1. Purpose

   This organization shall provide leadership and development through the general supervision of water polo technical officials for all sanctioned events staged in Midwest Zone as defined by United States Water Polo (USWP), and to work for the betterment, development and growth of water polo at all levels in the Midwest Zone.

2. Objectives
   1. Establish MWPOA as the premier representative of technical officials to all bodies sanctioning the sport of water polo in the Midwest Zone. These sanctioning bodies include USWP, NCAA, and NISCA affiliated high schools.

   2. Coordinate and promote all phases of recruitment, training and certification of water polo technical officials, and when necessary, discipline and/or dismiss any official(s) in the Midwest zone.

   3. Coordinate and promote all phases of mentoring, evaluation, and rating of water polo technical officials.

   4. Coordinate and assign appropriately qualified officials for all levels of competition if requested by an association or team.

   5. Further the interests of water polo officials.

   6. Maintain the highest standard of water polo officiating.

   7. Promote the welfare of the game of water polo, and its officials, participants, administrators, fans, and media personnel.

   8. Encourage the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.

   9. Work with organizations to further development of all persons involved with water polo.

   10. Provide educational programs to advance the skills of water polo officials.

   11. Work with water polo administrators to provide qualified water polo for their competitions.

   12. Assure that the members of the organization are fairly compensated for their services.

   13. Solicit and receive funds for the support of MWPOA events and programs.

   The foregoing statements of the Purposes and Objectives of MWPOA are not intended to be deemed a limitation of the general purposes and objectives as set forth in these bylaws.

1. By-Laws

   The formation and guidance of MWPOA will be set forth in the By-Laws. This document provides the membership and affiliated organizations with a statement as to purpose, general membership guidelines, and authority necessary to govern the association.

   1. Ratifying the By-Laws

      The By-Laws may be ratified by a two-thirds majority of those persons present at the initial meeting of MWPOA who would qualify as active members.

   2. Amending the By-Laws

      The By-Laws may be amended, altered, or repealed by a two-thirds majority of active members provided a quorum is present. Any proposals or motions to amend or change the By-Laws must be presented in writing at one meeting with voting on same being deferred until the next, or a future meeting, with written notice of the proposed changes being duly given.

2. Policies & Procedures

   Specific rules of operation, policy, and procedures will be set forth in the Policies & Procedures of MWPOA. These documents provide detail regarding member interaction with the Executive Board, responsibilities of the Executive Board, and policies pertinent to conducting business and providing officiating services for the organizations served by MWPOA. As deemed necessary by the Executive Board, the Policies & Procedures will be periodically amended to update information documents (hereinafter referred to as Exhibits) containing Fee Schedules, Assignment Policies, etc.

   1. Ratifying the Policies & Procedures

      The Policies & Procedures may be ratified by a two-thirds majority of those persons present at the initial meeting of MWPOA who would qualify as active members.

   2. Amending the Policies & Procedures

      The Policies & Procedures may be amended or altered by a majority of the Executive Board. Any proposals or motions to amend or change the Policies & Procedures must be presented in writing at one meeting with voting by the Executive Board on same being deferred until the next or a future meeting with written notice of the proposed changes being duly given.

3. Communication

   At the Annual Business Meeting, the Secretary will distribute to each member a copy (or make notice of via the association web-site) of the current By-Laws, Policies & Procedures, and Exhibits. Meeting notices as required by the By-Laws or referenced within the Policies & Procedures may be provided by mail, electronic mail, or via the association web-site.

4. Competition

   The playing rules for each organization that serve to govern the authority and responsibilities of officials during competition.

Membership is open to all persons regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, or social status, subject to the following conditions. No person shall be denied membership or access due to race, color, creed, religion, sex, or national origin. None of the above shall be criteria for the receiving of assignments, level of assignments received, or as criteria for holding office. Race, color, creed, religion, sex, or national origin shall not be a factor in any portion of the membership, operation, and governance of MWPOA.

1. Status

   MWPOA shall be comprised of the following persons within the following classes of membership:

   1. Active: Comprised of individuals who are qualified water polo officials who have complied with all the membership requirements of MWPOA, who are in good standing, and who officiate water polo matches.

   2. Inactive: Comprised of individuals who were formerly qualified water polo officials who are in good standing when they cease to be Active members and who now no longer officiate water polo matches.

   3. Honorary: Comprised of individuals upon whom MWPOA desires to confer such status according to criteria to be established by MWPOA. Honorary members are exempt from paying annual dues.

   4. Suspended: Comprised of individuals who are temporarily removed from active status pending an investigation by the Judicial Committee or the Executive Board, or who have been sanctioned as a result of such investigation. Sanctioned members may be suspended for a period of up to one year from the date of Judicial Committee or Board action.

2. Qualifications
   1. Strict adherence to the objectives of the association and a desire to meet the stated criteria to the best of one’s abilities.

   2. Completion of a training course and clinic approved by this association and conducted by a USWP approved clinician every two years.

   3. Successfully passing a rules test approved by this association and USWP. (See the Policies and Procedures manual for specific details regarding the administration of tests, training courses, and clinics.)

   4. Completing the appropriate application documentation and providing the necessary personal information to enable appropriate assignment of contests. This may include background information to assist in determining an individual's qualification to become a member official. The information shall remain confidential and may be reviewed only by the appropriate members of the Executive Board.

   5. The desire to conduct oneself in a professional, competent, enthusiastic and sincere manner, commensurate with the position of being an official representing the association and its objectives.

   6. Payment of the required annual dues as defined in the Policies and Procedures.

   7. All new members are probationary for a minimum of one calendar year from the date they are accepted into the association. (Removal from probationary status is defined in the Policies and Procedures.
      1. During the probationary period members are not eligible to vote on any issues brought before the full body.

      2. The criteria for becoming a regular member are defined in the policy and procedures manual.

3. Liability Insurance

   MWPOA recommends that members purchase personal liability insurance through the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), and with United States Water Polo, Inc. Liability coverage for officers and Board members is secured through the Local Officials Association Network (LOAN), a service of NASO. LOAN provides coverage for these members for actions taken in their respective capacities.

4. Privileges of Membership
   1. Membership does not by itself qualify an individual to officiate a water polo match. The Executive Board shall approve programs to train, and rate members, and to assign appropriately certified members to matches.

   2. Members of the MWPOA are not employees of the organization. All sanctioning bodies should compensate officials for services rendered at the conclusion of the last game of the tournament, last game of a match, or otherwise agreed upon by the officials. Should MWPOA collect any money from individual athletic leagues, schools, or other water polo organizations for distribution to members or other referees, it does so an administrative function only.

5. Annual Dues and Assignment Fees

   The Executive Board will establish annual dues to be used to provide for the financial management of the association and in furtherance of its goals. The Executive Board will establish reasonable assignment fees to compensate the Assignment Secretary, or his designate, for the administrative requirements of assigning referees. Annual dues and assignment fees will be set forth in the Policies & Procedures.

6. Employment Status of Members

   All members of MWPOA are independent contractors in their officiating capacities and not employees of MWPOA, or of any officer of MWPOA, or of any other person or entity for whom the members provide their services. All members of MWPOA recognize this status and understand that neither MWPOA nor its officers are employers, and therefore, the members may not collect worker's compensation from MWPOA or any other person or entity for injuries sustained while officiating.  In addition all members understand that not being assigned games or tournaments does not mean that those members are unemployed, and does not qualify them for unemployment compensation.

7. Guest Members

   Individuals traveling from other geographic areas who are members in good standing with credentials from other recognized water polo associations may be admitted as Guest Members, providing they meet all other membership requirements and their membership is approved by the Executive Board. Guest Members are exempt from Annual dues and Assignment fees, provided that the annual number of days refereeing does not exceed five days and shall have rights and privileges of Active Members with the exception of the right to vote.

8. Leave of Absence and Resignation

   A leave of absence may be requested by submitting a request in writing to the Executive Board. If accepted the member will be considered inactive for up to one year. The member may petition the Executive Board to return at the end of one year or sooner if circumstances permit. If granted, the member returns with all previous benefits, unless other reasons limit these benefits. A member may voluntarily resign at any time. If a resigned member reapplies, the application would be treated as a new member.

9. Remediation and Due Process

   The Judicial Committee will convene periodically to review formal grievances, complaints, allegations, and other actions of any member that are not consistent with the MWPOA By-Laws or Policies & Procedures. All formal grievances, complaints, allegations, and other actions to be considered by the Judicial Committee must be forwarded in writing to the President. Any MWPOA member, administrator of an affiliate organization, or head coach of an organization served by MWPOA may prepare such writing. The Judicial Committee will conduct an investigation, administer hearing(s), as it deems necessary, and render a decision as outlined within the Policies & Procedures. All members will be accorded full due process and confidentiality.

10. Appeals

    Upon a decision by the Judicial Committee to sanction, suspend, or expel a member, the member will be granted ten days to appeal. This appeal may be made orally and/or in writing to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will review the appeal and actions of the Judicial Committee and then make a determination to uphold the sanction, suspension or expulsion, or render the decision invalid. All sanctions, suspensions, and expulsions will follow guidelines as outlined in the Policies & Procedures.

11. Reinstatement

    Any member who has requested a leave of absence may re-apply as described in Article IV, H.  A member who has been sanctioned, suspended, or expelled may petition the Executive Board upon completion of the judgment of the Judicial Committee.

12. Good Standing

    Any active member in good standing is an active member who has timely paid the dues, passed the requisite tests, timely paid any fines, penalties and assessments, and has observed and complied with the By-Laws and Policies & Procedures of MWPOA and all other requirements established by MWPOA.

1. Calendar & Seasons

   MWPOA operates on a fiscal calendar from March 1 through February 29 of each year. MWPOA recognizes that the sport of water polo is played throughout the year and that we must maintain continuous operation to serve the needs of the water polo community. The majority of meetings, training, and instructional programs coincide with the primary seasons of competition. The primary seasons for competition are as follows:

   Major College – Men	September through November
   Major College – Women	February through April
   USWP – Spring	February through May
   USWP – Summer	May through August

2. Meetings

   MWPOA shall hold no less than two regular meetings during each fiscal year. There shall be one annual business meeting per fiscal year. Special meetings of the members may be called from time to time by the Secretary at the request in writing, or by electronic means, of a majority of the Board. Such a request for a special meeting shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.

   1. Regular Meetings - The affairs of MWPOA shall be handled at regular meetings of the members. These meetings shall be held at a time and place to be determined by the President. Written, electronic, or verbal notice stating place, date, and hour of meeting shall be given not less than 7 days prior to such meeting.

   2. Annual Business Meetings - Written notice of an annual business meeting of members, stating the time, place and object, shall be provided to each member by mail or e-mail at such address as appears in the records of MWPOA, no less than 30 days before such meeting. The Annual Business Meeting will be scheduled during the month of February. Notice may also be given via the association web-site and/or via e-mail.

3. Books and Records
   1. The Secretary maintains association records.

   2. The Treasurer maintains finance records.

      Location - The books, accounts, and records of MWPOA may be kept at such place or places as the Board may from time to time determine.

      Inspection - The books, accounts and records of MWPOA shall be open to inspection by any member of the Board at all times, and open to inspection by the active members at such times, and subject to such regulations as the Board may prescribe, except as otherwise provided by statue.

      Audit - The accounts of MWPOA shall be audited periodically, but not more than annually. The President shall appoint a certified public accountant or registered agent, with the approval of the Board, who shall provide a report to the Executive Board and which also will be provided to the active members at the subsequent annual meeting.

4. Annual Dues

   Annual dues will be established annually by the Executive Board and will be collected by the Treasurer. These funds will be maintained in the MWPOA bank account.

5. Governance Procedures

   The Executive Board will be responsible for policy and decision making by the individual officers in the execution of their duties and for any designated committees. Any decision of the Board may be appealed to the general membership upon a written request of ten (10) members. Any decision of the Board regarding sanction, suspension, expulsion, or reinstatement will follow Article IV, I, J, and K.

6. Voting Procedures

   The presence of 51 percent of the active membership constitutes a quorum. A majority vote of such members where a quorum is present is necessary to make a decision, except where some other number is required by law or by this written constitution. Neither proxy voting nor mail voting is permitted. The use of telephones or teleconferences may be used provided that each participating member may communicate with each and every other participating member in the conference.  Voting on any issue brought before the general membership shall be by a public show of hands, by only those active members present and in good standing. If the membership desires to conduct a vote on a specific topic by secret ballot then a majority of the active members must approve such action.

The governing body of the association shall be the Executive Board. The Executive Board will consist of the following elected positions:

President (Voting Authority)
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Assignor

1. General Duties for all Officers:
   1. Seek to ensure the MWPOA is acting in accordance with its established objectives and purpose.

   2. Amend the Policies and Procedures Manual as necessary and appropriate to ensure stability and cohesive operation of the MWPOA.

2. Duties of the President:
   1. It will be the duty of the President to oversee the operation of the association, to preside at meetings, enforce the by-laws, policies and procedures, and provide for the general welfare of the association. The President shall appoint a representative and/or become an ex-officio member of all committees deemed necessary for the effective operation of the association.

   2. The President shall represent the association, or delegate an Executive Board member, in matters requiring interaction with other officials' associations or governing bodies involved with conducting the sport of water polo, as necessary.

   3. The President may further delegate specific authority to other association Executive Board members to carry out duties not specified in the by-laws or policies and procedures, as deemed necessary to conduct the business of the association (within the limit of the law and morally acceptable standards of conduct).

   4. The President will be responsible for overseeing and assisting the Assignor, when requested, who is responsible for assigning all events.

   5. All duties as specified in the subsequently defined ‘Duties of the Assignor “ are incumbent upon the President as it applies to this function.

   6. The President is responsible for calling all general and board meetings. The President shall establish the agenda and conduct the meetings.

   7. The President shall make a state of the association address annually at the required general meeting.

3. Vice President:
   1. It shall be the primary duty of the Vice President to assist the President in conducting the business of the association and in the absence of the President, to act on his behalf with all privileges and responsibilities of that office.

   2. It shall also be the duty of the Vice President to be one of the authorized signors for all financial transactions and to conduct an annual audit of the Treasurer's financial activities and records.

   3. Periodically communicate to members and organizations policies related to the conduct of business.

   4. Act as a liaison between clubs and school organizations in securing timely payment for referees.

   5. Serve on the Judicial Committee and act as its chairperson.

   6. Serve on Executive Board.

   7. Assume the duties of the President in the conduct of business when the President is not available.

   8. Accept other duties as delegated by the President.

4. Duties of the Treasurer:
   1. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to have custody of and maintain all financial records and monies of the association. He or she shall supervise, disburse, and collect all funds necessary in the course of conducting the business of the association.

   2. The Treasurer will maintain all financial records and report on the financial condition of the association at all meetings of the Executive Board.

   3. The Treasurer will prepare an annual financial statement and balance sheet for the association and report to the general membership of the association at the annual meeting of the election of officers.

   4. The Treasurer along with the President and Vice President shall have signing authority for the financial transactions of the association.

   5. The Treasurer shall prepare an annual report of the financial condition of the association to be audited by the Vice President before the annual general meeting of the election of officers.

   6. Disburse and supervise the disbursement of funds as may be properly authorized.

   7. Render to the Board at any meeting, financial and other appropriate records on the condition of MWPOA.

   8. Serve on Executive Board.

   9. Accept other duties as delegated by the President.

5. Duties of the Assignor:
   1. It shall be the duty of the Assignor to plan, organize, and conduct (or assign a qualified instructor to conduct) all training programs for the members of the association.

   2. The Assignor shall notify the members of the association of all scheduled training sessions, including the date, time, and location of each session.

   3. The Assignor shall maintain contact with all rules organizations and remain informed of any rules changes that may occur from time to time. She or he shall be responsible for informing the association membership of these changes by scheduling a training session or disbursing information outlining the changes.

   4. The Assignor shall, as required, provide rules interpretations based on the knowledge he or she has obtained from clinics, and written direction from rules committees.

   5. If required The Assignor shall contact the presiding rule's authority for confirmation of the interpretation of rules or specific situations that may arise.

   6. The Assignor will represent the association and its membership in any formal protest.

   7. The Assignor must ensure that a qualified USWP Clinician as defined by USWP is available to conduct USWP clinics in accordance with USWP by-laws in order to ensure qualified officials are available to officiate USWP sanctioned events. This qualified Clinician may be the Assignor.

   8. Make game assignments in manner consistent with By-Laws and Policies & Procedures.

   9. Report as a grievance any member who turns-back assignments without just cause.

   10. Make all assignment logs available for inspection upon request.

   11. Designate responsible member to carryout duties when the Assignor will be traveling.

   12. Provide tournament directors with assignment roster in advance of tournaments, and once again if there are significant modifications to the assignments.

   13. Serve on Executive Board.

   14. Accept other duties as delegated by the President.

   15. He or she shall maintain a current ranking of all MWPOA officials.
       1. Officials will receive one of the five following ratings:
          1. AA - Senior Staff Member

          2. A - Staff Member

          3. New or Probationary Member

       2. Assignments will be made based on these assigned ratings.

6. Duties of the Secretary:
   1. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to follow the instruction of the President and the Executive Board in distributing and communicating information to the members of the association. This includes notification of meetings, clinics, seminars, conferences, and other such events as deemed appropriate by the Executive Board.

   2. The Secretary will take the minutes at all Regular, Annual, and other Executive Board meetings and maintain the records of the Executive Board and Association activities. The Secretary will be responsible for the reading and recording of the minutes at each official gathering of the MWPOA.

   3. The Secretary is responsible for the distribution of all materials and information necessary in conducting the business of the association. This includes the communication of all directives from the Executive Board to the membership.

1. Definition of Elected Terms:
   1. Officers shall be elected at the annual general meeting to be held at a date specified by the Executive Board, before end of the association fiscal year.

   2. The new officers shall assume their respective duties effective the first day of the ensuing fiscal year in which they are elected.

2. Length of Terms:
   1. All positions will serve two-year terms.

   2. The President and Secretary will always be elected in odd numbered years and the remaining board positions will be elected in even numbered years.

   3. There are no term limits for any position.

3. Election Procedures:
   1. The President shall conduct the election of officers under standard parliamentary rules of conduct. In the absence of the President, the following officers, in order, shall conduct the elections: Vice President, Treasurer, Assignor, and Secretary.

   2. No officer whose position is up for re-election shall conduct the election process for his or her own position.

   3. Each Active member in good standing, as defined in Article IV, Section A., shall have the right to one vote for each office up for election.

   4. The election winners shall be determined by a simple majority of all voting members in attendance at the annual meeting. The members present shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of electing officers.
      1. In the case of a tie, the incumbent board, excepting any officer(s) involved in the specific election in question, shall vote by secret ballot to determine the winner. The senior officer, in the order referenced in section (1) of the election procedures, will conduct the tally of the ballots.

      2. In case of a tie among the Executive Board members, the President or Vice President, if the President is involved in the election in question, shall have the deciding vote.

   5. For purposes of the initial election, under these by-laws, only those persons present who would qualify as Active members will be eligible to the rights and privileges thereof.

4. Removal of Officers
   1. Any officer of MWPOA may be removed from office by a two-thirds majority vote of the remaining Executive Board members for failure to perform the duties of the office for which the officer was duly elected.

   2. Any officer who forfeits membership in MWPOA or has membership revoked shall forfeit the office.

   3. Any officer who is placed in probationary status for any reason will automatically be removed from office.

   4. Any vacated office shall be filled for the remaining term by nomination and appointment of the Executive Board. The candidate who receives a majority vote of the remaining board members shall to fill a vacated office.

1. Dissolution of the association shall be by a two-thirds majority vote of the Active members present at any General Meeting.  In case of dissolution, all funds remaining after payment of debts shall be divided equally among the members meeting the qualifications of membership contained in these by-laws.