Preamble (Statement of
Principles)
We the Pickers stand steadfast in
our pursuit of proper picking. We hold these picks of freedom to be
self-evident as we pick in the name of friendship, honor and integrity.
Article
I.
Name
This league shall hereby be named:
The PYX
Article
II. Admissions
Those who wish to pick NFL football games, commit to picking for a
entire season, pledge to make proper picks and submit a registration application, will be considered
for entry into the league
(The Commissioner may choose to
by-pass the registration application and simply use an e-mail
correspondence from the
applicant). Membership is granted by the
current Commissioner. The Commissioner has the right to accept or
deny membership for any person wishing to join the league. If neccessary, the Commissioner may request additional documentation (e.g.
resume, cover letter and three references). These by-laws apply to those making NCAA March Madness Basketball PYX as well (please see the Second
Amendment below).
Article
III. By-Laws and Rules
The activities of the PYX will be governed by a body of by-laws
(this constitution document) as it
implements, and acts in accordance with, the Statement of Principles and
Purpose stated in this Constitution.
Article
IV. Amendments
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all
delegates registered at a PYX Convention or Summit.
Article
V. Statement of Principles
The enduring importance of the Statement of Principles (our blessed
preamble) of the PYX of
the United State of America requires that it shall not be amended by a
vote of less than seven-eighths (7/8) of the registered delegates (to be
a registered delegate, you must be an active member of the PYX in good
standing) at a PYX Convention or Summit.
Article VI.
Governing Body and Organization
Section 1. Officers
A. President and Commissioner -
The President/Commissioner
is the head of state and head of government of The PYX. The
President/Commissioner is at the head of
the executive branch of the federal government, whose role is to enforce
national law as given in this Constitution. The President/Commissioner
is commander-in-chief and enumerates powers specifically granted,
including the power to sign into law or veto bills passed by both houses
of Congress. The
President/Commissioner also has the power to create a cabinet of
advisers and to grant pardons or reprieves. Finally, with the "advice
and consent" of The PYX Senate, the
President/Commissioner is empowered to
make treaties and appoint federal officers ambassadors, and federal
judges, including Justices of The PYX Supreme Court. As with officials
in the other branches of PYX government, this Constitution restrains the
President/Commissioner with a set
of checks and balances designed to prevent any individual or group from
taking absolute power.
Presidential duties include but are not limited to:
Representing
The PYX at all levels (public appearances, etc.)
Addressing
the Board of Members with periodic reporting
The
Supervision of Executive Officers
Budgetary
Management
Teambuilding
Exercises
Research
and Development
League
Expansion
Fundraising
Enforcing
the By-Laws
Assistance
with Website Design and Technical Support
President/Commissioner
will be elected to rule over the league for two seasons.
It shall be the duty of the President/Commissioner to preside
over all meetings of the Executive Board and to carry out all orders of
the PYX. The President/Commissioner
may be re-elected and there are no term limits. The
President/Commissioner is required to keep all fellow
pickers updated on league status; this includes a newsletter or website
newsletter which shall be updated in a timely manner.
B. Executive Vice President -
A Executive Vice President will be appointed by the newly elected
President/Commissioner and is considered a member of the Executive Board.
The Executive Vice President will preside over all other Vice
Presidents and Department Heads. The Executive Vice President will
also assume the chair of The PYX Congress and will cast tie-breaking
votes within The PYX Congress.
The following Executive Branches will report to the
Executive Vice President:
VP
of Finance
VP
of Information Technology
VP
of Sales and Marketing
VP
of Communications
VP
of Human Resources
VP
of Diversity
VP
of Defense
VP
of Education
Attorney
General
The Executive Vice President shall assist the
President/Commissioner when called
upon to do so and in the absence of the President/Commissioner, he/she shall
preside. When so presiding he/she shall have all the rights, privileges
and duties as well as the responsibilities of the President/Commissioner.
The Executive Vice President will serve as long as the
President/Commissioner who
appointed him/her remains in office.
If the
President/Commissioner resigns,
is impeached or can no longer serve out the remainder of his/her term,
the Executive Vice President will become
President/Commissioner and then appoint a new
Executive Vice President. The President/Commissioner must appoint a
Executive Vice President and the time limit for such appointment is one football regular season from when the
President/Commissioner assumed office. If the
Executive Vice President has not been appointed by the kick-off of the first
wild-card game, then General PYX Assembly will be granted the power to
elect a Executive Vice President of their own choice.
C.
Vice President of Finance -
The
Vice President of Finance is responsible for all financial matters of
the league. This includes the governing of the following areas:
Treasury
Accounting
Budget
Taxation
Forecasting
Investment
Purchasing
Payroll
It shall be the duty of
the Vice President of Finance to sign all checks drawn against the funds
of the PYX (the Vice President of Finance also serves as the league treasurer). The
Vice President of Finance shall accept, receive, receipt for, preserve and
safeguard all funds in the custody of the Vice
President of Finance's Office whether
they be PYX funds or special funds for which the Vice
President of Finance is acting
as trustee or custodian. He/She shall deposit all funds in such
depository as the Vice President of Finance shall direct and shall make and preserve
a faithful record of such funds and shall report on all receipts and
expenditures and the amount and nature of all funds in his/her
possession and custody, at each regular meeting of the Executive Board,
and at such other times as requested. He/She shall not pay out or
otherwise disburse any funds in his/her possession or custody, except in
accordance with a resolution duly passed by the Executive Board.
A violation of this will be ruled as embezzlement.
The
Vice President of Finance is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
D.
Vice President of Information Technology - The Vice President of Information Technology
is responsible for all IT related functions, including the PYX Website,
Café Press, membership databases, PayPal and internet security (in
collaboration with the Vice President of Defense). You will serve as
the supervisor of the Information Systems Department,
Auditing/Quality
Control Department, the Data Department and the Web Development of the
PYX.
Departments reporting to the Vice President of
Information Technology:
Information
Systems
Auditing/Quality
Control
Data
Processing
Web Development
The
Vice President of Information Technology is appointed by the
President/Commissioner and is considered a member of the Executive
Board. All other areas of The PYX will rely upon the Vice
President of Information Technology for support.
E.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing - The Vice President of Sales
and Marketing
is
responsible for sales, promotions, recruitment, advertising and
marketing of the PYX League, website, products and services. The
The Vice President of
Sales and Marketing
will
serve as the direct supervisor of both the Marketing and Sales
Departments.
Departments reporting to the Vice President of Sales and
Marketing
Sales
Marketing
Development
The
Vice President of Sales and Marketing is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board. The Marketing
Department must work closely with the Vice President of Communications
when crafting marketing messages for the league. The Sales
Department is the outreach branch of The PYX and is responsible for
revenue generation. League expansion depends on the success of
this department.
F. Vice President
of Communications - The Vice President of Communications
is responsible for the following:
Act
as the Chief Executive of Public Relations
In
charge of all Press Conferences
Liaison
to the media and press
The
principle spokesperson for The PYX
The
Vice President of Communications is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
G. Vice President
of Human Resources - The Vice President of Human Resources
is responsible for all recruiting, interviewing and hiring of new PYX
members. This
executive postion
will
serve as the supervisor of the Department of Human Resources.
The Vice President of
Human Resources
works closely and in conjunction with the Vice President of Sales &
Marketing in the areas of recruitment. All membership programs will
also report to this position.
The
following departments will report to the Vice President of
Human Resources:
Human
Resources
Member
Services
Affirmative Action
The
Vice President of Sales and Marketing is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
H. Vice President
of Diversity - The Vice President of Diversity
is
responsible for programs designed to embrace the diversity of this
league. This includes the recruitment, retainment and representation of
all diverse groups within The PYX. This executive position will serve
as the supervisor of the Department of Diversity. The VP of Diversity
will create a series of Diversity Training Programs. This area will
work closely and in conjunction with the Vice President of Education and
the Vice President of Human Resources.
Department/areas of responsibility:
Human
Resources
Diversity Advisor
The
Vice President of Diversity is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
I. Vice President
of Education - The Vice President of Education is an executive
position that is very program oriented. The VP of Education will
work closely with the Vice President of Diversity and the Vice President
of Information Technology. This area will produce programs
designed to increase the overall quality of pickers and this must be
demonstrated with accurate measurements.
The
Vice President of Education
is responsible for the following:
Direct all educational initiatives of The PYX
In charge of raising the "League Picking Index"
Responsible for the implementation of “Picking Without Borders”
The goal of this position
is to leave
no
picker left behind. The Vice President of Education will increase
the picking knowledge of The PYX.
The Vice President of
Education is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
J. Vice President
of Defense - The Vice President of Defense
is responsible for all security and defense of The PYX. This position
will act as the Sergeant-at-arms during each Executive Board meeting or
Annual PYX Summit.
As
Vice President of Defense, you will:
Supervise website security
In charge of the defense of the official PYX Books
Organize security of the annual PYX Summit
Responsible for military action authorized by The PYX
The
Vice President of Defense is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
K.
Attorney General -
The
Attorney General
is the head of The PYX Department of Justice
concerned with legal affairs and is the chief law enforcement officer of
the league. The Attorney General is considered to be the chief lawyer of
The PYX. The Attorney General serves as a member of the
President/Commissioner's Cabinet, but is the only cabinet department
head who is not given the title Vice President.
The Attorney General is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
confirmed by The PYX Congress. He or she serves at the pleasure of the
President/Commissioner and can be removed by the President/Commissioner
at any time; the Attorney General is also subject to impeachment by The
PYX Congress and trial in the Senate for "treason, bribery, and other
high crimes and misdemeanors."
The
Attorney General is responsible for The PYX Department of Justice. As
Attorney General, you will:
Direct
The PYX Department of Justice
In
charge of the prosecution of all crimes committed against The PYX
Work
closely with Vice President of Defense
Responsible
for investigating and prosecuting violations of PYX laws.
Represents
The PYX in all legal matters, including cases before The PYX Supreme
Court.
Enforces
all membership laws
Maintains
The PYX prison system, halfway houses, and community programs.
The
Attorney General is appointed by the President/Commissioner and
is considered a member of the Executive Board.
L. Executive Board - The Executive Board consists of:
President/Commissioner
Executive
Vice president
VP
of Finance
VP
of Information Technology
VP
of Sales and Marketing
VP
of Communications
VP
of Human Resources
VP
of Diversity
VP
of Defense
VP
of Education
Attorney
General
The Executive Board shall be responsible for the control and
management of all of the affairs, properties, and funds of the PYX
consistent with this Constitution, its Bylaws, and any resolutions which
may have been adopted in convention or Summit.
M. The PYX Supreme Court - The PYX Supreme Court will consist of
7 justices (a Chief Justice and 6 other justices at large). The
PYX Supreme Court will be selected by the PYX Executive Board and the
Chief Justice will
be appointed by the other Justices once in office. Members of the
Supreme Court may also simultaneously serve on the Executive Board.
In the absence of a Supreme Court, the Executive Board will be
responsible for all Judicial duties.
The criteria to be appointed to the
PYX Supreme Court is length of service to the league. Each Justice
must have had official membership in the PYX for no less than 8 years.
Justices of the PYX Supreme Court shall serve a life-time term.
Supreme Court Justices are also subject to Article IX of
the PYX Constitution.
N. PYX Congress - The congress
will comprise two houses: The House of Representatives and the
House of the Senate. The criteria to hold office in the PYX
Congress is length of service to the league. Each member of
Congress
must have had official membership in the PYX for no less than 4 years.
1. House of Representatives - selected officials serve
a 2 year term
2. House of Senate - selected officials serve a 4 year
term
Members of Congress are also subject to Article IX of
the PYX Constitution.
Section 2. Duties
The duties of all appointive boards or officers shall be clearly defined
by resolution at the time of their creation or appointment and such
boards and officers shall report to the Commissioner from time to time
as required.
Section 3. Oath of Office
Each member of the PYX Executive Board and each Justice of the Supreme
Court, or subordinate officer, elected or appointed hereunder, shall
take an oath of office prior to assuming the duties thereof, by which
oath he shall pledge himself to support and defend the Constitution of
the PYX and its by-laws.
Section 4. Code of Ethics
The Commissioner and officers of the PYX Administration must faithfully adhere to the policies, directives, and
resolutions of this Constitution. The Commissioner must conduct the
affairs of the PYX in accordance with this Constitution and bylaws.
Section 5. Removal From Office
a. Appointed officers serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner and may
be removed from their appointed office at any time by will of the
Commissioner.
b. Appointed officers may be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the Executive Board, a quorum being present, provided such
person shall be provided at least five (5) days advance notice of the
reasons for removal and the time, date and place where the Board will
meet to vote on the matter. At said meeting the member shall be afforded
an opportunity to provide rebuttal argument prior to the vote being
taken.
c. Any appointed officer or member failing to attend three (3)
consecutive meetings that the Commissioner has requested, unless excused
for cause, shall be automatically removed from office or committee.
d. If the Commissioner is removed from office either by impeachment or
recall, the current cabinet shall remain in office until the next
election. When a new Commissioner assumes responsibilities of the
league, he/she may keep the cabinet members of the previous
administration.
e. Under severe emergency, the Executive Board can take a vote to
overturn and remove the Commissioner from office. Severe emergency
is defined as a situation is which the Commissioner makes decision
that is extreme and damaging to the security of the league. This will
require a 2/3 vote of the Executive Board. The Commissioner being removed is still
granted a hearing if he/she chooses. During the hearing process,
the Commissioner will remain on suspension until a verdict is rendered. Extreme caution is advised
before evoking Article VI, Section 5, Point e. If a hearing is
granted and the Commissioner is found innocent, then the members of the
Executive Board who brought forth the charges will be banished from the PYX
for life or for one season.
Section 6. Organization/Membership
A
.
Members-At-Large - The PYX shall have an organizational body of
members.
1.
Membership Limit - The PYX
will have no limit to its membership. However, there can be
no more than 32 members picking during
the Football Season.
2. Unlimited Basketball
Membership - There is an unlimited amount of members
making picks during Basketball Season and a limited number for Football season.
3. Seniority System - A system of seniority
for picking during Football Season.
Pickers/Members who have already held membership (football season) for
four
consecutive years will receive an automatic bid to re-enter the
following season. Those with less seniority are simply placed on a
waiting list.
4. Special Circumstances -
i. PYX members (football season only) in good
standing may take a year off and return the following year without
forfeiting their seniority if it is for one of the following reasons:
Maternity leave, paternity leave, death in the immediate family, or
prison.
ii. Former members who have been awarded a
championship in a previous season are bestowed special privileges.
They have earned the right to take one leave of absence per
championship. Their leave of absence can be for any length of
time. When the leave has concluded, they must be given immediate
admission back into the league. (provided they left in good standing and
are not involved in any current litigation or have a PYX warrant
for their arrest).
5. Franchise Rights - Each member of the PYX (football member) has the
rights of a franchise. These rights include the ability to trade
draft picks. Each season the schedule is calculated based on the
win/loss record the previous season.
However, a franchise may trade their draft order/position with another
franchise. The trade item/service must be made public and must be
approved by the PYX Supreme Court.
6. Non-Member Trade
- A member may also sell
their franchise to another person who is not already in the PYX.
Keep in mind that the sale must also be approved by the PYX Supreme
Court and the one who purchases the franchise must also meet the
criteria to gain membership within the PYX.
Article VII.
Location
The PYX World Headquarters will reside at the residence of the current
Commissioner. As soon as a new Commissioner is sworn into office
on inauguration day, his/her residence becomes the "PYX House".
ARTICLE VIII. Powers
Section 1. Enumerated Powers--The Commissioner of the
PYX shall exercise the following powers, subject to any limitations
imposed by the Constitution and laws of the United States and this
Constitution and By-laws.
(a) To negotiate with the Federal, state, and local
governments;
(b) To employ legal counsel, the choice of counsel
and fixing of fees to be subject to the approval of the PYX Supreme
Court;
(c) To veto any sale, disposition, lease, or
encumbrance of PYX lands, interest in lands, or other PYX assets;
(d) To advise with the Vice Commissioner with
regard to all appropriation estimates or Federal projects for the
benefit of the PYX prior to the submission of such estimates to the
Bureau of the Budget and to Congress;
(e) To manage all economic affairs and enterprises
of the PYX in accordance with the terms of a charter that may be
issued by the PYX through the Executive Board;
(f) To promulgate and enforce ordinances, subject
to the approval of the Executive Board, governing the conduct of
members of the PYX; providing for the manner of making, holding, and
revoking assignments of land or interest therein; providing for the
levying of assessments on members of the PYX and the appropriation of
available PYX funds for public purposes; and establishing proper
agencies for law enforcement in the PYX; Provided, that no assessments
made on the members of the PYX shall be effective until ratified by a
majority vote in an election called for that purpose in which at least
30 percent of the qualified voters shall vote.
(g) To charter subordinate organizations, subject
to the approval of the Executive Board and the PYX Supreme Court, for economic purposes and to
delegate to such organizations, or to any subordinate boards or
officials of the PYX any of the foregoing powers, reserving the right
to review any action taken by virtue of such delegated power;
(h) In cases of investigations, the Commissioner
can appoint an independent counsel to act as a special prosecutor.
This potential prosecutor must be confirmed by The PYX
Congress. If Congress is not in session, then The PYX Supreme
Court will appoint a Judicial Committee and have a confirmation
hearing for said potential special prosecutor.
NOTE: If the Special Prosecutor finds
evidence during an investigation that implicates wrong-doing by said
Commissioner, then a motion for bringing forth Article IX will
follow.
(i) To adopt resolutions not inconsistent with this
Constitution and By-laws, regulating the procedure of the Executive
Board itself and of other agencies, officials, and organizations of
the PYX.
Section 2. Future Powers--The Commissioner may
exercise such further powers as may in the future be delegated to the
Executive Board by members of the PYX, or any other duly authorized
official or agency of the State or Federal Government.
Section 3. Reserved Powers--Any rights and powers
heretofore vested in the National PYX League (NPL), but not expressly
referred to in this Constitution, shall not be abridged by this Article,
but may be exercised by the PYX Community through the adoption of
appropriate by-laws and constitutional amendments.
Section 4. Any resolution or ordinance which by the
terms of this Constitution, is subject to review by the Vice
Commissioner shall be presented to the Commissioner who shall, within
ten days thereafter, approve or disapprove the same.
If the Vice Commissioner shall approve any ordinance
or resolution, it shall thereupon become effective, but the Vice
Commissioner shall transmit a copy of the same, bearing his endorsement,
to the Commissioner, who may, within 90 days from the date of enactment,
rescind the said ordinance or resolution for any cause, by notifying the
tribal council of such rescission.
If the Vice Commissioner shall refuse to approve any
ordinance or resolution submitted to him/her, within ten days after its
enactment, he shall advise the Executive Board of his/her reasons
thereof. If these reasons appear to the Executive Board insufficient, it
may, by a majority vote, refer the ordinance or resolution to the
Commissioner, who may, within 90 days from the date of its enactment,
approve the same in writing, whereupon the said ordinance or resolution
shall become effective.
Article
IX. Impeachment
A. A mutually agreed upon third-party, non-picker will be chosen
by all members of the PYX to handle impeachment proceedings.
B.
An Independent Counsel or "Impeachment Coordinator" will assemble a special
committee that will oversee all actions relating to such impeachment.
C.
Defendant will have the opportunity of having
a trial by jury or board. If trial by jury is chosen, then a
random sample of people both in favor and not in favor of impeachment
will sit and decide fate of commissioner. Impeachment proceedings
will take place according to the current Constitution of the PYX.
D.
If impeachment is granted, impeachment by-laws will take
precedence for a new appointment of a commissioner. In this case,
the Vice Commissioner will be appointed by the coordinator to oversee
the running of the league until the end of the the term or season.
E. If any member-at-large in The PYX league finds that it is
necessary to impeach another fellow picker, then that process will
follow the same impeachment policy listed above, with the only exception
being the Commissioner who will act as coordinator of the process.
F. Any member of the PYX Supreme Court
or Congress can be impeached as well. That process will
follow the same impeachment policy listed above, with the only exception
being the Commissioner will act as coordinator of the process.
G.
No PYX member recalled or removed shall be eligible to run or hold
office for one (1) year from the date of removal from office.
H.
If a PYX member who is holding a public office should die, resign, or be removed from office the
Executive Board shall declare the position filled by the Vice
Commissioner. The Executive Board shall fill a vacancy (if the Vice
Commissioner cannot serve) by special election unless less than thirty
(30) days remain in the term, in which case the Executive Board shall
leave the position vacant. The person who fills the vacant position
shall only serve out the term of the person being replaced.
Article X.
Recall, Referendum and Discrimination
Section 1. Recall
a) The Commissioner may be recalled from office upon a two-thirds
(2/3) vote by the Executive Board of the PYX.
b) Recall may be initiated by a petition of two-thirds (2/3) of the
Executive Board or twenty-five percent (25%) of the members in good
standing . The petition shall state the specific reasons in support of
the recall, and the petition shall be presented to the Executive Board
and to the individual. NOTE: The recall must be within one
calendar year of the election being recalled.
c) Upon receipt of the petition, the Executive Board shall arrange for
a special election to be held not less than fifteen (15) days nor more
than thirty (30) days following its receipt, at which the charged
person shall be afforded opportunity to rebut the charges, including
presentation and cross-examination of witnesses as may be appropriate,
and the vote shall be conducted. Voting in recall elections will
be done by mail or by an online application. Ballots will be printed
in a PYX newsletter or simply be published on the PYX website. The
Executive Board will make additional ballots available to members who
do not have internet access upon written request. Members will have
fifteen days from the time of the newsletter ballot mailing or online
website announcement to return their ballots to the Executive
Board. All PYX members in good standing may vote in a recall
election. An Executive Board member removed by a vote of the Executive
Board may challenge the removal by an appeal in writing to the
PYX Supreme Court within seven days of receipt of notice of
suspension. Failure to appeal within seven days shall confirm the
removal and bar any later challenge or appeal. The winner of the
recall election will serve as Commissioner for the remaining term or
season. Any further appeal from the Commissioner who was
recalled will be declared MOOT.
Section 2. Referendum
The Constitution or the Bylaws may be amended by a referendum: a
special election called by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Executive
Board. Voting in a referendum will be done by mail or online
submission. Ballots will be printed in the next regularly scheduled
PYX newsletter or website Bulletin. The Executive Board will make
additional ballots available to members who do not have internet
access upon written request. Members will have thirty days from the
time of the newsletter ballot mailing or website bulletin to return
their ballots to the Executive Board. All PYX members may vote in a
referendum. Approval requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority of those
voting.
Section 3. Initiative
The Constitution or the Bylaws may be amended by initiative: a special
election called by a petition presented to the Chair or to the
Executive Board (which in most cases will be the Commissioner) and
signed by at least 2% of the PYX membership. Voting in an initiative
will be done by mail. Ballots will be printed in the next regularly
scheduled PYX newsletter or website announcement. The Executive Board
will make additional ballots available to members who do not have
internet access upon written request. Members will have thirty days
from the time of the newsletter ballot mailing or website announcement
to return their ballots to the Executive Board. All PYX members may
vote in an initiative. Approval requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority
of those voting.
Section 4. Question of Decision
Upon appeal by 5% of the PYX members, the PYX Supreme Court shall
consider the question of whether or not a decision of the Executive
Board contravenes specified sections of the Bylaws or Constitution. If
the decision is vetoed by the PYX Supreme Court, it shall be declared
MOOT.
Section 5. Discrimination
The PYX is an equal opportunity institution. It encourages
diversity and provides equal opportunity in all of its programs, and
the use of its facilities. It is committed to protecting the
constitutional and statutory civil rights of persons connected with
the National PYX League.
Unlawful acts of discrimination or harassment by
members of the PYX are prohibited. In addition, even if not illegal,
acts are prohibited if they harass or discriminate against any PYX
member(s) through inappropriate limitation of access to, or
participation in, educational, employment, athletic, social, cultural,
or other picking activities on the basis of age, color, disability,
familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political
affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, veteran
status, or weight. Limitations are lawful if they are: directly
related to a legitimate picking purpose, required by law, lawfully
required by a grant or contract between the PYX League and the state
or federal government, or addressing domestic partner benefits.
Any picker who violates the discrimination laws
are subject to punishment by the Commissioner (see punishment By-laws
in Article XI Section F).
Article
XI.
Picking
A.
Members of the PYX compete by making picks.
1. Football Picks: Pickers make weekly picks during football
season. These picks are predictions of weekly NFL football games.
2. Basketball Picks: Pickers make all picks at one time prior to
the Men's NCAA Division I basketball tournament in March. These
picks predict the outcome of the entire tournament.
3. Other Picks: The Commissioner reserves the right to establish
any other picking sport of interest (tennis, golf, boxing, baseball,
hockey, soccer, etc.)
B. Picking Definitions
1. Proper Picks - Picks submitted for all games before the
kick-off of the first game of the week. All picks for a particular week
must be submitted on one form or confirmation page.
2. Proper Changing of Picks - Picks of a singular game or
multiple games which are changed before the kick-off of the first game
of the week. All picks for a particular week must be submitted on one
form or confirmation page. Even when only one game is being changed,
picks for all other games must be re-picked. Picks must be on one
confirmation entry.
3. Late Picks - Picks for any game completed or already in
progress are considered late and will receive no credit. Picks received
after kick-off of the first game of the week will receive partial credit
for games that have not yet begun.
4. Forfeit - A picker can forfeit a single pick or a picker may
forfeit any of the picks of any given week. However, an
entire week is not forfeited from merely submitting late picks (unless
all games for a particular week started before picks were received).
5.
Improper Picks - Attempting to change previously submitted
Picks after the kick-off of the first game of the week. Attempting to
change the previously submitted Monday Night (sometimes Sunday night)
point total after the kick-off of the first game of the week. A claim of
proper picking when proven false will constitute "Improper Picks".
6. Identity Theft - Submitting picks for another picker without
the expressed written or verbal consent of the picker for whom the picks
are being entered for.
7. Picking Defraud - Attempting to hack into the PYX website
server to gain access of private picks and to alter/change/delete
another pickers personal picks.
Article
XII.
Punishment and Order
A.
Franchises (any current PYX member) will be placed in their respective divisions
or draft order
according to the decision of the commissioner and competition board.
All decisions made by this board are final and cannot be rescinded.
B.
Each week a new list of Football
games will be posted. Each picker must predict which teams will
win. Submit your picks and your
total of correct picks will be tallied each week.
All pickers should enter the tie-breaking point total of the final game
of that particular week. Pickers must submit their first and last
names to receive credit. Additional comments are optional.
C. To
receive full credit for your picks,
your picks must be turned in before the kick-off
of any football game being picked. In most cases this will be Sunday,
although there are various games that begin on Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. Preferred method of entry is the PYX website:
www.thepyx.net
or other
acceptable means of submitting picks are mail, fax, telephone, e-mail,
fed-ex, telegram, text-messaging, Morse code, pony express, etc -- as
long as they are sent to someone who can access the website and submit
the picks for you, on-time. What ever means you can use to get
them into the official entry log on time (entry log = the secure,
password protected website). If picks are submitted after the kick-off of
any football game being picked, no credit for that game will be given under any
circumstance. Deliberate late picking and claiming that you submitted the
late picks on-time is also known as "Improper Picking".
Improper picking is a serious violation and will be dealt with specific
punishment.
D.
Any
member of the PYX, regardless of membership status, may be fined,
suspended, incarcerated, expelled or otherwise disciplined for any of the following
acts:
1. Willful violation of this
Constitution and Bylaws.
2. Making a false statement or
withholding material information when applying for membership.
3. Disobeying or failing to
comply with a decision of the Commissioner, or the Executive Board.
4. Misappropriating money or
property of the PYX.
5. Entering into an employment
agreement, or any contract which might injure the PYX.
6. Improperly disclosing
confidential matter of the PYX.
7. Tampering with website
security.
8. Unlawful slanderous activity
against Executive Board and/or the Commissioner's Office.
9. Improper picks
10. Perjury
11. Assault & Battery
i. Physical assault - All instances
ii. Virtual assault or verbal abuse - Subject to investigation and proven
to be serious & extensive.
12. Lewd and Lascivious behavior.
13. Pornography submitted to The PYX
website (defined as obscene writings,
drawings, photographs, or the like, especially those having little or no
artistic merit).
14.
Indecent exposure
15.
Defraud
16.
Doing any act contrary to the best interests of the PYX
or its members.
17.
Acting in any manner
disloyal to the PYX.
E. Proof of Picks - If a picker claims to have
submitted or entered picks on time, but the PYX headquarters did not
receive the picks, then it is up to the Picker to show "Proof of Picks".
When one submits picks online, there is always a confirmation page.
This confirmation page should be printed and can be presented (if
necessary) to the
Commissioner for "Proof of Picks". The league must have proof,
otherwise anyone could claim to have their picks submitted on-time without ever
truly making proper picks. It is strongly suggested that each
picker prints a confirmation page or saves the confirmation page for
their own personal safety.
F. Punishment - The Commissioner reserves the right
to punish pickers who make "improper picks" or other
constitutional violations. Here is the
punishment policy:
1. First Offense - Probation
(Probation can last from 1 week up to 6 weeks)
2. Second Offense - Suspension
(Suspension may range from 1 week up to the entire season)
3. Third Offense - Season Suspension
(Three strikes and you're out - This means a lifetime ban from the picks
for one season)
G. Suspension Levels - There are three levels of
suspension
1. Suspension Level 1 - Low level suspension is one
week
2. Suspension Level 2 - Medium level suspension is
from 1 week to 6 weeks
3. Suspension Level 3 - High level suspension can
last for 6 weeks up to the entire season
4. Suspension Level 4 - "Gag Order Suspension".
This suspension can vary in duration (this suspension can last an entire
season). It's purpose is to cease communication between the guilty
party(s) and the rest of the PYX league. Any word that is uttered
by the guilty party will be considered MOOT.
H. Defraud:
Defraud
is defined as malicious acts of "Improper Picking" which can include
tampering with the website or tampering with the "Official Books".
This also includes
impersonating
a fellow picker. For example: Entering picks,
or entering comments and then signing someone else's name without
proper authorization. Anyone
who is found guilty of deliberate defraud will be banned from the PYX. The ban can only be
lifted after a hearing and reinstatement by the
Commissioner.
I. Treason against the PYX, shall consist only when a
picker(s) levy war against the PYX League itself, or in adhering to the
enemies of the PYX, giving them aid and comfort. No person shall be
convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the
same overt act, or on confession in open court.
The Congress shall
have power to declare the punishment of treason, but no attainder of
treason shall work corruption of blood, or forfeiture except during the
life of the person attainted.
Article
XIII. Play-Off System
There will be a play-off system which will decide who is the
Annual Football Champion of the PYX. There will be a separate play-off system to
decide who is the Annual Basketball Champion of the PYX (See
the
9th and 10th
Amendments below).
Article XIV.
Internet Presence
The PYX will maintain a presence on the World Wide Web. The
website shall be on a secure server. Archives and official PYX
documents can stored and transferred to the website. The PYX
website shall remain consistent and possess a short, easy to remember
web address.
Article XV.
Compliance
The Executive Board shall be empowered to take such action as it deems
necessary to bring the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules into conformance
with the General Statutes of the United States Code.
ARTICLE XVI.
Ratification
This Constitution and By-laws when adopted by a majority vote of the
qualified voters of the PYX, voting at a special election called by the
Commissioner, in which at least 30 per cent of those present at a
summit, shall vote; shall be submitted to the Executive Board for
approval, and shall be effective from the date of such approval.
(Also known as the first 8 amendments to the
PYX Constitution)
Amendment I: Freedom of
Speech
Congress shall make no law prohibiting the freedom of speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the government for a redress of grievances.
All art forms — including plays, music, dance,
film, literature, poetry and the visual arts — enjoy First Amendment
protection.
Of course, the First Amendment only protects against government or
PYX Administration restriction of artistic expression. It does not apply
to the actions of private citizens or businesses.
Amendment II:
Search and Seizure
The right of the pickers to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall
not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause,
supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place
to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment III: Right to
Privacy of Picks
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise
infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury;
nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in
jeopardy of PYX membership; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case
to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty or the
pursuit of proper picking without due process of law; nor shall private
property (including one's own personal picks) be taken for public use,
without just compensation.
Amendment IV: Freedom of
Information
All pickers have the right to see their picking results and standings
in a timely manner. Pickers have the right to view both their own
and their opponents picks after the competition has concluded.
Amendment V: Right to Counsel
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the PYX, and to be
informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted
with the witnesses against him/her; to have compulsory process for
obtaining witnesses in his/her favor, and to have the assistance of
counsel for his/her defense.
Amendment VI: Cruel and Unusual
Punishment
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed,
nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment VII: Non-enumerated Rights
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be
construed to deny or disparage others retained by the pickers.
Amendment VIII: Rights Reserved to the
Pickers
The powers not delegated to The PYX by the Constitution, nor
prohibited by it to the representatives, are reserved to the pickers.
Amendment IX: Football PYX
(Play-Off rules 2000 through 2003)
(SPECIAL NOTE: The
12th Amendment overturned the 9th amendment on June 14, 2003)
Introduction:
The top 8 teams in each conference qualify for the
play-offs. Tie-breaking procedure is as
follows:
Section I: Play-Off Seeding
Seedings are figured the following way:
A. Each division winner is given one of the top 3 conference seedings,
with the best record getting the highest seed. If there is a tie, the
tie-breaker is implemented.
B. The next 5 conference teams are given seedings with the best record
getting
the highest seeding. If there is a tie, the tie-breaking system
is implemented.
C. If there are two tied for the final playoff spot, the above
tie-breaker
is used, and only one gets in.
The playoffs will be done in a format that is head to head. Based upon
your seeding, you will have an opponent each round of the playoffs. One
person will move on to the second round, one will not.
As the we
move through the rounds, please be aware the highest seed will always
play the lowest seed.
Section II:
Tie-breaking System For Seeding
A. Head
to head competition-- For those tied, we will go back week by week
for the best record for each individual week. The person(s) will be
given
one point for each week they have they better record. The one with the
most
points at the end gets the higher seed.
B. Toughest Division-- If there is still a tie, the person in the
toughest
division gets the higher seed. This is calculated by taking each person
in
one division, and dividing their number of wins by the number of weeks
they
submitted picks (this way, if a person in a division only picked for 13
weeks for example, it will not hurt the person being considered for
seedings).
C. Coin toss-- If there is still a tie, we will flip a coin.
Section III:
The Play-Off Format
A. 16 team tournament.
B. The 6 division winners will be seeded 1 through 3 for the APC
and 1 through 3 for the NPC.
C. The next 10 pickers (5 wild-cards per conference) will be seeded 4
through 8 accordingly.
1. In case of tie at the end of the season, seeding will be
determined by head to head match-ups. The head to head records will be
calculated from each previous week of picking.
2. The second tie-breaker will be determined by the divisional power
rating.
a. The divisional power rating formula is as follows: (Total
pick victories + for each picker within the division) / divide this
number by the number of pickers in the division = the power rating.
D.. No byes
E. All pickers will be matched up, one on one, with another picker.
The
play-off rounds will coincide with the NFL play-offs.
1. There will be 4 games to pick for the 1st round, 4 games in the
2nd round, 2 games in the 3rd round and 1 game for the "PYX Bowl".
Section IV. Play-Off
Procedure
A. WILD-CARD/DIVISIONAL PLAY-OFFS
There will be three tiers to the first two rounds of play-off
picking:
1. Straight up picking. (i.e. if picker one
picks 3 out of four
1st round play-off games and his/her competitor
picks 2 out of two for the same games, then picker one will advance to the next round)
2. Example: If both pickers go 2 and 2 and they are tied, then
the picker with the most points will advance to the next round. How does
one receive points? As the picker makes his/her
picks, each game will
be assigned a number. If there are 4 games, then the picker will
assign a number 1 through 4 to each of these games. The game that
he/she is most confident of picking correctly should receive 4 points, then on
down the line until the game that the picker is most unsure
about receives 1 point.
3. If they are still tied, the picker who is closest to the
total points scored in the fourth NFL football game will advance.
4. If the pickers are still tied, there will be a coin toss.
B. CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
1. As in the first two rounds (Rule A, section 1), the picker
who correctly selects the games more accurately will
advance.
2. As in the first two rounds (Rule A, section 2), the picker
with the most points will advance.
3. ADDITIONAL TIE-BREAK: If there is still a tie, then there
will be a total points tie-breaker. The picker will select the total
points of both AFC and NFC Championship games and the closest to the actual total, will
advance to the PYX BOWL.
4. If there is still a tie, there will be a coin
toss.
C. The PYX BOWL
Because there is only one game being played in the Super Bowl
there will be a separate tie-breaking system for the PYX BOWL.
1. As in the first three
rounds (Rule A, section 1), the picker who correctly selects the winner of NFL Super Bowl will be crowned
Champion.
2. If they both pick the same team, then Rule B, section 3 will
apply. Each picker selects the total points scored in the
PYX Bowl, the closest to the actual total will be crowned Champion.
3. If there is still a tie, the total number of points that is
closest to the actual total without going over represents the
winner.
4. If there is still a tie after this, then we will have
Co-Champions of the PYX.
Amendment X: Basketball PYX
Introduction:
Every year during the month of March,
a national celebration takes place called "March Madness". This is
the NCAA Division I basketball tournament. Members of the PYX can
register and fill in their tournament brackets (predictions). Each
year we use the CBS Sportsline website to enter our brackets and
calculate the scores after each round. Here are the rules:
Section I:
Scoring
Each correct selection is worth
points, based on the scoring grid below. If there is no bonus specified,
the number of points equals the Weight for the round. If there is a
bonus, multiply or add the seed of the winning team to the weight.
Weights and Bonus type per round:
Round Weight Bonus
First 1 No Bonus
Second 2 No Bonus
Third 4 No Bonus
Fourth 6 No Bonus
Semifinals 8 No Bonus
Finals 10 No Bonus
Section II:
Pick Deadline
NCAA March Madness Basketball PYX will be able to be made through the
CBS Sportsline website.
(www.sportsline.com).
The Sportsline headquarters and web server is located on Cyprus Creek
Blvd in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The company contact information
is:
2200 W Cypress Creek Rd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 351-2120
Deadline for submitting picks is 12:00
Midnight ET Wednesday - the day before the NCAA first
round games. (Note: Excluding the 64/65 seed play-in game).
Section III:
Fees / Prizes
There is no entry fee for
this pool. There are also no prizes for this pool.
Section IV:
Basketball Pool
Format
Each correct "pick" will add points to your total.
Below are the assigned points given for each round of the tournament:
Round 1 = 1 point
Round 2 = 2 points
Sweet Sixteen = 4 points
Elite Eight = 6 points
Final Four = 8 points
Overall Champion = 10 points
