Question: Do athletic teams need to have a constitution to have an ASB account? What about choir, band, and drama? These are actual classes.

Response: To become a recognized part of the student body organization, and to have money within the ASB account, student organizations must be composed entirely of currently enrolled students. These clubs, also known as trust accounts for financial purposes, must have the approval of the student council and the site administrator, at the board's direction. All clubs should follow regulations stated in the ASB constitution related to the formation of school clubs. Any group of students may apply for permission to form a club by submitting a proposed charter or constitution to the ASB, or by submitting an application as discussed above. The ASB constitution should specify what needs to occur.

There are generally three types of trust accounts (i.e. funds in the ASB account) in schools:

- Class groups, such as the Freshman Class, or the Class of 2010

- Scholarships and memorials

- Clubs

All clubs must be formed as outlined in the ASB constitution and board requirements. Each club must have a purpose and hold regular meetings, and have a constitution that outlines policies and rules; bylaws outlining specific operational parameters should also be in place. Education Code mandates that the club advisor must be a certificated employee. All clubs operate under the same regulations as the ASB organization.

So, yes, any team or club must have a constitution to retain funds in the ASB account.  All ASB policies and procedures must be followed as outlined above, or the funds do not belong in ASB.

9/24/09