Bylaws
As of: May 2026
1. Name, Mission, and Values
1.1 Name.
The name of the corporation is South Shore Youth Organization (SSYO).
1.2 Mission.
SSYO empowers youth on the South Shore through sports (notably basketball), community outreach, other athletic programs, education, and mental health supports, fostering healthy development, leadership, inclusion, and community engagement.
1.3 Vision and Values.
SSYO advances:
- Inclusion & Equity
- Youth‑Centered Leadership
- Safety & Wellbeing
- Education & Lifelong Learning
- Community Partnership
2. Definitions and Interpretation
2.1 Definitions:
Act, Board, Member, Officer, Youth.
2.2 Conflict:
In case of conflict, the Act prevails.
2.3 SSYO operates bilingually.
[English/French] prevails.
3. Registered Office and Corporate Affairs
3.1 Registered in Châteauguay, Québec.
3.2 Corporate seal optional.
3.3 Fiscal year ends in June.
4. Membership
4.1 Classes: Youth, Parents/Guardians, Coaches/Volunteers, Community Members, Honorary.
4.2 Admission requires a supporting mission, completing forms, and complying with policies.
4.3 Voting rights for members 18+. Youth Advisory Council representation.
4.4 Good standing criteria.
4.5 Suspension/termination for cause.
4.6 Resignation by written notice.
5. Members’ Meetings
5.1 AGM within [months] of fiscal year end.
5.2 Special meetings by the Board or 10% of members.
5.3 [21] days’ notice.
5.4 Quorum: [10%].
5.5 Simple majority; proxy rules.
5.6 Electronic participation allowed.
6. Board of Directors
6.1 Oversees governance, finances, and risk.
6.2 [7–11] directors, incl. youth rep (18–29).
6.3 Must be 18+, not disqualified.
6.4 Term: [2 years], max [3] consecutive.
6.5 Elected at AGM.
6.6 Vacancies filled by the Board.
6.7 Removal/resignation rules.
6.8 Meetings quarterly; quorum majority.
6.9 No remuneration.
6.10 Confidentiality and conduct obligations.
7. Officers
7.1 President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, others.
7.2 Duties of each role.
7.3 Serve at the pleasure of the Board.
8. Committees and Advisory Councils
8.1 Governance, Finance, Programs/Safe Sport, Education, Mental Health, EDI, Fundraising.
8.2 Youth Advisory Council.
8.3 Committees are advisory unless delegated authority.
9. Conflict of Interest & Ethics
9.1 Duty of loyalty and care.
9.2 Disclosure and recusal.
9.3 No improper gifts.
10. Safeguarding, Safe Sport, Mental Health
10.1 Zero tolerance for abuse; mandatory screening.
10.2 Safe Sport policies required.
10.3 Mental health programs non‑clinical.
10.4 Inclusive access & financial assistance.
11. Programs and Operations
11.1 Basketball, sports, education, wellness, community outreach.
11.2 Program handbooks govern participation.
11.3 Commitment to accessibility.
12. Financial Management & Audit
12.1 Two signatories for payments above $[amount].
12.2 Budget & controls.
12.3 Independent audit/review.
12.4 Compliance with filings.
12.5 Insurance coverage.
13. Records & Privacy
13.1 Records maintained.
13.2 Member access per law.
13.3 Compliance with Québec privacy laws.
14. Human Resources & Volunteers
14.1 May engage employees/contractors.
14.2 Screening and training.
14.3 Disciplinary procedures.
15. Non‑Discrimination & Accessibility
15.1 Prohibits discrimination or harassment.
15.2 Reasonable accommodations offered.
16. Notices
16.1 Notices via email, portal, or post.
16.2 Receipt rules per Act.
17. Indemnification & Insurance
17.1 SSYO may indemnify directors and officers.
17.2 Must maintain D&O and liability insurance.
18. Dispute Resolution
18.1 Preference for informal resolution/mediation.
18.2 Québec law applies.
19. Amendments
19.1 Proposed by the Board or 10% of members.
19.2 Requires 2/3 special resolution.
19.3 Effective upon approval.
20. Dissolution
20.1 Assets go to Québec NPOs with aligned purposes.