NONPROFIT GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The Board of Directors (the "Board") of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. (the "Organization")
has adopted the following Governance Guidelines (the "Guidelines") to guide the Board in
fulfilling its responsibilities. These Guidelines reflect the Board’s commitment to ensuring
effective policy and decision-making at both the Board and senior leadership levels, with a
focus on enhancing the long-term mission of the Organization. This mission includes
fostering community engagement, advancing youth development through sports,
promoting education, and supporting diversity.
The Guidelines will be reviewed annually by the Board to ensure alignment with the
Organization’s values and goals. Any modifications or waivers to
these Guidelines will require approval by the Board.
- The Board
- Board Meetings
- Management Review and Succession Planning
Purpose of the Board
The Board of Directors of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. (CSL) is committed to driving the
vision of our nonprofit—fostering growth through sports, education, and ministry. The
Board’s role is to provide governance and strategic direction, ensuring the long-term
success of CSL’s mission to empower youth through sports and life skills while building
toward our ultimate goal of establishing the Chosen Sports Leagues Campus for
Education, Ministry, and Sports.
Oversight Responsibilities
The Board’s core responsibilities include the oversight of CSL’s programs, financial health,
and adherence to its mission. Specifically, the Board is responsible for:
1. Corporate Integrity & Compliance: Establishing policies to ensure legal, ethical, and
responsible operations of CSL and its leadership.
2. Mission Fulfillment: Ensuring that CSL’s activities align with its stated goals of
providing access to youth sports, education, and ministry for underserved
California communities.
3. Organizational Culture: Guiding the organization’s leadership to foster a culture of
inclusion, faith-based values, and excellence in serving youth
Strategy & Risk Management
The Board works alongside CSL’s Executive Director and leadership team to formalize
strategic decisions and monitor the organization’s performance. Additionally, the Board
actively engages in risk management, ensuring that the organization's resources and
activities are aligned with its mission and long-term sustainability.
Size of the Board
CSL’s Board will consist of between five and fifteen members, allowing for diversity of
experience and thought, while maintaining an efficient decision-making body.
Succession Planning & Leadership
The Board will ensure appropriate leadership is in place to manage CSL's growth and
expansion, and provide necessary guidance in the case of leadership transitions, ensuring
the organization's mission remains strong and impactful.
Chair or Director Emeritus
The Board recognizes the valuable experience and insights that former Chairs and
directors bring to Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. To continue benefiting from their expertise,
the Board may appoint a former Chair to the position of Chair Emeritus or a former director
to the position of Director Emeritus. While these individuals will not hold voting rights or
formal decision-making power, they will receive standing invitations to attend Board and
committee meetings, contributing their wisdom and perspective to ongoing discussions
about our mission of education, ministry, and youth athletics.
Board Membership Criteria
The responsibility for selecting new directors rests with the Board of Directors, guided by
Chosen Sports Leagues’ mission to foster youth athletics, education, and ministry. The
Board's Nominations Committee is responsible for identifying, screening, and
recommending new candidates. Directors are chosen based on their character, judgment,
and commitment to our mission, with consideration given to their understanding of
nonprofit governance, youth development, community leadership, and their ability to
dedicate time to Board responsibilities. Diversity of background, professional experience,
and alignment with Chosen Sports Leagues’ core values are critical to the selection
process, ensuring our Board represents the community we serve.
Director Independence
At Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., it is the Board's policy that a majority of its members be
independent, reflecting our nonprofit commitment to integrity and unbiased governance.
Independence is assessed by the Board's Governance Committee, which carefully reviews
relationships each director may have with the organization. This ensures directors are free
from any conflicts of interest that could compromise their duty to uphold the mission of
Chosen Sports Leagues—fostering youth athletics, education, and ministry. The Board
may establish and disclose clear standards to help determine director independence.
Director Resignation Policy
In the event that any nominee for the Board of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. in an
uncontested election receives more "withheld" votes than "for" votes, the nominee must
tender their resignation for consideration. The Board’s Governance Committee will
evaluate the resignation and recommend appropriate action to the full Board. The Board
will then publicly disclose its decision within 90 days of the election results, ensuring
transparency and accountability in our governance processes.
Other Directorships
At Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., we recognize that our directors bring valuable experience
from serving on other boards, and we appreciate the diverse perspectives this provides.
However, we also understand the importance of a director's full commitment to our
mission of fostering youth athletics, education, and ministry. To ensure directors can
devote the necessary time and energy, no director may simultaneously serve on more than
three other nonprofit or for-profit boards. Directors who are also officers of other
organizations are expected to limit their external board commitments to one other
organization. Additionally, members of our Audit & Finance Committee may not serve on
the audit committees of more than two other boards unless approved by the full Board.
Directors must inform the Chairman of the Board before accepting any additional
directorships or audit committee assignments.
Directors Who Change Their Current Role
If a director's primary job or business affiliation changes significantly during their time on
the Board, we expect them to submit their resignation to the Chairman of the Board for
review. This process ensures that the director's new role is aligned with the mission of
Chosen Sports Leagues. The Chairman of the Board will evaluate the change and
recommend whether the director’s continued service remains in the best interest of the
organization.
Director Succession Planning
Succession planning is critical to the ongoing success of Chosen Sports Leagues. We will
maintain an active and ongoing process to ensure smooth transitions in leadership roles
on the Board, including key positions like Board Chair and committee chairs. This planning
includes reviewing the current makeup of the Board to ensure a diverse blend of skills,
experiences, and perspectives. We actively assess the contributions and tenure of current
directors to foster a dynamic and effective Board that can continue to drive the mission of
Chosen Sports Leagues forward, focusing on the growth and development of our youth
programs.
Board Refreshment, Term Limits, and Retirement Age
At Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., we recognize the importance of periodically refreshing our
Board to ensure a healthy balance of experience, fresh perspectives, and diverse
viewpoints that align with our mission of youth athletics, education, and ministry. We
believe the contributions of newer directors, alongside those with long-standing
experience, create a dynamic environment for growth and innovation.
Rather than enforcing strict term limits, we prioritize thoughtful, ongoing evaluation of each
director’s role and contributions. The Governance Committee annually reviews the tenure,
skills, and performance of each director, assessing how well they align with the current
and future needs of Chosen Sports Leagues. This process ensures we retain a balanced
mix of expertise while fostering a continual influx of new ideas and energy.
While we do not impose arbitrary term limits, our policy is that directors will not be eligible
for re-election after reaching the age of 80. This policy helps facilitate Board turnover and
ensures that leadership remains energized and adaptive to the evolving needs of our
organization and the communities we serve.
Director Compensation
At Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., directors who also serve as officers of the organization do
not receive additional compensation for their Board duties. We believe this is essential to
ensure that our mission of education, ministry, and youth athletics is a key driver of
participation at the leadership level.
For non-employee directors, compensation should be both fair and competitive, reflecting
the level of responsibility and the value of their expertise. CSL will periodically reviews
compensation structures to ensure they align with other nonprofits of similar size and
mission scope. Any proposed changes to director compensation are thoroughly vetted by
the Board to maintain a balance between equitable compensation and the financial
sustainability of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc.
Board Access to Management and Advisors
Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. recognizes the importance of strong collaboration between
the Board and senior management. Directors have open access to the Executive Director
and senior management team, fostering clear communication and effective oversight.
Additionally, the Board and its committees have the authority to seek outside expertise
when necessary, whether legal, financial, or operational. Directors may consult external
advisors, as needed, to ensure they are fully informed and able to make decisions that best
serve the organization. These resources are available at the expense of Chosen Sports
Leagues, Inc., supporting the Board’s ability to guide the organization toward its long-term
goals.
Board Interaction with Donors, Community Partners, Media, and Stakeholders
At Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., the policy is that management primarily speaks on behalf
of the organization to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with the nonprofit’s
mission. While non-employee directors are encouraged to engage with donors, community
partners, and stakeholders, it is recommended that any such interactions include
members of management for transparency and cohesion.
Directors are asked to refer inquiries from the media, donors, or partners to the Executive
Director or other senior management, who are responsible for formal communications.
This approach ensures that all public interactions reflect the values and mission of Chosen
Sports Leagues, Inc., in a unified manner.
Any individuals or organizations wishing to communicate directly with the Board or non-
management directors can do so in writing, addressed to the relevant party, c/o Corporate
Secretary, Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., at 4464 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA, 94531
Communications will be reviewed and presented to the Board when appropriate.
Board Orientation and Continuing Education
Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. is committed to ensuring that its directors are fully equipped
to provide meaningful oversight and guidance. All new directors undergo a comprehensive
orientation that covers the organization’s mission, values, operations, and long-term
strategic goals, particularly in the areas of education, ministry, and youth athletics. This
introduction is crucial to enabling directors to understand the unique environment in which
the nonprofit operates.
Continuing education is available to all board members and tailored to address current
trends in nonprofit governance, community engagement, and best practices in youth
development programs. The Governance Committee may recommend specific training
programs to help directors stay informed about emerging issues relevant to the
organization’s mission. Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. will also provide access to external
educational opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of its directors, at the
organization’s expense, ensuring that the Board remains a dynamic and effective
leadership body.
Self-Evaluation of the Board
The Governance and Leadership Committee of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. conducts an
annual evaluation of the Board and its committees to assess their overall effectiveness
and performance. This evaluation is critical to ensuring that the Board operates at the
highest level of efficiency and remains aligned with the organization’s mission of providing
education, ministry, and youth athletic programs.
The evaluation process serves to identify both strengths and areas for improvement,
helping the Board maintain a productive and focused approach to decision-making. It also
highlights skill set needs, ensuring that Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. continues to have a
well-rounded Board capable of addressing the diverse challenges faced by the
organization. Feedback from the evaluation is used to refine governance practices,
promote accountability, and ensure that the Board is fully equipped to fulfill its duties in
advancing the nonprofit’s goals.
Board Meetings
Frequency of Meetings
The Board of Directors of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. will convene at least four times per
year, with additional meetings scheduled as necessary to address the evolving needs of
the organization. These meetings can be held in any suitable location, including venues
that align with Chosen’s mission of education, ministry, and youth athletics, or through
remote communication platforms to ensure flexible and effective participation.
Agenda for Board and Committee Meetings
The agenda for each Board meeting is developed collaboratively by the Chair of the Board
and the chairs of each committee, with input from Board members. Directors are
encouraged to propose topics for discussion, ensuring that the agenda reflects the
organization’s priorities. Materials relevant to the agenda are provided to directors in
advance to allow for thorough review and preparation, fostering meaningful discussions
during meetings.
Director Attendance
Directors are expected to attend all Board and committee meetings, either in person or via
remote communication, as well as the organization’s annual meetings. In the event that a
director is unable to attend a meeting, they are expected to notify the Chair of the Board or
the chair of the relevant committee. This commitment to attendance ensures that each
director remains fully engaged and informed on Chosen Sports Leagues’ progress and
initiatives.
Attendance of Management at Board Meetings
At the discretion of the Board of Directors of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc., members of
senior management may be invited to attend Board meetings or portions thereof to provide
updates, present information, or participate in discussions on specific matters. However,
the Board retains the flexibility to excuse senior management from any meeting at any time
to ensure open deliberation among directors when necessary.
Executive Sessions of Non-Employee Directors
To promote candid and open communication among the non-management directors,
executive sessions without the presence of senior management will be held at least once
annually. These sessions will be presided over by the Lead Independent Director, if one is
appointed. In the absence of a Lead Independent Director, the responsibility to chair these
sessions will rotate among the chairs of the Board committees as determined by the
Governance Committee. Additionally, independent directors may convene separately in
executive session at least once a year to discuss matters freely and address key issues
related to the organization’s governance and strategic direction.
Management Review and Succession Planning
Evaluation of Executive Director (CEO)
The Board of Directors, is responsible for the performance evaluation of the CEO and
Executive Director of Chosen Sports Leagues, Inc. The Board takes into account both
quantitative and qualitative metrics, including the achievement of financial goals,
community impact, leadership, strategic development, and the fulfillment of Chosen’s
mission of education, ministry, and youth athletics. The Board uses these evaluations to
ensure that the CEO’s and Executive Director’s compensation reflects their performance
and contribution to the success and sustainability of the organization.
Succession Planning
The Board recognizes the critical importance of effective succession planning to maintain
stability and ensure the ongoing success of Chosen Sports Leagues. The Board leads the
planning for the succession of key leadership roles, including the CEO and Executive
Director, and reviews these plans annually. In the event of retirement or unforeseen
circumstances, the Board, will oversee the transition process for the leadership team to
ensure continuity of Chosen's mission and operations.
However, if both founders, Jermaine Worley and Dwayne Freeman, are involuntarily
removed from their positions without a mutually agreed succession plan, the nonprofit will
cease operations at the end of the fiscal year. All remaining assets will be donated to a
charity that serves underserved youth in athletics within California, ensuring that the
mission of empowering young athletes continues.
In the event that the founders voluntarily resign, the nonprofit will provide them with
appropriate retirement packages in recognition of their years of dedicated service to
Chosen Sports Leagues and its vision of transforming youth lives through education,
sports, and ministry. This ensures both a respectful transition and continuity of leadership
for the organization.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
Copies of the current version of these Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Company’s
code of business conduct and ethics are posted on the Company’s website.