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History of The West Island Lakers Basketball Association

The West Island Lakers Basketball Association (WILBA) is a non-profit organization which was started in the 1960′s. WILBA is committed in doing what is right for the players. Membership has grown to over 900 members, starting at pre-novice, 6 years of age, up through juvenile,18 years of age (house league). A girls league was started in 1999.
Coaches and assistant coaches receive training through clinics. The referees and minor official staff are developed from within the organization.

The association offers an excellent house league as well as a competitive intercity program. The house league season starts in October and goes through till the end of March with playoffs (except at the pre-novice level).

In the mid 1990’s, the association started the House League All Star Day to showcase the enormous talent in the league. Each year since the initial event, All Star day has become bigger and better as more parents, grandparents and friends coming out to watch this spectacle. At each level the league convenors and coaches select the top players from their teams (for a total of 20 players per level). Each team is represented by a minimum of 2 players. The convenors select 2 honorary coaches from their level who best represent the spirit of the league. Games are played with equal participation, so that all players have the same number of shifts. The quality of games and atmosphere during the tournament is superb.

In 2001, the West Island Lakers Basketball Association became affiliated with the Sian Bradwell Fund. 100% of the money raised from the All Star is donated to the Fund, which purchases medical equipment for the Montreal Children’s Hospital to provide better diagnosis and treatment for children with cancer. Funds are raised through the sale of refreshments at the canteen, a prize draws, and the collection of donations. The weekend ends with an extremely popular “CELEBRITY GAME” that attracts hundreds of spectators.

West Island Lakers Basketball Association
Code of Conduct

The purpose of this code is to provide our members a meaningful set of guidelines and expectations for their professional conduct. It outlines a philosophy to which we believe everyone should aspire.

Coaches

  • Coaches are expected to conform to ethical standards in a number of areas.
  • Coaches must place the emotional and physical well-being of all children ahead of their personal desire to win.
  • Coaches must lead by example in demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play to their players.
  • Coaches must address the officials politely and respect their decisions.

Officials

  • Officials (referees and table officials) must only be interested in the impartial and fair judging of the game. Game decisions which are slanted by personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.
  • Officials must act in a professional manner at all times out of personal character.

Players

  • Players must demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect toward fellow players, game officials, and coaches at all times.

Parents

  • Parents must behave responsibly and demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect toward all players, game officials, and coaches at all times.
  • Parents must place the emotional and physical well-being of all children ahead of their personal desire to win.
  • Parents must place the enjoyment of the sport as a priority and create a fun environment for their child.

Administrators & Volunteers

  • Administrators and volunteers must provide support, care, safety, and encouragement for all participants.

Let the coaches coach, let the referees ref, let the players play, and let the parents praise!

West Island Lakers Basketball Association Constitution and By-Laws

Article 1 – NAME AND AFFILIATION

  1. The name of the organization is the WEST ISLAND LAKERS BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, hereinafter referred to as WILBA
  2. WILBA is a non-profit organization
  3. WILBA is associated with the Quebec Basketball Federation (QBF) and through QBF to the Canadian Basketball Association (CBA)

Article 2 – OBJECTIVES

The objectives of WILBA are:

  1. to promote and develop the game of basketball in the West Island (City of Montreal).
  2. to provide fun, recreation, instruction, youth development and healthful enjoyment through activities and competition, for all who desire to participate in basketball, giving due consideration to the variance of individual skills and capabilities; and
  3. to develop and operate basketball programs, coaching clinics, refereeing clinics and tournaments

Article 3 – ORGANIZATION

WILBA shall be composed of members, as defined in Article 4, and its affairs shall be governed by an Executive Committee as detailed in Article 5 of this Constitution, who shall decide all issues related to policy and finance and who may establish divisions or committees to operate various activities of WILBA program.

Article 4 – MEMBERSHIP

Membership in WILBA is open to all registered participants and active volunteers including the parents or legal guardians of any playing member who is not of legal voting age;

Groups or individuals shall automatically become members of WILBA upon payment of the registration fees. The Executive Committee shall levy registration fees annually

Article 5 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

  1. The business and affairs of WILBA shall be conducted by an Executive Committee who shall act in accordance with this Constitution and such By-Laws and Regulations as may from time to time be enacted by WILBA
  2. The Executive Committee of WILBA shall consist of not more than (15) members:
    • President
    • Immediate Past President
    • 13 Directors
    • Vice-President, House League- Boys
    • Vice-President, House League -Girls
    • Vice-President, Inter-City
    • Secretary
    • Treasurer
    • Registrar
    • Director of Facilities
    • Director of Fundraising
    • Technical Director
    • 4 X Directors at Large
  3. Any individual who is a member in good standing WILBA in accordance with Article 4, and is of legal voting age, is eligible to hold any position on the Executive Committee. All members of WILBA wishing to be eligible to run for election for positions on the Executive Committee of WILBA must submit their names in writing to the Secretary fifteen (15) days prior to the AGM. All those names submitted will be put on an “Eligible Nominees List” which is made available to any member of WILBA through the Secretary.
  4. All positions on the Executive Committee, except that of Immediate Past President, shall be elected. In such cases where there is no member of WILBA willing to run for a particular position at the time of elections, those members of the Executive Committee who are elected shall be empowered to fill the vacancy by appointment, so long as such appointment is approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.
  5. The term of office for the members of the Executive Committee shall commence at the time of election or appointment and continue until the next AGM.
  6. Should any one of the elected posts become vacant, the Executive Committee shall be empowered to fill the vacancy by appointment until the next AGM, so long as such appointment is approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee.

Article 6 – AMENDMENTS TO WILBA CONSTITUTION

  1. The constitution of WILBA shall not be amended except at the AGM or a special general meeting convened specifically for that purpose. Notice of the proposed amendment shall be given to the Secretary in writing at least 30 days prior to the date of the meeting and shall be available to any interested party at least 15 days prior to the date of the said meeting
  2. All proposed amendments to the constitution shall require a 2/3 majority of those present and voting at the AGM, subject to the rule of the Quorum as defined in article 8 of this Constitution. Sub-amendments to such amendments may be made and voted upon at the AGM provided that such sub-amendments shall not alter the original intent of the proposed motion.

Article 7 – BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS

  1. The Executive Committee of WILBA may, at its regular monthly meeting, by a 2/3 majority of those present and voting, subject to the rules of Quorum as defined in Article 8 of this constitution establishing By-Laws governing the conduct of meetings, voting, elections, duties of the Executive committee, conditions for membership, conduct and discipline and conditions for appeals and protests and any other matters which properly fall within the jurisdiction of WILBA. Such amendments to the By-Laws will be subject to ratification at the next AGM by a 2/3 majority. The Executive Committee may propose and pass motions concerning WILBA business that will only come into effect in the next basketball season. (In many cases, budget decisions must be made by the outgoing Executive Committee for expediency reasons. Often the Executive Committee cannot wait until the new Executive Committee is installed). (2/3 majority vote needed)
  2. The Executive Committee of WILBA may, at its executive meeting, by a 2/3 majority of those present and voting, subject to the rules of Quorum as defined in Article 8 of this constitution, amend, revise and repeal any of the Rules and Regulations governing the operating conditions of the league, special playing rules, residence rules, registration procedures, budget and fees, operational procedures and activities and such other matters as properly fall within the jurisdiction of the Executive Committee.

Article 8 – MEETINGS

  1. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of members of WILBA shall be held no later than the 30th day of June in each year. Its purpose shall be to review the activities of the past season, to carry out the election of the Executive Committee, and to consider policies aimed at improving operations for the coming season in light of the stated objectives, including constitutional amendments, ratification of changes to the By-Laws and proposal for alteration to the Rules and Regulation.
  2. The Secretary shall give notice to members of the date of the AGM at least 30 days prior to the proposed date by the most effective means available to reach the greatest number of members, using such media as newspapers, area recreation association newsletters, website, etc.
  3. Special General Meetings shall be at the call of the President or as provided for by the By-Laws upon receipt of a motion affecting the Constitution or the operation of WILBA through the By-Laws which cannot be handled by the Executive Committee and requires immediate resolution prior to the next AGM.
  4. The President shall be required to call a Special General Meeting of WILBA if so requested, in writing, by at least ten (10) members. The request shall include specific statements regarding the need for such a request and the President shall ensure that a Special General Meeting is called within 30 days of receipt
  5. All members of WILBA who are of legal voting age as of the date of the appropriate meeting shall be eligible to vote on any motion introduced during the course of the meeting (i.e. one person, one vote)
  6. The Executive Committee meetings shall be at the call of the President or as provided for in the By-Laws. In addition:
    1. The Executive Committee shall hold regular monthly meeting during the basketball season in each year and such additional meeting as the Executive Committee deems necessary
    2. If for any reason, a meeting that has been requested by two (2) or more members of the Executive Committee and has not been called by the President within two weeks after being requested, a meeting may be called and chaired by an elected member. Such meeting, subject to the rule of Quorum, shall be legal and constitutional
    3. The Quorum for the Executive Committee shall be one (1) more than 50% of the Executive Committee
  7. Notice of meetings shall be given by the Secretary to all members as appropriate at least seven (7) days prior to such meetings. Emergency meeting of the Executive Committee may be called without the usual seven (7) days notice, provided that Quorum of the Executive Committee agree to such a meeting
  8. The Quorum for the AGM and general meetings shall include at least one (1) more than 50% of the Executive Committee plus whatever members of WILBA that are in attendance
  9. The agenda for the AGM shall be prepared by the President and shall include the following business:
    • Adoption of minutes from last meeting
    • President’s Report;
    • Treasurer’s Report;
    • Approval of Treasurer’s report
    • Directors reports;
    • Constitutional amendments;
    • ratification of new By-Laws or amendments; and election of the Executive Committee
  10. The President may introduce any special business for discussion after the approval of the minutes.
  11. Attendance at meetings shall be open to:
    1. Interested observers or invited guests who may be admitted to any meeting where the chair grants permission.
    2. The AGM and Special General Meetings shall be open to the public. All voting shall be limited to those persons who are members of WILBA in accordance with Article 4

BY-LAW 1 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – POWER

  1. The Executive Committee of WILBA shall have the ultimate and full operation control of the affairs of WILBA within the terms of the Constitution, the rules and regulations of WILBA. Immediate notice of such changes shall be forwarded to all affected members with WILBA
  2. WILBA Executive Committee shall have the power to create divisions and appoint persons or administrative committees to carry out activities or perform specific duties as required,
  3. The Executive Committee shall have the power to suspend or discipline any member from participation within WILBA. Such suspension will be subject to the right of appeal by the individual affected.
  4. The Executive Committee may re-admit to WILBA, by resolution and a majority vote of all the members of the Executive Committee, any person who may have been suspended, for any reason.
  5. The Executive Committee shall determine all questions arising from the emergencies not provided for in the Constitution, these By-Laws or the Rules and Regulations or in the rules of the competition.
  6. The Executive Committee shall, as required, form a Discipline Committee which shall deal with all disciplinary problems associated with basketball competition within WILBA. The format, composition and guidelines of operation shall be in accordance with By-Law 5.

BY-LAW 2 – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – DUTIES

  1. The President of WILBA shall
    • preside at all Executive Committee meetings
    • preside at all Annual or Special General Meetings;
    • vote on a resolution before any meeting of members or the Executive Committee, only in the case of a tie, where the President shall cast the deciding vote;
    • represent WILBA at the QBF, MBL or LMB or ensure that there is a designate
    • implement decisions made by WILBA
  2. The Vice President(s) House League – Boys / Girls
    • Represent respective HL interests in strategic planning at the executive level
    • exercise responsibility for respective house league activities
    • develop a yearly ops plan and budget for their respective HL division
    • report to the Executive Committee on respective HL operations at Executive Committee meetings
    • submit a written report at each regular and Annual General Meeting;
    • organize divisions and enlist and oversee division convenors
    • convene meetings for the orientation of new coaches and convenors;
    • guide recruitment and recommend appointment of house league coaches
    • guide drafting and team balance concept.
    • advise WILBA members on policy regarding respective HL operations
    • in consultation with convenors; conduct an annual review of the WILBA HL program and policies
    • recruit volunteer involvement and assist in the development of contact lists for their respective HL organization
  3. The Vice President Inter-City
    • represent intercity interests in strategic planning at the Executive Committee level
    • review and supervise operations in all Intercity activities
    • develop a yearly ops plan and budget for the Intercity division
    • report to the Executive Committee on intercity operations at Executive Committee meetings
    • submit a written report at each regular and Annual General Meeting;
    • recruit, appoint and supervise competitive coaches
    • convene meetings for the orientation of new coaches/managers
    • guide player selections;
    • propose basic budgets for competitive teams;
    • oversee team registrations (tournaments);
    • guide team managers on financing, travel, accommodation, food, etc
  4. Treasurer
    • manage the accounts and financial operations of WILBA;
    • prepare an annual operating budget for WILBA for submission and approval by the Executive Committee
    • prepare financial reports showing the dispersal of funds;
    • arrange for the payment of all outstanding accounts of WILBA by cheque;
    • keep an accurate record for all monies received and disbursed on behalf of WILBA;
    • submit a written report and financial statements at each AGM, regular meeting and, if requested, at a Special General Meeting
  5. Secretary
    • take minutes of each meeting;
    • submit a written report at each Annual and Special General Meeting;
    • prepare and give notices of all Annual and Special General Meetings and meetings of the Executive Committee;
    • update the Constitution and By-Laws, as amended; and
    • table and respond to correspondence as directed by the Executive Committee and maintain a record of correspondence.
  6. Registrar
    • develop registration forms for approval by Executive Committee
    • arrange registration dates/place and advertising for the registration dates
    • summarize results for convenors;
    • oversee registrations; verify birth dates of registrants;
    • maintain a record on each participant – date of birth, address, phone number, years in basketball
    • compile a list of volunteers for coaches, assistant coach, managers, referee and minor official;
    • provide projections of registrations by levels for the following year
  7. Director of Facilities
    • obtain gym space for practices and games for both house league and intercity
    • work with Vice Presidents to minimize gym rental costs advise on the annual gym budget and master gym schedule
    • operate as the Central Booking Agent for WILBA
    • provide liaison with the larger community with regards to facility rentals
    • work closely with Vice Presidents develop and maintain the Annual Facilities Master Plan for WILBA gym allocation
  8. Director of Fundraising
    • organize fundraising activities as deemed necessary by the Executive Committee including the annual Sian Bradwell – West Island Lakers All-Star Weekend
  9. Technical Director
    • Make recommendations and provide technical expertise to the Executive Committee on all matters pertaining to the development of basketball in the organization. Such matters might include rules, coaches training and development, player development, intercity program development to name a few. Any matters which would contribute to the betterment of the overall basketball program could be the subject of consultation between the executive and the Technical Director.
  10. Directors at Large (4)
    • Director of Equipment
      • maintain inventory of all equipment and supplies;
      • provide input for the Annual Equipment budget based on requirements for uniforms, equipment, and supplies;
      • purchase equipment and supplies as agreed by the Executive
    • 2 X Assistant Vice Presidents House League (AVP’s) -
      • Work with the VP House League–Boys and/or Girls to ensure that the responsibilities of the House League are fulfilled
      • Each AVP will manage specific levels as assigned to ensure smooth running of house league operations
      • (2/3 majority vote needed)
  11. Director of Officials
    • Responsible for the development of referees and scorers and to ensure that all participants are following the WILBA playing rules of the game.
    • Chairs disciplinary committee and follows procedures as established in By-Law 5.
  12. Past President
    • provides assistance to the current President in all matters in which his/her experience and knowledge is requested
    • performs any special tasks as may be considered essential by the Executive Committee
    • does not vote
  13. No member of WILBA Executive Committee should hold more than one office within WILBA at one time unless approved by the Executive Committee. Regardless of the number of offices held, no member shall have more than one vote
  14. Executive Committee members are expected to attend a minimum of fifty (50%) percent of scheduled Executive Committee meetings and if requested, prepare a report for the Annual General Meeting
  15. In addition to the Annual General Meeting, there shall be eleven (11) Executive Committee meetings per year which shall be held on the call of the President.

BY-LAW 3 – REGISTRATION

  1. All players competing on WILBA teams shall be properly registered by the WILBA prior to participating in any manner with any team.
  2. Where necessary, birth certificates, passports or other evidence considered acceptable to the Executive Committee, shall be required as proof of age. The burden of proof shall rest with the player or his family.
  3. Every player once registered with WILBA, shall be immediately eligible to participate with his/her assigned team.
  4. No player shall be permitted to participate as a member of more than one team without the express consent of the Executive Committee
  5. Fifteen (15) players shall be the maximum roster size for intercity team. These players shall be at the coach’s discretion either regular or reserve
  6. Divisions shall be comprised of the following groups:
    • Juvenile (ages 16, 17) – 18 – house league only
    • Midget (ages 14, 15)
    • Bantam (ages 12, 13)
    • Mini (ages 10,11)
    • Novice (ages 8,9)
    • Pre-Novice (ages 6, 7)
  7. A player may play in any age division provided he\she has not reached the stipulated age before January 1. It is the general policy of WILBA to discourage the movement of players outside their age level; however, special circumstances which will better facilitate the player’s development may be submitted to the Executive Committee for consideration.
  8. There shall be NO transfer of players between teams in the House League without the express consent of the respective Vice President House League.
  9. To be eligible for House League playoffs a player must participate in 60% of regular season games. Exceptions must be approved by the respective Vice President House League prior to the start of playoffs
  10. Players registered with WILBA for House League play will be permitted to play games with WILBA Intercity teams without jeopardizing their eligibility to play within WILBA’s House League. No player shall be used in this capacity without the consent of the player’s coach

BY-LAW 4 – FEES

  1. The Executive Committee shall maintain full financial control for the operation of WILBA, subject to the approval of an annual operating budget.
  2. The Executive Committee shall review the financial requirements for the Association annually and as a result shall propose registration fees to be paid by all members
  3. The requirement for additional fees to permit participation at a higher level of basketball may necessitate that additional registration fees be imposed on any player or group of players. Every attempt should be made by the Executive Committee to keep the additional fee at a reasonable and just level
  4. Each intercity team shall be responsible for individual team expenditures in excess of those allocated and approved by the Executive Committee.

BY-LAW 5 – DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE

  1. The Discipline Committee shall consist of a panel of at least three (3) members who have not been involved with the players or team
  2. It shall be the purpose of the Discipline Committee to provide members the opportunity to expose their views regarding the incident(s) that resulted in the need for disciplinary action
  3. The Discipline Committee meeting shall be set up in such a way as to make everyone as comfortable as possible, particularly when the occurrence considered affects a youth player. It is not the intent of this committee to subject its members to an inquisition, rather to provide a vehicle by which occurrences can be reviewed and duly documented for the betterment of basketball
  4. The Executive Committee will convene a meeting as required by the occasion of an occurrence requiring consideration. The committee must be prepared as required.
  5. Players or team officials subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the rules stated herein shall be eligible to continue to participate with their respective teams until the date of the next discipline meeting which is within seven (7) days after the occurrence of the infraction
  6. Attendance at the disciplinary meeting shall be mandatory and the offending member shall not require any additional notification for attendance, except in the case that for unforeseen circumstances, the date, time or location of the meeting as originally scheduled had to be changed.
  7. It shall be the responsibility of the coach or his delegated representative at the time of the infraction, to ensure that the individual(s) affected by this By-Law is properly informed of the requirement to attend the disciplinary meeting
  8. In the case that a member does not comply with the requirements to attend the disciplinary meeting, said member shall be advised by registered mail, that he/she is suspended from further participation with any team in WILBA until such time that he/she appears before the Disciplinary Committee.
  9. The President shall have the ability to convene a special meeting of the Discipline Committee to deal with cases as states in (G) above. In such cases, it shall be incumbent on the member or his/her legal guardian to request such a meeting.
  10. In addition to the member of the Executive Committee which form the Discipline Committee, attendance at the discipline meeting include:
    1. The member who is subject to the disciplinary action
    2. The member’s legal guardian if said member has not reached legal voting age
    3. A representative of the member’s team who is a team official
    4. Any witness who the member or Discipline Committee feel can contribute to the proceedings
    5. The official who submitted the report only if the Disciplinary Committee fells that his/her presence will constructively contribute to the outcome of the meeting
  11. In all instances where the charge is found proven and the committee determines an action to be taken, the member shall be so informed, verbally at the meeting and then followed by a written verification by registered mail.
  12. In such instances where the Discipline Committee is unable to reach a decision based on the existing information, the member shall be permitted to return to his/her team until such time as the committee advises the member of its decision. In such cases, any suspension or other disciplinary action imposed by the committee shall only take effect from the date the member received confirmation of the decision.
  13. The format of the Discipline Committee meeting will be relatively informal, however they should generally conform to the following requirements:
    1. The chairman shall read the discipline report;
    2. The member named or his/her representative shall have the opportunity to question the content of the report;
    3. Any witnesses present shall be allowed to make their comments
    4. The members of the Discipline Committee shall be allowed to ask any questions deemed pertinent to the discussion;
    5. The chairman shall give the member the opportunity to make any final comments prior to the committee making a decision;
    6. All those not forming part of the Discipline Committee shall be asked to adjourn while the committee considers the evidence and makes a decision;
    7. The committee chairman shall advise the member of the decision of the committee.
  14. In addition, any member of WILBA may be required to attend a disciplinary hearing as a result of any incident of abuse or other game officials, or any other incident which the WILBA Executive Committee considers could be harmful to the development of basketball
  15. It is up to the Discipline Committee to decide on the severity of suspension, up to and including a lifetime suspension from participating in any game sanctioned by WILBA.
  16. All game specific suspensions levied by the Disciplinary Committee shall only be satisfied by the application to scheduled league and playoff games of the team to which the member is registered

BY-LAW 6 – LAWS OF THE GAME

WILBA shall support and maintain the principles of the Laws of the Game as established and recognized by FIBA RULES except as provided for to accommodate differences in age or aims and objectives as conceived by the WILBA.

BY-LAW 7 – OTHER REGULATIONS

  1. WILBA may make such miscellaneous rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to promote, develop and govern the game of basketball within the Association.
  2. WILBA may impose such other regulatory measures as it deems necessary for the efficient administration of the playing structure of the game within the Association
  3. No such regulation may violate the individual’s rights or freedoms except as may be required to protect the rights and freedoms of any other individual and to ensure the stability of the basic structure of the game.

BY-LAW 8 – INTERCITY PLAYER TRANSFER

  1. All requests for a transfer of a player from Club to Club shall be subject to review by the Executive Board
  2. A player’s release letter shall be made available, once the transfer is approved by a majority of Board members
  3. In addition all outstanding debts must be cleared before release letter is made available.