional officers or directors are appointed, the Founding Director shall hold and perform all executive, administrative, and financial duties required to operate Summit Valley United and Summit Valley United Academy.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Managing the club’s day-to-day operations and finances.

Representing the club in all dealings with VYSA, WVSA, UPSL, or other governing bodies.

Handling all player and team registrations, insurance, and league communications.

Ensuring compliance with all 501(c)(3), SafeSport, and league requirements.

Future Officer Roles

As the organization grows, the Board may appoint additional officers to support specific functions such as:

​

Vice President

Secretary

Treasurer

Registrar

Director of Coaching

Risk Management Officer

Communications & Marketing Director

The specific duties of these roles shall be defined by the Board at the time of appointment and documented in an internal policy manual or board resolution.

​​​

​

Article VII — Meetings

Regular Meetings:

The Board shall meet at least quarterly to review operations, finances, and planning.

Annual General Meeting (AGM):

An AGM shall be held once per year to elect officers and present reports to members.

Special Meetings:

May be called by the President or a majority of the Board with seven (7) days’ notice.

Quorum:

A majority of voting Board members constitutes a quorum.

Voting:

Decisions are made by simple majority unless otherwise specified.

Article VIII — Finances​

1. All funds shall be maintained in accounts under the name of Summit Valley United.

2. The fiscal year shall run from January 1 to December 31.

3. No individual shall commit club funds without authorization.

Article IX — Discipline and Grievances​

1. The Board of Directors shall have authority to discipline members, players, or coaches for misconduct, violations of league rules, or behavior contrary to the club’s mission.

2. Disciplinary actions may include warnings, suspension, or removal.

3. Individuals subject to disciplinary action shall have the right to a hearing before the Board.

4. Appeals may be filed with the appropriate governing body (VYSA, WVSA, or UPSL) in accordance with their procedures.

Article X — Compliance and Risk Management​

1. Summit Valley United shall comply with all requirements of VYSA, WVSA, and UPSL regarding registration, insurance, SafeSport, and player safety.

2. All coaches, volunteers, and staff must complete background checks and mandatory training before participating.

3. The club shall maintain adequate liability and accident insurance coverage for all programs.

Article XI — Amendments​

1. Proposed amendments to these bylaws must be submitted in writing to the Board.

2. Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Board for approval.

3. Approved amendments shall take effect immediately unless otherwise stated.

Article XII — Dissolution​

1. Upon dissolution of Summit Valley United, all assets shall be distributed to one or more nonprofit organizations with similar purposes and exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).

2. Under no circumstances shall assets be distributed to any individual or private entity.