ACFFL Bylaws
*Effective Date: 29 June 2025*
Article I: Name and Affiliation
The name of this organization shall be the Alamo City Flag Football League ("ACFFL"). The ACFFL is a member league of the National Gay Flag Football League ("NGFFL") and agrees to uphold the applicable provisions and standards required for continued affiliation with the national organization.
Article II: Purpose
The ACFFL exists to provide an inclusive, affirming, and safe space for all individuals, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to enjoy the sport of flag football. The league promotes athleticism, camaraderie, community engagement, and education. In addition to fostering self-respect and acceptance, the ACFFL is committed to dismantling stereotypes, celebrating diversity, and promoting understanding both within and beyond the sports community.
Article III: Membership
Section 1: Playing Members
To be considered a Playing Member for a given season, an individual must:
- Register and pay any required dues;
- Be at least 18 years of age by the season start date;
- Not be under any active suspension or league-imposed restriction.
Only Playing Members may participate in official ACFFL games.
Section 2: Non-Playing Members
Non-Playing Members must also register and pay any applicable dues and meet the age and conduct standards of the league. Non-Playing Members enjoy full rights within the league except for in-game participation.
Section 3: Full League Membership
For governance purposes, Full League Membership includes individuals who registered as Playing or Non-Playing Members in the current or immediately preceding season.
Article IV: Governance and Board of Directors
The ACFFL shall be governed by an elected Board of Directors. All members of the Full League Membership are eligible to run for board positions, provided they are in good standing and have no active disciplinary issues.
The Board will include, at minimum, the following positions:
- Commissioner
- Assistant Commissioner
- Treasurer
- Communications Director
Additional positions may be established or combined as the league evolves.
Article V: Board Elections
Elections will be conducted through open nominations and secret ballots. Board terms shall be one year in duration, beginning on July 1 ending June 30, with the exception of the Commissioner, who shall serve a two-year term. There shall be no term limits except for the Commissioner, who may not serve more than two consecutive two-year terms. A sitting Commissioner who is termed out may run for a different board seat. To be eligible to run for Commissioner, a candidate must have previously served on the ACFFL Board, another city league board associated with the NGFFL, or the national NGFFL Board. If no such eligible candidate is available or willing to serve, the Board may approve an exception by majority vote.
Mid-term vacancies will be filled by appointment of the remaining sitting Board Members.
Outside of the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner, all other Board positions are subject to realignment at the beginning of each term. These positions will be filled through a majority vote of the Full League Membership during elections or, if a vacancy occurs mid-term, by Board appointment. Specific roles will be assigned based on the skills, experience, and interest of the elected individuals.
Article VI: Responsibilities of the Board
Each Board Member is expected to:
- Actively participate in board meetings and official events;
- Promote a culture of inclusion and respect;
- Fulfill the duties of their respective role as outlined in the Policies and Procedures document;
- Collaborate with other board members and volunteers.
The Commissioner shall serve as the primary executive officer and representative to the NGFFL. The Assistant Commissioner shall support and assist all board activities, and step in during the Commissioner’s absence. The Treasurer is responsible for budgeting, managing league finances, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The Communications Director shall manage internal and external communications, including meeting agendas, minutes, and registration processes.
Article VII: League Governance Documents
The league shall maintain two core governance documents: the Bylaws and the Policies & Procedures.
- Bylaws define the core mission, structure, and governance framework of the ACFFL. They may only be amended by a vote of at least 75% of the Board of Directors. The Board may also recommend amendments for consideration by the Full League Membership, in which case the proposed amendment must be approved by at least 65% of the Board before being submitted to the membership for a vote.
- The Policies & Procedures shall be updated annually by a majority vote of the Board and serve as the operational blueprint for day-to-day league activities.
In the event of a conflict between the two documents, the Bylaws shall prevail.
Article VIII: Meetings and Voting
Board meetings shall occur regularly and require a quorum (defined as 60% of current voting board members) for official business to be conducted.
The league shall host at least one open "town hall" meeting annually, inviting participation from all members.
Votes may be held in person, electronically, or via secure online systems as determined appropriate by the Commissioner or designee.
Article IX: Committees & Directors
The ACFFL Board of Directors may appoint Directors and establish Committees to support league operations. Roles may be adjusted at the beginning of each term based on league needs and the skillsets of elected or appointed members.
Standing Directors
The following director-level roles are suggested, but may be combined or modified by the Board:
Director of Travel and Tournaments – Manages Gay Bowl and other NGFFL-affiliated travel logistics.
Director of Officials – Recruits, trains, and schedules game officials and tracks rule updates.
Director of City League Play – Oversees local season logistics, team formation, scheduling, and playoffs.
Director of Community Outreach – Coordinates volunteer activities and partnerships with LGBTQIA+ and local nonprofits.
Director of Player Development – Facilitates clinics, workshops, and skills training.
Director of Social Events – Organizes league-wide events that promote community, celebration, and retention.
Standing Committees
Each committee shall include at least one Board member and may include general league members. Suggested standing committees include:
Ethics Committee – Reviews conduct complaints and advises the Board on disciplinary matters.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee – Ensures the league remains inclusive and affirming for all identities.
Tournament/Travel Committee – Supports travel team logistics, eligibility, and tournament readiness.
Community Engagement Committee – Fosters connections with the broader San Antonio and Central Texas communities.
Committee membership shall be approved by the Board and governed by criteria outlined in the Policies and Procedures.
Article X: Disciplinary Procedures
All Members are subject to the ACFFL Code of Conduct. The Ethics Committee shall review any complaints and make disciplinary recommendations to the Board. The Board retains the right to impose consequences including warnings, suspensions, or removal.
Article XI: Amendments and Ratification
These Bylaws may be amended by a vote of at least 75% of the Board of Directors. The Board may also recommend proposed amendments for a full league vote if at least 65% of the Board approves. Any proposed changes must be announced and made available for review at least 14 days prior to any vote. Amendments voted on by the Full League Membership must pass by a majority vote to be enacted.
Certification
These Bylaws were approved by the inaugural Board of Directors of the ACFFL on [Insert Date] and shall remain in effect until amended in accordance with Article XI.
Signed:
Erryca Robicheaux, Commissioner
Elizabeth Weaver, Assistant Commissioner
Peter Walton, Treasurer
Meagan Lopez, Communications Director
Sydney Barber, Community Outreach Director