A Parliamentary Governing Body
OUR CONSTITUTION
The AFLPU is governed by and for its members — a democratic labor union that conducts its business under Robert's Rules of Order. Constitution & Bylaws, revised March 30, 2019.
Democratic
Leaders are elected by the membership, and decisions like CBA ratification and strikes require a two-thirds member vote.
Parliamentary
All meetings are governed by Robert's Rules of Order — fair, orderly, and on the record (Article V, §5.13).
Representative
Every club elects a Player Representative, giving every locker room a seat on the Board of Representatives.
Our Purpose
WHY WE EXIST
“To provide professional football players with an organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of all players and of the sport of professional football; the improvement of economic and other working conditions of players; and the negotiation, execution and administration of collective bargaining agreements.”
— AFLPU Constitution, Article I, §1.03
The Document
ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION
Article I — Name & Principal Office
Establishes the organization as the Arena Football League Players Union, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and sets out its purposes: to advance and protect professional football players, improve their economic and working conditions, and negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements.
Article II — Membership
Defines active and associate membership. Any professional football player is eligible to be an active member; only active members in good standing may vote. Covers dues, check-off authorization, suspension for arrears, and reinstatement.
Article III — Player & Alternate Player Representatives
Each club elects a Player Representative and an Alternate by secret ballot. Reps implement the CBA, sign up members, relay grievances, and must maintain weekly communication with the National Office. A Board President and Board Vice President are elected from among the representatives.
Article IV — Officers
The Executive Officers are the Executive President and Executive Vice President; the Executive Director is the principal administrative officer. Sets eligibility, elections, terms, duties, and the powers of each office. Officers must be bonded.
Article V — Board of Representatives & Executive Committee
The Board of Representatives transacts the business of the union and interprets the Constitution. The Executive Committee acts between Board meetings. Two-thirds of the Board constitutes a quorum, and Robert's Rules of Order govern all meetings.
Article VI — Collective Bargaining
The Negotiating Committee is the Executive Committee. Any CBA must be ratified by a two-thirds vote of members in good standing. A strike requires a two-thirds authorization vote of the membership and is directed by the Executive Committee.
Article VII — Contracts, Loans, Checks & Deposits
Sets the rules for executing contracts and financial instruments on behalf of the union, maintaining a line of credit, and safeguarding union funds.
Article VIII — Trials, Penalties, Assessments, Protests & Procedures
Establishes due-process procedures for charges against members, election protests, and an internal Arbitration/Mediation panel that members must use before resorting to any outside court or agency.
Article IX — Amendments
The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Representatives — either at an in-person meeting with a quorum, or through a formal three-step process conducted by telephone.
Article X — Indemnification of Officers & Board Members
The union indemnifies and holds harmless its Board members, officers, and employees against liabilities incurred in their service, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Article XI — Saving Clause
If any provision is found invalid, the Board may suspend and replace it to cure the defect, and the remainder of the Constitution stays in full force and effect.
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