Constitution & Bylaws
Updated: May 2026
Pennsylvania Intramural-Recreational Sports Association Constitution
Article I – Name
The organization shall be known as the Pennsylvania Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (PIRSA).
Article II – Purpose
The purpose of this association is to promote and enhance the quality of recreational sports programs in various settings throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This will be achieved through professional meetings, publications, the dissemination of ideas, and the maintenance of policies consistent with the philosophy of NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation.
Article III – Membership
Section 1 – General Membership
Membership shall be available to any individual, regardless of professional affiliation, who is involved in or interested in any aspect of recreational sports within the state of Pennsylvania. Members are entitled to all rights and privileges of the association. Non-PIRSA members are not eligible to vote in state elections.
Section 2 – Student Membership
Student membership shall be available to both graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in any aspect of recreational sports.
Student members shall:
- Receive all communications
- Be eligible to participate in meetings
- Serve on committees
Student members shall not:
- Be eligible to vote at any state business meeting
- Hold elected office within the association, with the exception of the Student Representative position
Section 3 – Affiliate / Out-of-State Membership
Professional and student representatives from other state associations and/or institutions outside of Pennsylvania may attend the annual PIRSA Workshop and extramural events. These individuals shall not have voting rights.
Article IV – Structure
Section 1: The association shall operate as a state organization and be recognized as a state association member of NIRSA. To maintain this status:
- A Leadership Team shall be established to conduct the business of the association
- The PIRSA Constitution shall be continuously updated in accordance with the NIRSA Constitution and Bylaws
- The term of office for the State Director (PIRSA President) must coincide with that of the Region I Member Network Representative of NIRSA
Article V – Officers
Section 1 – Leadership Team
The Leadership Team shall consist of: President (State Director), Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Student Representative.
Section 2
All officers must be members of NIRSA and affiliated with an institution or agency within the state of Pennsylvania.
Section 3
The PIRSA President’s term must coincide with that of the Region I Member Network Representative of NIRSA. This individual will also serve as State Director upon approval by the Regional Representative.
Section 4 – President Responsibilities
The President shall:
- Preside over all meetings
- Enforce the bylaws and regulations of the association
- Carry out the will of the membership
- Appoint all committees, the Student Representative, and the State Workshop Coordinator
- Assist in coordinating the state workshop
- Communicate state-related concerns to the Regional Representative and share regional updates with the membership
- Oversee the Bill Swan Award, including promotion, selection, and notification
- Oversee association operations, including: Website publication and Collection of monthly committee reports
Section 5 – Vice President Responsibilities
The Vice President shall:
- Assume the duties of the President in their absence or in the event of a vacancy
- Assist in coordinating the state workshop
- Create the monthly newsletter
- Manage new member relations
- Communicate institutional updates (e.g., staffing changes, promotions, program changes)
- Oversee committees (attendance at meetings not required)
- Manage the website and oversee social media
Section 6 – Secretary Responsibilities
The Secretary shall:
- Communicate with membership regarding events, activities, and updates
- Monitor the PIRSA email account
- Assist in coordinating the state workshop
- Maintain meeting minutes and store them on the PIRSA Google Drive
- Maintain the PIRSA Directory
- Assist in maintaining the website
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team to monitor social media platforms
Section 7 – Treasurer Responsibilities
The Treasurer shall:
- Maintain all financial records
- Manage payments and disbursements
- Reconcile account balances
- Assist in coordinating the state workshop
- Manage sponsorship contracts, invoices, and deposits
- Oversee Bill Swan Award and scholarship funding in collaboration with the President
- Work with the Extramural Committee Chair and Workshop Coordinator on financial matters
- Provide financial updates at meetings or upon request
Section 8 – Student Representative Responsibilities
The Student Representative shall:
- Collaborate with Regional and National Student Representatives
- Communicate student opportunities and updates
- Share student concerns with the Leadership Team
- Maintain the PIRSA Student Directory
- Assist in coordinating the state workshop
- Recruit and engage student members
- Attend PIRSA events, including the state workshop and extramural activities
Section 9 – Vacancies
If the President is unable to fulfill their term, the Vice President shall assume the role. For any other vacancy, an election shall be held as soon as possible. If an election cannot be held promptly, the President may appoint a replacement for the remainder of the academic year. A vacancy is defined as a situation in which an individual is unable to fulfill their duties or is no longer affiliated with a recreational institution in Pennsylvania.
Article VI – Additional Positions
Section 1: The following appointed positions shall support the Leadership Team: Past President, Extramural Committee Chair, Member Engagement Committee Chair, and Regional Chairs (East, West, Central).
Section 2 – Past President
The Past President shall: Serve as historian, Assist with leadership transition, and Oversee proper election procedures.
Section 3 – Extramural Committee Chair
The Extramural Committee Chair shall: Promote and maintain extramural programming, Appoint and manage a committee of professional and student members, Assist in coordinating the state workshop, and Provide monthly reports to the President.
Section 4 – Member Engagement Committee Chair
The Member Engagement Chair shall: Plan and execute the annual state workshop, Assist with social media, website management, and new member engagement, and Enhance communication and engagement across all membership groups.
Section 5 – Regional Chairs
The President may appoint three Regional Chairs (East, West, Central) to assist with recruitment and communication.
Article VII – Meetings
Section 1: A state workshop shall be held annually, during which a state business meeting will occur. Future workshop locations and dates shall be determined at this meeting.
Section 2: A state business meeting shall also be held annually at the NIRSA Regional and National Conferences.
Section 3: A quorum shall consist of ten (10) members. Meetings shall follow Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article VIII – Committees
Section 1 – Standing Committees: Standing committees shall be appointed by the President and approved at the next business meeting. These include: Constitution, Bylaws, and Operating Code; Nominations and Elections; and Workshop Programming.
Section 2 – Ad Hoc Committees: Ad hoc committees may be formed as needed.
Article IX – Fees and Dues
All financial decisions, including assessments, registrations, and special fees, must be approved by a majority vote of the Leadership Team.
Article X – Amendments and Bylaws
The Constitution may be amended at any state business meeting with a two-thirds vote of the quorum. Bylaws may be adopted by a simple majority vote of the quorum.
(Revised and approved in 2020)