The Official Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC Supporters Group Page
By-Laws
| ARTICLE I: NAME |
1.1. This group is an organized soccer Supporter group (SG) of the Northern Colorado Hailstorm club; the supporter group shall be called “StormChasers,” or “StormChasers SG”
1.2 The Stormchasers SG shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado, and no part of money collected or proceeds given to The Stormchasers SG shall be paid or distributed to any member as compensation.
| ARTICLE II: MISSION STATEMENT |
The StormChasers Supporter Group is about creating an inclusive and exciting fan community that encourages support and growth of soccer, Northern Colorado, and of course, the Northern Colorado Hailstorm club. We develop and strengthen relationships of fans with the club, serve as a catalyst for involvement, and benefit and grow the support of the club and the sport in Northern Colorado. We aim to be a voice for the fans for the club and will do so with integrity, pride, and inclusivity.
| ARTICLE III: PURPOSE |
3.1. StormChasers SG is organized and shall operate as a supporter group for the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC professional soccer club.
3.2. The Stormchasers will be an organization that allows members to gather and implement ideas/innovations to enhance the supporter experience at Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC matches, to grow awareness and enthusiasm for the sport of soccer (football), and the club.
3.3. To socialize with other members who share a passion for Northern Colorado, this sport and this club, and contribute meaningfully to the community of supporters and to all of Northern Colorado.
3.4. To support Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC enthusiastically via stadium noise (chants, marches, songs, etc.) and visuals (banners, signs, flags, crowd movement, tifos etc.).
3.5. To facilitate communication between StormChasers SG and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, other Hailstorm fans, other teams’ supporter’s groups, and the Hailstorm league (currently USL League-1).
| ARTICLE IV: THE LEGAL|
4.1. By becoming a Member of StormChasers SG, an individual agrees to the articles of these Bylaws and promises to uphold the spirit in which they were written.
4.2. Amendments to the Bylaws must be proposed to the full Board of Directors in writing. Such proposals will be discussed by StormChasers SG Board of Directors and a two-thirds majority of Board members must be in agreement to propose it to the membership for voting.
4.3. Any matter not addressed in these Bylaws shall be evaluated by the StormChasers SG Board of Directors, whose decision shall be deemed final.
4.4. Members are entitled to stand for election as President, Vice President, Financial Chair, Community and Membership Chair, Matchday Chair, Marketing Chair, or Event Chair provided they have been an active Member for at least one (1) year OR if they are nominated by one other active Member who has been a member for at least (1) year.
4.5. Members are entitled to stand for Member Representative consideration, provided they have been a Member for at least one (1) year OR if they are nominated by one other Member who has been a member for at least (1) year.
4.6. There shall be a full disclosure of all nominees’ membership history before all elections.
4.7. Where two candidates are contesting a Board Member position, and a tied vote occurs, the winning candidate will be decided by a balloted vote of the outgoing Board Members.
4.8. Should the President’s position become vacant, it will be offered first to the Vice President who may opt to take said Presidency over for the remainder of the term.
4.9. Should any other Board Member position become vacant during their term, an election will be held for the vacant position.
4.10. Financial agreements between the StormChasers SG and other organizations or businesses for services rendered to Members of Stormchasers SG must be documented by a written financial agreement approved by the President, Financial Chair and Treasurer.
| ARTICLE V: MEMBERSHIP |
5.1. A “Member” is defined as one who has paid membership dues to Stormchasers for said year and abides by the “Rules of Conduct” and “Bylaws”.
5.2. Membership dues will be announced and set before each season.
5.3. Membership dues are not refundable.
5.4. The full membership details will be announced before each season.
5.5. Members are required to follow all regulations outlined in the Bylaws.
| ARTICLE VI: RULES OF CONDUCT |
6.1. Members are expected to avoid any behavior that would be considered detrimental to the image of StormChasers SG. This includes, but is not limited to, bigotry (based on any identity such as race, gender/expression, religion, disability, or sexual orientation), sectarianism, violence, criminal mischief, personal problems, or hooliganism in any of its forms. None of this will be tolerated.
6.1.1. Depending on the severity of any fan infraction, a range of actions may be taken, including a warning or removal from the supporter group, supporter section, and potentially the stadium, shall the club need to be involved.
6.1.2. For a warning, a second infraction within the same season will result in a written warning and the offending Member being placed on probation for the remainder of the season, but severity may dictate harsher consequences.
6.1.2.1. Offending Members have the right to meet with the Board of Directors before probation occurs.
6.1.3. Three or more infractions by the offending Member within the same season will result in expulsion from StormChasers SG.
6.1.3.1. Offending Members have the right to meet with the Board of Directors before expulsion occurs.
6.1.4. If a violation by any offending Member is deemed severe enough by two-thirds of the Board of Directors, the offending Member will be immediately expelled from StormChasers SG.
6.2. Board of Director members must gain approval by two-thirds of the Board of Directors before purchasing anything for StormChasers SG for which they expect reimbursement.
6.3. Members will be heavily responsible for reporting any and all match day issues or complaints to a Member of the Board of Directors.
Board Members and Rules
| ARTICLE VII: BOARD MEMBER DUTIES |
7.1. Ensure and safeguard the independent status of StormChasers SG.
7.2. Represent the interests of the membership of StormChasers SG in all aspects.
7.3. Represent the membership of StomChasers SG in meetings with the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, USL League-1, or other associated entities (visiting teams, potential ownership groups, sponsorships, etc.).
7.4. Organize all aspects of general membership and Board of Director meetings.
7.5. Board of directors first term are appointed for StormChasers SG's first campaign.
7.5.1. President
7.5.1.1. The President will act as the primary representative & liaison between StormChasers SG and the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC. The President shall pursue normal meetings with the club, and the President shall be the club’s contact. The President will bring forward any communication topics, fan issues, requests, etc.
7.5.1.2. The President will help oversee other Chair positions and delegate all necessary responsibilities not otherwise outlined in these Bylaws to other Members.
7.5.1.3. The President is responsible for working with the Financial Chair to collect all membership dues and maintaining a budget for the fiscal year.
7.5.1.4. The President will work with the Financial Chair to maintain accurate records of receipts and invoices for all purchases and reimbursements.
7.5.1.5. The President will help file all necessary taxes and paperwork for StormChasers SG alongside the Financial Chair.
7.5.1.6. The President of StormChasers SG is a non-voting member unless there is a tie.
7.5.1.7. The President shall be apprised of any partnership details with sponsors, product donations, etc. and will also take the leada on merchandise and approve any merchandise or branding for accuracy before being taken to a vote to ensure that the SG is properly represented.
7.5.2. Vice President
7.5.2.1. The Vice President assumes all duties of President of StormChasers SG in their absence.
7.5.2.2. The Vice President is a secondary liaison and representative between StormChasers SG membership and the Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.
7.5.2.3. The Vice President assists with quarterly business updates seen by all members.
7.5.2.4. The Vice President enforces the rules and regulations of the Bylaws, including membership issues, with assistance from the President.
7.5.3. Community and Membership Chair
7.5.3.1. The Community and Membership Chair will maintain a membership log that lists dues collected from all StormChasers SG members.
7.5.3.2. The Community and Membership Chair will maintain a membership log which will detail all major decisions and code of conduct infractions.
7.5.3.3. The Community and Membership Chair facilitates outreach to other organizations for community-based events and fundraisers.
7.5.3.4. The Community and Membership Chair will work with the board to be the lead on securing sponsorships and product donations. They will work with the Matchday chair to identify needs.
7.5.4. Matchday Chair
7.5.4.1. The Matchday Chair will be responsible for conducting and coordinating all in-game activities such as Banners, Capos, Drumline, Marches, Chants, Tifos, ect.
7.5.4.2. The Matchday Chair will appoint (at least) 3 Capos and manage shifts for each home game. (We’ll have to see about this one)
7.5.4.3. The Matchday Chair must approve all banners for gameday, and help maintain optimal game viewing experience (to the best of their ability).
7.5.5. Marketing Chair
7.5.5.1. The Marketing Chair will be the main social media presence, and duties include event promotion, membership and non-membership engagement, driving content, and troll-hunting. The Marketing Chair will also work closely with the President to approve/create branding materials, merchandise, etc.
7.5.5.2. Other board members will have admin access to social sites, but the Marketing Chair has the final say to all content they deem in the best interest of StormChasers SG.
7.5.6. Event Chair
7.5.6.1. The Event Chair will be responsible for coordinating all events such as watch-parties, tailgates, and new member outreach.
7.5.6.2. The Event Chair will act as the liaison between StormChasers SG and the hosts of any event.
7.5.6.3. The Event Chair will act as the liaison between StormChasers SG and visiting Support groups to help create an inclusive atmosphere.
7.5.7. Financial Chair
7.5.7.1. The Financial Chair will file for initial status.
7.5.7.2 The Financial Chair will file necessary taxes alongside the President.
7.5.7.3 The Financial Chair is responsible for collecting all membership dues and maintaining a budget for the fiscal year alongside the President and paying out any necessary purchases.
7.5.7. Member Representatives-at-Large
7.5.7.1. There will be at least two (2), no more than six (6) Member Representatives-at-Large on the Board of Directors at any given time.
7.5.7.2. The Member Representatives will be appointed after chair elections are concluded by the current Board of Directors.
7.6. The President, Vice President, Community and Membership Chair, Matchday Chair, Marketing Chair, and Event Chair shall remain in place for two (2) calendar years, or until said Board member resigns, or is removed. All members are allowed to run for re-election.
7.7. The President, Community and Membership Chair, and Marketing Chair will roll off on odd years, Financial Chair, the Vice President, Matchday Chair, and Event Chair will roll off on even years.
7.8. The Member Representatives-at-Large shall remain in place for one (1) calendar year, or until said Board member resigns, or is removed.
7.9. Should the conduct of any member of the Board of Directors be deemed detrimental to StormChasers SG, a unanimous vote of the other members of the Board of Directors will be required to remove that Board member.
7.10. Members of the Board of Directors will have the power to suggest committees to the board.
